Free Kaplan Nursing Test Practice: 2023 Prep Guide
Few hours of practice make all the difference.
Ace that Test!
The Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam is a screening test administered by nursing schools that tests your basic reading, writing, math, and science skills. The test is officially called the Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test, but you’ve probably heard it referred to as the Kaplan Admissions Test, the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test, the KNAT or the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. While we may use these names interchangeably, they are all referring to the same test.
The KNAT score is just one component that nursing schools and other medical programs use while evaluating your application, but you need to pass the test to be accepted into many nursing programs. This pre-admission test predicts your ability to succeed in nursing school.
The test is taken on a computer, usually at the testing center of the school you are applying to. You’ll have two-hours and forty-five minutes to complete the 91 questions. Fees differ by school but range from $29 to $93, and some schools include an administration fee for proctoring the exam.
Did you know?
The Kaplan Nursing Admission Test has 91 questions that assess your reading, writing, math, and science knowledge. There is no need to have previous nursing knowledge to do well on the test. Every nursing program sets its own passing grade, with some schools setting both a minimum score and a priority score. Most schools require a minimum cumulative 65% grade to be considered for admission.
KNAT Question Types Explained
The Kaplan Nursing Admission Test is a multiple-choice test. It is divided into four sections and must be completed within two-hours and forty-five minutes.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Average Time Per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 22 | 45 minutes | 122 seconds |
| Math | 28 | 45 minutes | 96 seconds |
| Writing | 21 | 45 minutes | 128 seconds |
| Science | 20 | 30 minutes | 90 seconds |
Reading
In the reading section, you will be given four passages to read and then be required to answer a total of 22 questions based on the different passages. The passages vary but often contain a science, nature, or historical theme. The questions are designed to demonstrate your reading skills in four areas:
- Determining the logic of a passage
- Comprehending details
- Drawing basic inferences
- Identifying the purpose of a passage
Winning Tip for Reading Comprehension
Before rushing to answer, take the time to read through the passage and the questions carefully. Test makers will frequently give you two answers that are both plausible or partially correct. In most cases, you are asked to select the best answer, rather than an answer which is acceptable. You have over two minutes to answer the question, which should give you enough time to be careful.
Math
The math section will present you with 28 different math questions. These questions range from basic arithmetic to algebra and are written as basic equations or word problems. You will need to apply mathematical principles in these four areas:
- Unit conversions – imperial and metric units, temperature (℃ and ℉), length, weight, volume, etc.
- Basic operations – 4 basic operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
- Advanced operations – percents, ratios
- Basic algebra – exponents, solving equations, simple polynomials
- Word problems
Winning Tip for Math Questions
You don’t always need to work out the exact answer. Oftentimes you can simply eliminate enough multiple-choice options and use estimation to answer questions quickly and move to the next item.
Writing
There are 21 questions in the writing section. While you will not actually be required to write, you will be asked to read nine passages and answer questions. Note that the sentences in each passage are numbered, and the questions refer to the numbered sentences. This section of the test measures your writing skills in these three areas:
- Assessing passage development
- Assessing paragraph logic
- Assessing mechanics of writing – grammar, syntax, punctuation, etc.
Winning Tip for Writing Questions
Eliminate answers that are obviously wrong. With the remaining answers, determine the difference between the answers, and see which answer best reflects the question.
Science
The science section focuses on your knowledge of physiology. You will need to answer 20 questions covering these areas of the human body:
- Cardiovascular system
- Electrolytes
- Gastrointestinal system
- Immune system
- Neurology
- Renal system
- Hematological system
- Homeostasis
- Respiratory system
- Sensory system
Winning Tip for Science Questions
There are no tricks in science questions. Either you know the answer, or you don’t. Your best tip is to study from a good textbook or online tutorials, like those offered by iPrep, that cover the relevant topics. Make sure to learn what you need to know and do not exhaust yourself studying topics that won’t be on the test.
KNAT Preparation Strategies
If you are serious about nursing school, it’s vital that you prepare for the KNAT. Kaplan offers a nursing school entrance exam study guide, which can help you prepare for the test.
The Kaplan guide includes practice tests, a diagnostic exam, lessons, and other information that will help you gauge how prepared you are for the test.
In addition to the Kaplan guide, there are other steps you can take to give yourself the edge you need when competing against other candidates.
We have found that while some applicants can prepare for a test in just a few weeks, most candidates will need 2-3 months to study and prepare. Give yourself enough time to prepare, as that will help you reach your goals.
