Next Eligibility and Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum educational requirement for a candidate to be eligible to take the NEXT-RN?
- Completion of a one-year licensed practical nurse program
- Completion of an accredited associate degree or baccalaureate degree nursing program (Correct answer)
- Completion of any healthcare-related bachelor's degree
- Completion of a hospital-based diploma nursing program only
Correct answer: Completion of an accredited associate degree or baccalaureate degree nursing program
Candidates must graduate from an NLNAC- or ACEN-accredited ADN or BSN program to be eligible for the NEXT-RN.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of the NEXT Authorization to Test (ATT)?
- It serves as proof of nursing licensure in the candidate's state
- It is the official permission document that allows a candidate to schedule and sit for the exam (Correct answer)
- It confirms that a candidate has passed all required clinical competencies
- It is a receipt confirming payment of the NCSBN examination fee
Correct answer: It is the official permission document that allows a candidate to schedule and sit for the exam
The ATT is issued after the state board confirms eligibility and must be presented to schedule and take the NEXT.
Question 3: A candidate who was previously licensed as an LPN/LVN wants to take the NEXT-RN. Which statement is TRUE?
- Prior LPN/LVN licensure automatically exempts them from taking the NEXT-RN
- They must still meet all RN educational requirements and pass the NEXT-RN (Correct answer)
- They only need to pass a shortened bridge version of the NEXT-RN
- They are ineligible to take the NEXT-RN due to prior licensure
Correct answer: They must still meet all RN educational requirements and pass the NEXT-RN
LPN/LVN licensure does not substitute for RN educational requirements; candidates must complete an accredited RN program and pass the NEXT-RN.
Question 4: What happens if a candidate provides false information on their NEXT application?
- They receive a warning and are asked to correct the information
- Their application may be denied and they could face legal consequences or license denial (Correct answer)
- They are automatically granted a 90-day grace period to provide correct documents
- Nothing, as the application is self-reported and not verified
Correct answer: Their application may be denied and they could face legal consequences or license denial
Providing false information is grounds for application denial and may result in permanent ineligibility or legal action.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a standard component of the NEXT eligibility application?
- Payment of examination and registration fees
- Submission of proof of nursing program completion
- Passing a preliminary oral examination before receiving an ATT (Correct answer)
- Background check or disclosure of criminal history
Correct answer: Passing a preliminary oral examination before receiving an ATT
The NEXT does not include a preliminary oral examination; eligibility is determined through documentation, fees, and background review.
Question 6: A graduating nursing student applies for the NEXT before their official graduation date. Under what condition may they receive an ATT?
- They may never apply before the official graduation date
- If their nursing program submits verification that they are expected to graduate and have completed all requirements (Correct answer)
- Only if they pay an expedited processing fee
- If they have passed at least 90% of their coursework
Correct answer: If their nursing program submits verification that they are expected to graduate and have completed all requirements
Many boards allow early ATT issuance based on program verification that the candidate will graduate and has met all program requirements.
Question 7: A candidate moves to a different state after receiving an ATT but before taking the NEXT. What is the most likely consequence?
- The ATT remains valid and can be used to test in any US state without any action needed
- The candidate must apply for licensure in the new state, which may require a new application and ATT (Correct answer)
- The ATT automatically transfers to the new state's board
- The candidate must retake all nursing coursework in the new state
Correct answer: The candidate must apply for licensure in the new state, which may require a new application and ATT
Licensure is state-specific; moving states typically requires a new application to the new state board, which issues its own ATT.
Next Eligibility and Requirements 3
What is the minimum educational requirement for a candidate to be eligible to take the NEXT-RN?