The KNAT goes by different names so you might see it called the Kaplan Nursing Admission’s Test, or the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam but no matter what you call it this test is one form of a standardized nursing school admission’s exam. Students seeking admission into a nursing program for RN, BSN licensure will be required to take an assessment that will measure their academic capabilities. Nursing school entrance exams are meant to predict success within the program by testing for essential skills within math, science, and language.

The test contains 91 multiple choice questions that test you on the subject areas of basic reading, math, science, and writing skills. 

As more students and professionals look for admittance into RN/BSN programs, nursing schools are becoming increasingly competitive for academic seats. Programs are looking for higher exam scores and utilizing entrance exams that can best predict student success rates. Many universities and programs will require the ATI TEAS or HESI A2 exam. The KNAT is the newest exam that programs are turning to as an entrance requirement.

Although these entrance exams test for the same essential subject matter, there are major as well as subtle differences to each. It is important to know which exam your school of choice is requesting scores for and furthermore, knowing your exam before you take it

The test consists of 91 questions for a total of 165 minutes:

Math (28 questions to be completed in  45 minutes)

Reading (22 questions to be completed in 45 minutes)

Writing (21 questions to be completed in 45 minutes)

Science (20 questions to be completed in 30 minutes)

The reading section contains 22 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. The topics will vary and may contain a science, nature or historical theme. Candidates read four passages and answer questions that measure the essential skills required for reading.

Check out our video taking a deeper dive into every topic on the reading section here

Areas assessed: 

• Determining the logic of a passage 
• Comprehending details 
• Drawing basic inferences Identifying the purpose of a passage

Reading Tips

• If the question doesn’t reference something in one of the answers, that answer is probably incorrect. Check to see what is/isn’t referenced and choose the best answer from there.
• Do not assume facts about questions. Often, if information is not provided in the question, it will not be relevant. Stick to the facts that are provided.
• Some questions will focus on your ability to determine the difference between opinion and fact. Practice recognizing the difference between fact (the grass is green) and opinion (the grass smells nice).
• Read carefully and slowly. Questions may be confusing if you read too quickly.
• If you think that 2 answers could be correct, ask yourself, “What is it REALLY asking”.
• Study and know different types of writing styles. You may be asked to identify. i.e. narrative, expository, entertaining, analytical, persuasive, etc.
• Know how to identify first person (I), second person (You), third person (Narration).
• Use only the information you are given, if it is not stated in the text then don’t assume it to be relevant.
• Use Process of elimination. Eliminate answers you know are wrong and work your way to one, final answer.
• Know how to use an index, dictionary, almanac, encyclopedia, and glossary.
• Try to improve your reading speed and comprehension in advance. You want to ensure that you can finish the section before the time is up.
• Pay attention to the wording in questions. The wording in the question itself will usually provide helpful hints that can lead you toward the correct answer.

The writing section contains 21 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. Candidates read nine passages and answer questions that measure the essential skills required for writing: 

Check out our video taking a deeper dive into every topic on the writing section here

Areas assessed: 

• Assessing passage development 
• Assessing paragraph logic 
• Assessing mechanics of writing

Writing Tips

• Even if English is your first language, do not be overly confident.
• Rules of Language arts and grammar may be explicitly asked.
• Know The eight parts of basic sentence: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections.
• Dependent vs independent clauses of a complex sentence. i.e. what do you join two independent clauses with, etc.
• Spelling: Important to remember how many repeated letters are in a word. I.e. accommodate, foreign, appointments, necessary.
• Know subject-verb agreement
• Learn the meaning of common prefixes and suffixes.
• Study terms and formal terms. Know what they are and how they work. i.e. coordinate conjunctions, sub conjunctions, subject verb agreement.
• Review basic rules of punctuation; i.e. semicolon and dash usage.
• If you are not sure about the meaning of the word, use context clues and process of elimination to come to a final answer.

