1. Chapter 5THE NCLEX-PN®

2. Computerized Adaptive Testing
CAT is administered at a computer terminal.
NCLEX-PN® has a time limit and number-of-questions limit.
No longer than 5 hours
Maximum 205 questions
Test is adapted to the examinee
You must answer every question
Can’t go back to review

3. Computerized Adaptive Testing
After the first question, if you chose correctly you get a slightly more difficult question
If you choose the wrong answer, you get a slightly less difficult question
Passing depends on how many more difficult questions you answer correctly
Exam is continuously customized to the student’s answering of questions
After answering a minimum of 85 questions
Computer compares to passing standard
Determines pass or fail

4. Computerized Adaptive Testing
Questions are selected from a large pool based on NCLEX-PN® test plan
To pass, about half of questions answered must be in the difficult category
Each person is given a different exam
Each person is given a tutorial before starting
Questions are written in a variety of formats

5. Development of the NCLEX-PN®
NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) is responsible for development of the NCLEX-PN®
Oversees development and administration of the exam
NCLEX-PN® Item Development Panel composed of nurses writes test questions
NCLEX-PN® review subcommittee, reviews all questions, and evaluates candidate examination in relation to variety of criteria
Makes sure the exam conforms to accepted procedures
Contracts with commercial testing service

6. THE NCLEX-PN® Test Plan
Developed to test what a beginning practical/vocational nurse needs to know to be competent and safe
Number of questions required to answer during test
Survey of entry-level job skills provides this knowledge
Is like a blueprint
Outlines percentage of questions that will be asked for each category of client need
The nursing process
Caring
Communication and documentation
Teaching and learning

7. THE NCLEX-PN® Test Plan
Publication is updated every 3 years
Is the best document to guide your studies
Avoid cramming for the exam
Retention is best through repetition by studying throughout nursing program

8. Reviewing for the NCLEX-PN®
Develop sound learning habits
Practice applying classroom knowledge in the clinical setting
Increase chances of passing by taking exam as soon as possible after completing nursing program requirements
Participate in a formal review program

9. Reviewing for the NCLEX-PN®
Review Books should:
Explain how test plan is incorporated
Be based on most recent test plan
Contain questions in a variety of formats
Multiple choice, Multiple correct, Hot spots, Audio, Putting into order
Explain why answers are correct/incorrect
Be published by reputable company
Should be cross-referenced to textbooks
Should have no errors in answer keys

10. Review for the NCLEX-PN®
Review Courses
Follow guidelines when enrolling in a review course
Best course includes a series of diagnostic tests and a prescribed individual plan of study and review
Mock Examinations
Do not reach level of sophistication of NCLEX-PN®
Provide good practice
Require computer, and may require internet access
Should incorporate recent NCLEX-PN® test plan

11. Test Anxiety A little anxiety improves performance
Too much anxiety causes poor performance
Self-assessment test
“How serious is your text anxiety?”
Professional counseling may be needed

12. Application Procedures
Use the same form of your name that appears on driver’s license or passport
Authorization to Test Card
Has a wide range of validity dates
Follow procedures for scheduling an appointment
Request special accommodations for a disability through your state board of nursing

13. Test Center Regulations
Are strictly enforced
Photo identification is required
Provide a digital fingerprint
Palm veins scan will be completed
You will provide your signature
Photograph will be taken
Testing is monitored via video camera, audio recording, and test center monitors.

14. Test Center Regulations
You will be given note boards
Pens are collected and counted
Breaks are offered and counted against testing time
Palm vein scan is done on leaving and returning to the testing room
Staff will assist with technical computer questions

15. Getting Your Results Network scores your test
Commercial test service verifies the results
Transmits your score to your state board of nursing
State board of nursing provides results to candidates
May take 1 month to receive results in the mail
Many state boards post results within hours of receiving them and are put on their Web site

16. Retaking the Examination
86% pass on the first attempt
If you fail, you will receive a NCLEX® Candidate Performance Report (CPR)
Use CPR to determine where you need to improve
Must wait a minimum of 45 or 90 days between taking each exam

17. Retaking the Examination
To prepare for Re-Examination student should
Ask nursing instructor to help interpret Candidate Performance Review
Focus on studying areas that is weak or challenged in on first exam
Take a mock exam
Focus on types of questions she had difficulty with