FAQ

How do i schedule my appointment to write the nclex?
Schedule your appointment by contacting Pearson VUE, the exam administrator. Here are the steps:
  1. Review the College's registration requirements and apply to the College. (If you are an internationally educated nurse, you will apply to the College after the National Nursing Assessment Service has completed its assessment and informed you of next steps.)
  2. Wait to hear from the College that you are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN.
  3. Go to Pearson VUE’s NCLEX-RN registration page to register and schedule your writing time.
  4. Pay the required fee at the time you schedule your exam.
How do I request accommodations for the exam?
Submit any requests for accommodation and supporting documents to the College before booking your exam time with Pearson VUE. You may be eligible for extra time, a separate room, larger font, a coloured background, a screen magnifier, or comfort aids. You will likely not be able to be issued a paper exam. If you have any medical exceptions such as an insulin pump or food you must bring in, PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLEGE FIRST.

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What name should I use to register for the exam with Pearson VUE?
Be sure to give Pearson VUE the same name you provided to the College when applying for registration. The name you give to the College and Pearson VUE must match the identification you present at the test centre when you arrive to write the exam. A difference in the name you provide could delay your testing.
Where are Ontario's NCLEX-RN test centres?
Ontario's permanent test centres are located in Hamilton, London, Ottawa and Toronto. Temporary test centres are in Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Windsor. Temporary test centres are also set up in different locations throughout the year. Use Pearson VUE’s Test Site Locator to find the one nearest you.
I'm applying for registration in Ontario. Does this mean I must write the NCLEX-RN exam in Ontario?
No. You can write the NCLEX-RN at any Pearson VUE test centre that offers the exam. However, there is an additional fee if you write the exam outside of Canada or the U.S.
What happens if i don't pass?
In Ontario, you are given unlimited attempts at writing your NCLEX! You may write once in every 45-day period. You may appeal a failure, but you will be issued practice limitations if permitted to practice. If you decide to get a temporary license before writing your NCLEX, please note that your license will be revoked and this will be visible on your profile with the college permanently.
What is the test format?
The length of the NCLEX is anywhere between 75 and 265 questions, 15 of which are “pilot questions” that are not marked. Each writer gets the same balance of types of questions (maternity, medicine, pharmacology, pathology, etc.). You will be allotted 6 hours to complete the exam. There will be several formats of questions as listed: multiple choice, select all that apply, numerical (i.e. drug calculations), “hot spot” questions (i.e. Select an image on a diagram), ordered response, audio clips, and pictorial answers.
*Some questions may appear twice.
​*Select all that apply question formats make up 20-30% of the test bank and are considered to be the hardest questions. If you are being given many select all that apply questions, you are doing well!
Situational tips.
Every scenario you will be answering will be taking place in a “perfect hospital” - consider you have unlimited time, resources, and one patient. Be sure to flag any questions you consider to be unfair (i.e. Questions on drugs that are not yet available in Canada). Remember to follow Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and ABCDE (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure/examination). Pay close attention to questions asking what to do first, which intervention to use, and which assessment is important. Safety is a largely important topic in NCLEX questions, make sure patient and staff safety is given priority.
What lab values do I need to know?
  • pH
  • Cholesterol
  • HgBA1C                    
  • Creatinine
  • PaCO2                       
  • Glucose                     
  • Platelets                     
  • PT
  • HCO3                        
  • HCT                          
  • Potassium                  
  • PTT
  • BUN                          
  • HgB                           
  • Sodium                      
  • INR
  • WBC
What should i expect on test day?
Arrive at the Pearson Test Centre at least 15 minutes early. Bring 2 pieces of government issued photo ID. Make sure you sign up for the test using your full, legal name that appears on your ID. You will be given a 2 page document to read before you begin. After reading this document, you will enter a palm reading (much like a finger print scan) and your picture will be taken. You will be given a key to lock all of your belongings into a locker for the duration of the test – they will supply you with ear-buds or any necessary equipment for taking the test. Do not bring any notes with you to the exam centre. You will enter another palm reading after locking your belongings away and entering the exam room. There will be approximately 12 people writing the exam at once, each with his or her own cubicle. You will be given a white board to write on and will be instructed not to erase it. When it is time for a break, your computer screen will stop and you will be permitted to leave the desk when instructed. You do not have to take this break if you would prefer to continue writing. Alternatively, if you require a break at a later time, you may raise your hand and an employee can escort you. The room will likely be cold, so be sure to bring a sweater (jackets and scarves are not allowed in the testing room). Remember, questions will get harder as you continue the exam and you may find yourself guessing – use your critical thinking!