2012 NCLEX® Examination Candidate Bulletin

The NCLEX® candidate bulletin contains information for all registrations and scheduling of NCLEX appointments beginning January 1, 2012.Additional information is available at www.ncsbn.orgDo not discard before receiving your exam results.

Contact Information

Contact Pearson VUE for questions regarding:• RegisteringtotaketheNCLEX• AuthorizationtoTest(ATT)Letter• LostATTLetter• Scheduling/reschedulinganexamappointment• Acceptableformsofidentification• Commentsaboutthetestcenter

Visit: NCLEXCandidatewebsite,http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex

Call: NCLEXCandidateServices(PearsonVUE)

United States–Callat(toll-free)1.866.49NCLEX(1.866.496.2539),Monday–Friday,7amto7pm,U.S.CentralTime.

Asia Pacific Region–CallNCLEXCandidateServicesinKualaLumpur,Malaysia,at(paynumber)+603.8314.9605,Monday–Friday,8:30amto6pm,UniversalTime.

Europe, Middle East, Africa–CallNCLEXCandidateServices,at(paynumber)+44.161.855.7445,Monday–Friday,8amto6pm,CentralEuropeanTime.

India–CallNCLEXCandidateServicesat(paynumber)91.120.439.7837,Monday–Friday,9amto6pm,IT.

All other countries not listed above–Call(paynumber)1.952.905.7403,Monday–Friday,7amto7pm,CentralTime.

Candidates with hearing impairmentswhouseaTelecommunicationsDevicefortheDeaf(TDD)–CalltheU.S.A.RelayServiceat(toll-free)1.800.627.3529ortheCanada&InternationalInboundrelayserviceat(paynumber)605.224.1837.Theseservicesareavailable24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek.

Write: NCLEXExaminationProgramPearsonProfessionalTesting5601GreenValleyDriveBloomington,MN55437-1099DO NOT SEND 3rd Party Payments to the above address.

Email: pvamericascustomerservice@pearson.com

Contact the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN) for questions regarding:• NCLEXdevelopment• GeneralNCLEXinformation• Generalquestions/inquiresrelatingtoexaminationadministration

Visit: NCSBNwebsite,http://www.ncsbn.org

Write: NationalCouncilofStateBoardsofNursing,Inc.ExaminationsDepartment111E.WackerDrive,Suite2900Chicago,Illinois60601-4277

Call Examinations Department:866.293.9600

Fax Examinations Department:312.279.1036

Email: nclexinfo@ncsbn.org

Contact your board of nursing for questions regarding:• Licensure• Nameoraddresschanges• NamecorrectionsonyourATTletter• Endorsement

Write or call your board of nursing.LinkstoallboardsofnursingwebsitesandcontactinformationisavailableontheNCSBNwebsite:www.ncsbn.org;clickonthelinktitledBoards of Nursing.

Examination results are sent to you by your board of nursing.Waitaminimumoffourweeksfollowingyourexaminationforyourresultstoarriveinthemail.

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Table of ContentsAbout NCLEX .................................................................................................................................................................................. 1

ProgramOverview................................................................................................................................................................................................................1Registering for the Exam ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

RegistrationProcessOverview...........................................................................................................................................................................................2TestFeesandPolicies..........................................................................................................................................................................................................2HowtoRegister.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

InternetRegistration.....................................................................................................................................................................................................3U.S.Mail.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................3Telephone.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

Third-PartyPayment(WorkforceException)....................................................................................................................................................................4TestingAccommodations.....................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Scheduling Your Exam .................................................................................................................................................................... 5AuthorizationtoTest(ATT)...................................................................................................................................................................................................5YourExamAppointment.......................................................................................................................................................................................................5DomesticScheduling............................................................................................................................................................................................................5InternationalScheduling......................................................................................................................................................................................................6GroupScheduling..................................................................................................................................................................................................................6ChangingyourAppointment................................................................................................................................................................................................6

What to Bring to the Test Site ........................................................................................................................................................ 7PersonalIdentificationRequirements...............................................................................................................................................................................7IdentificationfromaU.S.Sanctioned(Embargoed)Country.........................................................................................................................................7

Test Site Rules and Regulations .................................................................................................................................................... 8GroundsforDismissalandCancellationofResults.........................................................................................................................................................9Confidentiality........................................................................................................................................................................................................................9TestSecurity...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................9InvalidResults......................................................................................................................................................................................................................10

The Day of the Exam .................................................................................................................................................................... 10Check-InProcess................................................................................................................................................................................................................10Breaks...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10Technicalissues..................................................................................................................................................................................................................11TestingEnvironment............................................................................................................................................................................................................11WhentheExamisFinished................................................................................................................................................................................................11ResultsReporting................................................................................................................................................................................................................11CandidatePerformanceReport........................................................................................................................................................................................11RetakePolicy........................................................................................................................................................................................................................11SubmittingCommentsandFurtherQuestions................................................................................................................................................................12

NCLEX Test Plans, Test Development and Content .................................................................................................................... 12NCLEXTestPlans................................................................................................................................................................................................................12ObtainingtheDetailedNCLEXTestPlan.........................................................................................................................................................................12ExamContent.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................12DevelopingtheNCLEX........................................................................................................................................................................................................12Definitions.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................12ClientNeedsCategoriesCoveredontheNCLEXExaminations..................................................................................................................................13

NCLEX Psychometrics .................................................................................................................................................................. 13ComputerizedAdaptiveTesting(CAT)..............................................................................................................................................................................13PretestItems........................................................................................................................................................................................................................14NCLEXPassorFailDecisionRules..................................................................................................................................................................................14AlternateItemFormats.......................................................................................................................................................................................................14ThePassingStandard.........................................................................................................................................................................................................15SimilarItems.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................15Guessing...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................15

ABOUT NCLEX

PROGRAM OVERVIEWInApril1994,nurselicensurecandidatesbegantakingtheNationalCouncilLicensureExamination(NCLEX®)oncomputersattestcenterslocatedacrosstheUnitedStates(U.S.)andselectinternationalsites.Thechangetocomputerizedadaptivetesting(CAT)forthenurselicensureexaminationcameaboutasaresultofadecisionmadeinAugust1991bytheNationalCouncilofStateBoardsofNursing(NCSBN®).TheNCLEXisonlyprovidedintheCATformat.

TheNCLEXisgivenonacomputer.Youarenotexpectedtoknowhowtouseacomputerbeforeyoutaketheexamination.Therewillbeatutorialatthebeginningoftheexaminationthatwillinstructyouontheuseofthemouseandhowtorecordananswer.Anon-screencalculatorwillbeavailableduringtheexamination.ThemajorityofNCLEXitemsaremultiple-choicebutthereareotherformatsaswell.All item types are scored as either right or wrong. There is no “partial credit.”

TheNCLEXisdesignedtotestknowledge,skillsandabilitiesessentialtothesafeandeffectivepracticeofnursingattheentrylevel.BoththeNCLEX-RN®andtheNCLEX-PN®arevariablelength,computerized,adaptivetests.TheNCLEXisnotofferedinpaper-and-pencilororalexaminationformats.

TheNCLEX-RN examinationcanbeanywherefrom75to265items.Oftheseitems,15arepretestitemsthatarenotscored.Regardlessofthenumberofitemsadministered,thetimelimitforthisexaminationissixhours.

