Examination Process
NCLEX-RN Exam is a highly organized exam based on candidates knowledge and skills. Candidates who wish to appear in the exam must be familiar with the examination process.
On multiple occasions, when candidates do not know about the examination process, they face many challenges and start to lose their confidence and opportunity. The fear of losing makes them more anxious and unsatisfied.
To overcome these obstacles candidates must know all about the examination process. This will build their confidence and knowledge to achieve this milestone in a very efficient way. NCSBN (The National Council of State Boards of Nursing) has published the NCLEX-RN examination process on its website www.ncsbn.org
NCSBN also provides the latest information about the registration process and date scheduling in its Candidate Bulletin. Every candidate who is planning for the NCLEX-RN exam must visit the website of NCSBN.
For ultimate success, 3 elements of success that nurses should know before starting their examination process are before, during and after the exam. The NCLEX-RN Exam is a crucial step for nursing students to become licensed nurses in the United States.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from initial application to post-exam results. Armed with this knowledge, you will be better prepared to tackle the NCLEX-RN Exam and launch your nursing career.
Before Examination
When candidates plan their test, they should know about multiple things which can directly or indirectly affect their examination process.
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1. The Registration Process for the NCLEX-RN Exam
First of all, you need to choose the state board of nursing to get the licensure. When you have decided to be licensed in a specific board of nursing, you need to apply to that board.
The state board of nursing will reply with the registration process because the registration process may vary from state to state. Before you can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, you must first apply for licensure and registration with the Nursing Regulatory Board (NRB) in the state where you wish to practice.
This is an essential step to determine your eligibility for the exam. If you require testing accommodations, be sure to request them from the NRB during this process.
Complete the registration form with complete and accurate information and send it with the required fee. Incomplete forms will be returned to you, which will delay your examination process. You need to pay for the examination process as well as the nursing board to which you are applying.
2. About Testing Center
Candidates must know how they will be dealt with on test day in the examination center. For many candidates, the procedure might be complicated. But you should be aware of all the checks before entering the testing center.
NCLEX-RN testing centers are designed to ensure the highest level of security during the exam. Candidates will be asked to read the instructions and rules carefully before the exam which will be comprised of the following checks.
- You will be asked for a digital palm vein print and a digital fingerprint.
- You will sign a digital signature.
- A fresh photograph will be taken before the exam. This will confirm your identity and will be attached to your exam results.
- Upon leaving the examination room for any reason, you will be asked again to complete all the confirmations checks before entering the room.
- Test administration will provide you with a locker and a sealable bag to place all your personal belongings. The testing center will not be responsible for your personal belongings.
- Keep limited belongings with you due to storage of space.
- You will be provided a locker and locker key, any tempering with your sealable bag could cancel your test.
- If your friend or family member accompanies you. They will not be allowed to wait in the testing center during your test.
- After completion of your verification process, a test administration representative will escort you to the computer.
- You will be provided an individual workspace area with an erasable note board, a marker, and computer accessories.
- Drinking and eating are completely prohibited in the testing center.
- During the test, you will be completely under surveillance by the test administration.
- Your all activities will be recorded in audio and video format during the test.
- If you feel a disturbance during someone else’s typing, you can raise your hand to call the administrator they will provide you earplugs on your request.
- If you need to take a break during the test or something else you need, just raise your hand.
- Do not leave the testing center until you are asked to leave after completion of your test.
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3. Apply for Testing Accommodation
Testing accommodation is the process of modification in exam conditions for those candidates who suffer from any physical disability. This process allows physically disabled candidates to demonstrate their maximum aptitude in exams.
If you are physically disabled and require testing accommodation, you must contact the nursing board before the registration process for the exam. The board of nursing is authorized to approve testing accommodation requests for physically disabled candidates.
The board then submits the request to NCSBN for review and approval. NCSBN reviews the request and approves it after verification. The candidate will be notified of the approval request.
4. Receiving ATT
Before the exam, you will receive your ATT (Authorization to Test) form. On that form, you will receive your authorization number, an identification number, and the expiration date of the form. it enables you to schedule a test.
You cannot schedule a test until you receive Authorization to Test form. Check the expiration date on the form and schedule your test before the expiration of the form. Always remember to take the ATT form with you on the examination day.
If you forgot or lost the form, you will not be allowed to take the test.
5. Wish to Change Your Test Appointment
Due to any circumstances, if you are unable to appear in the test on your scheduled date, you need to change the examination date by calling candidate services or on the candidate website.
You can visit the NCSBN website www.ncsbn.org to access the candidate bulletin which will provide you with up-to-date information about canceling or changing the procedure of your scheduled test.
If you fail to cancel or change your appointment before the test date, the report will be sent to your state board of nursing and you will forfeit your complete fee and the validity of the ATT form. You will require the fee and registration process again if you wish to appear in the test in the future.
6. Mind Mapping for Examination Day
On the day of the NCLEX-RN exam, be prepared to follow the Candidate Rules outlined in the Candidate Bulletin. These rules are in place to ensure a fair and secure testing environment for all candidates.
When you have scheduled your test date, start training your brain to overcome any obstacle. Build your confidence and belief stronger to achieve your milestone. Before examination day you must get a night of proper sleep and wake up with your complete energy. Keep your mind free from all the anxiety and confusion. Take a healthy breakfast, take a shower, and groom yourself.
Do not pass any negative signal to your brain. Schedule your travel to the testing center; estimate the time and obstacles like traffic in your way. Arrange all the required documents one day before the test and take them with you to the testing center do not forget the important documents in any condition. Try to reach at least 30 minutes before starting your test.
