National Council Licensure Examination- Registered Nurse is an exam which assesses the suitability of candidates in nursing services in the US, Canada and Australia. The NCLEX-RN is a test for practical nurses. While the test process is tailored for specific states, the NCLEX can be converted for a different state.
NCLEX-RN
If you are a nurse and want to work in an English-speaking country like the USA, Canada, and Australia, you need to clear an exam called as the NCLEX-RN. This simply is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) which evaluates your competency as a nurse. While the first step to realising this dream is to clear an English proficiency test like the IELTS or OET, NCLEX-RN is step two to reaching your dream destination.
Next Gen NCLEX (NGN 2023)
The most recent change is the introduction of the Next Gen NCLEX popularly called as the NGN. The Next Gen NCLEX has been introduced in April 2023 and has brought about major changes in the format of NCLEX.
What is the difference between NCLEX-RN and Next Gen NCLEX?
Both the NCLEX RN and the Next Gen NCLEX is to test the proficiency of a nurse in real world scenario. The old version NCLEX required nurses to recall their nursing knowledge and information and then apply it to clinical situations. The Next Gen NCLEX tests the ability of a nurse to first examine and investigate the given patient data and make the appropriate clinical judgments.
Test format of NCLEX-RN
The NCLEX is a computer-adaptive exam run with an on-screen calculator. There are different question types and formats that will appear in the test, based on your performance on the test. The difficulty level of the test will be raised as your answer the questions. The computer-adaptive test runs the questions based on how correctly the candidate responds to the question.
The NCLEX-RN format is formulated based on ‘client needs’ and real- world case studies. The questions in this test, more than merely checking your ability to recollect nursing knowledge, assesses how well as a nurse one is able to apply critical skills, interpret data given about the patient, apply theoretical knowledge and make the most appropriate and safe decisions for the patient’s need or care.
How many questions do you need to answer?
The minimum number of questions that candidate appearing for NCLEX-RN will have to answer is 85. As it is an adaptive test, depending on how you perform, the computer may at the maximum put forth 150 questions.
Pre-test questions
Out of the questions asked in the NCLEX, the first 15 are called as pre-test questions. With these questions, the computer evaluates your strengths and weaknesses.
What is the duration of the test?
No matter how many questions a candidate needs to attend, be it 85 or up to 150, the maximum duration of the NCLEX exam is 5 hours. These 5 hours include the introductory session, any restroom breaks taken in between, and the exam.
Question types
Extended Multiple-Choice questions
Fill-in-the-blanks
Drag and Drop
Chart/ exhibit questions
Audio Item Questions
Cloze question or Drop-down question
Enhanced Hot-Spotting or Highlighting
Graphics Question
Matrix or Grid questions
Scoring in Next Gen NCLEX
Partial or Full-credit system- If you need to choose more than one right answer, in such questions depending on how you have answered you will be given partial or full credits. This partial or full credit system is further divided into two:
+ / – scoring- This means that for all right answers you will be given scores, but your scores will be deducted for every wrong answer chosen, which implies negative scoring. This is applicable in some question types.
0/1 scoring- This simply means for all right answers chosen you will be given a score of 1, and at the same time there is no negative marking for wrong answers given.
Rationale Scoring System
Lab scores or values
One of the best things about the Next Gen NCLEX is that for calculations, any required reference lab values will be given in the question. The old NCLEX required candidates to memorise these lab values.
NCLEX-RN Exam Registration Process
Here is how you can register for the NCLEX. This step-by-step guide on how to apply for the examination.
Step 1: Submit an application to the nursing regulatory body of the country/ state you wish to be licensed or registered.
Step 2: Ensure to fulfil the requirements listed by the nursing regulatory body of the country/ state you are applying to.
Step 3: Register for the NCLEX- This can easily be done by contacting Medcity’s NCLEX division.
Step 4: Get the authorization information
Step 5: Schedule your exam
NCLEX Syllabus
There are certain test plan categories. Here is a sample content based on which you can prepare for NCLEX.
CLIENT NEEDS
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
INTEGRATED PROCESS
CLINICAL JUDGMENT
What are the eligibility criteria in taking the Next Gen NCLEX?
Each regulatory body that you are applying to has different eligibility requirements. The basics that can be considered to check your eligibility for the same are:
A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing: If you are looking out to apply to Australia or Canada, then you need to have cleared a bachelors degree in nursing. For those planning on the USA, even a diploma is considered (GNM).
Authorization: An ATT- Authorisation To Test is a must.
You should have submitted your credentials and information
Application with a nursing board
Register for the NCLEX
Payment for NCLEX application should be complete
Is there an expiry date for the NCLEX?
The validity of test results of NCLEX can be considered life-time. This is true if as an applicant, you continue the nursing practice. For any candidate who has cleared the test but discontinued practice for an extended period, then the NCLEX will have to be re-taken.
How many times can a candidate appear for the test?
The possibility of a retake of the NCLEX and the number of times a candidate can appear is a question many aspirants ask. The NCSBN’s policy on retaking the exam allows a candidate to re-appear the test in 45 days after giving an NCLEX test. Certain nursing regulatory boards may ask for longer wait period between tests