TheNCLEX-PNexaminationcanbeanywherefrom85to205items.Oftheseitems,25arepretestitemsthatarenotscored.Thetimelimitforthisexaminationisfivehours.

Itisimportanttonotethatthetimeallottedfortheexaminationincludesthetutorial,thesampleitems,allbreaks(restroom,stretching,etc.)andtheexamination.Allbreaksareoptional.NCLEXresultsareanimportantcomponentusedbyboardsofnursingtomakedecisionsaboutlicensure.Only boards of nursing can release NCLEX results to candidates.

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REGISTERING FOR THE EXAM

REGISTRATION PROCESS OVERVIEW1. Submitanapplicationforlicensuretotheboardofnursingwhereyouwishtobelicensed.2. Meetalloftheboardofnursing’seligibilityrequirementstotaketheNCLEX.3. RegisterfortheNCLEXwithPearsonVUE.4. ReceiveAcknowledgementofReceiptofRegistrationfromPearsonVUE.5. TheboardofnursingmakesyoueligibletotaketheNCLEX.6. ReceiveAuthorizationtoTest(ATT)letterfromPearsonVUE.7. ScheduleyourexamwithPearsonVUE.

IfyouchoosetoprovideanemailaddressatthetimeofregisteringfortheNCLEX(whetherbymail,telephoneorviatheInternet),pleasenote thatallcorrespondencefromPearsonVUEwillarriveonlybyemail. Ifyoudonotprovideanemailaddresswhenyouregister,correspondencefromPearsonVUEwillarriveonlythroughU.S.mail.

IfmorethantwoweekshavepassedsinceyouhavesubmittedaregistrationfortheNCLEXandreceivedacknowledgementfromPearsonVUE,andyouhavenotreceivedanATTletter,pleasecallPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServicesattheappropriatenumberlistedontheinsidefrontcover.

Note:Foreducationalprogramcodeinformation,pleasereferencethePearsonVUEwebsiteatwww.pearsonvue.com/nclex.Ifthecodeforyourprogramisnotlisted,pleasecontactyourboardofnursing.

TEST FEES AND POLICIESFeeThefeefortakingtheNCLEXis$200.Youwillalsohavetopayotherlicensurefeesrequiredbytheboardofnursinginthejurisdictioninwhichyouareapplying(contactyourboardofnursingforinformationaboutlicensurefees).IfyouchoosetoscheduleyourNCLEXatatestcenteroutsideoftheU.S.*,youwillhavetopayanadditionalinternationalschedulingfeeof$150,andwhereapplicable,aValueAddedTax(VAT).Thesefeeswillbechargedwhenyouscheduleyourexaminationappointment.

After registering, candidates who want to change the board of nursing where licensure was requested or the type of examinationrequested(RN/PN)willberequiredtopaya$50changefee.Changes to the board of nursing or type of examination cannot be made after receiving eligibility from the board of nursing. *U.S.includesAmericanSamoa,Guam,NorthernMarianaIslands,andtheU.S.VirginIslands.

No Refunds There will be no refund of registration fees (mail, telephone, or via the Internet) for any reason, including, but not limited to:

•DuplicateRegistrations•Failuretorescheduleand/orcancelyourexamappointmentoutsideof24businesshours•Failuretoappearforyourappointment

Do not submit another registration and fee before calling.Ifyoudecidetosubmitanadditionalregistration,firststoppaymentontheoriginalpayment,verifythestop-paymentwasprocessed,thencontactPearsonVUEatthenumberlistedontheinsidecoverofthisbulletin.

Additionally,therewillbenorefundofthe$150internationalschedulingfeeorVATforanyreason.

Failure to Pay AcandidatemaynottaketheNCLEXiftheregistrationfeehasbeenstoppedeitherbythecandidateorafinancialinstitution.Ifpaymentisstoppedafter thecandidate takes theexamination,NCSBNand theboardsofnursingreserve theright toholdand/orcancel thecandidate’sresult.

Registration Time LimitAllNCLEXregistrationswillremainopenfora365-daytimeperiodduringwhichaboardofnursingcandetermineacandidate’seligibility.Thistimeperiodbeginswhentheboardofnursingreceivesthecandidate’sregistrationfromthetestservice.Onceacandidateismadeeligible,heorshemusttestwithinthevaliditydatesprintedontheATTLetter.

Candidateswhoarenotmadeeligibleby theirboardofnursingwithin the365-day timeperiodwill forfeit their registration, including theregistrationfee.CandidateswhowishtotakeanNCLEXwillneedtoreregisterandrepaytheexaminationfee.Youmustwaituntilyourcurrentregistrationexpiresbeforereregistering.AcandidatemaynothavetwoNCLEXregistrations(ofthesameexamtype)openatthesametime.

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HOW TO REGISTER1. Submit an application for licensure to the board of nursing where you wish to be licensed. Be sure to meet that board of

nursing’s application deadline.

2. Register for the NCLEX using one of the following methods:

INTERNET REGISTRATIONVisittheNCLEXCandidatewebsite(www.pearsonvue.com/nclex)andselectoneofthefollowingregistrationoptions:

1. Paying by credit card:•Youcanpayforyourregistrationbycreditordebitcard,usingoneofthefollowing:VISA,MasterCardorAmericanExpress.

Haveyourcreditcardreadywhenyoubeginyourregistration.

2. Paying by certified check, cashier’s check or money order:•Uponcompletionofregistration,followdirectionstoprinttheconfirmationdocument.

•Mailtheconfirmationdocumentandacertifiedcheck,cashier’scheckormoneyorder(madepayabletotheNationalCouncilofStateBoardsofNursing)for$200inU.S.currencydrawnonabankintheU.S.to:NCLEX Operations, PO Box 64950, St. Paul, MN 55164-0950.Personalchecks,cash,foreigncurrency,stamps,receiptsorproofsofpaymentwillnotbeaccepted.

•Forthird-partypaymentsfromnursingschools,agenciesoremployers,pleasefollowthedirectionsonpage4.

U.S. MAIL REGISTRATIONObtainaregistrationscanformbycontactingyourboardofnursing(nophotocopiesareaccepted).

Youmustencloseacertifiedcheck,cashier’scheckormoneyorder (made payable to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing) for$200inU.S.currencydrawnonabankintheU.S.withyourregistration.Usetheenclosedenvelopetoreturnyourregistrationformandpayment.

Mail to: NCLEX Operations, PO Box 64950, St. Paul, MN 55164-0950.•Personalchecks,cash,foreigncurrency,stamps,receiptsorproofsofpaymentwillnotbeaccepted.•WeareonlyabletoacceptP.O.Boxdeliveries;signatureconfirmationofdeliveryisnotavailable.•Donotsendthird-partypaymentsfromyourschool,agencyoremployertothisaddress.

NOTE: Registrationsthatarenotproperlycompletedand/orarenotaccompaniedbytheproperpaymentwillbereturnedtoyouandwilldelayyourtesting.

TELEPHONE REGISTRATIONCallPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServicesatoneofthenumberslistedontheinsidefrontcoverofthiscandidatebulletin.

•YoucanpayusingavalidVISA,MasterCardorAmericanExpresscreditordebitcard.

•Haveyourcreditcardreadywhenyoumakeyourtelephonecall.Youmustprovidethenameshownonthecreditcard,thecreditcardnumberandtheexpirationdate.

