NCLEX Exam: Registration, Fees and Exam Centers in Kenya
Kenyan nurses aiming to work in the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand must undergo the NCLEX exam, administered globally by Pearson VUE. The establishment of NCLEX exam centers in Kenya has made the process more accessible, eliminating the previous logistical challenge of traveling abroad for the examination.
If you’re aiming to pursue your American dream in 2024, there are compelling reasons why international nurses choose to live and work in the United States. These include excellent compensation and benefits, a robust job market, favorable working conditions, work-life balance, and more.
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The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) assesses whether recently graduated nursing students are competent to practice. It is offered in person at NCLEX International Test Centers worldwide. Kenyan nurses aspiring to work in the US must pass the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurses) exam to obtain a license and practice legally in the US.
The NCLEX-RN evaluates critical thinking skills based on information learned in accredited nursing institutions to ensure the ability to provide safe patient care and make sound nursing judgments.
The Nairobi NCLEX-RN Test Centre, inaugurated on January 16, 2024, by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, represents a significant milestone for nurses. This fully equipped center is expected to reduce exam expenses by 50%. With its establishment, Kenyan nurses no longer need to travel to South Africa or India for examinations.
NCLEX Registration Process in Kenya
Candidates in Kenya seeking to apply for the NCLEX exam must register through Pearson. The registration process offers several options:
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Registration Options:
- Online: Utilize the Pearson VUE website for registration, with payment methods including debit, credit, MasterCard, prepaid VISA, or American Express cards.
- Telephone: Register through Pearson VUE Candidate Services using a debit, credit, or MasterCard, prepaid VISA, or American Express card.
- Online with Third-Party Payment: Registration is also available on the Pearson VUE website, with third-party payments facilitated by agencies, employers, or nursing schools.
During registration, candidates must provide their email address, program code, and select an acceptable payment method. It is crucial that the first and last names provided during registration match the identification presented at the exam appointment.
Upon submission of registration, candidates receive a confirmation email within two days, acknowledging their NCLEX exam registration.
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NCLEX Exam Fees in Kenya:
The NCLEX exam fees in Kenya vary depending on the type of licensure sought:
- For candidates seeking USA licensure, there is a one-time registration fee of $200 (USD).
- Candidates seeking Canadian licensure are required to pay a registration fee of $360 (CAD).
- Those seeking Australian licensure also have a one-time registration fee of $200 (USD).
Additional fees may apply for services such as changing the nursing regulatory body or exam type.
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NCLEX training in Kenya
Once registration is completed and the exam date is scheduled, comprehensive preparation for the exam is recommended.
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) offers a short NCLEX-RN Preparation Course, a 12-week program with online evening classes. This course is designed to prepare registered nurses for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Where is the easiest place to take the NCLEX? For international or foreign-educated nurses, the State of New York is highly recommended. It is considered the easiest and fastest state to apply for the NCLEX. Currently, New York is facing a nursing shortage, with hospitals experiencing significant burdens.
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FAQs about the NCLEX exam:
How many months do you need to study NCLEX? It is advised to dedicate at least two months (eight weeks) to NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
How much time is given for NCLEX? Candidates are allotted five hours to complete the NCLEX, breaks included. Each question should be carefully analyzed since there’s no option to return to previous questions after submission.
What is the hardest part of the NCLEX? The most challenging questions often require a deep understanding of pharmacology, nursing theory, nursing interventions, and pathophysiology.
Is two weeks enough to study for NCLEX? While the recommendation is to spend a minimum of eight weeks studying for NCLEX, candidates can assess their preparedness through practice tests. If one feels adequately prepared and performs well on practice tests, two weeks may suffice for studying and refreshing knowledge.
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How many questions are on the NCLEX? The NCLEX-RN comprises 74-145 questions, while the NCLEX-PN consists of 85-205 questions.
Can you work as a nurse in the USA without NCLEX? Legal practice as a registered nurse in the USA necessitates passing the NCLEX exam.
Which foreign country is best for nurses? Denmark consistently ranks among the top countries for nurses due to its excellent working conditions, quality of life, and competitive wages. Nurses in Denmark enjoy additional benefits such as free health insurance, paid vacations, sick days, and retirement plans.
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NCLEX Exam: Registration, Fees and Exam Centers in Kenya
