Resources

Resources and travel policies for members that are traveling on NCSBN business.

The REx-PN is a new Canadian Practical Nurse exam developed for the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP) and the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to assist in making licensure decisions. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to measure each candidate’s competence to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry-level nurse. CAT is a method for administering exams that merges computer technology with modern measurement theory to increase the efficiency of the exam process. This video explains why CAT is used for the REx-PN and how it works. Topics covered include item selection and pass/fail rules. Find out more about the exam and CAT.

Le REx-PN est un nouvel examen d’autorisation pour les infirmières auxiliaires autorisées canadiennes. Développé pour le British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP) et l’Ordre des Infirmières et Infirmiers de l’Ontario (OIIO) pour faciliter les prises de décision ayant trait à l’autorisation d’exercer. L’examen utilise la technologie adaptative informatisée pour évaluer la compétence de chaque personne à exercer la profession d’infirmière en tant que nouvellement diplômée de manière sécuritaire et efficace au niveau débutant. L’examen adaptative informatisée utilise une méthode d’administration qui combine la technologie informatique avec une théorie de mesure moderne pour créer un processus d’examen plus efficace. Cette vidéo explique pourquoi le REx-PN est un examen adaptative informatisée et comment il fonction. Elle présente, entre autres, le mode de sélection des questions et les règles suivies pour déterminer une réussite ou un échec.  Apprenez-en davantage sur l’examen et la technologie adaptative informatisée. 

Resources and tools to assist those in an Education Consultant role at a board of nursing (BON).

Are you wondering how NCSBN ensures fairness for all groups taking the REx-PN examination? Will candidates with comparable nursing knowledge perform similarly on exam items, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or other factors irrelevant to nursing practice? This session will describe how Sensitivity and Differential Item Functioning (DIF) panels contribute to the fairness and legal defensibility of an exam.

NCSBN ensures the fair and secure delivery of the REx-PN by administering the exam under strict supervision and security measures. The first part of this session will highlight the security measures NCSBN has in place for the REx-PN, including incidents that occur at testing centers as well as our confidentiality agreement with students. During the second part of this session, you will learn about the testing accommodation process, including the roles of the candidate, NCSBN, Pearson Vue and nursing regulatory bodies.

Ever wonder how REx-PN items are developed? This session will explain the processes and steps every REx-PN item goes through before it can be used on the REx-PN. Opportunities for educator involvement will also be highlighted. 

The REx-PN uses CAT and psychometric theory coupled with computer-driven administration to produce a psychometrically sound, standardized exam for measuring the minimal competency required to practice safe, entry-level nursing. 

Practice analysis studies assist in evaluating the validity of the test plan, which guides the content distribution of the REx-PN. This presentation will provide an overview of the evidence-based methodology NCSBN uses to determine what content should appear on the REx-PN exam.