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THIRD-PARTY PAYMENTS (Workforce Exception)Nursingschools,agenciesoremployersmayregisterandadministrativelypayfortheNCLEXonbehalfofthecandidate.ThisisconsideredaWorkforce Exception.

Please follow the instructions below:1.Visit the www.pearsonvue.com/nclex and complete a registration using the ‘online certified check/cashiers check/money order

paymentregistrationoption.’At the end of the registration, make sure to print the confirmation document.2.Write‘WorkforceException’inthememolineofthecheck(madepayabletoNationalCouncilofStateBoardsofNursing)andmailboth

theNCLEXregistrationconfirmationdocumentandpaymentto:

NCLEX Workforce Program PearsonVUE5601GreenValleyDrive,Room220Bloomington,MN55437

Theonlinecertifiedcheck/cashier’scheck/moneyorderregistrationoptioncanbeusedforschools,agenciesoremployersthatarepayingformultiplecandidateregistrationsatatime;paymentmustbeaccompaniedbyanindividualconfirmationdocumentforeachcandidatebeingprovidedfor.

Ifyouareunabletoregisterusingthe‘onlinecertifiedcheck/cashierscheck/moneyorderpaymentregistration’option,youmayrequestahardcopyoftheregistrationformfromyourboardofnursingandmailthecompletedforminwiththethird-partypaymenttothemailingaddressabove.Do not use the envelope provided with the registration form when sending this type of payment.

NOTE: NCSBN and Pearson VUE have established specific guidelines for this provision (Workforce Exception). Failure to follow theguidelineswillresultintherejectionand/orasignificantdelayofyourregistration.

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONSTestingaccommodationsforotherwisequalifiedcandidatescanbeprovidedonlywiththeauthorizationofyourboardofnursing.

•Requestinformationfromyourboardofnursingconcerningitsrequirementsforreceivingtestingaccommodations.ThisshouldbedonebeforesubmittingyourNCLEXregistration.

•Makeawrittenrequestforaccommodationstoyourboardofnursing.Yourrequestmustcomplywithrequirementsestablishedbyyourboardofnursingforcandidatesrequestingtestingaccommodations.

•Sendyourrequesttoyourboardofnursingasearlyaspossiblesothat,ifapproved,thetestingaccommodationscanbemadeinatimelymanner.

NOTE: DonotscheduleanappointmenttotaketheNCLEXuntilyouhavereceivedwrittenconfirmationofyouraccommodationsandyourATTletterindicating“AccommodationsGranted.”

Candidates approved for testing with accommodations must schedule their testing appointment through the NCLEX AccommodationsCoordinatorbycallingPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServicesatthetelephonenumberlistedontheirATTletterandaskingfortheNCLEXAccommodationsCoordinator.Candidateswithaccommodationsmaynottestaswalk-insandcannotcanceltheiraccommodationsatthetimeoftheirappointment.

NOTE: CandidateswhoseektotestwithaccommodationscannotscheduletheirappointmentsthroughtheNCLEXCandidatewebsite.

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SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM

AUTHORIZATION TO TEST (ATT)

Afteryourboardofnursingdeclaresyoueligible,youwillreceiveyourATTLetter.

Note: YoumusthaveyourATTlettertoscheduleanappointmenttotaketheNCLEXandyoumustpresentyourATTletteratthetestcenteronthedayofyourexaminationtobeadmitted.YouwillnotbeadmittedtotheexaminationwithoutyourATTletterandwillberequiredtoreregisterandrepaytotaketheexamination.

•TheATTlettercontainsyourauthorizationnumber,candidateidentificationnumberandanexpirationdate.•TheATTletterisvalidforaperiodoftimespecifiedbytheboardofnursing(variesfrom60daysto365days;however,theaverage

lengthofanATTis90days).•OncetheboardofnursingdeclaresyoueligibletotestandyourATTletterisissued,youmusttestwithinthevaliditydatesof

yourATTletter.•The ATT validity dates cannot be extended for any reason. If you do not test within these dates you will have to reregister and

repay the examination fee.

YOUR EXAM APPOINTMENT

Testcentersmayfillupquicklybecauseofhighvolumesandpreviouslyscheduledspecialevents.Waitingtocalltoscheduleyourtestingappointmentmaysignificantlylimittheselectionofdatesfromwhichyoucanchoosetoschedule.Additionally,ifyouwaituntilyourATTletterisclosetoexpiring,PearsonProfessionalCenters(PPCs)maynotbeabletoseatyoupriortoitsexpiration.Ifthisoccurs,youwillberequiredtoreregisterandrepaytotaketheexamination.

First-timetesttakerswillbeofferedanappointmentwithin30daysofthecall,oronlineattempt,toscheduleanappointment;repeatcandidateswillbeofferedanappointmentwithin45days.Ifyouwish,youmaydeclinetheappointmentofferedandschedulelaterthanthe30or45days.

Ifyoufailtoarriveforyourexaminationappointmentorfailtoreschedule/unschedulewithoutgivingtheappropriatenotice(asoutlinedonpage6),youwillforfeityourexaminationfee(andschedulingfeeifapplicable)andyourATTletterwillbeinvalidated.Youwillberequiredtoreregisterandrepaytheexaminationfeeof$200.Yourfailuretotaketheexaminationwillbereflectedinyourregistrationasanincidentreportwhichwillbeviewablebyyourboardofnursing.

PearsonVUEwillnotbeheldresponsibleforexpensesincurredbeyondthecostoftheexam,includingbutnotlimitedtotravelexpensesandlostwagesonthedayoftheexam.

DOMESTIC SCHEDULING

YoumaytaketheexaminationatanyNCLEXapprovedPPC.YoucanfindPPClocationsandaddressesontheNCLEXCandidatewebsitewww.pearsonvue.com/nclex.

ExaminationappointmentsattestcentersintheU.S.,AmericanSamoa,Guam,NorthernMarianaIslandsortheU.S.VirginIslandscanbescheduledthroughtheNCLEXCandidatewebsiteorbycallingPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServicesatoneofthetelephonenumberslistedontheinsidefrontcoverofthiscandidatebulletin.

•IfyouareusingtheNCLEX Candidate websitetoschedule,youwillbeaskedtosupplyyouruserIDandpassword,whichisprovidedonyourAcknowledgementofReceiptofNCLEXExaminationRegistrationletter.YoualsowillbeaskedyourpreferencefordateandtimeoftestingatthePPCofyourchoice.

•Ifyouscheduleviathetelephone,youwillbeaskedtosupplyyournameandyourATTnumber,alongwithotherinformationtoverifyyouridentity.YoualsowillbeaskedyourpreferencefordateandtimeoftestingatthePPCofyourchoice.

•Ifyourfirst-choicedateortimeisunavailable,youwillbeofferedanalternativeasclosetoyourfirstchoiceaspossible.

•AConfirmation of AppointmentwillbesenttoyoufromPearsonVUEwhichwillcontainthedate,timeandlocationofyourappointmentalongwithdirectionstothePPC.Verifythatalltheinformationiscorrect.Callorgoonlinetocheckthatyourappointmenthasbeenscheduledorrescheduledifyoudonotreceiveaconfirmation.ContactPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServicesimmediatelytocorrectanyerrorstoyourappointment.

