article about cheating on boards

Monica RN,BSN · Aug 3, 2003

OK now I am a bit confused.. I know there is always a way to get around anything, but the boards are computerized now, (unlike the 2 day paper version I had in the 1980's) This chat room they are talking about could have been those discussing what they remembered from the test and was sharing ideas on what to focus on, though the tests do come in various versions. SO How do you think that one could cheat on a computerized test? I am just curious. Any thoughts???

Katnip, RN · Aug 3, 2003

Apparently it has been done in the past, and often enough to create ridiculout security measures.

I took my NCLEX in June. First, I was photographed. Then they had me sign one of those electronic pads and the signature was compared to one on my credit card.

Purses and bags were checked for study materials. If you had them, the went into the locker outside your bad. You could take the bag on a break if needed.

Then they electronically fingerprinted me at the desk and again before going into the testing room. If anyone left the room for a break their photos and fingerprint were checked going out and back in.

My guess is people would sign in then take a break and send someone else in to take the test. I don't see any benefit to looking at study materials on a break since you can't go back to questions, but apparently people found a way.

oramar · Aug 4, 2003

bump

KayNICUchsd · Aug 4, 2003

Maybe there was a way to open a web browser while taking the exam, and the testtakers would cut and copy the questions directly from the tests????????

Gator,SN · Aug 4, 2003

I am so dumb when it comes to computers, I wouldn't know how to cheat on an exam, but the man who registered us at the Pearson professional center for the NCLEX said that in the past several students were able to send information to each other about the questions on the test by using a computer. This is the reason he gave as to why we were all asked to remove our watches before going into the test.

On another note, I know that the board of nursing is very careful about information that is being exchanged openly on the internet. A nursing website that I used to frequent had a discussion board when people talked about what to study (broadly) and after a long drawn out battle she had to close down her website entirely. She was a nurse and asked people to show her support after she was accused by the SBON of sharing confidential information.

Some of you may know this already......Anyway, any kind of cheating would automatically keep you from ever obtaining licensure, forever, wouldn't it??? Hardly worth it in the end.

Gator

Katnip, RN · Aug 4, 2003

I never would have thought to pass information electronically. I wouldn't have the first clue how.

Another thing they did that I forgot was the cameras. There are cameras all over the room trained on each person and watching every move you make while taking the exam.

As far as the nurse who had her site shut down, I'm surprised. Giving broad ideas on what to study does't help all that much anyway. Everyone's test is a little different. Maybe she accidently stumbled on something more specific.

It's a shame there are people out there who would cheat on something like that. But it's not surprising.