Resource Center

This annual publication provides national and state summary data of member boards’ licensure activities, as well as data on candidate performance on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Examinations. On Jan. 5, 2015, the first candidates were able to take the NCLEX-RN for purposes of licensure/registration in Canada. This publication provides a detailed breakdown of candidate performance for 2017, as well as historical data.

Overview of the accommodations process which will detail the online process, provide insight into NCSBN’s review, and highlight frequently asked questions.

Summary data for multiple categories of candidates, U.S. and international, is provided for performance on NCSBN's two nurse licensure examinations, the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN. 

This periodic performance of practice analyses (i.e., job analysis) studies assists NCSBN in evaluating the validity of the NCLEX-RN test plan that guides content distribution of the licensure examination. Because changes can occur in registered nurse (RN) practice, practice analyses are conducted on a three-year cycle. This publication analyzes the U.S. & Canadian nurse testing populations.

Learn about the logistics of item writing and review panels including various volunteer opportunities that you can pass along to potential volunteers. Topics include the application process, selection criteria, and an overview of what it is like to be a participant on a panel. 

NCSBN is focused on establishing the validity and legal defensibility of the NCLEX-RN by ensuring it is comprehensive and that it aligns with the requirements of the nursing profession as it is currently practiced. To keep pace with the changing requirements of the job, NCSBN partnered with a research firm to conduct two studies as part of strategic job analyses of the RN job from 2012 through 2014. The Strategic Practice Analysis is the summary of their findings.

The NCLEX Administration Website is a secure, centralized location for member boards to view and update candidate records, set eligibility statuses and enter accommodations requests.

NCSBN has been conducting research to determine whether clinical judgment and decision making in nursing practice can be reliably assessed through the use of innovative item types. This session will give an update on the NGN project.

As the demand for nurses at all practice levels increases, entrylevel nurses are expected to possess sound clinical judgment skills along with their more experienced colleagues. In this session, speakers will present the NCSBN Clinical Judgement Model (NCSBNCJM). This model can be used as an integrated process to promote congruence between educational and licensure evaluations while enhancing the fidelity and validity of the nurse classroom, clinical and regulatory assessment experience.

The NCLEX is a psychometrically sound, standardized exam developed to measure the minimal competency required to practice safe, entrylevel nursing. To achieve these objectives, the exam is developed using a multilayered process that includes an evidencebased content outline, item development using nursing content expert volunteers, several reviews and industrystandard exam principles. This session will describe the methods used to achieve the quality exam development, maintenance and measurement the nursing profession has come to rely on and trust.

The Chair of the NCSBN NCLEX Examination Committee provides information about the committee's activities from the past year.