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INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULING

Ifyouchoose toscheduleyourexaminationata testcenteroutsideof theU.S.*,youwillbechargedanadditional,non-refundableschedulingfeeof$150.Ifapplicable,aValueAddedTax(VAT)mayalsobechargedforthisexamination.

Please be aware that once you have an appointment at a test center outside of the U.S.*, if you decide to reschedule to a test center in the U.S., you will not receive a refund for the $150 scheduling fee.

PleasealsobeawarethatthelistofavailabletestcentersoutsideoftheU.S.issubjecttochangewithoutpriornotice.Youwillbenotifiedintheeventthatthetestcenteratwhichyouarescheduledtotakeyourexaminationbecomesunavailable.Youmayrescheduletheexaminationatanotheravailabletestcenter.If,underthesecircumstances,youchoosetorescheduletheexaminationatatestcenterintheU.S.,your$150schedulingfeewillberefunded.

You can only schedule an appointment for test centers outside of the U.S.* by telephone through the Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services. Walk-ins will not be accepted at test centers outside of the U.S.

*U.S.includesAmericanSamoa,Guam,NorthernMarianaIslandsandtheU.S.VirginIslands.

GROUP SCHEDULING

Groupscheduling(3ormorecandidates)mustbedonethroughthePearsonVUEGroupSchedulingCoordinator.Forfurtherinformation,pleasecontacttheGroupSchedulingCoordinatorbyemailatpvgroupreservations@pearson.comorbyfaxat952-610-5120.

CHANGING YOUR APPOINTMENT

Ifyouneedtochangeyourappointmentdate,timeorlocation,youmaygototheNCLEXCandidatewebsite(www.pearsonvue.com/nclex)orcallPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServicesone full business day (24 hours) before the scheduled exam date and timeasdescribedbelow:

ForexaminationsscheduledonTuesday,Wednesday,ThursdayorFriday,callatleast24hourspriortothedayandtimeofyourappointmentlocalstandardtime.

ForexaminationsscheduledonSaturday,SundayorMonday,callnolaterthanFridayatleast24hoursinadvanceofyourappointmenttimelocalstandardtime.

CandidateswithappointmentsattestcentersoutsideoftheU.S.*mustcallPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServicestochangetheirappointment.CandidateswhohaveappointmentsatatestcenteroutsidetheU.S.mayrescheduletoanothertestcenteroutsidetheU.S.withoutforfeitingtheir$150schedulingfee.IfyouchoosetorescheduleyourexaminationtoatestcenterwithintheU.S.*,youwillforfeityour$150fee.

IfyouhaveanappointmentatoneofthetestcentersintheU.S.*andchoosetorescheduletoatestcenteroutsidetheU.S.,youwillbechargedanon-refundable$150schedulingfeeandanyapplicableValueAddedTax(VAT).

If youareacandidate receiving testingaccommodations,ask for theNCLEXAccommodationsCoordinator inorder tochangeyourappointment.

NOTE: Leavingamessageonanansweringmachinedoesnotconstitutegivingtherequirednoticeforreschedulingorunschedulingyourexamappointment.YoumusteitherrescheduleorunscheduleyourappointmentontheNCLEXCandidatewebsiteorbyspeakingwithanagentatPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServicesandreceiveaconfirmationofunscheduled/rescheduledappointmentletter.

*U.S.includesAmericanSamoa,Guam,NorthernMarianaIslands,andtheU.S.VirginIslands.

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7

WHAT TO BRING TO THE TEST SITE

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS• Your ATT Letter• Acceptable Identification

Only the identifications listed below will be accepted. Becauseof the importanceof theNCLEX,severalsecuritymeasureswillbeenforcedduringtheadministrationoftheexamination.Strictcandidateidentificationrequirementshavebeenestablished.

Identification RequirementsWhenyouarriveatthetestcenter,youwillberequiredtopresentoneformofacceptableidentificationandyourvalidATTletter.Ifyouarrivewithoutthesematerials,youwillbeturnedawayandwillberequiredtoreregisterandrepaytheexaminationfeeof$200.Ifyoupaidtheadditionalinternationalschedulingfeeof$150,thatwillbeforfeitedaswell.

TheonlyacceptableformsofidentificationfortestcentersintheU.S.*are:

•U.S.driver’slicense(DepartmentofMotorVehicle-issued)(ifexpired,arenewalslipthatcontainsaphotographandasignaturemustbepresentedinordertobeadmitted)

•U.S.stateidentification(DepartmentofMotorVehicle-issued)

•Passport

•U.S.MilitaryIdentification

TheonlyidentificationacceptablefortestcentersoutsideoftheU.S.*is:

•Passport

Allidentificationmustbevalidandnotexpiredwithsignatureandphotograph.All identification listed above must be in English and signed in English.

Driver’s/learner’spermitsortemporaryidentificationare not acceptedforadmittancetotheNCLEX.

IDENTIFICATION FROM A U.S. SANCTIONED (EMBARGOED) COUNTRY

DuetoU.S.traderestrictions,candidateswhoindicatethattheyliveinasanctionedcountryareunabletobeadmittedtositfortheNCLEX.This isafederalrequirementbyTheOfficeofForeignAssetsControl(OFAC)oftheU.S.DepartmentofTreasury.Fora listofcountriesontheU.S.economicandtradesanctionslistvisitwww.ncsbn.org/1221.htm.

Testing at a Domestic PPC

InordertobeadmittedtotheNCLEX,candidateswhoaretestingataPearsonProfessionalCenter(PPC)withintheU.S.*andholdapassportfromasanctionedcountry,mustpresentoneofthefollowing:

•PassportfromthesanctionedcountrywiththeImmigrationandNaturalizationService(INS)stamp(temporaryI-1551),(en-dorsementbyINSinapassporttoshowadmissionforpermanentresidence)

•PassportfromthesanctionedcountryalongwithaU.S.PermanentResidenceCard(GreenCard)

•U.S.driver’slicense/U.S.stateidentification(DepartmentofMotorVehicle-issued)

Testing at an International PPC

InordertobeadmittedtotheNCLEX,candidateswhoaretestingataninternationalPPCandholdapassportfromasanctionedcountrymustalsopresentproofofresidency(governmentissuedidentification)fromanon-sanctionedcountry.Thisonlyappliestocandidatespresentingapassportfromasanctionedcountry.Candidatestestinginternationallywhoresideinanon-sanctionedcountrycanonlypresentapassportasaformofidentification.

Pleasevisitwww.ncsbn.org/1221.htmforthemostup-to-dateinformationontheU.S.SanctionedCountriesIdentificationPolicy.*U.S.includesAmericanSamoa,Guam,NorthernMarianaIslands,andtheU.S.VirginIslands.

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Your NameThefirstandlastnameprintedonyouridentificationmustmatchexactlythefirstandlastnameprintedonyourATTletter.Ifthenamewithwhichyouhaveregisteredisdifferentfromthenameonyouridentification,youmustbringlegalnamechangedocumentationwithyoutothetestcenteronthedayofyourtest.Theonlyacceptableformsoflegaldocumentationare:amarriagelicense,divorcedecreeand/oracourtactionlegalnamechangedocument.AlldocumentsmustbeinEnglishandmustbetheoriginaldocuments.Candidateswishingtomakeanamechange,addresschangeoremailaddresschangemustcontacttheirboardofnursing.Thiscannotbedoneatthetestcenter.*U.S.includesAmericanSamoa,Guam,NorthernMarianaIslands,andtheU.S.VirginIslands.