The science section contains 20 questions to be answered in 30 minutes. The test measures the candidate’s knowledge of physiology in the following areas:

Check out our video taking a deeper dive into every topic on the science section here

Areas assessed: 

• Cardiovascular system 

• Electrolytes 

• Gastrointestinal system 

• Immune system 

• Neurology Renal system 

• Hematological system 

• Homeostasis 

• Respiratory system 

• Sensory system

Science Tips

• Know your Anatomy and Physiology and biology.
• Know the basics of the 11 systems of the body, organelles, basic biology.

The math section contains 28 questions, allotted time – 45 minutes. The test measures the candidate’s ability to apply mathematical principles in the following areas:

Check out our video taking a deeper dive into every topic on the math section here

Areas assessed: 

• Conversions 
• Operations 
• Ratios 
• Word problems
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Proportions
• Fractions
• Decimals

Math Tips

• Read the questions thoroughly and slowly. Reread if necessary. The order/value they are expecting may be different that you are anticipating.
• Brush up on decimals, ratios, fractions, PEMDAS, percentages.
• Know addition, subtraction, multiplication, division problems.
• Be sure to know how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions.
• Brush up on common math rules. i.e. when adding a fraction, they must have the same common denominator.
• You will be able to use a calculator. It will be provided by the testing center.

The cost for taking the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam varies and depends on your school. After researching the cost we found it typically ranges between $20-40. Check with the school and program you are applying to for the exact cost.

Most tests are given at your schools testing center on campus, however some schools do allow you to take the test remotely using Examity at your home. The school or program you are applying to will be able to give you more details on how and where they administer the test. 

The passing score will be different for each school and can vary between 55%-80%. 

Many programs will have a minimum passing score that you will need to achieve in order to be considered, schools will typically select applicants with the highest scores among other application factors.

In some instances schools will assign you points based on your score that are compiled with points for other factors like GPA, your GPA specifically for science or math courses, so for example you might see something like this:

60.0 – 63.4 receives 10 points

63.5 – 71.8 receives 15 points

71.9 – 80.2 receives 20 points

80.3+  receives 25 points

Yes. However every program and school has different requirements for how many times you can take the test and how long you need to wait in between taking it. Most schools only allow the test to be taken one time per application period. Some schools allow up to 3 retakes while others only allow for one test attempt and some schools will make you wait 30-45 days before you can retest. 

The best thing you can do is to check with the program you are applying to and see what their requirements and restrictions are and plan accordingly. 

You will receive your score immediately upon completion of the exam when taken on a computer. Your score will also immediately be sent to the school or program you are applying to.

There are many ways to prepare for the KNAT but the best place to start is to take a diagnostic practice test to better understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. Smart Edition offers a free practice test in the link below. Once you have identified your weaknesses you should plan to spend the majority of your time focusing on those areas, this will help improve your score the fastest. 

Take your free practice test here

You should consider purchasing a good study guide or online course, Smart Edition has some great options for you for this. You’ll want to jump into the lessons you identified as your weaknesses to brush up on any areas that need improving and supplement the lessons with our video lessons for each topic. Flashcards are also a great way to reinforce what you have learned to make sure it sticks. In addition to your studying schedule it’s really important to take as many practice tests as you can to become more familiar with the material and the test format. We have you covered on this with up to 4 practice tests you can take as many times as you like.

Learn more about the KNAT online course here

Yes, you will be able to use a calculator on the test but you don’t need to bring one. A four function calculator will be provided to you on the screen of the computer you are testing on. 

First, contact the school which you are applying to. Some schools may handle administering the test, and others will utilize a testing center and others will offer remote proctored exams via Examity. Your school will be able to provide you with very specific instructions on how you will need to register for the test.

You will receive individual scores for each subject area as well as an overall composite score. The scores are calculated by taking the number of questions you answered correctly divided by the total number of questions, this applies to both the subject area scores and the total overall composite score.