Student Quick Guide to applying
for the Registered Nurse Exam
Process
You have two application forms to complete before you can write the exam.
First apply to CARNA to assess your eligibility to write the exam and then to Pearson
VUE to register for the exam. After we declare you eligible, you will receive an
Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE to schedule an appointment to
write the exam. You can write the exam at any Pearson VUE testing centre of your
choice.
CANDIDATE
Apply to CARNA for eligibility
to write the exam
Register for the NCLEX with
Pearson VUE
Eligibility Assessed
NCLEX registration
acknowledged
Authorization to Test (ATT)
email from Pearson VUE
ATT Validity Dates
• Once you receive your ATT, you must test within the dates specified. These
validity dates cannot be extended for any reason.
What happens after the exam?
• CARNA will release your exam results electronically within six weeks.
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Passing the exam is just one requirement for registration; it does not mean you
are registered or can use the title RN. CARNA will contact you about the next
steps in the process of becoming registered.
Registering outside of Alberta
If you do not intend on practicing in Alberta after graduating, first contact the
jurisdiction/licensing authority where you wish to practice because registration
requirements vary from province to province. If there is something you require from
CARNA to fulfill the other jurisdiction’s requirements, please contact Registration
Services for help. Regulatory bodies outside Alberta: https://www.ncsbn.org/47.htm
Two-step process for applying
to write the NCLEX
Step 1: Apply to CARNA
• Create a profile with CARNA
Go online to nurses.ab.ca/, click “Sign in to MyCARNA” at the top, and follow the
instructions to set up an account as a New User.
• Tell us you want to apply
Click on “Apply for Registration” and complete the form. There is a $150 fee to
assess your eligibility to write the exam.
• Send CARNA two pieces of government issued identification
Send to: gradapplication@nurses.ab.ca or mail copies to our office. Documents
must show your name and birthdate and one must be a picture ID. Your name
must be spelled the same on both documents, so if you have changed your name,
include a copy of government-issued documentation as proof of the change.
• Complete the “Confirmation of Program Completion” form
Print the form from our website. Follow the instructions. Your school will return
the form to CARNA.
• If you are requesting custom testing arrangements to write the exam
Review the information on our website and then contact Exam Coordinator,
Treena Hrytsak at: thrytsak@nurses.ab.ca.
Step 2: Apply to Pearson VUE
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Review the Candidate Bulletin
The Transitional NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for Canadian Candidates is online
and is a complete source of information about the exam, how to apply, and
what will happen on exam day: https://ncsbn.org/1213.htm
Create a profile with Pearson VUE
Go to http://pearsonvue.com/nclex, to create an account
Register to write the NCLEX
Click “Register” under “First-time visitors” and follow the steps. The exam fee is
$360 CAD. Within two days, you will receive an acknowledgement email that
your registration has been received. Contact NCLEX Candidate Services if you
do not receive this email: 1.866.496.2539
Wait to receive Authorization to Test (ATT) by email
When CARNA has reviewed your application, we will notify Pearson VUE that
you are eligible to take the exam. Pearson VUE will then send you an ATT by
email for you to schedule an exam date and time.
Links to Resources
Preparing for the exam
The Detailed NCLEX-RN® Test Plan for Candidates outlines the content
covered on the exam. It is critical that students thoroughly review the Test Plan.
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NCLEX-RN Test Plan for Candidates - Sample NCLEX questions:
https://ncsbn.org/1287.htm
Full details about the process of taking the NCLEX, rules, policies, exam
developing and scoring can be found at: https://ncsbn.org/nclex.htm
Online NCLEX Tutorial and Palm Vein FAQ: http://pearsonvue.com/nclex
Frequently asked questions about the NCLEX: https://ncsbn.org/1201.htm
NCLEX format - Computer-Adaptive Exam
The NCLEX utilizes Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), a method that combines
computer technology with modern measurement theory to create a more efficient, fair
and psychometrically sound exam.
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NCLEX Using CAT video - explains why CAT is used and how it works:
https://ncsbn.org/1216.htm
Testing Centre Information
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List of Canadian permanent and temporary testing centres:
http://pearsonvue.com/nclex/2015_Testing%20Locations.pdf
List of other centres internationally: https://ncsbn.org/2915.htm
Exam day procedures and rules for testing centres: https://ncsbn.org/1219.htm
Acceptable Identification: https://ncsbn.org/1221.htm. Ensure your first and last
name match exactly the first and last name with which you registered.
Information on personal items, breaks, grounds for dismissal, test administration:
https://ncsbn.org/1268.htm
A virtual tour of the test center: http://pearsonvue.com/ppc/
Changing an exam appointment
• Exam refund policy: https://ncsbn.org/2628.htm
• Procedure for changing an NCLEX appointment: http://ncsbn.org/1218.htm