A comparison of national nurse licensure examination in five countries and implications for China

doi:10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20240219-00151

Abstract

Abstract: National Nursing Licensure Examination (NNLE) is recognized as an entry-level examination for nursing occupation, securing the entry quality of the nursing workforce. This paper reviews current situation of NNLE systems in five countries, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea, including their similarities and differences in the examination administration, legal frameworks, entry qualifications, specific examination formats (including types of questions, quantity, and duration), examination content, and pass rates. Furthermore, it proposes implications for future development of China's NNLE: firstly, to enhance legislative support for nurses; secondly, to foster the professional development of examination management organizations; thirdly, to optimize the educational requirements for nursing; fourthly, to employ sophisticated and simulation-based measurement techniques to facilitate multi-dimensional and dynamic examination assessments; and fifthly, to advocate for the establishment of a scientific and standardized examination system.

Key words: Nurses, Practice qualification examination, Entry-level system, Comparison, Implication

CLC Number:

Pan Shucheng, Shang Shaomei, Zhou Weijiao, Liu Hanyu, Feng Shicong, Jiang Zhehan. A comparison of national nurse licensure examination in five countries and implications for China[J]. Chinese Journal of Medical Education, 2025, 45(4): 315-320.

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