TEST SITE RULES AND REGULATIONSToensurethatallcandidates’NCLEXresultsareearnedundercomparableconditionsandrepresentfairandaccuratemeasurement,itisnecessarytomaintainastandardizedtestingenvironment.Thefollowingregulationsaredesignedtohelpensuresuchanenvironment.

BelowyouwillfindtheNCLEXcandidaterules.Pleasenotethatifyoudonotfollowtherulesortheinstructionsofthetestadministrator(TA),yourexaminationresultmaybewithheldorcancelled,yourexaminationfeemaynotberefundedandNCSBNandyourlicensingboardmaytakeotheraction,uptoandincludinglicenserevocationandcriminalprosecution.

Examplesofprohibited,irregularbehaviorinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing:•Cell/mobile/smartphones,pagersorotherelectronicdevicesmaynotbeaccessedatallduringyourexaminationappointment

(including breaks).•Toensureahighlevelofsecurityyouwillbemonitoredatalltimes.Bothaudioandvideowillberecorded.•Youmaynotbringoraccessanyeducational,testpreparationorstudymaterialstothetestingcenteratanytimeduringyour

examination.•Youmaynotseekhelpfromanyotherpartyinansweringitems(inperson,byphone,textorbyemail)duringyourexamination

(includingbreaks).•Youmaynotdiscloseordiscusswithanyone,includinginstructors,informationabouttheitemsoranswersseeninyour

examination(thisincludespostingordiscussingquestionsontheInternet,socialmediawebsites).•Youmaynottaketheexaminationforsomebodyelse.•Youmaynottamperwiththecomputeroruseitforanyfunctionotherthantakingtheexamination.•Youmaynotengageindisruptivebehavioratanytimewhileinthetestcenter.•Personalitemsarenot allowedinthetestingroomandinsomecases,notallowedinthetestingcenterduringyour

examination(includingbreaks).Personalitemsnotallowedinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

nCellular/mobile/smartphones/PDA nCamerasofanykind nLipBalmnAnyelectronicdevices nCoats/Hats/Scarves/Gloves nPagers/Hand-heldcomputersnBags/Purses/Wallets nFoodorDrink nWatchesnBooks/StudyMaterials nGum/Candy nWeaponsofanykindnMedicalaids/devices

•Allpersonalitemsmustbestoredinyourlocker.Note:certainpersonalitemsmaybeaccessedduringbreaks,likemedications,medicalaids/devicesorfood/beverages.

•PearsonProfessionalCentersarenotresponsibleforlost,stolenormisplacedpersonalitems.•TheTAwillprovideyouwithanerasablenoteboardandmarkerbeforeyouenterthetestingroom.•Youmaynotwriteonthenoteboarduntilafterthetutorialiscomplete.Anywritingbeforeorduringthetutorialisconsidered

“braindumping”andwillresultinanincidentreport,andresultsbeingplacedonhold.•Acleannoteboardcanberequestedduringyourexaminationbyraising your hand.Theerasablenoteboardandmarkermay

notberemovedfromthetestingroomduringtheexaminationexceptbytheTA,andtheseitemsmustbereturnedtotheTAaftertheexamination.

•Youwillbegiventheopportunitytotakea`scheduled’breakafterapproximatelytwohours,andagainafterapproximatelythreeandahalfhoursofexaminationtestingtime.Instructionswillappearonyourcomputerscreenattheappropriatetimes.

•Torequestabreak,ortoexitthetestingroomforanyotherreason,raise your handfortheTAandwaittobeescortedoutofthetestingroom.Apalmveinscanwillbetakenwhenyouleave,andagainwhenyoure-enterthetestingroom.TheTAwillresumetheexamforyouuponyourreturn.Theexamclockwillnotstopwhileyouareonabreak.

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•Ifyouexperiencehardwareorsoftwareproblemsduringtheexamination,notifytheTAimmediatelybyraising your hand.•EarplugsareavailablefromtheTAuponrequest;itisnotacceptabletobringyourownearplugs.•Examdataisencryptedandtransferredelectronicallytoyourlicensingboard.PleaserefrainfromaskingtheTAaboutexam

contentand/orresults.Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheexamination,pleasecontactNCSBN.•NCSBNmaycancelorwithholdyourresultsifthereisabasistoquestionthevalidityoftheresultsforanyreason,notwithstanding

thelackofanyevidenceofyourpersonalinvolvementinirregularactivitiesand/orforyourfailuretoadheretotheConfidentialityAgreement.Evidenceofinvalidresultsmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,unusualresponsepatterns,unusualscoreincreasesfromoneexamtoanother,failuretoobeyexamadministrationrules,orobservedirregularbehavior.

•NCSBNreservestherighttocancelorwithholdanytestresultswhen,initsjudgment,atestingirregularityoccurs;thereisanapparentdiscrepancyin,orfalsificationof,atest-taker’sidentification;atest-takerengagesinmisconduct,orirregularbehavior,orviolatesNCLEX®ExaminationCandidateRules.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR CANCELLATION OF RESULTS

Acandidatewhoviolatesthetestcenterregulationsorrules,orengagesinirregularbehavior,misconductand/ordoesnotfollowtheTA’s warning to discontinue inappropriate behavior may be dismissed from the test center and their exam fee will not be refunded.Additionally,yourexamresultmaybewithheldorcancelledandyourlicensingboardmaytakeotherdisciplinaryactionsuchasdenialofalicenseand/ordisqualifyingyoufromfutureregistrationsforlicensure.Behaviorsthatareconsideredtoconstituteirregularbehaviorormisconductincludebutarenotlimitedto:

•Givingorreceivingassistanceofanykind.•Using,accessing,orattemptingtoaccessanyprohibitedaids.Prohibitedaidsareanydevicesormaterialsthatwillbehelp-

fulintakingtheNCLEX.Examplesofaidsthatareprohibitedareelectronicdevices(i.e.cell/mobilephones,PDAs,handheldcomputers,etc.),handheldcalculators,conversiontables,dictionaries,etc.

•Attemptingtotaketheexaminationforsomeoneelse.•BringinganyNCLEXstudyaids(textbooks,notebooks,classroomnotes,etc.)tothetestingcenteroraccessingorattemptingto

accesssuchstudymaterialsatanytimeafterthestartoftheexaminationadministration,including,butnotlimitedto,breaktimes.•Failingtofollowtestingregulationsortheinstructionsofthetestadministrator.•Creatingadisturbanceofanykind.•Copying,reconstructingorremovingexaminationitemsand/orresponses(inanyformat)ornotesabouttheexaminationfrom

thetestingroomorattemptingtodothesame.•Tamperingwiththeoperationofthecomputerorattemptingtouseitforanyfunctionotherthantakingtheexamination.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Candidates should be aware and understand that the disclosure of examination items before, during, or after the examination is aviolationoflaw.Violationsofconfidentialityand/orcandidates’rulescanresultincriminalprosecutionorcivilliabilityand/ordisciplinaryactionsbythelicensingagencyincludingthedenialoflicensure.Ifyouareawareof,orhaveobservedanattempttocompromisetheNCLEXprocess,pleasereportittotheNCLEXTestSecuritygroup.Candidatesmayreportanysuspiciousbehaviorinthefollowingways:

CallPearsonVUEat1.866.496.2539oremailPearsonVUEatpvtestsecurity@pearsonvue.comorgotowww.pearsonvue.com/contact/securityandcompletetheform.

