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Nclex Full Form- National Council Licensure Examination

Updated on 07 March, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Since 1982, 2020, and 2015, respectively, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) has been a national exam for nurses seeking licenses in the US, Canada, and Australia. The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are the two varieties. To obtain a nursing license, a student must pass the NCLEX exam after graduating from nursing school. A nursing license, issued by the state in which the applicant satisfies the qualifications, allows the applicant to practice nursing. 

The NCLEX is an assessment of nursing competency that is valid and trustworthy since it is administered using computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology. The NCLEX registration procedure involves several steps, including Pearson VUE and the Nursing Regulation Board (NRB). Candidates should confirm that they meet the conditions set forth by their NRB before registering.

Key Aspects of NCLEX

The goal of NCSBN is to create legally sound, psychometrically sound nurse licensing and certification exams that align with entry-level practice today. The world's most prestigious license examination, the NCLEX, is administered using computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology, which guarantees an accurate and trustworthy assessment of nursing competency.

CAT Scoring: Computerized adaptive testing, or CAT, is used to administer the NCLEX. CAT is a technique that improves the effectiveness and precision of the examination process by utilizing measuring and computer technology.

To improve exam efficiency, CAT combines contemporary measuring theory with computer technology. Among CAT's advantages are:

  • Less "easy" questions are given to high-ability candidates; "easy" things don't reveal much about a high-performing candidate's aptitude,
  • Less "difficult" questions are given to low-ability candidates; this can bias the results because candidates often guess on questions that are too difficult.
  • Decreases item exposure and the ensuing security threats, 
  • Increases the accuracy with which the nursing-related skills of NCLEX candidates are measured,
  •  Offers a trustworthy and accurate way to gauge nursing competency.

Clinical Judgment: The NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) was created by NCSBN researchers as a framework for measuring clinical judgment and decision-making in a high-stakes, standardized exam. For many years, clinical judgment and decision-making have been crucial components of most prelicensure education programs. However, in order to isolate and quantify these features with psychometric rigor, a great deal of research and development was needed.

The NCSBN researchers used the body of research on decision making and nursing clinical judgment, nurse pedagogy, cognitive psychology, psychological assessment, and decision science to develop the NCJMM. Furthermore, a number of studies were carried out with the assistance of more than 100 nursing specialists and data analysis from over 200,000 NCLEX applicants. 

This work produced an evidence-based framework for creating, categorizing, and scoring test items that could be used in the current computerized adaptive testing paradigm of the NCLEX and was also technologically achievable.

Passing Standard for NCLEX

The level of nursing proficiency now needed to practice effectively at the entry level is reflected in the passing requirements for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. The NCSBN Board of Directors reviews the exam designs every three years and reevaluates the passing levels due to the fact that nursing practice is ever-evolving.

Passing Standard Consideration:

  • The outcomes of the Panel of Judges' effort to establish standards. At the moment, this activity uses additional statistical result compromise processes in addition to a criterion-referenced standard-setting approach. A list of the Panel of Judges' members and their qualifications is also provided.
  • An archive of the passing score and yearly summary of test taker performance for candidates since the CAT methodology was introduced in 1999
  • The findings from the yearly survey on standard-setting, which asks educators and employers on the competency of the current class of entry-level nurses.
  • The level of schooling attained by recent high school graduates who indicated a desire to become nurses. This data is now provided by the American College Testing Service (ACT).

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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