FAQs - NCLEX
This is a very basic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page which attempts to answer some of the more commonly asked questions. Just click a question to read the answer.
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What Is International NCLEX Administration?
International NCLEX administration is the delivery of NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations in Pearson Professional Testing Centers located outside U.S. state and territorial boards of nursing (also known as NCSBN Member Board jurisdictions), for purposes of licensure within Member Board jurisdictions. All current state licensure requirement processes still apply.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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What does the NCLEX examination cover?
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the NCLEX examination covers the following "categories of client needs":
• Safe, Effective Care Environment
o Management of Care
o Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
o Growth and Development Through the Life Span
o Prevention and Early Detection of Disease
• Psychosocial Integrity
o Coping and Adaptation
o Psychosocial Adaptation
• Physiological Integrity
o Basic Care and Comfort
o Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
o Reduction of Risk Potential
o Physiological Adaptation
Source: http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/nclex.php
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What must I do to become eligible to take the NCLEX examination?
In order to take the NCLEX examination, you must apply for nursing license from your state board of nursing. That board will determine whether or not you meet its criteria for NCLEX examination-eligibility. You must then register to take the exam.
Source: http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/nclex.php
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How long is the test?
The NCLEX examination is a multiple choice exam which uses an interactive system called Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to gauge your level of competence. RN candidates will answer a minimum of 75 questions, LPN candidates a minimum of 85 questions. After you have answered the minimum number of questions, the computer will attempt to access your level of competence. If you are clearly above the passing standard at this time, you will pass; likewise, if you are clearly below the standard you will fail. If you are too close to the standard to allow a definitive result to be determined, you will continue to answer questions until a final assessment can be made. RN candidates may take a maximum of 265 questions, LPN candidates a maximum of 205.
Source: http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/nclex.php
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How long does it take to complete the NCLEX examination?
You will have five hours in which to complete the exam. This includes the time set aside for the introductory computer tutorial and for two ten-minute breaks.\r\nSource: http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/nclex.php\r\n
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How is the NCLEX examination scored?
The NCLEX examination is scored once by the computer on which you are taking it, and a second time by the National Council's testing service.
Source: http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/nclex.php
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When can I expect to receive my results?
It will take about a month for your state board of nursing to mail you the results of your exam.
Source: http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/nclex.php
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If I fail the test, will I be given the chance to review my mistakes?
If you fail the test, your state board of nursing will mail you a diagnostic profile that will outline both the areas of knowledge in which your performance was satisfactory and the areas in which it was not.
Source: http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/nclex.php
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Where Are The International Testing Centers That Can Administer NCLEX?
The countries that currently administer the NCLEX Examinations are Hong Kong, England and South Korea. Beginning February 15, 2006, appointments will be accepted for NCLEX testing on, or after April 1, 2006 at Pearson Professional Centers in Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, and Taiwan.
At a later date in 2006, it is expected that Japan will become authorized as well. It is important to note that other locations may be added later.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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Will The NCLEX Examination Administered Internationally Be The Same As The Examinations Administered Domestically?
Yes. The test specifications and passing standards are the same for all NCLEX examinations. The international test centers are required to meet the same security and test administration requirements as domestic test centers. The administration environment requirements are summarized as follows: \r\n All locations will be Pearson owned and operated centers \r\n Pearson centers will be built in accordance with standards in the test services contract \r\n Pearson centers will always be staffed by at least two certified test center administers, who are Pearson employees \r\n The same secured technology and file server security will be utilized as in U.S. based centers \r\n Candidate identification procedure will be the same \r\n All centers will have the same video/audio recording technology as U.S. based centers \r\n All the same digital fingerprint, photograph and signature technology (including back-up technology), as used in U.S. based centers will be employed \r\n All examination registration, scheduling and examination proctoring procedures, including incident reports and investigations will be the same as in U.S. centers \r\nSource: www.ncsbn.org\r\n
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How Do I Register To Take The NCLEX Examination In An International Test Center?