TEST SECURITY

NCSBNstrives to report results thataccurately reflect theabilityofeach test taker.Accordingly,ourstandardsandprocedures foradministeringexamshavetworelatedgoals:givingtest-takerscomparableopportunitiestodemonstratetheirabilitiesandpreventingany test-takers from gaining an unfair advantage over others. To promote these objectives, NCSBN reserves the right to cancel orwithholdanytestresultswhen,initsjudgment,atestingirregularityoccurs;thereisanapparentdiscrepancyin,orfalsificationof,atest-taker’sidentification;atest-takerengagesinmisconduct,irregularbehavior,violatesthecandidaterulesorotherwisebreacheshis/herConfidentialityAgreement;ortheresultsarebelievedtobeinvalidforanyotherreason,notwithstandingtheabsenceofanyevidenceofacandidate’spersonalinvolvementinirregularactivities.

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INVALID RESULTS

NCSBNmaycancelorwithholdacandidate’sresultsif,inNCSBN’sjudgment,thereisabasistoquestionthevalidityoftheresultsforanyreason,notwithstandingtheabsenceofanyevidenceofacandidate’spersonalinvolvementinirregularactivities.Evidenceofinvalidresultsmayinclude,butarenotlimitedtounusualanswerpatternsorunusualscoreincreasesfromoneexamtoanother.Ifacandidate’sresult is cancelled or invalidated without a finding that the candidate engaged in irregular behavior, the candidate may appeal thedecisionand/orwillbeofferedafreeretest.Anappealisthecandidate’sexclusivemeansofredresswithregardtoNCSBN’sdecisiontotakethisaction.

THE DAY OF THE EXAMThe staff members at each PPC follow designated procedures to ensure that the operation of the test center meets NCSBN criteria forstandardizedtesting.ThefollowingareproceduresthatwillbeadheredtowhenyouarriveatthePPCforyourNCLEXappointment.

CHECK-IN PROCESSPlantoarriveatthePPCatleast30minutesbeforeyourscheduledtestingtime.Ifyouarrivemorethan30minutesafteryourscheduledappointment, you may be required to forfeit your NCLEX appointment. Your failure to take the examination will be reflected in yourregistrationasanincidentreportwhichwillbeviewablebyyourboardofnursing.

•YouwillberequiredtopresentyourATTletterandavalidacceptableID.•Youwillbeaskedtoprovideyourdigitalsignature,apalmveinscan,andyouwillhaveyourfingerprintandphotographtaken.

Hats,scarvesandcoatsmaynotbeworninthetestingroomorwhileyourphotographisbeingtaken.•Friends,relativesorchildrenwhoaccompanyyoutothetestcenterarenotallowedtowaitinthetestcenterwhileyoutakethe

examination.•Youwillberequiredtoleaveyourpersonalbelongingsoutsidethetestingroom.Securestoragewillbeprovided,however,

candidatesarenotallowedtoaccessanyoftheprohibitedpersonalitemsatanytimeduringtheexam,includingbreaks.Storagespaceissmall,socandidatesshouldplanappropriately.PPCsassumenoresponsibilityforcandidates’personalbelongings.

•TheTAwillgiveyouashortorientationandthenwillescortyoutoacomputerterminal.Youmustremaininyourseatduringtheexamination,exceptwhenauthorizedtoleavebytestcenterstaff.YoumaynotchangeyourcomputerterminalunlessaTAdirectsyoutodoso.

•PleasereferencetheTestSiteRulesandRegulationslistedonpage8foradditionalinformationonthecheck-inprocess.

RaiseyourhandtonotifytheTAifyou:

•Believeyouhaveaproblemwithyourcomputer.•Needtochangenoteboards.•Needtotakeabreak.•Needtheadministratorforanyreason.•Havecompletedyourexam.

BREAKS•YouwillhaveuptosixhourstocompletetheNCLEX-RNExamination,andfivehourstocompletetheNCLEX-PNExamination;total

examinationtimeincludesashorttutorial,twopre-programmedoptionalbreaksandanyunscheduledbreaksyoumaytake.

•Thefirstoptionalbreakisofferedaftertwohoursoftesting.Thesecondoptionalbreakisofferedafterthreeandonehalfhoursoftesting.

•Thecomputerwillautomaticallytellyouwhenthesescheduledbreaksbegin.

•Youmustleavethetestingroomduringbothscheduledandunscheduledbreaks.

•Itisstronglyadvisedthatyounotleavethetestcenterduringbreaks.

•Whenyoutakeabreak,allpersonalitemsaccessed(includingpurses,wallets,etc.)maybeinspectedbytheTA.

•Youwillberequiredtoprovideapalmveinscanbeforeandafteryourbreak.

Note: Candidates are not allowed to access any of the prohibited personal items during breaks (including but not limited to those listed on page 8).

All breaks count against testing time.

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TECHNICAL ISSUESOccasionally, technicalproblemsmayrequirereschedulingofacandidate’sexamination.Ifcircumstancesarisecausingyoutowaitmorethan30minutesafteryourscheduledappointmenttime,orarestartdelaylastslongerthan30minutes,youwillbegiventhechoicesofcontinuingtowaitorreschedulingyourappointmentwithoutanadditionalfee.

•Ifyouchoosetowait,youmaychangeyourmindatanytimepriortobeginningorrestartingtheexamination.•Ifyouchoosenottoreschedule,butrathertestafteradelay,youwillhavenofurtherrecourseandyourexamresultswillbe

consideredvalid.•Ifyouchoosetorescheduleyourappointmentortheproblemcausingthedelaycannotberesolved,youwillbeallowedtotest

atalaterdate,atnoadditionalcharge.Everyattemptwillbemadetocontactcandidatesiftechnicalproblemsareidentifiedpriortoascheduledappointment.

TESTING ENVIRONMENT

PPCsadministermanytypesofexaminationsincludingsomethatrequireessay-typeresponses.PPCshavenocontrolovernoisesmadebycandidatestypingduringanotherexamination.Typingnoiseisconsideredanormalpartofthecomputerizedtestingenvironment,justasthenoiseofturningpagesisanormalpartofthepaper-and-penciltestingenvironment.Earplugsareavailableuponrequest.

WHEN THE EXAM IS FINISHED

Afteryourexaminationisfinished,youwillbeaskedtocompleteabriefcomputer-deliveredquestionnaireaboutyourtestingexperience.Whenyouhavefinishedthequestionnaire,raise your hand to summon the TA.TheTAwillcollectandinventoryallnoteboards.TheTAwilldismissyouwhenallrequirementsarefulfilled.

Ifyoubelievetherewasanirregularityintheadministrationofyourexamortheassociatedtestconditionsthatyoubelieveadverselyaffectedtheoutcomeofyourexamination,youshouldnotifytheproctororTAbeforeyouleavethetestcenter.

RESULTS REPORTING

Forqualitycontrolpurposes,everyNCLEXisscoredtwice;oncebythecomputeratthetestcenterandthentheresultisverifiedaftertheexaminationrecordhasbeentransmittedtoPearsonVUE.Althoughtheexaminationisscoredasthecandidatecompleteseachitem,no resultsarereleasedatthetestcenter.Infact,testcenterstaffdonothaveaccesstotheexaminationresults.

