NCSBN is dedicated to developing psychometrically sound and legally defensible nurse licensure and certification examinations consistent with current entry-level practice. The NCLEX is the world’s premier licensure exam and uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to deliver the exam, ensuring a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence.
The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to administer the exam. CAT is a method that uses computer technology and measurement to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the exam process.
The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test plans contain in-depth information about exam content, exam administration and include item writing exercises. They are updated every three years.
The passing standard for the NCLEX is the cut point at which the minimum ability is determined to require safe and effective practice nursing at the entry level. The passing standards for the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN are reevaluated every three years.
NCSBN Practice Analyses are the basis for the development of the NCLEX Test Plans and are conducted every three years. These job analyses assist NCSBN in evaluating the validity of the content distribution on the NCLEX.
To achieve consistency in the NCLEX test adaptation from English to Canadian French, NCSBN has developed the NCLEX translation process and an NCLEX Translation Lexicon.