The electronic version of the 2006 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin is available from the NCSBN Web site (www.ncsbn.org); this bulletin provides detailed information regarding the NCLEX examination fee, registration process and scheduling procedures for international and domestic test centers.
ALL candidates, regardless of where the examination will be administered, must apply for licensure to a U.S. state or territorial board of nursing to receive an Authorization To Test (ATT) before they will be allowed to schedule an examination appointment. Candidates who are not familiar with the state nurse licensure process should contact the specific state board of nursing in the state they wish to be licensed for specific information.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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I Have An Authorization To Test (ATT) but want to schedule an Examination Appointment At An International Test Center. May I have An Extension on my ATT to do so?
No. Candidates who have previously received an Authorization To Test (ATT) will NOT be granted an extension in order to accommodate scheduling in international test centers. Candidates should consult the 2006 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for complete information on this process.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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How Much Will It Cost To Take The NCLEX Examination Internationally?
The fee for taking the NCLEX examination is $200. If you choose to schedule your NCLEX examination at an international test center, you will have to pay an international scheduling fee of $150 plus a Value Added Tax (VAT) where applicable. These fees must be paid by credit card and will be charged when you schedule your examination appointment.
You will also have to pay other fees for licensure required by the board of nursing in the jurisdiction in which you are applying. You must check with your board of nursing to find out about these fees.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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I Have An Appointment Scheduled At A Domestic Test Center, May I Change To An International Center?
Yes. You will have to pay the $150 international scheduling fee and any applicable VAT charges;
these fees must be paid by credit card.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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May I Get A Refund For Any NCLEX Examination Fees?
No. There are no refunds of NCLEX examination fees for any reason.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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If I Take My Examination At An International Center, May I Utilize The Unofficial Quick Results Service?
The NCLEX Unofficial Quick Results is available to any candidate as long as their state board of nursing participates in the service. Candidates in the following jurisdictions may access their ‘Unofficial’ results via the NCLEX® Candidate Web site or through the NCLEX® Quick Results Line:
Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia-PN, Georgia-RN, Illinois, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia PN, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
The “unofficial” results will be available two business days after taking the examination.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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How can I inquire about the requirements for licensure of a specific state?
This table contains the contact information and websites of all the states in the
United States of America. You can contact them through mail, by phone or visit their
websites for any inquiries.
Contact Information and Web Sites
Alabama Board of Nursing
770 Washington Avenue, RSA Plaza, Ste 250
Montgomery, AL 36130-3900
Phone: (334) 242-4060
FAX: (334) 242-4360
Contact Person: N. Genell Lee, MSN, JD, RN, Executive Officer
Web Site: http://www.abn.state.al.us
Alaska Board of Nursing
550 West Seventh Avenue Suite 1500
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3567 Phone: (907) 269-8161
FAX: (907) 269-8196
Contact Person: Dorothy Fulton, MA, RN, Executive Administrator
Web Site: http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/pnur.htm
American Samoa Health Services
Regulatory Board
LBJ Tropical Medical Center Pago Pago, AS 96799
Phone: (684) 633-1222
FAX: (684) 633-1869
Contact Person: Toaga Atuatasi Seumalo, MS, RN, Executive Secretary
Arizona State Board of Nursing
1651 E. Morten Avenue, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phone: (602) 889-5150
FAX: (602) 889-5155
Contact Person: Joey Ridenour, MN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.azboardofnursing.org
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
University Tower Building
