Pearson VUE
The NCLEX Examination 
Pearson VUE developed a test which is easy to register, highly secure, provides valid results and useful data.
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“NCLEX is a critical exam with a lot riding on it. Pearson VUE ensures that it is easy to register, highly secure, provides valid results and useful data. We’re delighted with the service.”
CASEY MARKS, ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BUSINESS OPERATIONS, NCSBN 
case study

About the NCSBN
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, comprising individual Boards of Nursing from each state of the USA. The Boards set standards for safe nursing care and issue licences to practice.

In the USA, a licence to practice as a nurse is compulsory. To obtain a licence you must have a minimum standard of education before getting the go-ahead to take the NCLEX examination. NCLEX is set by the NCSBN and run by Pearson VUE. If you pass, you receive a licence and can apply for work as a nurse; no licence means no job, so the stakes are very high. In 2006, nearly 250,000 candidates took the examinations.

Global reach
Nursing shortages in the US have led to demand for nurses from abroad. Pearson VUE’s global reach means that candidates can take the test across the world, ensuring a fair assessment of competence by standardised procedures, wherever they are. In 2006, testing centres were introduced to India, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Germany and Taiwan, in addition to England, Hong Kong and South Korea. In the US, the exam can be taken at more than 200 Pearson Professional Centres.

How does NCLEX work?
NCLEX tests the entry-level nursing competence of candidates: the NCLEX-RN® for registered nurses and NCLEX-PN® for licensed practical/vocational nurses.

The exams are Computerised Adaptive Tests (CAT) that utilise a wide variety of item types including Multiple-Choice format. In CAT exams, the difficulty of each item has been previously estimated, so if the item is answered correctly, the next item will be harder; if incorrectly, the next one will be easier. Each exam is, therefore, unique to the individual taking it and can last up to six hours.

“Computerised Adaptive testing provides a fair, effective and consistent way to measure test takers. It provides an accurate, independent validation of what a candidate knows.”  Dr Tony Zara, Vice President, Testing Services, Pearson VUE

Safe and sound
All questions are pre-trialled, written and reviewed by experts provided by Pearson VUE and approved by the NCSBN, which appoints a panel of judges to recommend pass standards.

Fast, flexible and efficient
All answers are marked automatically, improving accuracy and providing instant results. NCSBN chooses to review the results first and send them to candidates with the appropriate state licence if successful.

Thanks to a large question bank, candidates can be tested every day of the week, with tests that are delivered according to their talent and knowledge. With onscreen testing, there is no need for the distribution, storage or tracking of test papers and answer scripts. Computerised testing also streamlines administration and enables detailed analysis and evaluation.

About Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE is the world’s leading assessment and testing business, with a focus on advanced technology and exceptional service. 

How we can help
If you offer paper-based tests, or need to introduce new forms of testing, we can ensure you maintain standards while making the transition to computer-based testing. We offer a flexible range of services, including:

  • Test development
  • Registration and scheduling
  • Test delivery through our global network of test centres in 163 countries, or in your own test centres
  • Management information
  • Security and data integrity, including physical, password and encryption systems

If you would like further information about Pearson VUE and our assessment solutions please email pvemeamarketing@pearson.com or visit www.pearsonvue.co.uk.