
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Revolutionizes Nursing Licensure with Clinical Judgment Focus
2023
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has officially launched the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), marking the most significant transformation in nursing licensure examination history. This enhanced NCLEX exam represents over a decade of research and development designed to better measure the clinical judgment and decision-making skills essential for safe nursing practice and patient care.
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Revolutionary Clinical Judgment Measurement

At the core of the NGN is the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM), a framework specifically developed to assess how well nursing candidates can think critically in real-world clinical scenarios. The model evaluates a nurse’s ability to recognize cues, analyze data, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action, and evaluate outcomes – essential skills for registered nurses in modern healthcare settings.
Helen Brand, CEO of NCSBN, emphasized the significance of this change: “The NGN represents our commitment to ensuring that newly licensed nurses possess the clinical judgment skills necessary to provide safe, effective care in today’s complex healthcare environment.”
Key Features of the Enhanced Examination
New Question Types:
- Extended multiple response questions allowing partial credit
- Cloze (drop-down) questions for complex scenario analysis
- Extended drag-and-drop for prioritization exercises
- Matrix/grid questions for comprehensive assessment
- Bowtie questions linking causes, problems, and interventions
Enhanced Scoring System: The NGN introduces polytomous scoring, moving beyond the traditional all-correct or all-incorrect approach. This new system allows for partial credit, providing a more nuanced assessment of candidate knowledge and clinical reasoning abilities – crucial for nursing students preparing for RN licensure.
Realistic Clinical Scenarios: Questions now simulate actual hospital conditions, requiring candidates to demonstrate their ability to care for critically ill patients and make complex decisions under pressure. The nursing exam tests whether nurses can differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information and prioritize patient care needs effectively.
Impact on Nursing Education
The NGN has prompted significant changes in nursing education programs nationwide. NCSBN recommends that nurse educators integrate the clinical judgment measurement model into simulation labs, written examinations, and clinical experiences.
Nursing schools are now emphasizing:
- Critical thinking skill development
- Clinical reasoning exercises
- Case study analysis
- Simulation-based learning experiences
- Decision-making scenario practice
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Student Preparation Requirements
Nursing students preparing for the NGN must focus on developing comprehensive clinical judgment skills rather than memorizing facts. The NCLEX examination requires candidates to:
- Analyze complex patient situations
- Identify priority nursing interventions
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing actions
- Demonstrate sound clinical reasoning
- Apply nursing knowledge to realistic scenarios
Technology Integration

The NGN continues to use Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) technology, ensuring that each candidate receives a personalized examination experience tailored to their ability level. The adaptive exam adapts in real-time based on previous responses, providing an accurate measure of nursing competency.
Global Impact and Recognition
The NGN has gained international recognition as the gold standard for nursing licensure examination. Countries worldwide are studying the NCJMM for potential adoption in their own nursing education and licensure systems.
Future Implications
The successful implementation of the NGN represents a paradigm shift in nursing assessment, moving from knowledge-based testing to competency-based evaluation. This change ensures that newly licensed nurses are better prepared to handle the complexities of modern healthcare delivery and patient safety.
The NGN’s emphasis on clinical judgment aligns with healthcare industry demands for nurses who can think critically, adapt to changing situations, and provide safe, effective patient care in diverse clinical settings and healthcare facilities.
Source: NCSBN – Next Generation NCLEX Launch
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