1123 S. University, Suite 800 Little Rock, AR 72204-1619
Phone: (501) 686-2700
FAX: (501) 686-2714
Contact Person: Faith Fields, MSN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.state.ar.us/nurse
California Board of Registered Nursing
1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite N-217, Sacramento, CA 95834-1924
Phone: (916) 322-3350
FAX: (916) 574-8637
Contact Person: Ruth Ann Terry, MPH, RN, Executive Officer
Web Site: http://www.rn.ca.gov/
California Board of Vocational Nurse
and Psychiatric Technicians
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 263-7800
FAX: (916) 263-7859
Contact Person: Teresa Bello-Jones, JD, MSN, RN, Executive Officer
Web Site: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/
Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 880, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430
FAX: (303) 894-2821
Contact Person: Linda Volz, Program Director
Web Site: http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/
Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing
Dept. of Public Health
410 Capitol Avenue, MS# 13PHO, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0328
Phone: (860) 509-7624
FAX: (860) 509-7553
Contact Person: Jan Wojick , Board Liaison
Nancy L. Bafundo, BSN, MS, RN, Board President
Web Site: http://www.state.ct.us/dph/
Delaware Board of Nursing
861 Silver Lake Blvd, Cannon Building, Suite 203, Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 739-4522
FAX: (302) 739-2711
Contact Person: Iva Boardman, MSN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.professionallicensing.state.de.us/boards/nursing/index.shtml
District of Columbia Board of Nursing
Department of Health
717 14th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 724-4900
FAX: (202) 727-8241
Contact Person: Karen Scipio-Skinner MSN, RN, Executive Director
Website: http://www.dchealth.dc.gov/
Florida Board of Nursing
Mailing Address: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C02, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
Physical Address: 4042 Bald Cypress Way, Room 120, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-4125
FAX: (850) 245-4172
Contact Person: Vacant, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/
Georgia State Board of Licensed
Practical Nurses, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217-3858
Phone: (478) 207-1640
FAX: (478) 207-1633
Contact Person: Brig Zimmerman, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/lpn
Georgia Board of Nursing
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217-3858
Phone: (478) 207-1640
FAX: (478) 207-1660
Contact Person: Sylvia Bond, RN MSN, MBA, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/rn
Guam Board of Nurse Examiners
Regular mailing address: P.O. Box 2816, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Street address (for Fed Ex & UPS): 651 Legacy Square Commercial Complex, South Route 10
Suite 9, Mangilao, Guam 96913
Phone: (671) 735-7406 (671) 725-7411
FAX: (671) 735-7413
Contact Person: Lillian Perez-Posadas, Interim Executive Officer
Hawaii Board of Nursing
King Kalakaua Building
335 Merchant Street, 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: (808) 586-3000
FAX: (808) 586-2689
Contact Person: Kathleen Yokouchi, MBA, BBA, BA, Executive Officer
Web Site: www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/pvl/boards/nursing
Idaho Board of Nursing
280 N. 8th Street, Suite 210, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720
Phone: (208) 334-3110
FAX: (208) 334-3262
Contact Person: Sandra Evans, MA.Ed, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www2.state.id.us/ibn
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph, Suite 9-300
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 814-2715
FAX: (312) 814-3145
Contact Person: Vacant, Nursing Act Coordinator
Web Site: http://www.dpr.state.il.us/
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
320 W. Washington St., 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: (217) 782-8556
FAX: (217) 782-7645
Indiana State Board of Nursing
Professional Licensing Agency
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072,Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-2043
FAX: (317) 233-4236
Contact Person: Tonja Thompson, Director of Nursing
Web Site: http://www.state.in.us/hpb/boards/isbn/
Iowa Board of Nursing
RiverPoint Business Park
400 S.W. 8th Street, Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309-4685
Phone: (515) 281-3255
FAX: (515) 281-4825
Contact Person: Lorinda Inman, MSN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.state.ia.us/government/nursing/
Kansas State Board of Nursing
Landon State Office Building,900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 1051
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-4929
FAX: (785) 296-3929
Contact Person: Mary Blubaugh, MSN, RN, Executive Administrator
