Get Ready for the NCLEX with Official Resources

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS — AHPSI
INFORMATIONAL NEWSLETTER FOR FOREIGN-TRAINED NURSES

Get Ready for the NCLEX with Official Resources

The Hispanic Association of Health Professionals — AHPSI informs our internationally educated nurses that the official portal NCLEX.com offers free resources to understand the exam structure and prepare adequately for test day.

Available materials include:

• Candidate Bulletin: explains registration, scheduling, required identification, security rules, and what candidates should expect on exam day.
• Information Flyer: provides general information about the NCLEX.
• Sample Questions and Exam Preview: allows you to become familiar with question types, case studies, and the exam format.
• Candidate Tutorial: guides candidates on how the testing platform works during the exam.
• Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT): explains how the system selects questions based on the candidate’s responses and performance level.
• NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Test Plans: describe content areas, nursing activities, sample questions, and clinical judgment components being evaluated.
• Frequently Asked Questions: answers common questions related to the exam, results, rules, and administration.

The 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan is effective from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029. For this reason, candidates currently preparing should use the 2026 test plan and avoid relying solely on outdated study guides.

Why Are These Resources Important?

The NCLEX is not limited to measuring memorization of concepts. It also evaluates the ability to:

• Recognize clinical priorities.
• Provide safe and effective care.
• Interpret relevant patient information.
• Make informed decisions.
• Apply clinical judgment to real-life situations.
• Identify risks and select appropriate interventions.

Additionally, the exam uses the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) system. After each answer, the computer re-estimates the candidate’s ability and selects the next question. Therefore, each exam is individualized and may differ in length and difficulty.

Special Clarification for Foreign-Trained Nurses

Consulting these resources and studying for the NCLEX does not replace the eligibility process. Before receiving authorization to take the exam, each internationally educated nurse must meet the requirements of the nursing board in the state or territory where they wish to obtain their license.

Depending on the jurisdiction, the process may include:

• Academic credential evaluation.
• Verification of the nursing degree and professional license.
• Submission of transcripts and theoretical/clinical hour documentation.
• English proficiency requirements, where applicable.
• Background check.
• Application submission to the state board of nursing.
• Registration with Pearson VUE.
• Receipt of the Authorization to Test (ATT).

Each state establishes its own requirements. Therefore, passing the NCLEX does not, by itself, guarantee that a license will be issued if there are still pending documents or requirements before the board of nursing.

Official Sources

The information in this newsletter is based on resources published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing — NCSBN, the organization responsible for developing the NCLEX:

• Preparation and sample questions:
  https://www.nclex.com/prepare.page
• Official NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Test Plans:
  https://www.nclex.com/test-plans.page
• Explanation of the CAT system:
  https://www.nclex.com/computerized-adaptive-testing.page
• Frequently Asked Questions:
  https://www.nclex.com/faqs.page
• Exam day information:
  https://www.nclex.com/exam-day.page

For general questions about the exam, you may contact NCSBN directly:
customerexperience@ncsbn.org

Message from AHPSI

To our foreign-trained nurses: your education, experience, and professional vocation represent a valuable foundation. The process may take time, study, and perseverance, but every document completed and every study session brings you closer to your goal.

Do not let fear of the language, question formats, or technology hold you back. Learn the official test plan, practice clinical judgment, organize your eligibility process, and commit to taking the NCLEX. Your international experience can become a new professional opportunity in the United States.

Prepare, trust your knowledge, and take the step toward your nursing license!

Hispanic Association of Health Professionals — AHPSI
37 years advancing the development of our professionals
Tel.: 732-277-9640
Email: info@ahpsi.org
Web: www.ahpsi.org