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Summary data for multiple categories of candidates, U.S. and international, is provided for performance on NCSBN's two nurse licensure examinations, the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN.

NCSBN and Pearson VUE worked together to allow for the continued testing of NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN candidates on a limited basis, subject to state and local requirements. NCSBN hosted a 30-minute webinar to answer questions educators have about the modified exam and testing procedures in place.  

Topic: The NGN Case Study  

This webinar will be presented by the Test Development team and discuss the new NCLEX-PN Test Plan that will become effective in April 2020 as detailed below:

To ensure public protection, each jurisdiction requires candidates for practical nurse licensure to meet set requirements that include passing an examination that measures the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as an entry-level, newly licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN). NCSBN develops a licensure examination for LPN/VNs, the NCLEX-PN, which is used by jurisdictions to assist in making licensure decisions. Triennially, NCSBN conducts the NCLEX-PN Practice Analysis to analyze entry-level LPN/VN practice. Using the data collected from the practice analysis, NCSBN develops the NCLEX Test Plan which guides the selection of content and behaviors to be tested during NCLEX administration. In April 2020, the new 2020 NCLEX-PN Test Plan will become effective. This webinar will provide an overview of the 2020 NCLEX-PN Test Plan, including new information effective with the test plan revision.

This webinar will discuss how NCSBN sets the passing standard for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations. Topics covered will include:

• How the judges are selected;
• What method is used in setting the passing standard; and
• What a standard setting workshop looks like.

Topic: Approved NGN Item Types

This webinar will provide updates on the Next Generation NCLEX project (NGN). Topics covered include:

• Explanation of the clinical judgment model (CJM)
• Benefits of using the action model
• Updates on item prototype development
• Information on recent CJM publications

Standard setting is a process used by testing professionals to determine the passing score on a test. It is an important step in establishing the validity and legal-defensibility of an exam program. The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams re-evaluate their respective passing standards triennially. In this session, NCSBN staff will discuss the steps involved in setting NCLEX passing standards.

In addition to developing the NCLEX, the NCSBN Examinations Department provides daily operational, security and customer service support for NCLEX candidates, educators, and Nursing Regulatory Bodies (NRBs). During this session, we will explore the NCLEX registration process, online resources, and exam security measures, highlighting what candidates can expect before, during and after the NCLEX. The session will conclude with a summary of the NCLEX testing accommodation process, including the roles of candidates, NCSBN, Pearson VUE, and NRBs.

This annual publication provides national and state summary data of member boards’ licensure activities, as well as data on candidate performance on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Examinations. On Jan. 5, 2015, the first candidates were able to take the NCLEX-RN for purposes of licensure/registration in Canada. This publication provides a detailed breakdown of candidate performance for 2018, as well as historical data. 

Sound nursing clinical judgment is at the core of competent and safe client care. New graduate nurses face increasing challenges that underscore the importance of investigating how nurse educators teach and measure nursing students' abilities to make clinical judgments. This article presents the National Council of State Boards of Nursing-Clinical Judgment Model (NCSBN-CJM) and discusses the use of the model.