Web Site: http://www.ksbn.org/
Kentucky Board of Nursing
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300 , Louisville, KY 40222
Phone: (502) 429-3300
FAX: (502) 429-3311
Contact Person: Charlotte F. Beason, Ed.D, RN, CNAA, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.kbn.ky.gov/
Louisiana State Board of Practical
Nurse Examiners
3421 N. Causeway Boulevard, Suite 505, Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: (504) 838-5791
FAX: (504) 838-5279
Contact Person: Claire Glaviano, BSN, MN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.lsbpne.com/
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
3510 N. Causeway Boulevard, Suite 601 , Metairie, LA 70002
Temporary Address: 5207 Essen Lane, Suite 6, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
Phone: (225) 763-3570 or (225) 763-3577
Fax: (225) 763-3580
Phone: (504) 838-5332
FAX: (504) 838-5349
Contact Person: Barbara Morvant, MN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/
Maine State Board of Nursing
Regular mailing address: 158 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
Street address (for Fed Ex & UPS): 161 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 287-1133
FAX: (207) 287-1149
Contact Person: Myra Broadway, JD, MS, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/
Maryland Board of Nursing
4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 585-1900
FAX: (410) 358-3530
Contact Person: Donna Dorsey, MS, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.mbon.org/
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 239 Causeway Street, Second Floor,Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 973-0800 (800) 414-0168
FAX: (617) 973-0984
Contact Person: Rula Faris Harb, MS, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/rn/
Michigan/DCH/Bureau of Health Professions
Ottawa Towers North, 611 W. Ottawa, 1st Floor, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 335-0918
FAX: (517) 373-2179
Contact Person: Diane Lewis, MBA, BA, Policy Manager for Licensing Division
Web Site: http://www.michigan.gov/healthlicense
Minnesota Board of Nursing
2829 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: (612) 617-2270
FAX: (612) 617-2190
Contact Person: Shirley Brekken, MS, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.nursingboard.state.mn.us/
Mississippi Board of Nursing
1935 Lakeland Drive, Suite B ,Jackson, MS 39216-5014
Phone: (601) 987-4188
FAX: (601) 364-2352
Contact Person: Delia Owens, RN, JD, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.msbn.state.ms.us/
Missouri State Board of Nursing
3605 Missouri Blvd., P.O. Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
Phone: (573) 751-0681
FAX: (573) 751-0075
Contact Person: Lori Scheidt, BS, Executive Director
Web Site: http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
Montana State Board of Nursing
301 South Park , PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513
Phone: (406) 841-2340
FAX: (406) 841-2305
Contact Person: Sandra Dickenson, Executive Director
Web Site:
http://www.discoveringmontana.com/dli/bsd/license/bsd_boards/nur_board/
board_page.asphttp://www.discoveringmontana.com/dli/bsd/license/bsd_boards/
nur_board/board_page.htm
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure
Nursing and Nursing Support, 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Phone: (402) 471-4376
FAX: (402) 471-1066
Contact Person: Charlene Kelly, PhD, RN, Executive Director
Nursing and Nursing Support
Web Site: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/crl/nursing/nursingindex.htm
Nevada State Board of Nursing
5011 Meadowood Mall #201, Reno, NV 89502-6547
Phone: (775) 688-2620
FAX: (775) 688-2628
Contact Person: Debra Scott, MS, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.nursingboard.state.nv.us/
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 16, Concord, NH 03301-2341
Phone: (603) 271-2323
FAX: (603) 271-6605
Contact Person: Margaret Walker, MBA, BSN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.state.nh.us/nursing/
New Jersey Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 45010, 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor, Newark, NJ 07101
Phone: (973) 504-6586
FAX: (973) 648-3481
Contact Person: George Hebert, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/medical.htm
New Mexico Board of Nursing
6301 Indian School Road, NE Suite 710, Albuquerque, NM 87110
Phone: (505) 841-8340
FAX: (505) 841-8347
Contact Person: Allison Kozeliski, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.state.nm.us/clients/nursing
New York State Board of Nursing
Education Bldg. 89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor West Wing ,Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 474-3817 Ext. 280
FAX: (518) 474-3706
Contact Person: Barbara Zittel, PhD, RN, Executive Secretary
Web Site: http://www.nysed.gov/prof/nurse.htm
