December 17, 2025 | British Columbia

The REx-PN (Regulatory Exam for Practical Nurses) is not designed to be an impossible barrier. It is an entry level competency exam that confirms you are ready to practise safely as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). When students understand the format and focus on the right areas, many find the exam manageable and pass the REx-PN exam on their first attempt. Let us break it down. 

Why the REx-PN Exam Feels Hard 

Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) 

One of the main reasons students ask, Is the REx-PN exam hard? is the computer adaptive testing format complicated? The REx-PN adjusts question difficulty in real time based on how you answer. The system aims to present questions you have about a 50 percent chance of answering correctly. Because of this: 

• Questions may never feel easy 
• The exam can feel harder the better you are doing 
• Feeling challenged does not mean you are failing 

This format is designed to measure competence efficiently, not perfection. 

Anxiety and Online Misinformation 

Many candidates feel overwhelmed due to anxiety and online discussions. Reading negative experiences can make the exam seem harder than it truly is. In reality, the REx-PN is structured for entry-level nurses. If you focus on safe, basic nursing care, the exam becomes far more manageable. 

What the REx-PN Exam Is Actually Testing 

When people ask, Is the REx-PN exam hard? The real issue is often a misunderstanding of what is being tested. The exam evaluates your ability to: 

• Provide safe nursing care 
• Prioritize patient needs 
• Make sound clinical decisions 
• Apply fundamental nursing knowledge 

It does not test advanced medical procedures or complex theory. The focus is on practical, real world nursing judgment. 

Key Areas to Focus On 

Prioritization and Delegation 

Prioritization is one of the most important skills on the REx-PN. You need to know: 

• Which patient needs care first 
• What tasks can be safely delegated 
• How to apply ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) 

Strong prioritization skills are essential for success. 

Nursing Math and Calculations 

Math questions are common and predictable. Expect: 

• Dosage calculations 
• IV drip rates 
• Safe medication administration 

With practice, this becomes one of the easiest areas to score points. 

Lab Values and Signs and Symptoms 

You do not need to memorize every number. Focus on: 

• Normal versus abnormal lab values 
• Common warning signs 
• When immediate nursing action is required 

Infection Control and Safety Precautions 

• Understanding contact, droplet, and airborne precautions is essential. These questions test your ability to keep patients and healthcare teams safe. 

How to Study Without Making the REx-PN Exam Harder Than It Is 

Use CAT Style Practice Exams 

Many students use prep tools such as Nurse Achieve or Archer Review. These often feel harder than the actual exam, which can work in your favour. 

CAT style practice helps you: 

• Get comfortable with uncertainty 
• Improve decision making 
• Build confidence under pressure 

Focus on Fundamentals 

A common mistake is studying beyond the exam level. The REx-PN tests entry level nursing knowledge. Focus on: 

• Safe nursing actions 
• Clear priorities 
• Basic patient care principles 

Why Your Practical Nursing Program Matters 

Preparation for the REx-PN exam starts with choosing the right training program. A strong Practical Nursing program builds: 

• Clinical judgment 
• Confidence in patient care 
• Real-world decision-making skills 

How CDI College Prepares Students for the REx-PN Exam 

CDI College’s Practical Nursing program is designed to align with both the REx-PN exam and real clinical practice. 

Hands On Clinical Experience 

Students complete: 

• 475 hours of clinical practice 
• 180 hours of preceptorship 

This experience strengthens prioritization, assessment, and patient safety skills tested on the exam. 

Exam Aligned Curriculum 

The program includes: 

• Pharmacology 
• Health promotion 
• Variations in health 
• Nursing fundamentals 
• Clinical decision making 

These subjects align closely with the REx-PN client needs framework. 

Supportive Learning Environment 

• Experienced nurse instructors 
• Modern simulation labs 
• Personalized academic support 

Students learn how to think like nurses, not just memorize content. 

Proven Results 

In 2023, CDI College’s Surrey campus achieved a 92.31 percent REx-PN pass rate, exceeding the provincial average. This reflects focused training and exam ready preparation. 

Final Answer: Is the REx-PN Exam Hard? 

Is the REx-PN exam hard? It is challenging in a realistic and fair way. The exam focuses on: 

• Safety rather than memorization 
• Judgment rather than complexity 
• Fundamentals rather than advanced skills 

With the right preparation, strong fundamentals, and a Practical Nursing program like CDI College’s, the REx-PN exam is achievable and a clear step toward starting your career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.