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The NCLEX is the test that certifies you as a nurse. Without it you cannot practice as a nurse in the US.

Question 1: If nurses that have been out of school more than a year sat down and took the NCLEX test, would the majority of them pass?

My guess is that the majority would not without some serious studying.

If I'm right then

Question 2: How can this be the test that is used to certify nurses?

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The NCLEX is the test that certifies you as a nurse. Without it you cannot practice as a nurse in the US.

Question 1: If nurses that have been out of school more than a year sat down and took the NCLEX test, would the majority of them pass?

My guess is that the majority would not without some serious studying.

If I'm right then

Question 2: How can this be the test that is used to certify nurses?

I believe the majority would pass. I still remember some of the questions and the types of questions I got eightish years ago. They seemed "hard" at the time but would be a breeze today.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

NCLEX is not used to certify nurses- it is an exam that is required to obtain the initial license. That license must be renewed periodically as determined by the state.

1. Some states limit the number of attempts and how long one has from graduation to taking the exam.

2. NCLEX is an exam of minimum competency. It does not certify nurses; it leads to initial licensure. Certification is a whole other ball game, and has to do with experience and specialty- plus is voluntary and frequently completed through ANCC or a nursing specialty organization. Many BONs require nurses to complete continuing education in order to renew the license, as well as employers, in accordance with CMS and Joint Commission, require competency validation.

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Specializes in NICU.
Question 1: If nurses that have been out of school more than a year sat down and took the NCLEX test, would the majority of them pass?

I took NCLEX 3 1/2 yrs ago and believe that I could pass it without extensive studying. I thought NCLEX was not difficult at all (finished at 75 questions in 1 hour). I may need to review pharmacology due to lack of using most of them in my job.

This thread is in similar tone as the one several weeks ago asking if they are making NCLEX too difficult.

I am assuming that you would choose to eliminate NCLEX and get a license based on graduating from nursing school. There are several schools in every state that are continuously on probation with the BONs because of poor quality education. Are you implying that those schools are on par with the higher quality schools?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Before there was NCLEX- there was the 'State Board' exam. 1500 questions over 2 days.

You bet your a$$ I could pass NCLEX- 40 years later!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
The NCLEX is the test that certifies you as a nurse. Without it you cannot practice as a nurse in the US.

Question 1: If nurses that have been out of school more than a year sat down and took the NCLEX test, would the majority of them pass?

My guess is that the majority would not without some serious studying.

If I'm right then

Question 2: How can this be the test that is used to certify nurses?

I know your username says "RN'- but are you? Have you passed the NCLEX? Just curious as you seem to have a problem with the exam.

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