NCLEX-RN Exam

As part of the process to become licensed as an RN in Nova Scotia, you must pass the NCLEX-RN Exam. The NCLEX-RN Exam is a modern, state of the art entry-to-practice exam in that it uses computer adaptive testing to tailor questions to the exam taker as a way to better measure entry-level nursing competencies. This video provides more details on computer adaptive testing.

Note: The NCLEX-RN exam is the mandatory exam required for RN registration and licensure in Nova Scotia. NSCN does not recognize any other nursing exam, including CASN’s voluntary Canadian Examination for Baccalaureate Nursing. Please contact registration@nscn.ca if you have any questions.

How to Apply

You must apply and pay fees to NSCN and Pearson VUE before being eligible to take the exam.

  1. Apply to NSCN through the Registrant Portal.
  2. Register with  Pearson Vue online or by telephone at 1.866.496.2539 . 

You will not be given an exam date by Pearson Vue until we provide confirmation to Pearson Vue that you have completed your nursing program.

Apply for the Exam through NSCN

If you apply to write the exam with us, there are additional steps to complete within the application process:

  1. Submit the Confirmation of Program Completion from Regulatory Body to the registering/licensing authority in the province in which you have completed your nursing education. This form will be forwarded directly to NSCN.
  2. You will be made eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam. We will share your exam results with you when we receive them.
  3. Complete the additional requirements to obtain registration and licensure with NSCN. 

Apply to The Regulatory Body Where You Completed Your Program

If you apply to write the NCLEX-RN through the regulatory body where you completed your nursing program, they will receive your exam results. You must do the following:

  1. Apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam through the regulatory body in the province or territory where you completed your nursing program
  2. Register in that jurisdiction.
  3. Request that the regulatory body send us official verification of your registration

IMPORTANT: If you wish, you can choose to sit for the exam in Nova Scotia. Simply choose Nova Scotia as your exam location when you apply to Pearson-Vue.

If you have completed your nursing program outside of Canada and have never registered in another Canadian jurisdiction, you can apply to take the NCLEX-RN Exam once you have been deemed eligible. We will send you a letter when you are eligible to apply for the exam. 

Questions and Answers

Knowing that exam preparation can be stressful, we have made every attempt to make the exam registration process as simple as possible with supports and resources provided to you along the way.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) has a dedicated webpage for the NCLEX exam. Here you will find a variety of tools to help you prepare for the exam. 

We do not endorse any preparatory resources other than what NCSBN provides. 

Employers, the public and other stakeholders also have an interest in the exam performance of new graduates. One resource to support stakeholders is the NCLEX Exam Q&A for Employers.

If you believe the administration of the NCLEX-RN® Exam discriminates against you on the grounds prohibited by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, you may request in writing that you be provided accommodation to eliminate or reduce the effects of the prohibited discrimination during the exam.

If you have applied to take the exam and your testing accommodation is approved by us, you must take the exam at Pearson VUE permanent testing location such as the ones located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You are responsible for submitting a written request to us before you apply to take the exam. Please reach out to accommodations@nscn.ca to request an exam accommodation.

There are a number of organizations involved in this process so it can be confusing as to who can answer questions on a particular topic. To alleviate confusion and clarify the roles of each organization in the process, we have created a chart which outlines who should answer any of your questions.  

If you have any questions about registration or licensure in Nova Scotia, email us directly at registration@nscn.ca.  

WHO TO CONTACT:Pearson VUENCSBNNSCN
Registering to take the NCLEX  X   
Lost Authorization to Test (ATT) email  X   
Scheduling/rescheduling an exam appointment  X   
Acceptable forms of identification   X   
Comments about the test centre X   
Methods of payment  X   
NCLEX development    X  
Questions related to exam administration   X  
NCLEX eligibility    X 
Licensure     X 
Name or address change   X 
Name corrections on ATT    X 

Registration Services (NSCN)

Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services

NCLEX Contact at NCSBN

Once you apply to us and register with Pearson Vue, you can schedule your appointment online or by telephone.

There are three locations to write the exam depending on the time of the year:

Permanent Test Centers:
Pearson Professional Centre
6960 Mumford Road
Suite 220
Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 4P1

Pearson Professional Centres 
287 Lacewood Dr
Suite 201
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M 3Y7
Canada

Temporary Testing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia

If you’ve already passed the NCLEX-RN Exam, you are not required to re-take the exam.

Although the exam is scored as you complete each item, no results are released at the test center. In fact, test center staff do not have access to the exam results.

Examination results are only available to us. Exam results will be released to candidates within 2 weeks of their exam test date.

If you are successful on the exam, you are sent the following by email:

  1. NCLEX-RN Exam results
  2. Instruction sheet on how to register and licence with us

If you are not successful on the exam, you are sent the following by email:

  1. NCLEX-RN Exam results
  2. Candidate Performance Report
  3. NSCN letter informing you of the next step(s)

There is no limit to the number of times you can write this exam. However, if you have previously passed the NCLEX or another registration exam accepted by NSCN, you are not permitted to write the NCLEX through us.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at registration@nscn.ca. We strive to respond to you as soon as possible. However, due to the high volumes of emails and complexity of inquiries, our response time may vary.  

Please be advised that registration requirements and fees are subject to change. All registration and licensure fees are non-refundable. Click here to learn more about fees and payment options.