Examinationresultsareavailableonlyfromtheboardsofnursingandwillbemailedtocandidatesapproximatelyonemonthaftertakingtheexamination.Do not callPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServices,thePPCsorNCSBNforexaminationresults.Ifmorethan4weekshaspassedandyouhavenotreceivedyourresults,contactyourboardofnursing.

Youcanalsogetyour“unofficial”resultsafter48businesshoursthroughthequickresultsserviceavailableontheNCLEXCandidatewebsiteatwww.pearsonvue.com/nclex orbycalling1-900-776-2539.Note: Quick results are not available in all states and there is a minimal fee for this service.

CANDIDATE PERFORMANCE REPORT

Whenacandidate fails, theboardofnursingsends thecandidateaCandidatePerformanceReport (CPR).This report identifies theperformanceasfailing,providesthenumberofitemsadministeredtothecandidate,andasummaryofthecandidate’srelativestrengthsandweaknessesbasedonthetestplan.ThisCPRisintendedforfailingcandidatestousetohelpguidetheirstudybeforeretakingtheexamination.

RETAKE POLICY

Candidatesmustwaitaminimumof45or90daysbetweeneachexamination.ThisretaketimeframeisdeterminedbyeachindividualboardofnursingandNCSBN.

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SUBMITTING COMMENTS AND FURTHER QUESTIONS

YoumayasktheTAforaConfidentialCommentSheettoprovideanyinformationaboutyourexamappointmenttoNCSBN,thePPCsorPearsonVUENCLEXCandidateServices.

Ifyouhavequestionsaboutyourtestingsession,pleasecontactNCSBNwithintwoweeksofyourexamappointment.

NCLEX TEST PLANS, TEST DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENT

NCLEX Test PlansTheNCLEX-RNandtheNCLEX-PNTestPlansaredocumentsthatdescribethescopeandcontentoftheexaminations.TheNCLEXTestPlanscanbedownloadedatnocostontheNCSBNwebsiteat:www.ncsbn.org/1287.htm.

Obtaining the Detailed NCLEX Test PlanAcandidateversionoftheNCLEX-RNandNCLEX-PNDetailedTestPlanscanalsobedownloadedatnocostbyaccessingtheNCSBNwebsiteat:www.ncsbn.org/1287.htm.

Exam ContentThepracticeofnursingrequiresknowledgeofthehealthneedsofclientsaswellasanunderstandingofintegratedprocessesfundamentaltonursingpractice.ClientNeedsareusedastheframeworkforbothRNandPNtestplans.NCLEX-RNandNCLEX-PNexaminationsmayincludeitemswrittenatvariouscognitivelevels.1,2Themajorityofitemsarewrittenattheapplicationorhigherlevelsofcognitiveability.Ingeneral,iftheageoragecategoryoftheclientisnotstatedinanitem,itcanbeunderstoodthattheclientisanadult.

1Bloom,B.S.(ed).(1956).Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Classification ofEducational Goals, Handbook 1. Cognitive Domain. NewYork:DavidMcKayCo,Inc.2Anderson,L.W.,Krathwohl,D.R.(eds).(2001).A taxonomy for learning, teaching and assessing. A revision of Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives. NewYork:AddisonWesleyLongman,Inc.

Developing the NCLEXTheNCLEXisdevelopedusingthefollowingsteps:

1.Todeterminethebasisforsafeandeffectiveentry-levelnursingpractice,NCSBNconductsapracticeanalysisofentry-levelnurseseverythreeyears.ThelegalscopeofnursingpracticeandresultsofthepracticeanalysisareusedtodevelopanNCLEXtestplan.Testplans,whichoutlinethecontentcategoriesandpercentageofexamitemsallocatedtothecategories,reflectthejob-relatedknowledge,skillsandabilitiesrequiredforsafeandeffectiveentry-leveljobperformance.

2.Itemwritersarepracticingnurseswhowriteitemsthattestentry-levelnursingpracticefortheRNorPNexamination.

3.Asecondexpertpanelofpracticingnursesthenreviewsthenewly-writtenitems.Thesecondreviewistoensurethateachitemreflectscurrententry-levelnursingpracticeandthatitisaccurate.

4.AllitemsusedinanexaminationhavebeenpretestedandareshowntohavemetNCSBNstatisticalcriteriabeforebeingusedasoperational(scored)items.

DefinitionsClient=Individual,familyorgroup.Nursing Diagnosis=Aclassificationofclientneedsand/orproblemsaccordingtopresumednaturalrelationships;e.g.,useofNorthAmericanNursingDiagnosesAssociation(NANDA)DefinitionsandClassifications.Prescription=Orders,interventions,remediesortreatmentsorderedordirectedbyanauthorizedhealthcareprovider.Exhibit=Denotesaclientchartormedicalrecordtypeofitem.

Additionalinformationisavailablebehindtabslistedonthescreen.Clickonatabtoreviewtheadditionalinformation.

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Client Needs Categories Covered on the NCLEXFourmajor“ClientNeeds”categoriesorganizethecontentofthe2010 NCLEX-RN® Test Plansandthe2011 NCLEX-PN® Test Plans.

Inthe2010 NCLEX-RNandthe2011 NCLEX-PN Test Plans,twoofthecategoriesaredividedintoatotalofsixsubcategories.“HealthPromotionandMaintenance”and“PsychosocialIntegrity”donothavesubcategories.Thefollowingprocessesareintegratedintoall“ClientNeeds”categoriesoftheRN and PN Test Plans: NursingProcess,Caring,CommunicationandDocumentation,andTeachingandLearning.

For the 2010 NCLEX-RN Test Plan

NCLEX-RN Client Needs

Percentage of Items from each Category/Subcategory

Safe and Effective Care Environment•Management of Care•Safety and Infection Control

16-22%8-14%

Health Promotion and Maintenance 6-12%

Psychosocial Integrity 6-12%

Physiological Integrity•Basic Care and Comfort•Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies•Reduction of Risk Potential•Physiological Adaptation

6-12%13-19%

10-16%11-17%

For the 2011 NCLEX-PN Test Plan

NCLEX-PN Client Needs

Percentage of Items from each Category/Subcategory

Safe and Effective Care Environment•Coordinated Care•Safety and Infection Control

13-19%11-17%

Health Promotion and Maintenance 7-13%

Psychosocial Integrity 7-13%

Physiological Integrity•Basic Care and Comfort•Pharmacological Therapies•Reduction of Risk Potential•Physiological Adaptation

9-15%11-17%

9-15%9-15%

NCLEX PSYCHOMETRICS

Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)TheNCLEXisdifferentthanatraditionalpencil-and-paperexamination.Typically,pencil-and-paperexaminationsadministerthesameitemstoeverycandidate,thusensuringthatthedifficultyoftheexaminationisthesameacrosstheboard.Becausethedifficultyoftheexaminationisconstant,thepercentagecorrectistheindicatorofthecandidate’sability.Onedisadvantageofthisapproachisthatitisinefficient.Itrequiresthehighabilitycandidatestoansweralltheeasyitemsontheexamination,whichprovidesverylittleinformationabouttheirability.Anotherdisadvantageisthatguessingcanartificiallyinflatethescoresoflowabilitycandidates,becausetheycananswer these items correctly 25 percent of the time for reasons that have nothing to do with their ability. Instead, the NCLEX usesComputerizedAdaptiveTesting (CAT) toadminister the items.CAT isable toproduceexamresults thataremorestableusing feweritemsbytargetingitemstothecandidate’sability.Thecomputer’sgoalduringtheNCLEXistodeterminetheabilityofthecandidateinrelationtothepassingstandard.Everytimethecandidateanswersanitem,thecomputerre-estimatesthecandidate’sability.Witheachadditionalanswereditem,theabilityestimatebecomesmoreprecise.

