NCLEX exam centers in Kenya, registration, and fees payable

blog

The NCLEX exam administered globally by Pearson VUE is crucial for nurses aspiring to work in the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Fortunately, the establishment of NCLEX exam centers in Kenya has made the process more accessible. Unlike before, Kenyan nurses no longer have the logistical challenge of travelling abroad to take the examination.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Are you pushing to make 2024 the year of your American dream? There are several reasons why international nurses choose to live and work in the United States. They include excellent compensation and benefits, a strong job market, incredible working conditions, work-life balance and more. If this sounds like your dream career, the USA awaits you.

What is NCLEX?

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) determines whether recently graduated nursing students are safe to practice. The exam is offered in person at NCLEX International Test Centers globally. All Kenyan nurses aspiring to work in the US must pass the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurses) exam to earn a license and legally practice in the US.

Read also

Kenya Airports Authority Announces Jobs for Kenyans with Minimum Requirement of C in KCSE

The NCLEX-RN tests critical thinking skills using information students learn in accredited nursing institutions. The goal is to ensure they can provide safe patient care and make quality nursing judgments.

Is there an NCLEX Centre in Kenya?

The Nairobi’s NCLEX-RN Test Centre was inaugurated on January 16, 2024, by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

The fully equipped centre represents a significant breakthrough for nurses, poised to slash exam expenses by a staggering 50%. With the establishment of the NCLEX-RN Test Centre in Nairobi, Kenyan nurses no longer have to travel for examinations in South Africa or India.

NCLEX registration in Kenya

How to apply for NCLEX in Kenya? Candidates must register to take the NCLEX exam with Pearson. Here are the registration options.

  • Online: Registration can be completed on the Pearson VUE website using various payment methods, including debit, credit, MasterCard, prepaid VISA, or American Express cards.
  • Telephone: You can register via Pearson VUE Candidate Services using a debit, credit or MasterCard, prepaid VISA, or American Express Card.
  • Online with third-party payment: Registration can be done on the Pearson VUE website with third-party payments facilitated by agencies, employers, or nursing schools.

Read also

List of NGOs offering attachments in Kenya and how to apply

You must provide your email address, program code, and an acceptable payment method during registration. The first and last name provided during registration must match the identification provided at the exam appointment.

Note: Candidates receive a confirmation email acknowledging their NCLEX exam registration within two days of submitting a registration.

How much is the NCLEX exam fee in Kenya?

The NCLEX costs include a one-time registration fee of $200 (USD) for candidates seeking USA licensure, $360 (CAD) for candidates seeking Canadian licensure and $200 (USD) for candidates seeking Australian licensure. You might also have additional fees for services like changing the nursing regulatory body or exam type.

NCLEX training in Kenya

Once you’re done with the registration and have scheduled your exam date it's recommended to prepare for the exam comprehensively.

Luckily, the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) offers a short NCLEX-RN Preparation Course. The 12-week course (online evening classes) prepares registered nurses to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Read also

Degree in nursing requirements in Kenya: requirements and KCSE qualifications

Where is the easiest place to take the NCLEX?

The State of New York is highly recommended for international or foreign-educated nurses. It is the easiest and fastest state to apply for NCLEX. Currently, New York is experiencing a nursing shortage and overburdened hospitals.

FAQs about the NCLEX exam

  • How many months do you need to study NCLEX? It is recommended to take at least two months (eight weeks) to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • How much time is given for NCLEX? Candidates have five hours to complete the NCLEX, including breaks. You should carefully analyse each question because once a response is submitted, you can’t return to that question.
  • What is the hardest part of the NCLEX? The most challenging NCLEX questions often require a deep understanding of pharmacology, nursing theory, nursing interventions and pathophysiology.
  • Is two weeks enough to study for NCLEX? It's recommended that you spend at least eight weeks studying for NCLEX. However, you can take several practice tests to evaluate your preparedness level. If you feel prepared and do well on the practice tests, two weeks may be enough time to study and refresh your knowledge.
  • How many questions are on the NCLEX? The NCLEX-RN consists of 74-145 questions, while the NCLEX-PN consists of 85-205 questions.
  • Can you work as a nurse in the USA without NCLEX? You can't legally practice as a registered nurse in the USA without passing the NCLEX exam.
  • Which foreign country is best for nurses? Denmark consistently ranks among the best countries for nurses due to its excellent work conditions, life quality and competitive wages. Nurses in Denmark have additional benefits such as free health insurance, paid vacations, sick days and retirement plans.

    • Read also

    VGG Connect Wi-Fi packages, app, internet speeds, and coverage

    Final word on the NCLEX exam

    The opening of NCLEX exam centers in Kenya has significantly eased the qualification process for nurses aspiring to work in the US. Gone are the days when nurses had to travel abroad to take exams, facing additional logistical expenses. Still, you must be well prepared to pass the NCLEX exam because it's usually tricky.

    Tuko.co.ke has shared an article about Accredited universities offering nursing in Kenya (public and private). The nursing profession in Kenya is both challenging and rewarding. It calls for dedication, commitment and compassion.

    Nurses are crucial in providing healthcare services, especially in rural areas with limited doctors. But to become one, you must attain a qualification from an accredited institution.

    Source: TUKO.co.ke

    ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tcHKqGWcp16gsnCywJyrrGWcnrOmtMCcoqxno6nCpcWObmpwcGRseq%2Bvy56vZp2olrpur8Snq56qo2K4prrYmmSrnZeewLW%2BwK2gqKZdm7Kmv4ypmLKZkqGycA%3D%3D