CRNBC is stating that the new exam will be able to accurately assess Canadian RNs through:
- Studying nursing practice to ensure the exam assesses entry-level practice competencies
- Including Canadian nurses in exam preparation
- Include Canadian nurses for sensitivity and translation reviews of the examination
- Ensure regulatory bodies are collaborating on the administration of the exam
- Ensuring nursing educators and students have time to learn about the new examination
From the way CRNBC is presenting these future changes, it seems as though the exam will not be the NCLEX, rather a Canadian version of the exam, developed through the same organization that develops the NCLEX. However, the differences between the new exam and the existing NCLEX are not yet clear.
The introduction of the new exam will be January of 2015. Therefore Canadian students have 9 further examinations using the current CRNE.
Here are a list of the provinces that have stated they will be implementing this new examination. This list appears to indicate the implementation of the exam will affect almost all of Canada.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories and Nunavut
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
There is no mention of the nurses in the Yukon, or Quebec (although Quebec has traditionally written a french language examination).
Here is a link to CRNBC's website so you can read more:
https://www.crnbc.ca/crnbc/Announcements/2011/Pages/RNExam.aspx
We will continue to update you as we learn more details.
PRIMED Educational Associates.
