REx-PN FAQs

REx-PN - General

Why is a registration exam required?: Registration exams such as the REx-PN contribute to patient safety. Nurse regulators use these exam results to help assess whether an applicant meets the requirements for practising registration in B.C.
What will the REx-PN test?: The exam will focus on testing entry-level competencies that are essential to providing safe care at the beginning of the candidate's LPN career.
What exam format does the REx-PN use?: The format of the REx-PN is computer-adaptive testing (CAT). Using CAT, the system determines the difficulty of each question based on how well you responded to the preceding questions. Learn more about computer-adaptive testing.
Is the REx-PN a new exam or are you using the NCLEX-PN?: The REx-PN is a new exam that was developed by NCSBN for the BC College of Nurses and Midwives and College of Nurses of Ontario. Candidates will not be writing the NCLEX-PN.
How many times can I write the exam?: There is no limit on the number of times you can sit the REx-PN, but you will need to wait 60 days before you can retake the exam.

It is important to keep in mind that you will need to continue to meet all other requirements to become registered as an LPN.
Why is there no limit on the number of times I can write the exam?: Each time you write the REx-PN, you will get a completely new set of questions, so each retake is assessing your true ability.
I failed the CPNRE three times. Can I apply to write the REx-PN?: Yes.

Registration requirements and the CPNRE

My BCCNM application is in process and I’ve already taken the CPNRE. Will I have to take the REx-PN?: No. If you have been or are currently registered in another province where the CPNRE is the approved registration exam, your CPNRE results can be used to meet the BCCNM registration exam requirement.
I’m currently registered in another province and would like to apply for registration in B.C. Do I need to take the REx-PN?: No. If you have been or are currently registered in another province where the CPNRE is the approved registration exam, your CPNRE results can be used to meet the BCCNM registration exam requirement.
I’m graduating from a B.C. practical nursing program and want to register in B.C. Can I write the CPNRE in another province and use my results to fulfill the BCCNM exam requirement?: No. New graduates wanting to practise in B.C. must take the REx-PN. Only applicants who have held registration in another jurisdiction will be able to use their CPNRE results to meet the registration exam requirement.
I’m attending nursing school in another province but want to apply for registration in B.C. after graduation. Do I have a choice whether I write the REx-PN or CPNRE?: No. New graduates wanting to practise in B.C. must take the REx-PN. Only applicants who have held registration in another jurisdiction will be able to use their CPNRE results to meet the registration exam requirement.

Applying for the REx-PN

When should I apply?

Canadian nursing program graduates should apply after they complete their program. (If you require exam accommodation, apply up to eight weeks before you want to take the exam.)
Internationally-educated nurses should wait for instructions from BCCNM Registration Services.

Scheduling and rescheduling your exam date

How do I schedule my exam date?: You will schedule your exam through the Pearson Vue website. Instructions will be emailed to you after BCCNM determines you are eligible to write the exam.
How do I reschedule my exam?: You can reschedule your exam up to 24 hours before your confirmed exam date through the Pearson Vue website. The new exam date must be within your authorization to test (ATT) period. If you do not take the REx-PN within the testing period, you will forfeit your exam fee.

Preparing to write the REx-PN

How will I know what will be tested?

The REx-PN tests your knowledge, skills, and judgement required to provide safe care. These competencies are covered in your nursing education. The REx-PN test plan describes what will be tested and the type of questions on the exam, and provides some sample questions. The REx-PN will not test knowledge of health care systems, history, or government policies and laws.

Visit the REx-PN homepage for a list of resources that can help you prepare to write the exam.

What type of questions are on the exam and how often is each type asked?

As described in the REx-PN test plan, there are many different types of questions on the REx-PN. Most of the questions are multiple-choice, while others are multiple response; fill-in-the-blank calculation; exhibit; and graphic. You can access the Candidate Tutorial to familiarize yourself with each type

Will I need to memorize normal lab values?

The lab values you will be expected to know are located on page 36 of the REx-PN test plan and include the following (all other lab values will be provided):

ABGs (pH, PO2, PCO2, SaO2, HCO3)
BUN
cholesterol (total)
creatinine
glucose
glycosylated hemoglobin (HgbA1C)
hematocrit
hemoglobin
INR
platelets
potassium
PT, PTT. & APTT
sodium
WBC

Can I go back to a previous question and change my response?

No. Given the computerized adaptive test (CAT) format of the exam, you cannot go back to previous questions or skip questions. With a CAT, every time you answer a question on the exam, the computer re-estimates your ability based on all previous answers and the difficulty level of those questions. Using this process, the computer gets as much information as possible about the writer’s ability to provide safe care. With each question answered, the computer’s estimate of the writer’s ability becomes more precise.

Are the exam questions numbered so I will know how many questions I've responded to?

Yes. On the computer, exam questions are numbered so you will know how many questions you’ve responded to.

Writing the REx-PN

How long will I have to write the test?: You will have four hours to complete the REx-PN. The amount of time it takes to finish the exam will vary and depends on the number of questions the computer requires to get a precise estimate of your ability to provide safe nursing care.
Can I skip questions or go back to change answers?: No. Due to the computer-adaptive format of the test, it is not possible to go back or skip questions. Learn more about computer-adaptive testing.
Can I use a calculator?: Yes. An on-screen calculator will be provided to candidates writing the exam.
Can I write the test in French?: Yes. The REx-PN is available to write in English and French.

Exam results

When will I get my exam results?: You will be sent an email with your exam results within a few days of writing the exam.
Will my results include a mark or percentage?: No. You will receive a pass or fail result, based on the passing standard.
How many questions do I need to answer correctly to pass?: Since the exam is a computerized adaptive test (CAT), this answer requires some explanation. A CAT is designed to measure the writer’s ability: their entry-level nursing knowledge, skill and judgment. Each question is rated at a different level of difficulty. Some questions are easier to answer than others.

Every time a writer answers a question, the computer re-estimates their ability level based on all previous answers and the difficulty of those questions. This gives the computer as much information as possible about the writer’s ability to provide safe care. With each question answered, the computer’s estimate of the writer’s ability becomes more precise.

Therefore, there is no set number of questions to answer. Rather, a writer passes the exam when the computer determines they are above the passing standard: a cut point that marks the minimum ability level required to practice nursing safely and effectively as an entry-level LPN in today’s health care environment. Learn more about the REx-PN Passing Standard.