NCSBN recruits nursing instructors in clinical areas as item writers and nurses who are employed in clinical settings as item reviewers. To construct meaningful examination items, NCLEX item writers must be familiar with entry-level nursing knowledge, test construction process and item development theories. These necessary qualifications are in-line with those of nursing educators. Educators with a master’s level or higher degree are invited to participate in the NCLEX-RN item writing process. In terms of reviewing NCLEX items, nurse clinicians, who work with entry-level nurses by providing preceptorship, mentorship and supervision, see entry-level practice first-hand. These expert nurses are able to bring their knowledge of the clinical settings to the item review process and ensure that NCLEX items are reflective of current entry-level nursing practice.
Subject matter experts with entry-level nursing licensure examination item development experience or who have been involved in the development of prep guides or courses in the previous two years cannot volunteer for the NCLEX; the purpose of this is to minimize potential biases that these previous experiences may bring to the NCLEX development process.
Reference Exam Development Opportunities for additional information.