NCSBN Certifications
- Home
- Certifications
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a standardized exam used to determine if a nursing graduate is ready to begin practicing as a safe and effective entry-level nurse. The NCLEX uses real-world case studies to measure a nurse’s ability to think more critically and make the right decisions. It’s a crucial step for those seeking licensure as either a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Practical/Vocational Nurse (PN).
NCLEX examinations are developed and owned by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN). The NCSBN administers these examinations on behalf of its member boards, which consist of the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
To ensure public protection, each board of nursing requires a candidate for licensure to pass the appropriate NCLEX examination: the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses and the NCLEX-PN for vocational or practical nurses. NCLEX examinations are designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level.
NCLEX examinations are provided in a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format and are presently administered by Pearson VUE in their network of Pearson Professional Centers (PPC). With computerized exams such as this, the computer selects which question you are asked based on how you answered the previous question. The NCLEX covers a wide range of material. The individual will be scored on their ability to think critically about decisions involving nursing care.
The REx-PN, or Regulatory Exam – Practical Nurse, is a Canadian licensing exam for practical nurses. It is used by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) to assess whether candidates possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment to practice safely as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The REx-PN replaced the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) in January 2022.
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) oversee admission to the nursing profession in British Columbia and Ontario, respectively. Candidates enrolling to practice must fulfill certain conditions set forth by BCCNM and CNO to protect the public. Passing a regulatory exam determines whether the applicant possesses the information, abilities, and judgment required for an entry-level nurse to safely attend to clients’ requirements throughout their first year of practice. BCCNM and CNO use the REx-PN® for this purpose.
REx-PN aims to assess your competency levels and in-depth understanding of the nursing profession. The significance of the REx-PN Exam cannot be overstated, as it is a prerequisite to practice as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) across numerous provinces in Canada. Therefore, having a comprehensive understanding of this exam is imperative to launch a successful nursing career in Canada.
The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam is used to determine nurse aide competency. Candidates who pass the exam will be added to their state’s nurse aide registry.
The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national exam typically administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. Once certified, candidates can help distribute medications and monitor patients for adverse reactions.