National League for Nursing (NLN) Examinations

The National League for Nursing examinations are given to Registered Nurses who do not have individual course credit for Pharmacology, Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology.

How do I know if I need to take an NLN?

Not all students need to complete an NLN examination. If you successfully completed, with a grade of C- or higher,a 4 credit course in Anatomy & Physiology I and a 4 credit course in Anatomy & Physiology II, you may not need to complete the Anatomy & Physiology NLN Examination. If you successfully completed, with a grade of C- or higher, a 4 credit course in Microbiology, you may not need to complete the Microbiology NLN Examination. If you successfully completed, with a grade of C- or higher, a 3 credit course in Nutrition, you may not need to complete the Nutrition NLN Examination. If you successfully completed, with a grade of C- or higher, a 3 credit course in Pharmacology, you may not need to complete the Pharmacology NLN Examination.

The Pharmacology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology NLN exams are offered as a computerized exam. Nutrition is the only paper exam offered. You are allowed 2-2.5 hours to complete each NLN exam. It is not recommended that you take two (2) exams in one day. If you wish to take more than one NLN examination on the same day, please email RN2BS@UMB.EDU.

The National League for Nursing (NLN) Examinations are held monthly by appointment only at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

2009 NLN Examination Dates

Directions to book an NLN exam appointment:

1. Choose a date and time from the available test times listed below. Send an email toRN2BS@UMB.EDU including:
   • Your full name
   • Your UMass student ID number (if you are a current student)
   • Your UMass student email address (if you are a current student)
   • The date, time and name of the NLN exam that you plan to take
2. Upon receipt a confirmation email including the examination location will be sent to the email you used to register (UMass Boston Students please use your UMass Boston email). Please Note: All scheduling, scores, and general correspondence will only be sent to a UMass Boston email address unless you are not a current UMass Boston student. Your appointment to take the NLN exam is not confirmed until you receive the confirmation email. 
3. Please complete an NLN application form and bring it with you to your exam with a check for the exam cost ($50.00 per examination). NLN examination results will be emailed to the email you used to register (UMass Boston students must use their UMass Boston email).
4. Students will be notified of their score via their UMass Boston email (for current students) or the email provided approximately 30 days after the examination date.

Please note: NLN examinations are ordered and paid in advance. Any request to reschedule your NLN exam appointment must be received via email at RN2BS@UMB.EDU at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam. Please note that failure to reschedule your exam may result in additional charges.

NLN Application - MS Word

NLN Application - PDF

If you have trouble with either of the links, please email rn2bs@umb.edu. For more information on the NLN examinations, please visit www.nln.org.

Study guide information?

This webpage created and maintained by K. Carlson.