Practical Nurse Licensure Examination Day
All about the day of the exam for practical nurses
In this page, you will find an in-depth look at the exam day process, permitted and prohibited personal items, the location of the exam, and examination candidate rules.
We have compiled for you all of the information on the examination day process, and how to answer questions on the computerized exam. We wish you success.
The exam's location will be posted on the Nursing Division's website no later than one month before the exam day.
The exam will be administered in the morning.
- Arrive at least one full hour before the scheduled testing time.
- The testing hall will open about 45 minutes before the scheduled testing time.
- To be allowed to enter the testing hall, you will have to agree to a security check —please prepare accordingly and arrive on time.
The exam is computerized, no paper or sheets. All computers and calculators will be provided by the Department of Nursing Licensure Exams. You can type notes and use a calculator on screen. On the desk assigned to you, there will be a note sheet. It is not allowed to take the note sheet out of the testing hall at the end of the exam. Technical support will be available in each testing hall to help you with any technical issues. You are required to bring with you:
- A printed licensure examination notice
- A valid form of identification–an I.D. or passport. (A driver's license is not acceptable.)
- A black or dark blue pen and a pencil
- A watch (there are no clocks in the testing hall. Do not bring smart watches.)
- Beverages and light snacks (that do not make too much noise)
- Warm clothes (the testing hall is air-conditioned. Please dress accordingly)
- A dictionary or electronic dictionary
- Draft or note sheet
- Mobile phone
- Ear buds
- A smart watch, flash drive, or any other electronic device used for photography, scanning, recording, or communication
- When you enter the testing hall, place any personal belongings (for example, a bag) you may have at the front. You may access your personal belongings only after the exam ends. Sit at the desk that has your name and candidate identification number on it (it is specified in the invitation letter). You may not change the sitting arrangement.
- The items permitted on your desk: only an I.D. or a passport and a bottle of water.
- Breaks are permitted; ask the test administrator for permission. You may take a break 45 minutes after the exam starts, and no later than half an hour before the exam ends.
- Once you are inside the testing hall, you are not allowed to leave it until the end of the exam.
- The testing hall will open about 45 minutes before the scheduled testing time.
- The total exam time is four and a half hours with no breaks.
The Nursing Division strictly considers any violation of examination candidate rules, including, but not limited to the identification process. Examples of violations:
- Using aid sheets
- Talking to or helping another candidate in any way
- Receiving help from another candidate in any way
- Copying, scanning exam materials, or taking it out of the testing hall
- Using any electronic device during testing
- Disclosing or discussing information about the exam when on a break
The Department of Nursing Licensure Exams reserves the right to withhold and/or to refer a candidate to a Nursing Division Committee for disciplinary action over suspicion of any violation during the exam process.