NCLEX vs NLE: Key Differences Every Filipino Nurse Should Know

Author picture

A side-by-side comparison to help you prepare strategically.

If you’re a Filipino nurse, you’ve likely encountered both exams: the NLE (Nursing Licensure Examination) for your Philippine license, and the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for US or Canadian licensure.

While both are nursing licensure exams, they’re fundamentally different in format, content, and approach. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective preparation.

Quick Comparison: NLE vs NCLEX

Feature NLE (Philippines) NCLEX (USA/Canada)
Purpose Philippine nursing license US/Canada nursing license
Questions 500 fixed 70-145 (adaptive)
Days 2 days Single session
Format Paper-based or CBT Computer Adaptive (CAT)
Focus Knowledge recall Clinical judgment
Passing 75% average Pass/Fail (competency)

Exam Format Differences

NLE Format

  • 500 questions divided into 5 tests
  • Tests over 2 days
  • All students answer the same questions
  • Score calculated as percentage

NCLEX Format

  • 70-145 questions (varies per candidate)
  • Computer adapts difficulty based on answers
  • Correct → harder question; wrong → easier
  • Pass/Fail result (no percentage)

Content Focus Differences

NLE Content

Emphasizes Philippine healthcare context:

  • DOH programs and policies
  • EPI immunization schedules
  • Philippine Nursing Act (RA 9173)
  • Community and public health

NCLEX Content

Emphasizes US healthcare and clinical judgment:

  • Scope of practice (RN vs LPN vs UAP)
  • Delegation and supervision
  • HIPAA and patient privacy
  • Prioritization frameworks

Question Type Differences

NLE Questions

  • Traditional multiple choice
  • Recall-based (“What is…”)
  • Focus on memorization

NCLEX Questions

  • Multiple choice + Select All That Apply (SATA)
  • Drag-and-drop, hot spot, fill-in-blank
  • NGN formats: Case studies, matrix, highlighting
  • Application-based (“What would you do FIRST?”)

The Biggest Difference: Thinking Approach

NLE Thinking

Rewards knowledge recall: “What is the normal value for…?”

NCLEX Thinking

Rewards clinical judgment: “What would you do FIRST?”

This is the biggest adjustment for Filipino nurses. The NLE tests what you know; the NCLEX tests what you would DO with what you know.

Delegation: A Key Challenge

In the Philippines, LPN/LVN roles don’t exist the same way. For NCLEX, you MUST understand US delegation rules:

Task Type Can RN Delegate? To Whom?
Assessment ❌ Never –
Nursing Diagnosis ❌ Never –
Evaluation ❌ Never –
Stable, routine care ✅ Yes LPN/UAP
Vital signs (stable) ✅ Yes UAP

How NLE Preparation Helps NCLEX

What Transfers Well

  • Core nursing knowledge
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Medical-surgical content
  • Study discipline

What Needs Additional Study

  • Clinical judgment model
  • NGN question types
  • US healthcare context
  • Prioritization frameworks

Recommended Timeline: NLE to NCLEX

Scenario Gap Reason
Directly after NLE 3-4 months Content fresh
Work in PH first 6-12 months prep Content refresh needed
Years post-NLE 4-6 months intensive Significant refresh

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NCLEX harder than NLE?

They’re different. NLE requires more memorization (500 questions). NCLEX requires clinical reasoning. Many Filipino nurses find NCLEX more challenging because it tests application rather than recall.

Can I take NCLEX without passing NLE?

Some US states don’t require a Philippine license, but most nurses complete NLE first for credential evaluation and foundational knowledge.

How long should I wait between NLE and NCLEX?

Start NCLEX preparation within 3-6 months of passing NLE while knowledge is fresh.

Prepare for Both with RAGRS

At Ray A. Gapuz Review System, we offer comprehensive preparation for both NLE and NCLEX—designed specifically for Filipino nurses.

  • NLE Review — Philippine board exam preparation
  • NCLEX Review — NGN-focused US licensure preparation
  • NLE-to-NCLEX Bridge — Targeted gap program

Contact:

Scroll to Top