1. Find a Test Preparation Course that Meets Your Needs
You need an online test prep course that can guide you through all the different sections of the Kaplan Admissions Test, rather than looking for different courses that focus on reading, math, and science. While looking for the right course, keep the following in mind:
- Find a course that matches your learning style. If you prefer reading materials, your study course should be text-heavy. If video and audio courses are easier for you to understand, sign up for courses with those options.
- Don’t settle for a generic nursing or health course. Find a course that uses the same format as the Kaplan Admission Test, which will help familiarize you with the test before you sit down and make it easier for you to focus on test day.
- The course should focus on areas of study on which you will be tested. There’s no sense in taking a course that includes the study of astronomy when your focus needs to be on reading, math, and science.
- Sign up for courses with recent user reviews. There are plenty of prep courses that merely offer you study guides that are out of date.
- Look for a book or online course that was published by a familiar author.
2. Find Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Identify the sections of the test where you need to spend more time focusing your efforts. Rather than trusting your gut to identify your strengths, take a diagnostic test.
The results of your diagnostic test will help you focus your areas of study, making the time you spend preparing more efficient. For example, if you struggled with math but scored well on the writing section, there’s no reason to dedicate long periods of time studying up on writing.
By taking the diagnostic test, you’ll also reduce test day anxiety, as you’ll have a pretty good understanding of your skillset.
Once you’ve identified your weaknesses and found your learning style, develop an action plan to strengthen those areas in which you struggle. As part of your plan, create measurable goals so you can see progress. For example, after taking the diagnostic exam you may have scored a 40% in math.
Create a plan in which you study for one hour per day for five days straight, with the goal of improving your score by 10%. After three weeks, if you can reach your targets, your score will be 70%. If you find that you are not reaching your goals, consider modifying your study time or approach.
3. Identify Trouble Areas but Stay Positive
Over the course of your study plan, you may find that there are some areas where you are not seeing the improvement you expect. Look for the root cause of the mistakes you are making, and spend extra time working to overcome those mistakes. However, make sure not to worry too much. Focus on the benefits of passing the exam, and how it will help carry you towards a better future.
4. Practice Answering Multiple Choice Questions
This might seem like a waste of time, but there is a skillset that will allow you to get through these questions quickly. As all the questions in the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam are multiple-choice, this cannot be overstated.
To be successful, you need to learn how to eliminate options and make educated guesses. You’ll also want to learn time-saving techniques for math problems. Find a guide that teaches these tips and tricks.
Be sure to check out iPrep’s tutorials. We include techniques like these in our online courses, helping you save time when working through these questions.
5. Practice Timed Simulations
The closer you get to test day, the more important it becomes to simulate the actual test experience. Take as many simulated tests as you can, which will help you feel comfortable with the test and with the time constraints that you will be facing in each section of the test.
Test Features
The Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test allows different nursing programs to set some of their own policies. For example, some schools allow students to retake the test after 30 days, while others restrict retests for two years. While the information that follows is accurate under most circumstances, we recommend that you check the details of your school’s policies before registering for the exam.
Test Fast Facts (tl;dr)
- Total of 91 questions
- The test takes two hours and forty-five minutes to complete. Be sure to park somewhere with at least a three-hour limit, as you may be given a short tutorial before the test.
- There are four academic sections
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Science
- Calculators may not be brought into the test. There is a built-in calculator that you can use while taking the test.
- Passing schools differ by school, but most accept a cumulative score of 65% to pass.
- Many schools allow students to take the test off-site, using Examity to proctor the exam. Check with your school for details.
- You will need to show a picture ID to take the test.
- There is a fee for the test, ranging from about $29-93.
Common Names of the Test
There are a number of different names for this test. They are:
- Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam
- Kaplan Entrance Exam
- Kaplan Admissions Test
- Kaplan Nursing Test
- Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam
- Kaplan Nursing Admission Test
- KNAT
- Kaplan Pre Nursing Test
- Kaplan Pre Admission Nursing Exam
Retake Policy
Retake policies differ by institution, but there are some general guidelines.
- If you have taken multiple tests, admissions departments will evaluate your application based on the most recent test.
- Test scores cannot be combined, so if you did well in one section one year and a different section the next year, you will be evaluated only on the most recent results.
- Tests may only be taken once during an application period.
- Some schools allow retakes within 30 days. Others have much longer periods, up to two years.
