The NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized exam that holds major importance for aspiring nurses in the United States and Canada. It is considered an important legal and professional requirement in the journey to becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN) or practical/vocational nurse (PN). The NCLEX examination is developed and regulated by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in the United States and the Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators (CCRNR) in Canada. It aims at assessing the knowledge, skills, and abilities mandatory for entry-level nursing practice.

If you are getting ready for this strict examination, it’s vital to have a clear understanding of the test to prepare effectively and confidently. This article will provide detailed insights into the exam and introduce the top online NCLEX coaching center in Calgary to support your journey to passing the test with ease.

Below is a list of the essential purposes of the NCLEX exam that are important for every aspiring nurse to be familiar with:

The NCLEX exam is designed in a way to ensure that nurses who obtain the licensure possess the necessary skills and knowledge in effective patient care.

Standardising Nursing Licensure

Passing the NCLEX examination is an essential legal and professional requirement as it sets a benchmark for nursing licensure across the United States and Canada. It helps maintain consistent quality in nursing practice and education.

The exam assesses a candidate’s ability to apply critical thinking and clinical judgment in providing nursing care. It tests a wide range of nursing knowledge and skills that are necessary for safe practice.

Significance Of Passing The NCLEX Exam For Aspiring Nurses

Licensure Requirement- Passing the NCLEX exam is a legal requirement for becoming a registered nurse in the United States and Canada. Individuals without licensure can not practice legally.

Career Advancement- The NCLEX is a critical step towards advancing one’s nursing career. A nursing license opens doors to various job opportunities, increased earning potential, and career growth.

Credibility and Trust- Obtaining a registered RN or PN licensure through the NCLEX exam builds an individual’s credibility and trust in the eyes of employers, healthcare institutions, and patients.

Professional Validation: Passing the NCLEX exam is a major achievement in a nurse’s professional journey. It shows their commitment to the profession and their readiness to provide high-quality patient care.

When preparing for the NCLEX exam it is important to know the test format to get an idea of what all the tests will include. Below is a detailed analysis of the NCLEX exam format, including the number of questions, question types, and the innovative computer-adaptive testing (CAT) process.

Number of Questions

The exam can have a varying number of questions ranging anywhere between 75 and 265 questions. For the NCLEX-RN, the range typically falls between 75 and 265 questions, while the NCLEX-PN ranges from 85 to 205 questions.

The NCLEX includes various question types formulated to assess a candidate’s clinical skill and knowledge. The primary question types are:

Multiple Response Questions: These require selecting several correct answers.

Fill-in-the-Blank (Calculation) Questions: You might need to calculate a specific value or put in a numerical answer.

Ordered-Response Questions: You arrange responses in a specific order.

Hot Spot Questions: You identify a particular area on an image or graphic.

Drag-and-Drop Questions: You match items or sequences by dragging them into appropriate locations.

Chart/Exhibit Questions: These involve interpreting data from charts, graphs, or exhibits.

Audio Questions: Occasionally, you may encounter audio-based questions that require you to listen to a sound or dialogue and answer questions based on it.

Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT)

The exam begins with questions of moderate difficulty.

Your response to the previous questions determines the difficulty level of the next question. If you answer a question correctly, the next question may be more challenging. If you answer incorrectly, the next question may be easier.

The procedure of CAT continues till a certain criterion is met. For the NCLEX-RN, this means you must exhibit competence in at least one of the Client Needs categories. For the NCLEX-PN, you must achieve a consistent level of competence in each of the five categories.

Preparing for the NCLEX exam is probably one of the most crucial aspects of obtaining a license. Effective preparation ensures success and boosts the confidence of the candidate in the process. Here are some tips and resources for effective NCLEX preparation through online classes:

Choose Reputable Online Resources

Picking the best online tutor for your exam preparation is the most crucial aspect of beginning your nursing journey. Look for platforms that are credible and are equipped with the necessary skills for effective preparation.

2. Online NCLEX Review Courses

Enroll in an online NCLEX review course. These courses are designed to cover the material you need to know for the exam. They often offer structured study plans, practice questions, and simulated exams to track your progress.

3. Study Materials

Invest in effective study materials. These can include online textbooks, video lectures, flashcards, and interactive learning modules. Utilise official NCLEX review books and guides published by credible sources.

4. Practice Exams

Online practice exams are a great way to assess your progress. They mirror the NCLEX experience and help you become familiar with the exam format and time restraints. Regularly assess your performance to identify areas for improvement.

5. Adaptive Learning

Some NCLEX online platforms offer adaptive learning, which personalize your study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses.

6. Active Learning and Engagement

Actively participate in online classes by partaking in discussions, asking questions, and seeking doubt clarification. Engaging with peers and instructors can enhance your understanding of the study material.

7. Time Management

Create a study schedule that aligns with your learning preferences and lifestyle. Consistency is key, so distribute dedicated study time each day. Set specific goals and track your progress to stay on target.

8. Simulation and Critical Thinking

Focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment. The NCLEX assesses your ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations. Seek out online case studies and simulations to practice decision-making skills.

9. Seek Feedback

Utilise platforms that offer feedback on your practice questions and exams. Understanding why an answer is correct or incorrect is invaluable.

10. Review Previous Content

Ensure you have a solid foundation in nursing knowledge. Many online courses include review materials for fundamental nursing concepts.

11. Self-Care

Take breaks and practice self-care to prevent exhaustion. Enough rest, nutrition, and exercise are important for maintaining focus and concentration.

12. Continuous Assessment

Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly. As you improve in certain areas, shift your focus to areas for improvement.

13. NCLEX Test Plan

Familiarise yourself with the NCLEX test plan and content categories. Allocate study time according to the weight of each category in the exam.

When looking for a credible and skillful online NCLEX tutor, consider several factors like success rates, skill, knowledge of the tutor, study material, feedback, and additional study resources. Based on student reviews and a high success rate, Sure Success Nursing Hub is recognized as the best online NCLEX coaching center in Calgary. With numerous years of experience in the field, the tutors at Sure Success ensure effective preparation by introducing comprehensive study materials, one-on-one study sessions, flexible video lectures, effective feedback, performance-tracking reviews, and interactive practice tests. All these features have led to a high pass rate among candidates and helped them fulfill their dreams of becoming a registered nurses.

Sure Success Nursing Hub offers its online coaching across different parts of Canada such as Toronto, Calgary, and Ontario. If you are an aspiring nurse looking for the best NCLEX preparation center to help you achieve your dreams, enroll in Sure Success Nursing Hub and know why it’s called the best online coaching center in Calgary.