Pearson VUE: Do’s and Don’ts During the NCLEX Examination

A prime deliverer of computer-based exams, the Pearson VUE provides testing for multiple professional certifications. Aside from that, they also supply learning and test preparation materials. One highlighted feature is its unique security design incorporating digital photos and signature capture. In addition, their various accreditation for privacy and data and information security make them outstanding in exam delivery. 

Taking the NCLEX is one of the most important exams nurses take, especially those who plan to practice their professions in the United States, Canada, and Australia. When nurses take the NCLEX, the Pearson VUE administers this exam. 

Pearson VUE Do’s and Don’ts 

As the exam takes place in the Pearson VUE, there are various rules and restrictions regarding the testing center. Candidates should always be mindful of these regulations to avoid violations and subsequent penalties.

What to bring?

Due to the NCLEX’s importance, the Pearson VUE established strict identification requirements on the day of the NCLEX. So when candidates arrive at the testing center, they are to present an acceptable identification document. Accordingly, one should understand that the personal data declared upon registration should match one’s identification documents. 

Otherwise, when this information does not match, candidates must re-register and pay another exam fee. Moreover, international test centers, such as the Pearson VUE in Makati, only accept passport books and cards as identification.

Test Site Rules and Regulations

Taking the NCLEX involves rules that govern every candidate’s actions to prevent any forfeiture. For this reason, every candidate should be able to know these rules before the exam day. Consequently, the Pearson VUE upholds the fairness and confidentiality of every examination by adopting the NCSBN Examination Candidate Rules. 

In addition, candidates are to strictly follow these rules and the instructions of the Test Administrator (TA). Any violations committed by the candidate may result in the cancellation of their exam results without refunds.

1. Do Not Access Electronic Devices

All electronic devices must be in a plastic bag provided by Pearson VUE only. Refusing to do so forfeits a candidate’s chance to take the exam. Moreover, the bag should be returned unopened, after which the TA will examine and check for any signs or tampering before checkout.

2. Personal Items Policy

All personal items must be in the Pearson VUE provided locker, as Pearson VUE will not be responsible for any lost, stolen, or misplaced item incidents.

The following are not allowed during the exam: 

• Study notes

• Mobile phones and any other electronic devices 

• Weapons of any kind

Items that are not allowed in the testing room but may be accessed on breaks only:

• Bags, purses, wallets

• Coats, hats

• Medical aids/devices

• Food or drink, gum, candy

• Lip balm

• Scarves, gloves

3. Examination Confidentiality

Disclosing exam items before, during, or after the exam is a strict violation. The law may punish anyone who violates this rule for criminal prosecution. 

• Do not remove exam items, responses, or notes about the exam from the testing room.

• Do not disclose or discuss exam items and answers with anyone, anywhere (including social media).

• Do not reconstruct exam items. 

• Do not seek help in answering exam items during the exam and breaks. 

• Do not copy exam items word-for-word onto the notes board provided.

• Comply with any investigation that may arise.

• Witnessing any irregular behavior stated above must be reported to the NCSBN.

4. Testing Room Policy 

Candidates should be aware of Pearson VUE’s strict policies regarding being inside the test room.

• The TA provides a note board and marker before entering the testing room.  

• Do not use a note board to cover any part of the screen during the exam.

• Raise one’s hand to request a clean note board. Taking the note board and marker outside the testing room is not allowed; these must be returned to the TA after the exam.

• Bringing personal earplugs is unacceptable, but one may request a pair from the TA.

• Taking the exam for somebody else is prohibited.

5. Break Procedures

During the examination proper, there allocated breaks. The scheduled breaks are approximately after two (2) hours and three (3) and a half hours of testing. Moreover, an instruction to take a break will come up from the computer at the appropriate times. Candidates may also take unscheduled breaks at any time. However, taking these breaks will not stop the exam time duration. 

• The computer automatically tells the candidate when scheduled breaks begin.

• Candidates must leave the testing room during both scheduled and unscheduled breaks.

• Candiates cannot leave the test center during breaks.

• During breaks, the TA inspects all accessed personal items (e.g., wallets, purses, etc.).

• Candidates are required to provide a palm vein scan before and after breaks.

6. Misconduct and Irregular Behavior

Violation of test center rules, like misconduct and irregular behaviors, can result in dismissal from the test center, and there will be no refunds. In addition, a candidate’s exam results are withheld or canceled, and the nursing regulatory body may take disciplinary action. The following behaviors listed below constitute misconduct or irregular behavior:

• Giving or receiving assistance of any kind

• Using or attempting to access prohibited aids (e.g., electronic devices, handheld calculators, conversion tables, dictionaries, etc.) at any time during the exam and breaks.

• Not following testing regulations and the TA’s instructions

• Creating a disturbance of any kind

• Tampering with test computer operations

Summing up

The NCLEX determines a nurse’s capability and how safe they are to practice their profession as an entry-level nurse in the US, Canada, or Australia. The Pearson VUE is responsible for administering and overseeing the exam process. In addition, Pearson VUE’s underlined feature provides a secure way of testing. And they employ a Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) that measures a nurse’s knowledge and analysis in nursing scenarios. 

On exam day, candidates are to follow numerous test center rules. The Pearson VUE establishes these rules derived from NCSBN’s Examination Candidate Rules. Therefore, candidates must observe and follow such rules to avoid imminent penalties.

We at IPASS have your back! IPASS Processing offers its service to nurses who wish to apply for the NCLEX in the United States. We ensure to provide and deliver you a smooth and hassle-free NCLEX application. For more inquiries, contact us now!

Disclaimer: IPASS Processing is not a recruitment agency. We do not hire or deploy medical professionals abroad. IPASS Processing is a processing agency that provides license exam application assistance in the United States, the Middle East, and Australia.