If you鈥檝e spent even a little time exploring the nursing field, you鈥檝e probably seen mentions of the National Council Licensure Examination, more commonly known as the NCLEX.
Nurses are often required to make complex decisions and think quickly on their feet. So a universally accepted standard is needed to gauge the aptitude of our future prospective nurses.
The (NCSBN), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, . The NCLEX determines professional eligibility for entry-level nurses in the United States and Canada.
Since its inception, over six million candidates have taken the exam, which is split into two parts. The first is the NCLEX-RN, which is for students wanting to become registered nurses (RN). The other is the NCLEX-PN, meant for those pursuing a licensed practical nurse (LPN) position.
However, these formats will disappear in April 2023 when the NCSBN introduces its newest iteration of the exam, (NGN). All students enrolled in an accredited nursing program from Fall 2021 and beyond must take the NGN after graduation to obtain their nursing license.
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We鈥檒l break down what this new format means for future nursing students. But first, let鈥檚 talk about some of the exam鈥檚 fundamentals.
What is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX is a standardized exam that measures nursing students’ proficiency and ability to care for their patients safely.
All versions of the exam cover comprehensive nursing concepts under four categories:
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
At launch, the NGN will allow students five hours to answer 85 to 150 questions.
So why such a wide range of possible total questions?听
The NCLEX uses a (CAT) format, a modern testing technique incorporating an algorithm that adapts to your responses in real time. Based on your previous answers, the test will adjust the difficulty of your future questions accordingly.
With each question answered, the NCLEX narrows its certainty index. This level of certainty determines whether the test taker鈥檚 overall competency exceeds or fails the exam鈥檚 passing standard.
Here鈥檚 a short video from the NCSBN鈥檚 Director of Outreach, Jason Schwartz, MS, with a more detailed look into how the CAT process works in the NGN:
Why Does the NCLEX Matter?
The NCSBN collaborates with nursing regulatory bodies as an independent council to create a universal standard for licensure testing.
Therefore, anyone wishing to work in the United States or Canada as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse must pass the NCLEX.
By passing the NCLEX, you will assure potential employers that you have the knowledge and critical thinking skills to care for your patients effectively.
How Do I Take the NCLEX?
Anyone with the appropriate nursing degree accredited by the following commissions is eligible to take the NCLEX:
- (ACEN)
- (CCNE)
- (NLN CNEA)
First, you must (NRB) where you wish to be licensed (don鈥檛 forget that some states, like California, have multiple NRBs).
After applying to your desired NRB, you will register with the test鈥檚 administrator, which is Pearson VUE, at the time of this writing.听听
How Can I Prepare for the NCLEX?
The NCLEX may sound like a monumental hurdle, but it鈥檚 just another stepping stone to your nursing career! You can take several steps to set yourself up for success in preparation for the NCLEX.
While studying for most other exams relies on memorization, critical thinking is a significant focus in how the NCLEX determines your nursing competencies. So you鈥檒l want to consider using the following study methods so you can adjust on the fly on testing day.听
Get Familiar With the Exam鈥檚 Composition
While you won鈥檛 be able to see any of the exam鈥檚 specific questions until you begin, the NCSBN is incredibly transparent about the test鈥檚 .
Familiarize yourself with how the NCLEX operates in real time. Five hours may seem long, but that time can quickly disappear if you鈥檙e unprepared for the NGN鈥檚 format.
Explore Study Resources
As with plenty of other standardized testing models, many NCLEX study guides, books, and tutorials are available.
And yes, ! In addition, from other nurses who have already experienced the exam are also worthy of your consideration.
Take Practice Quizzes
If you鈥檙e struggling in a particular area, or perhaps you鈥檙e not even sure which subjects you might be weak in, then sample tests are excellent barometers of your study progress.
Many practice quizzes, like the ones , are accompanied by study guides and videos for their respective topics.
Invest in a Review Course
If you鈥檙e not confident in your self-study skills, many NCLEX review courses are at your disposal. Many come with extensive assessments, interactive classrooms, and even live coaching.
Remember that these courses often come with a hefty price tag. However, one of them could be just what you need to help you grasp key concepts and hone your exam-taking insight.
Don鈥檛 Stress Out
The most important thing to do when preparing for the NCLEX is relax!听
Don鈥檛 get so caught up in studying that you neglect your physical and mental health. Instead, keep yourself grounded by intentionally setting aside time for other activities.听
You won鈥檛 be doing yourself any favors by burning out your body and brain by test day. Also, avoid last-second cramming and take time to quiet your nerves before the timer starts.
The NCLEX is Just Another Marker on Your Journey
The NCLEX may seem daunting at first glance, but don鈥檛 look at it as a hurdle 鈥� rather as the finish line on your track to becoming a licensed nurse.
With practical preparation and diligent effort, you can fulfill your dream by passing the NCLEX with flying colors. Yet, every journey begins with one simple step, and the Davis & Elkins family would love to invest in yours.
We offer our students an intensive course during their final semester that prepares them for the NCLEX, including .
Our passionate nursing instructors will work with you to ensure you鈥檙e ready to tackle the NCLEX and lead the way for the next generation of nurses.
Realize your dream of becoming a nurse and reach out to us today!