WHAT IS NCLEX
NCLEX, is an abbreviation denoting National Council Licensure Examination, is a computer adaptive test that is required for nursing graduates to successfully pass to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the US and Canada. This comprehensive exam touches on a number of nursing concepts, and is only open to students who have already completed an accredited nursing program or foreign trained Nurses who have successfully completed an equivalent accredited nursing program to that of US and Canada. The NCLEX is of two variations, one for Registered Nurses (RNs) and one for Practical Nurses (PNs), although the registration process and exam content of these two exams is extremely similar.
WHAT IS THE TEST FORMAT?
The NCLEX questions are mostly multiple-choice, although other formats include fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, case studies, bowtie, highlight questions, matrix/grid and chart/exhibit questions. Regardless of format, all questions will relate to nursing concepts and topics. Having a good nursing content puts you at a greater chance of passing this exam.
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) was launched in April 2023 which involves Real-world case studies that are used to measure clinical judgments and decision-making.
The number of questions varies depending on which version of the test you're taking. The RN test has a maximum of 150 questions and a minimum of 85, while the PN has a maximum of 205 and a minimum of 85. You can watch this video from RN Sarah for more detail on what NGN entails. CLICK HERE
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE NCLEX
First, you'll need to apply for a nursing license from your State Board of Nursing (BON). That board will review your application and, if you satisfy all requirements, will authorize you to register.
Once you've been authorized, expect to receive an NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin. This will arrive in the mail, and once you have this, you may register with Pearson VUE, the testing service. As soon as your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive an ATT, or Authorization to Test. The board also provides helpful information concerning the location of testing centers and instructions on how to make an appointment. You'll also need to pay the registration fee, which is $200. (Bill, 2023).
FOR INTERNATIONAL NURSES
The registration process to write the NCLEX can be a long and tedious process. USRN ElitesReview advice Nurses to be more patient and understand the whole process as individualized and not paper time bound. A lot of factors come in, from documentations to retrieving information and how your documents are transitioned from one organization to the other. Only Nurses with Diploma or higher level can apply to write the NCLEX.
The first step is CREDENTIAL EVALAUTION of your Nursing documents.
According to CGFNS, “The Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report provides a detailed analysis of the credentials earned at multiple levels of nursing education received outside the United States. It includes a statement of comparability of a healthcare worker’s education when assessed against U.S. standards. Nurses use the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report primarily to secure licensure and employment in the United States. It can also be used for specialty certification and by immigration attorneys.” (CGFNS International Inc, 2023)
The second step is REGISTER WITH BOARD OF NURSING (BON).
Decide in which BON you would like to register with and go ahead to register with them. State Boards of Nursing oversee all administrative aspects of nurse licensing for each state. All 50 states in the US, including the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands, have individual boards of nursing. Collectively, these organizations make up the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). NCSBN administers the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which prospective RNs must pass before practicing professionally. Some policies remain consistent across states, such as passing the NCLEX-RN, but other policies vary by state. Check the specific state nursing board for the most relevant requirements for becoming a nurse in that state.
The third step is FINGERPRINT .
Fingerprints may be done manually at different state or local police sites and selected certified sites. Results generally take 3 to 4 weeks. The report will be sent to the Board and the applicant. The applicant will need the verification number to follow-up if the background report is not received by the Board.
At this stage, if everything goes on smoothly without any problems, the BON will issue the applicant an Authorization To Test (ATT). The ATT has a deadline and applicant must take note of the date. You need to schedule and take the NCLEX exam before the deadline of the ATT.
Finally, REGISTER WITH PEARSON VUE AND SCHEDULE.
Pearson VUE is a global assessment and testing company that provides a wide range of computer-based testing (CBT) services to various industries, institutions, and certification programs. The company is known for offering secure and reliable testing solutions, including test development, administration, and delivery. Pearson VUE collaborates with different organizations, such as educational institutions, professional associations, and regulatory boards, to design and deliver exams that assess candidates' skills and knowledge in various fields.
Pearson VUE's services cover a diverse array of domains, including academic admissions, professional certifications, licensure exams, and general aptitude assessments. The company's technology allows candidates to take exams at authorized testing centers around the world, typically on a computer, under controlled conditions to ensure the integrity of the testing process.
Thank you very much for reading and we hope this information helps.
Contact USRN-ELITES let us start your NCLEX journey for your.
BY: ABDUL-NASIR RAHMAN (YAQOOT)
USRN-ELITES