North Carolina Board of Nursing
3724 National Drive, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27602
Phone: (919) 782-3211
FAX: (919) 781-9461
Contact Person: Polly Johnson, MSN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.ncbon.com/
North Dakota Board of Nursing
919 South 7th Street, Suite 504, Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: (701) 328-9777
FAX: (701) 328-9785
Contact Person: Constance Kalanek, PhD, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.ndbon.org/
Northern Mariana Islands
Commonwealth Board of Nurse Examiners, PO BOX 501458, Saipan, MP 96950
Phone: (670) 664-4812
FAX: (670) 664-4813
Contact Person: Rosa M. Tuleda, Associate Director of Public Health & Nursing
Ohio Board of Nursing
17 South High Street, Suite 400, Columbus, OH 43215-3413
Phone: (614) 466-3947
FAX: (614) 466-0388
Contact Person: Betsy J. Houchen, RN, MS, JD, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2915 N. Classen Boulevard, Suite 524, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Phone: (405) 962-1800
FAX: (405) 962-1821
Contact Person: Kimberly Glazier, M.Ed., RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.youroklahoma.com/nursing
Oregon State Board of Nursing
800 NE Oregon Street, Box 25, Suite 465, Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (971) 673-0685
FAX: (971) 673-0684
Contact Person: Joan Bouchard, MN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.osbn.state.or.us/
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
PO 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Phone: (717) 783-7142
FAX: (717) 783-0822
Contact Person: Laurette D. Keiser, RN, MSN, Executive Secretary/Section Chief
Web Site: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp
Puerto Rico, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Board of Nurse Examiners
Mailing Address: Office of Regulations and Certifications of Health Professionals
P.O. Box 10200, Santurce, PR 00908-0200
Physical Address: 800 Roberto H. Todd Avenue, Room 202, Stop 18, Santurce, PR 00908
Phone: (787) 725-7506
FAX: (787) 725-7903
Contact Person: Roberto Figueroa, RN, MSN, Executive Director of the
Office of Regulations and Certifications of Health Care Professions
Rhode Island Board of Nurse
Registration and Nursing Education
105 Cannon Building, Three Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-5700
FAX: (401) 222-3352
Contact Person: Vacant, Executive Officer
Web Site: http://www.health.ri.gov/
South Carolina State Board of Nursing
110 Centerview Drive, Suite 202, Columbia, SC 29210 Phone: (803) 896-4550
FAX: (803) 896-4525
Contact Person: Dottie Buchanan
Web Site: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/nursing
South Dakota Board of Nursing
4305 South Louise Ave., Suite 201, Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115
Phone: (605) 362-2760
FAX: (605) 362-2768
Contact Person: Gloria Damgaard, RN, MS, Executive Secretary
Web Site: http://www.state.sd.us/doh/nursing/
Tennessee State Board of Nursing
425 Fifth Avenue North, 1st Floor - Cordell Hull Building, Nashville, TN 37247
Phone: (615) 532-5166
FAX: (615) 741-7899
Contact Person: Elizabeth Lund, MSN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.tennessee.gov/health
Texas Board of Nurse Examiners
333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460 , Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 305-7400
FAX: (512) 305-7401
Contact Person: Katherine Thomas, MN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.bne.state.tx.us/
Utah State Board of Nursing
Heber M. Wells Bldg., 4th Floor, 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 530-6628
FAX: (801) 530-6511
Contact Person: Laura Poe, MS, RN, Executive Administrator
Web Site: http://www.commerce.state.ut.us/
Vermont State Board of Nursing
81 River Street, Heritage Building, Montpelier, VT 05609-1106
Phone: (802) 828-2396
FAX: (802) 828-2484
Contact Person: Anita Ristau, MS, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.vtprofessionals.org/opr1/nurses/
Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure
P.O. Box 4247, Veterans Drive Station, St. Thomas, VI 00803
Phone: (340) 776-7397
FAX: (340) 777-4003
Contact Person: Diane Viville, Executive Secretary
Virginia Board of Nursing
6603 West Broad Street 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1712 Phone: (804) 662-9909
FAX: (804) 662-9512
Contact Person: Jay Douglas, RN, MSM, CSAC, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/
Washington State Nursing Care Quality
Assurance Commission
Department of Health
HPQA #6, 310 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501-7864
Phone: (360) 236-4700
FAX: (360) 236-4738
Contact Person: Paula Meyer, MSN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: https://wws2.wa.gov/doh/hpqa-licensing/HPS6/Nursing/default.htm
West Virginia State Board of Examiners