Eachitemthatthecandidatereceivesisselectedfromalargepoolofitemsusingthreecriteria:

1.Theitemislimitedtocontentareathatwillproducethebestmatchtothetestplanpercentages.Itisensuredthateachcandi-date’sexamhasenoughquestionsfromeachcontentareatomatchtherequiredtestplanpercentages.

2.Anitemisselectedthatthecandidateisexpectedtofindchallenging.Basedonthecandidate’sanswersuptothatpointandthedifficultyofthoseitems,thecomputerestimatesthecandidate’sabilityandselectsanitemthatthecandidateshouldhavea50%chanceofansweringcorrectly.Thisway,thenextitemshouldnotbetooeasyortoohardandtheexaminationcangetmaximuminformationaboutthecandidate’sabilityfromtheitem.

3.Excludesanyitemthatarepeatcandidatehasseeninthelastyear.

Pretest ItemsForCATtowork,thedifficultyofeachitemmustbeknowninadvance.ThedegreeofdifficultyisdeterminedbyadministeringtheitemsaspretestitemstoalargesampleofNCLEXcandidates.Becausethedifficultyofthesepretestitemsisnotknowninadvance,theseitemsarenotincludedwhenestimatingthecandidate’sabilityormakingpass-faildecisions.Whenenoughresponsesarecollected,thepretestitemsarestatisticallyanalyzedandcalibrated.IfthepretestitemsmeettheNCLEXstatisticalstandards,theycanbeadministeredinfutureexaminationsasscoreditems.

NCLEX Pass or Fail Decision RulesThedecisionastowhetheracandidatepassesorfailstheNCLEX-RNandNCLEX-PNexaminationisgovernedbythreedifferentscenarios:

Scenario # 1: The 95% Confidence Interval RuleThisscenarioisthemostcommonforNCLEXcandidates.Thecomputerwillstopadministeringitemswhenit is95%certainthatthecandidate’sabilityiseitherclearlyaboveorclearlybelowthepassingstandard.

Scenario #2: Maximum-Length ExamSomecandidate’sabilitylevelswillbeveryclosetothepassingstandard.Whenthisisthecase,thecomputercontinuestoadministerquestionsuntilthemaximumnumberofitemsisreached.Atthispoint,thecomputerdisregardsthe95%confidenceruleandconsidersonlythefinalabilityestimate:

•Ifthefinalabilityestimateisabovethepassingstandard,thecandidatepasses.

•Ifthefinalabilityestimateisatorbelowthepassingstandard,thecandidatefails.

Scenario #3: Run-Out-of-Time Rule (R.O.O.T.)Ifacandidaterunsoutoftimebeforereachingthemaximumnumberofitemsandthecomputerhasnotdeterminedwith95%certaintywhetherthecandidatehaspassedorfailed,analternatecriteriaisused.

•Ifthecandidatehasnotansweredtheminimumnumberofrequireditems,thecandidateautomaticallyfails.

•Ifatleasttheminimumnumberofrequireditemswereanswered,thecomputerlooksatthelast60abilityestimates:nIfthelast60abilityestimateswereconsistentlyabovethepassingstandard,thecandidatepasses.nIfthecandidate’sabilityestimatedropsbelowthepassingstandardevenonceoverthelast60items,thecandidatefails.

Thisdoesnotmeanthatthecandidatemustanswerthelast60itemscorrectly.Eachabilityestimateisbaseduponallpreviousitemsanswered.

Alternate Item FormatsCandidatesmaybeadministeredmultiple-choiceitemsaswellasitemswritteninalternateformats.Theseformatsmayincludebutarenotlimitedtomultipleresponse,fill-in-the-blankcalculation,orderedresponse,and/orhotspots.Allitemtypesmayincludemultimediasuchascharts,tables,graphics,soundandvideo.

Theshorttutorialatthebeginningoftheexaminationwillexplainhowtoanswereachofthealternatetypesofitems.

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The Passing StandardTheNCLEX-RNandNCLEX-PNareseparateexaminationsthatreflectdifferentscopesofpractice.Accordingly,theseexaminationsarescoredonseparatescalesandhaveseparatepassingstandards.TheNCSBNBoardofDirectorsreevaluatesthesestandardsonceeverythreeyears.ThecriterionthattheBoardofDirectorsusestosetthestandardistheminimumlevelofabilityrequiredforsafeandeffectiveentry-levelnursingpractice.

ToassisttheBoardofDirectorsinmakingthisdecision,theBoardisprovidedwithinformationon:(1)theresultsofastandardsettingexerciseperformedbyapanelofexpertswiththeassistanceofprofessionalpsychometricians;(2)thehistoricalrecordofthepassingstandardwithsummariesofthecandidateperformanceassociatedwiththosestandards;(3)theresultsofastandardsettingsurveysenttoeducatorsandemployers;and(4)informationdescribingtheeducationalreadinessofhighschoolgraduateswhoexpressaninterestinnursing.

Oncethepassingstandardisset,itisimposeduniformlyoneveryexamrecordaccordingtotheprocedureslaidabove.TopasstheNCLEX,acandidatemustperformabovethepassingstandard.Thereisnofixedpercentageofcandidatesthatpassorfaileachexamination.

Similar ItemsOccasionally,acandidatemayreceiveanitemthatseemstobeverysimilartoanitemtheyreceivedearlierintheexamination.Thiscouldhappenforavarietyofreasons.Forexample,severalitemscouldbeaboutsimilarsymptoms,diseases,ordisorders,yetaddressdifferentphasesofthenursingprocess.Alternatively,apretest(unscored)itemcouldbeaboutcontentsimilartoanoperational(scored)item.Itisincorrecttoassumethataseconditem,whichissimilarincontenttoapreviouslyadministereditem,isadministeredbecauseyouansweredthefirstitemincorrectly.Alwaysselecttheansweryoubelievetobecorrectforeachitemadministered.Allexaminationsconformtotheirrespectivetestplan(NCLEX-RNorNCLEX-PN).

GuessingRapid guessing can drastically lower your score. Some test preparation companies have realized that on certain paper-and-penciltests,unanswereditemsaremarkedaswrong.Toimprovethecandidate’sscorewhentheyarerunningoutoftime,thesecompaniessometimesadvocaterapidguessing(perhapswithoutevenreadingtheitem)inthehopethatthecandidatewillgetatleastafewitemscorrect.Onanyadaptivetest,thiscanbedisastrous.Ithastheeffectofgivingthecandidateeasieritems,whichtheyalsogetwrong.Thebestadviceisto:(1)maintainareasonablepace(spendingnomorethanonetotwominutesoneachitem),and(2)carefullyreadandconsidereachitembeforeanswering.

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111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900,Chicago, IL 60601-4277

Examinations Department Toll-Free: 866.293.9600Examinations Department: 312.525.3750Fax: 312.279.1036Website: www.ncsbn.orgEmail: nclexinfo@ncsbn.org

0899-001/12