Your comprehensive guide to acing the nursing board exam with proven strategies
Every year, over 45,000 Filipino nursing graduates take the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE)—the gateway to practicing as a registered nurse in the Philippines. In November 2025, the national passing rate reached a record-breaking 90.04%, proving that with the right preparation, success is within reach.
At Ray A. Gapuz Review System (RAGRS), we’ve helped thousands of aspiring nurses pass their board exams through our systematic, syndromic approach to review. This guide shares the strategies that work, giving you a clear path from student to licensed nurse.
NLE 2026 Exam Overview
Official Exam Schedule 2026
| Exam | Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| February 2026 NLE | February 26-27, 2026 | ~January 27, 2026 |
| August 2026 NLE | August 29-30, 2026 | TBA |
⚠️ Important Change: 2026 shifts from the traditional May/November schedule to February/August. Plan your preparation accordingly.
Exam Format & Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 500 (100 per subject) |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Format | Multiple choice |
| Passing Score | 75% general average |
| Minimum per Subject | 60% (no subject below) |
NLE Subject Coverage & Weights
The 5 NLE Subject Areas
| Subject | Coverage | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Practice I | Fundamentals of Nursing, Professional Adjustment | Day 1 |
| Nursing Practice II | Community Health Nursing, Primary Health Care | Day 1 |
| Nursing Practice III | Care of Clients with Physiologic & Psychosocial Alterations (Part 1) | Day 1 |
| Nursing Practice IV | Care of Mother, Child, and Family | Day 2 |
| Nursing Practice V | Care of Clients with Physiologic & Psychosocial Alterations (Part 2) | Day 2 |
Each subject carries equal weight: 20% of your total score.
8-Week NLE Study Plan
Weeks 1-2: Foundation Phase
Goal: Review core nursing concepts and build your knowledge base.
- Week 1: Nursing Practice I (Fundamentals) — 5-6 hours/day
- Week 2: Nursing Practice II (Community Health) — 5-6 hours/day
Weeks 3-4: Core Clinical Phase
Goal: Master the high-yield clinical subjects.
- Week 3: Nursing Practice III (Med-Surg Part 1) — 5-6 hours/day
- Week 4: Nursing Practice IV (OB & Pedia) — 5-6 hours/day
Weeks 5-6: Intensive Review Phase
Goal: Complete content review and intensify practice.
- Week 5: Nursing Practice V (Med-Surg Part 2 & Psych)
- Week 6: Weak area remediation, full mock exam
Weeks 7-8: Final Stretch
Goal: Build exam confidence and prepare mentally.
- Week 7: Full mock exams (500 questions), simulate actual conditions
- Week 8: Light review only, rest, confirm testing center
Best NLE Study Strategies
The RAGRS Approach
- Pattern Recognition — Learn to identify disease clusters by signs and symptoms
- Application Focus — Practice applying knowledge, not just memorizing
- High-Yield Priority — Focus on topics that appear most frequently
Effective Study Techniques
- Active Recall — Don’t just read—test yourself constantly
- Spaced Repetition — Review at increasing intervals: Day 1, 3, 7, 14
- Practice Questions — Start with 50/day, build to 100+ by Week 6
- Study Groups — Explaining concepts to others reinforces understanding
NLE Exam Day Tips
Before the Exam
- Confirm testing center location and travel route
- Prepare all required documents and IDs
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- Eat a light, balanced breakfast
During the Exam
- Read each question completely before looking at options
- Manage time: ~2 hours per 100 questions
- Don’t leave blanks—no penalty for guessing
- Trust your initial instinct unless you find clear evidence to change
After the NLE: Your Next Steps
If You Pass
- Wait for official results (typically 2-3 weeks)
- Complete oath-taking ceremony
- Receive your Professional Identification Card (PIC)
NLE to NCLEX Transition
Many Filipino nurses pursue NCLEX after passing NLE to work in the United States. RAGRS offers NLE-to-NCLEX bridge programs designed specifically for this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NLE 2026 exam?
February 26-27, 2026 and August 29-30, 2026. Note: 2026 shifts from traditional May/November to February/August.
What is the NLE passing score?
You need a general average of 75% across all five subjects to pass. No single subject can fall below 60%.
What’s the NLE pass rate?
Pass rates vary: 64.39% (May 2025), 90.04% (November 2025—a record high). Preparation quality matters most.
How long should I study for NLE?
8-12 weeks of focused study is recommended for fresh graduates. Those with gaps should plan for 10-16 weeks.
Should I take a review class for NLE?
Yes, structured review programs like RAGRS significantly improve pass rates through systematic preparation and expert guidance.
Start Your Journey to RN Today
Passing the NLE is the first major milestone in your nursing career. With 45,000+ candidates taking the exam each year—and pass rates reaching 90%—success is absolutely achievable with the right preparation.
Ready to become a registered nurse? Contact RAGRS to learn about our NLE review programs.
- Website: raygapuzreviewsystem.com
- Location: United Nations Avenue, Manila