NCSBN Reaches Milestone of Testing 1,000th NCLEX-RN(R) Candidate in Canada

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Apr 13, 2015) -  The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN^®), www.ncsbn.org, NCLEX-RN® Examination reached the milestone of testing more than 1,000 Canadian students and graduates, and international applicants for licensure/registration in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan. Testing for Canadian licensure/registration began Jan. 5, 2015.

Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators (CCRNR) President Anne Coghlan, MScN, RN, comments, "The launch of the NCLEX-RN in Canada has gone extremely well and it is very exciting to reach this milestone. Through the collaborative efforts of NCSBN and CCRNR, we are furthering our shared commitment to excellence in nursing regulation."

Canadian RN regulators initially selected the NCLEX-RN Exam in 2012 after identifying the need for an exam that employs the latest advances in testing technology to enhance test security, increases accessibility to the exam by offering year-round testing, provides timely results and allows for precise assessment of an individual candidate's performance. The NCLEX-RN Examination was previously offered in 10 countries around the world for the purpose of domestic licensure in the U.S., the launch of testing in Canada marks the first time that the test will be used for the purpose of licensure in another country.

"I attribute the success of this launch to the hard work, dedication and cooperation between CCRNR and NCSBN over the three-year planning period to bring this to fruition," states Phil Dickison, PhD, RN, chief officer, Examinations.

Candidates seeking licensure/registration in Canada are able to take the NCLEX at any Pearson VUE test center within Canada, throughout the mainland U.S. and at select test centers internationally. Candidates can use the test center locator on the Pearson VUE NCLEX website, http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/, to find test center locations. In addition to the Pearson Professional Test Centers located in Canada that will be available year-round, Pearson Temporary Test Centers are available for testing during event windows in February, June and October.

In the last three years, NCSBN has worked with 10 Canadian registered nurse (RN) regulatory bodies* to prepare for the Canadian transition to the NCLEX.

For more information, please visit the Canadian Educators & Students Frequently Asked Questions on NCSBN.org.

The NCLEX-RN Examination is currently offered in 10 countries around the world for the purpose of domestic licensure in the U.S., but this partnership marks the first time that the test will be used for the purpose of licensure in another country.

Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together boards of nursing (BONs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. NCSBN's membership is comprised of the BONs in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories -- American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also 21 associate members that are either nursing regulatory bodies or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.

NCSBN Member Boards protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses. These BONs regulate more than 4.5 million licensed nurses.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
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Chicago, IL 60601-4277