for Licensed Practical Nurses, 101 Dee Drive, Charleston, WV 25311 Phone: (304) 558-3572
FAX: (304) 558-4367
Contact Person: Lanette Anderson, RN, BSN, JD, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.lpnboard.state.wv.us/
West Virginia Board of Examiners
for Registered Professional Nurses, 101 Dee Drive, Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: (304) 558-3596
FAX: (304) 558-3666
Contact Person: Laura Rhodes, MSN, RN, Executive Director
Web Site: http://www.wvrnboard.com/
Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing
1400 E. Washington Avenue, RM 173, Madison, WI 53708
Phone: (608) 266-0145
FAX: (608) 261-7083
Contact Person: Kimberly Nania, PhD, MA, BS, Director, Bureau of Health Service Professions
Web Site: http://www.drl.state.wi.us/
Wyoming State Board of Nursing
2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 110, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7601
FAX: (307) 777-3519
Contact Person: Cheryl Lynn Koski, MN, RN, CS, Executive Director
Web Site: http://nursing.state.wy.us/
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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If I fail my NCLEX examination, how soon can I apply for a re-examination?
The NCSBN re-take policy allows candidates to re-take their examination 45 days after administration of their examination. Candidates who have applied for licensure with a participating board of nursing will be permitted to take the NCLEX examination eight times a year, but no more than once in any 45-day period, unless limited to fewer re-takes by the desired jurisdiction of licensure.Note: The following boards of nursing do NOT participate in the 45 day re-take period. Candidates are encouraged to contact these boards of nursing for their policy on NCLEX Examination re-takes: Georgia-RN, Guam, Montana, Puerto Rico and Washington.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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What will I do if I run out of time during the examination?
If your examination ended because your six hours for the NCLEX-RN examination or five hours for the NCLEX-PN examination expired, the computer did not have sufficient evidence to make a clear pass or fail decision (or it would have already stopped administering questions). Candidates whose competence is either far above or far below the passing standard are identified quickly, and their examinations end after the minimum number of items has been administered. Candidates whose competence is closer to the passing standard (neither extremely high nor low) need to provide more information (by answering more questions) before a confident decision can be made. We have established a maximum number of items that provides as much information as was obtained from the paper-and-pencil NCLEX examination. However, when you run out of time before taking the maximum number of questions, we do not have even that much information. \r\nBecause the primary mission of boards of nursing is to protect the public, it can be argued that candidates should fail whenever it's not clear if they should pass. However, when we looked at the response patterns of people who ran out of time during the field tests, we found some of them had been performing consistently above the passing level, and their true competence level appeared to be above passing, although close to it. The "last 60" rule provides a mechanism to permit these candidates to demonstrate acceptable competence and pass. \r\nInstead of just looking at how well you were doing at the very end of the examination, when you run out of time we require you to have been consistently above passing. \r\nWhen you run out of time, we know that you were not far enough above or below the passing standard for the test to have finished early, and we don't have as much information to use in calculating your competence level as we require for people whose performance is close to the passing standard. So, in addition to requiring that your final competence estimate was above passing, we also require that it had been consistently above the passing standard throughout the final portion of your examination. \r\nAfter each question, the computer recalculates your competence level, using your performance on all of the questions you have answered to that point. If each of the last 60 competence levels that were calculated were above the passing standard, then you will pass the examination, even though you ran out of time. This does not mean you need to answer all of the last 60 questions correctly. You just have to answer enough of them correctly so that your competence level stays above the passing standard. Therefore, if your performance has been consistently above passing, you will pass, despite having run out of time. Source: www.ncsbn.org\r\n
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When will the NCLEX examination end?