- Scores are valid for 1-5 years, depending on the school.
Closed Book Exam
When taking the test, you may not use any materials to help you with the questions. You may use a piece of scrap paper and a pen.
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Technical Facts
Digital Testing
The KNAT is administered on a computer. It does not offer the option of using pen and paper. Tests are either given at the school’s testing center or through an online proctoring service.
Fast Results
Your scores will be accessible immediately after completing the test. You will also be able to log in at a later time to view and print your results.
Success Predictor
The Kaplan Admission Test is nationally normed and designed to predict a student’s ability to succeed in a nursing program.
Results Scale and Interpretations
While there are only four sections in the test covering reading, writing, math, and science, the results section will include six scores. In addition to scores for the four sections, your results will include a score for critical thinking, which is embedded into the questions of the different sections. Additionally, your results will include a cumulative score.
Most schools will look at your cumulative score when assessing your application to their program.
Results Availability
Your test results are available immediately after completing the test. You can see your detailed score report and print it directly from the test interface.
Interpretation of Your Score
Each school weighs the results of the test differently. Some have minimum score requirements while others use the score of the exam in conjunction with your GPA and other applicant data to determine your likelihood of succeeding in their program.
That being said, most schools require a minimum cumulative score of 65% when considering a candidate. Your score is only one element that is used in assessing your application.
KNAT FAQs
The KNAT consists of 91 questions in four sections, covering reading, math, writing, and science.
Every school sets its own passing grade. However, most schools look for candidates who scored 65% or higher on their Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam.
There are 91 questions in four sections. You will be challenged with 22 reading questions, 28 math questions, 21 writing questions, and 20 science questions.
Most schools limit you to taking the test once per application period.
The Nursing Entrance Exam challenges you with questions ranging from basic arithmetic to algebra. The stories include standard equations and word problems.
The KNAT has a built-in calculator that you can use. You may not use your own calculator or any other electronic device.
The test can be challenging, especially for applicants who have been out of the classroom for a while. To see if you are ready for the test, try a practice exam that shows you how well you perform in the different sections. That will help you see what areas you need to focus on.
The Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test has questions covering your reading, writing, and math skills. The science section tests your knowledge of physiology.
KNAT Test Tips
Follow these tips to improve your results.
- Carefully read the instructions
Read every question quickly but thoroughly. Scan the information for the relevant data and use it to find the right answer. Read through the question and your answer a second before clicking the Next button. - Pace yourself
Don’t spend too much time on any one question, but don’t go too fast. You have between a minute and a half and two minutes for each question. However, if something is taking too long, move on to the next question. - Take educated guesses
If you are stumped by a question, try to eliminate obvious wrong answers and make an educated guess. You don’t lose points for wrong answers. - Answer as many questions correctly as you can
Don’t stress over scoring 100%. You don’t need to score that well to get into your program. If you see you are running out of time and still have a number of questions to get through, start making educated guesses to get through the material faster. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so even a guess is better than no answer at all. - Plan and practice
Create a study plan up to three months ahead of the test and keep on practicing. The more familiar you get with the test, the fewer surprises you’ll face on test day.
Administration
Test Location: Tests are usually given at either the school you are applying to or at home using an Examity proctor. However, double check with your admission office due to changes related to COVID-19.
Test Schedule: Each institution publishes its own testing schedule, depending on the program you apply for. All Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exams are taken by appointment and not on demand.
Test Format: Multiple choice taken on computer.
Test Materials: Taken on a computer with a calculator built into the platform. You will be provided with scratch paper.
Cost: Fees vary by school, ranging from about $29-$93.
Retake Policy: Most schools allow you to take the test once per admission period. Some schools have different policies.
Test Provider
The Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam was created and developed by Kaplan Nursing, a division of Kaplan. Kaplan has provided educational services to colleges and universities for over 80 years.
The Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam provides nursing and healthcare programs with detailed, unbiased information about candidates that indicates the likelihood that they will succeed in the program.
Information Sources
Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with Kaplan Nursing, Kaplan, or any other company mentioned.