During the Exam
The NCLEX-RN test plans offer detailed insight into the exam’s content, administration, item writing tips, and clinical judgment information. By studying these test plans, you will gain a thorough understanding of what to expect on exam day and how to best prepare. The NCLEX-RN Exam is organized around four primary Client Needs Categories. Let’s explore each one in depth:
- Management of Care (17-23% of exam questions): Topics include Advanced Directives, Advocacy, Case Management, Client Rights, Concepts of Management, Confidentiality, Continuity of Care, Quality Improvement, Delegation, Prioritization, Ethical Practice, Informed Consent, Legal Responsibilities, Referrals, and Supervision.
- Safety and Infection Control (9-15% of exam questions): Topics include Accident Prevention, Error Prevention, Hazardous Materials, Surgical Asepsis, Standard Precautions, and Restraint Use.
Psychosocial Integrity.
This category comprises 6-12% of exam questions and focuses on nursing actions related to Behavioral Interventions, Coping Mechanisms, Therapeutic Communication, Grief and Loss, Coping Mechanisms, Mental Health Concepts, Support Systems, Spiritual Influence on Health, Sensory/Perceptual Alterations, Chemical Dependency, Stress Management, Family Dynamics, End of Life Care and Crisis Intervention.
- Basic Care and Comfort (6-12% of questions): Topics include Elimination, Assistive Devices, Nonpharmacological Comfort Interventions, Mobility, Personal Hygiene, Rest and Sleep, Nutrition, and Oral Hydration.
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (12-18% of questions): Topics include Adverse Effects, Contraindications, Blood and Blood Products, Central Venous Access Devices, Chemotherapy, Expected Effects, Intravenous Therapy, Medication Administration, Pharmacological Pain Management, Total Parenteral Nutrition, and Dosage Calculation.
- Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15% of questions): Topics include Diagnostic Tests, Laboratory Values, Potential Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations, and Therapeutic Procedures.
- Physiological Adaptation (11-17% of exam questions): Topics include Alterations in Body Systems, Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances, Hemodynamics, Medical Emergencies, Pathophysiology, and Unexpected Response to Therapies.
After Examination
After the examination, nurses must be aware about following steps.
1. NCLEX Pass or Fail
If you think that pass or fail is based on your correct answers then you are wrong. A Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) work is based on artificial intelligence. CAT provides each candidate with a unique test. The test is designed interactively to assess the individuals.
When a question appears on screen and the candidate answers the question, the computer estimates the ability based on previous answers.
The software scans the available items, scans the ability of the candidate to answer, and selects the item for the candidate with at least a 50% chance to answer correctly.
The computer monitors and records the individual’s level of ability and repeats the same process on every question. The examination could end at any time upon completion of the minimum number of items been answered. The pass-and-fail decision is made on the level of ability of individuals.
2. Completion of NCLEX-RN Exam
When your exam is ended, a feedback form will appear on your computer screen with the questionnaire about your test experience. Fill out that form and raise your hand to call the test administrator and he will allow you to leave the testing center after collecting the entire inventory.
3. Result Process
The results of the computerized test are checked and scored twice, first by the computer and second by the human. On completing the test your entire examination data is submitted to the test scoring center.
Results are not shared with testing staff even though they do not have access to the computerized results. The results are sent to the board of nursing.
Normally the results are emailed within six weeks to the candidate by the board of nursing. There is a facility in some states where you can check your unofficial result within two working days by paying a required fee. The NCSBN website guides you to avail this opportunity.
4. Performance Report
If you do not pass the exam, you will receive a report known as Candidate Performance Report. In this report, you will be informed about your progress in the examination.
This report tells you how close, above or below you were to the standards. If you wish to retake the exam, you must wait for 45 days. Before this period you are not eligible to reappear for the exam. Furthermore, this report tells you about the score of each cognitive skill.
NCLEX Requirements for Foreign-educated Nurses
To work in the USA you will be needed some documents which are mandatory for all the foreign-educated nurses
- Your valid application and complete fee.
- Identity documents such as your national identity card or passport.
- Your fresh photographs.
- CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) certificate.
- Letter from your country, which shows that you do not have any criminal background.
- A valid copy of your professional documents. Nursing license and diplomas.
- The official transcript is sent directly by your nursing school to the board of nursing or credentialing agency.
- If you have social security number.
- Valid work visa
- English language proficiency proof
- Certificate of visa screening.
- Your safe nursing practice record from your country.
Moving Forward in Nursing Career
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is a big milestone in your professional career. With your license in hand, you can now pursue various opportunities within the nursing field, from working in hospitals and clinics to specializing in a particular area of care. You need to stick with some rules for the ultimate development in your nursing career.
In conclusion, mastering the NCLEX-RN exam requires dedication, extensive research, and thorough preparation. By understanding the exam content, developing a structured study plan, and focusing on the four Client Needs Categories, you will be well-equipped to pass the exam and embark on a rewarding nursing career.
References:
- Silvestri, L.A. and Silvestri, A.E., 2019. Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination-E-Book.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2020. NCLEX examination statistics.
- Amit, A. (2023, November 20). How to apply for NCLEX: Step by step guide to register for NCLEX. NEAC Medical Exams Application Center. https://medexamcenter.com/blogs/neac/nclex-application-guide-to-register
- What is the NCLEX-RN®?. Kaplan Test Prep. (n.d.). https://www.kaptest.com/nclex/what-is-the-nclex-rn
- Exam day. NCLEX. (n.d.). https://www.nclex.com/exam-day.page