The NCLEX® examination will end when:
1. a candidate's measure of competence is known to be above or below the passing standard with
at least 95 percent confidence (is significantly above or below the standard) and at least the minimum
number of questions has been answered; or
2. a candidate has taken the maximum number of questions; or
3. a candidate has been testing for the maximum time.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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What are the criteria for passing the NCLEX examination?
Candidates will pass the NCLEX examination when:
1. they answer at least the minimum number of questions, within the time allowed, and achieve a competence
measure significantly above the passing standard; or
2. they answer the maximum number of questions, within the time allowed, and achieve a final competence
measure above the passing standard (even if not significantly above); or
3. they answer at least the minimum number of questions, but not the maximum, using all of the time allowed, and have
a competence measure above the passing standard consistently for all of the last 60 questions. Not all of the last 60
items need to be answered correctly, but the competence estimate must remain above the passing standard after each of the last 60 items answered.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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What are the criteria for failing the examination?
Candidates will not pass the NCLEX® examination when:
1. they answer at least the minimum number of questions, within the time allowed, and achieve a
competence measure significantly below the passing standard; or
2. they answer the maximum number of questions, within the time allowed, and achieve a final
competence measure below the passing standard (even if not significantly below); or
3. they answer at least the minimum number of questions, but not the maximum, using all of the time
allowed, and have a competence measure that has not been above the passing standard for all of the
last 60 questions; or
4. they answer fewer than the minimum number of questions before the maximum time allowed elapses.
Source: www.ncsbn.org
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What is the maximum number of questions for the NCLEX-RN exam?
The maximum number of questions is 265 for the NCLEX-RN® examination.
Source: www.ncsbn.org -
Will items that use alternate formats replace the four-option, multiple-choice items on the exam?
Alternate items will not replace the items that are in the NCLEX examinations, they have been added to the NCLEX Examination item pools and have been administered to candidates since April 2003. There is no established percentage of items with alternate formats that are administered to candidates.
Source: www.ncsbn.org -
Do some of NCLEX exam items require the candidate to select answers outside the scope of practice?
All NCLEX® examination items have been reviewed by the NCSBN's Examination Committee and have been deemed by the committee to be within the scope of practice for a registered nurse or a licensed practical/vocational nurse.
Source: www.ncsbn.org -
Do most NCLEX exam items are written at the cognitive levels of knowledge and comprehension?
The majority of NCLEX® examination items are written at the cognitive levels of application or higher. These questions require a candidate to utilize problem-solving skills in order to select the correct answer. Examples of more cognitively complex items can include making assignments for four clients, prioritizing care for four clients and analyzing complex client data to determine an appropriate nursing action.
Source: www.ncsbn.org -
Are candidates randomly selected to receive maximum length exam-265 items for NCLEX-RN
Items are administered following the principles of computer adaptive testing (CAT). Candidates are NOT randomly selected to receive a designated number of examination items. As a candidate takes the examination, questions are selected based on the candidate's response to previous questions. Testing stops when it can be determined with 95% confidence that a candidate's performance is either above or below the passing standard, regardless of the number of items answered or the amount of testing time elapsed (six hour maximum time period for the NCLEX-RN® examination).
Source: www.ncsbn.org -
Is it true that candidate who receive the minimum number of items with the last item easy will fail?
Candidates cannot reliably identify which items are easy and which items are difficult with regard to the NCLEX scale. At the end of an examination, a candidate is usually receiving items that they have approximately a 50/50 chance of answering correctly. Typically, candidates regard questions that they can answer correctly only half the time as difficult. The candidate’s sense of what is easy and what is difficult is relative to their ability. Because the examination is adaptive, both high and low ability candidates will think the items at the end of the test are challenging.
Source: www.ncsbn.org