Get to know what the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test will be like by practicing with these sample questions:
Question 1 of 8
You all know of the Natural Bridge in Virginia. You perhaps have heard how the first President of the United States, in the athletic vigor of his youth, climbed and carved his name high on its cliff. If a score of such bridges, however, were thrown together side by side, they would not be so large as the Natural Bridge of Pine Creek, Arizona. It is to the world’s natural bridges what the Grand Canyon of Colorado is to the world’s chasms—the greatest, grandest, and most bewildering. The actual length of the Arizona bridge is over 500 feet, five times the span of the Virginia bridge, and the breadth is over 600 feet, more than 12 times as wide as the one in Virginia. There are also countless minor bridges in the Southwest. One is a curious natural bridge near Fort Defiance, New Mexico. This is small but unusual, for it was carved not by rock particles carried in water but by sand-laden winds.
Natural bridges are usually made by the action of:
- sand-laden winds
- rock particles carried in water
- water
- frost
The correct answer is B.
The information can be drawn from this section in the passage:
“There are also countless minor bridges in the Southwest. One is a curious natural bridge near Fort Defiance, New Mexico. This is small but unusual, for it was carved not by rock particles carried in water but by sand-laden winds.“
If the unusual is carved “not by rock particles carried in the water,” then the usual is carved by them.
Question 2 of 8
You all know of the Natural Bridge in Virginia. You perhaps have heard how the first President of the United States, in the athletic vigor of his youth, climbed and carved his name high on its cliff. If a score of such bridges, however, were thrown together side by side, they would not be so large as the Natural Bridge of Pine Creek, Arizona. It is to the world’s natural bridges what the Grand Canyon of Colorado is to the world’s chasms—the greatest, grandest, and most bewildering. The actual length of the Arizona bridge is over 500 feet, five times the span of the Virginia bridge, and the breadth is over 600 feet, more than 12 times as wide as the one in Virginia. There are also countless minor bridges in the Southwest. One is a curious natural bridge near Fort Defiance, New Mexico. This is small but unusual, for it was carved not by rock particles carried in water but by sand-laden winds.
It can be inferred that as a youth, the first President of the United States was:
- adventurous
- cowardly
- shy
- crazy
The correct answer is A.
The information can be drawn from this section in the passage:
“You all know of the Natural Bridge in Virginia. You perhaps have heard how the first President of the United States, in the athletic vigor of his youth, climbed and carved his name high on its cliff.“
Question 3 of 8
A car is moving at a speed of 20 km/h. If the driver doubles the speed of the car, then the distance traveled in the next 3 hours is:
- 60 km
- 80 km
- 100 km
- 120 km
- 140 km
The correct answer is D.
Explanation:
Formula: distance = speed x time
Initial speed of car = 20 km/h
Increased speed of car = 20 x 2 = 40 km/h
Time = 3 hours
Applying the formula distance = speed x time = 40 x 3 = 120 km
Question 4 of 8
Consider the following formula:
(3A – (2B + C)) – 2 = BC + A
If B = 5 and C = 6, what is the value of A?
- 6
- 12
- 16
- 24
The correct answer is 24.
Here’s a detailed video walk-through of the explanation:
In order to solve this question correctly, you need to remember the order of operations (PEMDAS):
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication/Division
- Addition/Subtraction
In addition, you should remember that if a minus sign precedes parentheses, it applies to all the values within the parentheses and not only to the first value. Although it is not necessary to apply this to this question, the solution below includes this demonstration
In order to find a solution, we need to isolate A.
| (3A – (2B + C)) – 2 = BC + A | Remove the inner parentheses |
| (3A – 2B – C) – 2 = BC + A | Place values B = 5; C = 6 |
| (3A – 2*5 – 6) – 2 = 5*6 + A | Multiplication within the parentheses first. As there is no factor to the parentheses, it can be resolved. |
| 3A – 10 – 6 – 2 = 30 + A | Note that subtraction must be done left to right and do not forget that there is a minus sign before the number 10 |
| 3A – 18 = 30 + A | Collect As at the left and numbers at the right |
| 3A – A = 30 + 18 | |
| 2A = 48 | Divide by 2 to find A |
| A = 24 |
Question 5 of 8
1 The geometry of Earth at equinox means March is the most geomagnetically active month of the year. 2 The geomagnetic disturbances twice as likely in spring (and also in fall) as in winter and summer. 3 During equinox, our planet’s geometry is lined-up nicely for charged particles from the Sun to be accelerated down the field lines of the Earth’s magnetic field. 4 Aurora is a natural sky phenomenon seen near an Arctic Circle (aurora borealis or northern lights) and Antarctic Circle (aurora australis or southern lights). 5 They are caused by charged particles from the Sun being captured and accelerated by Earth’s magnetosphere to interact with atoms in the upper atmosphere.
