Resource Center

The NCLEX uses CAT. It relies on modern psychometric theory coupled with modern computer-driven administration to produce a psychometrically sound, standardized exam for measuring the minimal competency required to practice safe, entry-level nursing. This break out session will describe the background and methods behind the NCLEX CAT methodology.

Ever wonder how NCLEX items are developed? This session will explain the processes and steps every NCLEX item goes through before it can be used on the NCLEX. Opportunities for educator involvement will also be highlighted.

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 reevaluate their respective passing standards triennially. During this breakout session, NCSBN staff will discuss the steps involved in setting NCLEX passing standards.

NCSBN staff answers questions about the NCLEX, exam operations and the exam development process.

Tim Bristol, Faculty Development & Owner, NurseTim, Inc., answers questions about effective ways to apply the NCJMM in your classroom.

NCSBN staff answers questions about the NGN.

NCSBN's Director of Test Development, Jason Schwartz, shares changes coming soon to the NCLEX.

The NCSBN Examinations Operations team demonstrates the NCLEX registration process and highlights online resources NCSBN has available to educators and students. This video shows what candidates can expect before, during and after the exam.

The NCLEX-PN examination test plan includes an in-depth overview of the content categories along with details about the administration of the exam as well as NCLEX-style item writing exercises and case scenario examples.

This annual publication provides data on candidate performance on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Examinations and also includes data on the candidates who have been able to take the NCLEX-RN for purposes of licensure/registration in Canada since January 5, 2015. This publication provides a brief overview of how Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) works, how the passing standard is set, and how the pass/fail decision is made at the beginning. The main part of the publication is a detailed breakdown of candidate performance for 2019 and includes the pass rates by candidate type, degree type and country. In addition, the publication contains NCLEX historical data (e.g., pass rates, passing standards, and volume) since CAT administration started in 1994.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NCLEX candidates have had to wait longer or travel farther to take their exams. NCSBN has worked to reopen NCLEX test centers and expand time slots while following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and recommendations. This webinar for educators reviews NCSBN's efforts to restore testing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary testing sites and what candidates need to know. 

Part one of this webinar will highlight the behind-the-scenes security measures at testing centers, incident documentation via case reporting, result score holds as well as NCSBN’s result cancellation process. Part two will summarize the NCLEX testing accommodation process, including the roles of candidates, NCSBN, Pearson VUE and Nursing Regulatory Bodies. It will also highlight an NCLEX Admin system update.