Everything You Need to Know About the NCLEX Next Generation (NGN) Exam

Prepare for the new NCLEX Next Generation Exam (NGN) which launched in April 2023. Explore major changes, scoring methods, and new item types. Get ready for success in nursing licensure with our comprehensive guide.


Introduction:

Are you a new graduate nurse or an overseas nurse looking to obtain a Registered Nurse license in Australia, Canada, or the US? If so, this comprehensive guide about the next generation NCLEX is for you. In today’s blog post, We will provide you with all the essential information about the new NCLEX Next Generation (NGN) exam, which launched on April 2023.


Understanding the NCLEX Next Generation Exam:

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a crucial licensure exam that grants you the privilege to practice nursing in Australia, the United States, and Canada. It is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is known for its use of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology, making it a reliable and valid assessment of a nurse’s competence.


NCLEX Next Generation Exam

Major Changes in the New NCLEX Next Generation Exam:

1. Addition of Case Studies:

  • Case studies are simulated scenarios designed to evaluate a nurse’s ability to handle specific nursing situations.
  • Each candidate will receive information about a patient, including their diagnosis, current assessment findings, medications, lab results, and presenting problems, followed by six questions.
  • Expect approximately three case studies, each with six questions, totaling 18 items alongside other question types.
  • Notably, lab result values will come with reference ranges, eliminating the need to memorize specific values.

2. Scoring Method Change:

  • The NGN introduces a new scoring method called “partial credit” scoring.
  • In the current exam, questions are scored as either entirely correct or entirely incorrect.
  • With NGN, candidates may receive partial credit for correct responses on items.
  • There are three scoring methods: 0/1 Scoring, +/- Scoring, and Rationale Scoring.

3. New Question Item Types:

  • The NGN includes various new item types to challenge candidates, including:
    • Extended multiple-response questions
    • Extended drag-and-drop questions
    • Cloze (drop-down) questions
    • Enhanced hotspot (highlighting) questions
    • Matrix/Grid questions

Number of Questions and Exam Duration:

  • The NGN exam will consist of a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150 questions.
  • It includes 15 pre-test unscored items, similar to the current exam format.
  • The exact number of questions varies based on the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) system.
  • Candidates have a total of 5 hours to complete the NGN exam.

What Remains Unchanged in NGN:

  • Some aspects of the NCLEX exam remain consistent, including the allotted time, delivery method (CAT), and the candidate performance report (CPR).

Conclusion:

We trust that you have found the comprehensive details provided in this article regarding the NCLEX Next Generation Exam (NGN) to be not only informative but also valuable in your pursuit of a nursing career.

If you need professional help with your NCLEX exam preparation , we can provide you all the support you need. Our expert NCLEX courses are created to suit the needs of all learners.

As the world of healthcare and nursing continues to evolve, staying well-informed about international education and nursing topics is essential for your professional growth.

To ensure you remain up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, we invite you to subscribe to our YouTube channel. By subscribing, you’ll gain access to a wealth of engaging video content that covers a wide range of topics, from in-depth exam strategies to real-world nursing experiences. Our channel is dedicated to supporting aspiring nurses like you on your journey towards success.

Additionally, we encourage you to explore our website, which serves as a comprehensive hub of resources tailored specifically for overseas registered nurses. Here, you’ll discover a treasure trove of valuable materials, including study guides, practice exams, and expertly crafted courses designed to help you excel in both the NCLEX and OSCE assessments.

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References:

  1. NCLEX Official Website
  2. NCLEX Next Generation Information
  3. NCSBN NGN Summer 2021 News