Which sentence in the paragraph is missing a verb?
- Sentence 1
- Sentence 2
- Sentence 3
- Sentence 4
The correct answer is Sentence 2.
The sentence misses the auxiliary verb are. The sentence should be written as follows:
The geomagnetic disturbances are twice as likely in spring (and also in fall) as in winter and summer.
Solving Tip:
- Upon the initial reading of the paragraph, if you encounter a sentence that includes grammatical, syntactical, spelling, or structural mistakes, write on a scratch paper the number of the sentence and the word that signifies the problem. It is highly likely that you’ll be asked about it in one of the questions that follow, and by marking the sentence you will save precious time later on when reading the question.
Question 6 of 8
1 The geometry of Earth at equinox means March is the most geomagnetically active month of the year. 2 The geomagnetic disturbances twice as likely in spring (and also in fall) as in winter and summer. 3 During equinox, our planet’s geometry is lined-up nicely for charged particles from the Sun to be accelerated down the field lines of the Earth’s magnetic field. 4 Aurora is a natural sky phenomenon seen near an Arctic Circle (aurora borealis or northern lights) and Antarctic Circle (aurora australis or southern lights). 5 They are caused by charged particles from the Sun being captured and accelerated by Earth’s magnetosphere to interact with atoms in the upper atmosphere.
Which of the following corrections is necessary?
- The word most in sentence 1 should be changed to more
- The word planet’s in sentence 3 should be written as planet is
- The word an in sentence 4 should be changed to the
- The word Sun should not be capitalized in sentence 5.
A correction should be made in sentence 4.
The Arctic Circle is a specific and unique place. It requires the definite article “the” instead of the indefinite article “an” that is used in the text.
Question 7 of 8
Bile salts act as activators of which enzyme?
- Lipase
- Pepsin
- Glycogen
- Lipids
- Hemoglobin
The correct answer is A. Lipase
Explanation: Lipase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of fats. Lipase performs an essential role in digestion.
Question 8 of 8
Sensory neurons are receptors that turn stimulus to:
- Chemicals
- Food energy
- Potential energy
- Action potential
- Electric current
The correct answer is D. Action potential
Explanation: Sensory neurons, or afferent neurons, are neurons that convert a specific type of stimulus, via their receptors, into an action potential.
Well done!
You have completed the Sample Questions section.
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About the course
Welcome to iPrep’s Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam preparation course.
This course will help you boost your skills and with it your confidence towards your upcoming Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. This is a test that you need to pass in order to be accepted to a variety of health-related academic programs. The course will provide you with the following tools and benefits:
- You will become familiar with the test’s various types of questions.
- You will be given full-length Kaplan-style simulation tests. The simulations are divided into four sections: Reading, Math, Writing, and Science.
- Each section includes similar questions to those you will encounter in the real test with the same level of difficulty. They also have the same time limit as the real test. Experiencing the test’s time pressure will ensure it will not come as a surprise on test day.
- You will be provided with a great variety of helpful tips for the different types of questions. Some of the tips are in the introductory sections while most are in the detailed explanations that follow each question.
36
Learning hours
64
Practice tests
1400
Questions
30
Day access
By the end of this course, you will be more knowledgeable and comfortable with the Kaplan nursing test – Knowledge and familiarity with the test are the two most significant factors that can help you maximize your score and improve your chances of success.
The course is comprised of both practice and learning sessions. We will guide you through learning lessons with essential information about your upcoming test. These lessons will help you understand the underlying techniques that are essential for succeeding on the test.
The course is then concluded by its core component – simulating full-length tests that accurately follow the structure and concepts of the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. Once done, you will be able to get full question explanations and even see how well you performed in comparison with other people who have taken the test.
Wishing you an enjoyable learning experience!
Skills you will learn
Reading comprehension
Math
Writing Skills
Anatomy & Physiology
Curriculum
- Course Introduction
- Question Types Introduction
- Reading Comprehension
- Math
- Writing
- Science – Anatomy and Physiology Guide
- Full-Length Test Simulations
- Course Conclusion
Customer Testimonial
iPrep has been amazing for studying for the Kaplan entrance exam. I’ve tried to study with two different books and just don’t seem to be as engaged as I am using this service.
Shelby Kaufman
September 3, 2021 at 2:32 AM
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March 26, 2023 at 7:37 PM
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