ISPN & CGFNS NCLEX-RN Pathway for International Nurses 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization is responsible for developing and administering the NCLEX-RN examination?
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) (Correct answer)
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- CGFNS International
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Correct answer: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN develops and owns the NCLEX-RN, which is used by US state boards of nursing to determine minimum competency for RN licensure.
Question 2: What is the first step an internationally educated nurse must complete to begin the NCLEX-RN licensure process in the US?
- Apply to a state board of nursing for eligibility determination (Correct answer)
- Register directly with Pearson VUE test centers
- Submit NCLEX scores from their home country
- Obtain a Social Security number before anything else
Correct answer: Apply to a state board of nursing for eligibility determination
The first step is applying to a specific state board of nursing, which determines whether the international nurse's credentials meet eligibility requirements for NCLEX-RN testing.
Question 3: Which NCLEX-RN format change adopted in 2023 affects test-taking strategy for international nurses?
- Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) with new item types including case studies and extended multiple response (Correct answer)
- Replacement of multiple-choice with all essay questions
- Reduction of the exam to 50 questions maximum
- Addition of a hands-on clinical simulation component
Correct answer: Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) with new item types including case studies and extended multiple response
The NGN introduced new item types such as extended multiple response, matrix questions, and case studies to better measure clinical judgment, which internationally educated nurses must prepare for.
Question 4: What document does a state board of nursing issue to an internationally educated nurse who has passed NCLEX-RN and met all licensure requirements?
- Registered Nurse (RN) license for that state (Correct answer)
- VisaScreen certificate
- CGFNS CES report
- ANCC board certification
Correct answer: Registered Nurse (RN) license for that state
Upon passing NCLEX-RN and meeting all requirements, the state board issues the nurse an RN license for that state, authorizing legal practice as a registered nurse.
Question 5: Which US nursing endorsement process allows an RN licensed in one state to obtain licensure in another state?
- Endorsement by reciprocity through the new state's board of nursing (Correct answer)
- Retaking NCLEX-RN in every new state
- Obtaining a new CGFNS CES report for each state
- Passing a state-specific practical examination
Correct answer: Endorsement by reciprocity through the new state's board of nursing
Endorsement allows a nurse licensed in one US state to apply for licensure in another state without retaking NCLEX-RN, provided they meet the new state's requirements.
Question 6: Which compact agreement allows nurses to practice in multiple US states with one license?
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) (Correct answer)
- NAFTA Healthcare Agreement
- Interstate Medical Compact
- Federal Nurse Practice Act
Correct answer: Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses holding a multistate license in their primary state of residence to practice in other NLC member states without obtaining additional licenses.
ISPN & CGFNS NCLEX-RN Pathway for International Nurses 1
Which organization is responsible for developing and administering the NCLEX-RN examination?