What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is an updated version of the NCLEX that assesses nursing candidates' abilities to apply clinical judgment skills and make safe, effective decisions. It includes new question types and case sets that are mapped to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Clinical Judgement Measurement Model. NGN has been administered since April 2023.

How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN?

The new NCLEX serves up between 85 to 150 questions and will stop as soon as your competency level has been identified.

How do you pass the NCLEX-RN?

To pass the NCLEX-RN, you have to demonstrate that your level of competency is above the minimum standard. As you answer questions correctly, you'll be given increasingly difficult questions, and you will need to work your way up in difficulty so the NCLEX-RN algorithm can identify your passing-level competency with 95% confidence. Answering questions correctly requires both nursing content knowledge and critical thinking skills.

How long does it take to get NCLEX-RN results?

Official results will be sent to you approximately 6 weeks after taking the NCLEX-RN. Some states offer a paid quick results service which allows you to access your 'unofficial' results in 2 business days.

How many times can you take the NCLEX-RN?

Ideally, you'll only take the NCLEX-RN once. However, you are allowed to retest 45 days after the administration of your previous exam. Candidates are permitted to take the exam 8 times in a calendar year, depending on the state.

🩺 Navigating Nursing Exams in Canada: A Complete Guide for Future Nurses

Created by Priya Basil in Articles 17 Oct 2025

🩺 Navigating Nursing Exams in Canada: A Complete Guide for Future Nurses

Becoming a nurse in Canada is an exciting and life-changing journey — one that requires dedication, preparation, and the right guidance. Whether you are a nursing student in Canada or an internationally educated nurse (IEN) planning to begin your career here, understanding the Canadian nursing exam system is the first step toward success.

1. Understanding Nursing Pathways in Canada

In Canada, nursing is a regulated profession. Depending on your qualifications and career goals, you can become either a:

Registered Nurse (RN) — by passing the NCLEX-RN, or
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — by passing the REx-PN (Regulatory Exam for Practical Nurses).

Each province has its own regulatory body, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), or Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN). These organizations ensure that nurses meet national standards for safe and competent practice.

2. The NCLEX-RN: Becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) measures how well a candidate can apply nursing knowledge and clinical judgment to real-world patient scenarios. It is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), meaning the difficulty level changes based on your answers.

Quick Facts:

Duration: Up to 5 hours
Question Types: Multiple choice, SATA (Select All That Apply), drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and case-based scenarios
Exam Focus Areas: Safe and effective care environment Health promotion and maintenance Psychosocial integrity Physiological integrity

Preparation Tips:

Focus on concept-based learning rather than memorization.
Practice CAT-style mock exams to build confidence.
Use Canadian-aligned study materials that reflect local standards and terminology.

At Priya Basil Academy, our digital learning resources are structured to help you master core nursing concepts through clear explanations, exam-style practice questions, and detailed rationales — all at your own pace.

3. The REx-PN: Your Pathway to Becoming a Practical Nurse

The REx-PN exam, used in Ontario and British Columbia, is the new standard for practical nursing. Like the NCLEX, it uses computer-adaptive testing to determine your readiness to provide safe, competent care.

Exam Overview:

Measures your ability to think critically and make sound clinical judgments.
Covers entry-level nursing competencies, including professional practice, health and wellness, and patient safety.
Has no fixed number of questions — it adjusts dynamically based on your answers.

How to Prepare:

Build strong prioritization and decision-making skills.
Study Canadian healthcare principles and patient communication standards.
Review digital REx-PN practice tests and analyze answer rationales carefully.

Priya Basil Academy offers comprehensive digital prep modules tailored for REx-PN candidates, designed to strengthen your clinical reasoning and exam performance anytime, anywhere.

4. For Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)

If you completed your nursing education outside Canada, you must apply through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). After your documents are verified, your provincial regulatory body (such as CNO or BCCNM) will guide you on eligibility for the NCLEX-RN or REx-PN.

Our digital bridging resources at Priya Basil Academy are specially created for IENs. These online study tools and practice materials help you:

Understand the Canadian healthcare system
Strengthen your exam readiness
Learn evidence-based nursing standards used across Canada

With our flexible self-paced modules, you can prepare confidently from anywhere in the world.

5. The Key to Success: Learn Smart, Not Hard

Canadian nursing exams focus on critical thinking and safe practice, not just memorized facts. The best approach is a structured, consistent study plan that emphasizes concept mastery and clinical application.

At Priya Basil Academy, our digital courses are designed to make learning simple, efficient, and effective. We provide: