The Canadian
version of the NCLEX-RN, the adaptive, computerized testing program brought in
this year to assess the skills of Canadian nursing students, reached an
impressive benchmark this week with it's 1,000th test taker. The test has been
operational since January 5th, assessing the qualifications of registered
nurses in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova
Scotia, P.E.I, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories and
Nunavut.
The exam was
selected to replace the older Canadian Registered Nursing Exam in 2012, but it
wasn't until January of this year that the new testing regime began. The new
format offers increased test security, accessibility, precise assessment and
provides more timely results than the CRNE. The United States has been using
the NCLEX-RN since 1994.
Anne Coghlan, the
President of the Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators believes the
switch has been close to seamless. "The launch of the NCLEX-RN in Canada
has gone extremely well," she said, "and it is very exciting to reach
this milestone. Through the collaborative efforts of NCSBN and CCRNR, we are
furthering our shared commitment to excellence in nursing regulation."
There are
currently 10 other countries offering the NCLEX-RN test but Canada is the only
country outside of the U.S. that uses it as a domestic licensing examination.
Students can take
the exam at any Pearson Vue testing facility in the country or abroad.
Permanent centers are located across Canada, but there is also temporary
centers setup in February, June and October, for end of semester examinations.
Canadian nursing students can prep for the exam by enrolling in a
NCLEX prep course. PRIMED Education currently offers classes in facilities
across the country and online. These courses help nursing students practice for
the exam, work through topics that they are struggling with and review core
material. They are an excellent tool for first time NCLEX-RN test-takers or for
students who will be repeating. Find out more at: http://www.primededucation.ca/
