The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam) has one purpose: to determine if it's safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse. It is significantly different from any test that you took in nursing school. Nursing school exams are knowledge-based. The NCLEX-RN® exam, however, is application-based. You will be tested on how you can use critical thinking skills to make nursing judgments.
The NCLEX-RN exam is organized according to the framework, "Meeting Client Needs." There are four major categories and eight subcategories. All of the questions on the exam involve integrated nursing content. Many nursing programs are based on the medical model where students take separate medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, and obstetric classes. However on the NCLEX-RN® exam, all content is integrated.
This exam can be taken in London.
The CAT
CAT is an acronym for computer adaptive test, a testing format that is interactively based on your response to the questions. Based on your skill level, the CAT ensures that the questions are not "too hard" or "too easy".Your first question will be relatively easy - below the level of minimum competency. If you answer it correctly, the computer selects a slightly more difficult question. If answered incorrectly, the computer selects a slightly easier question. By continuing to do this throughout the test, the computer is able to calculate your level of competence. If you consistently answer more difficult questions correctly, you will remain in the passing zone. For more information, view the ‘Taking the NCLEX Test’ page from the link above.
The grading system on the NCLEX-RN exam is pass/fail. There is no numerical score. Although a determination will be made at the conclusion of the exam as to whether you have passed or failed, the results will not be made available at the exam site. You will be notified by your individual state board of nursing approximately 2-4 weeks after your test date.