Licensure by Examination
Request Testing Accommodations
Requirements
- Candidates should request testing accommodations at the time of application for licensure.
- The accommodation must be approved by North Carolina Board of Nursing before a candidate can schedule the NCLEX.
- Mental impairment includes any mental or psychological disorder, such as organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness and specific learning disabilities, which are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Test anxiety and English as a second language is not protected under the ADA.
Items Required for an Accommodation
- Documentation from a qualified professional with expertise in the area of the diagnosed disability which must include:
- Recognized diagnosis found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
- Identification of the specific standardized and professionally recognized test-assessments given (e.g., Woodcock-Johnson, Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale)
- The scores resulting from testing interpretation of the scores and evaluations
- Recommendations for testing accommodations with a stated rationale as to why the requested accommodation is necessary and appropriate for the diagnosed disability
- Letter from candidate defining the disability and specific testing accommodations desired
- Letter from Program Director defining what accommodations the candidate was given during the nursing education program
Submit required documents to nclexaccommodations@ncbon.com.
Student-Public Complaints
The North Carolina Board of Nursing is interested in ensuring that nursing education programs are in compliance with Rules in order to protect the public through safe nursing care. The Board will consider written and signed complaints about nursing education programs which reflect upon the quality of nursing education and pose non-compliance with education rules.
However, the North Carolina Board of Nursing has no purview over school policies, grades, or conflicts between students and faculty. Each program is required to have processes in place for dealing with grievances. Students and faculty are encouraged to follow the appropriate procedure in the institution. Review the nursing program handbook, college handbook, and/or contact student services for the proper procedure.
Policy Activities
The mission of the North Carolina Board of Nursing (Board) is to protect the public by regulating the practice of nursing. The extent of the Board’s involvement in activities related to policy reform is focused on those policy-related activities that uphold the Board’s mission of public protection. The Board’s legislative team maintains an active presence at the legislature to share the expertise of the Board on matters that relate to the regulation of nursing practice. The Board also serves as a resource to legislators, providing education on the nursing population and regulation of nurses in North Carolina (NC), in addition to responding to inquiries from the legislature on matters related to nursing practice and regulation. Additionally, the Board’s legislative team monitors the content of bills introduced each session for their potential to impact the work of the Board and the practice of nursing. As necessary, the Board submits written comments regarding proposed legislation or testifies at legislative hearings to provide legislators with the information necessary to make informed decisions about legislation that may impact the practice of nursing, or the health and safety of the public.
One example of a specific policy reform activity of the Board from the 2019-2020 legislative session is the legislation signed into law on July 26, 2019 to update the NC Nursing Practice Act (NPA). Part II of NC Session Law 2019-180, which became effective October 1, 2019, contains provisions to protect the safety of the public and enhance the operational efficiency of the Board. The updates outlined in Session Law 2019-180 include revision of vague, outdated (pre-HIPAA) language in the NPA, formatting and definition revisions, clarification of the subpoena power and disciplinary authority of the Board, and confidentiality protections for materials gathered by the Board. Within the provisions in the new law is the requirement for nurses to self-report arrests or indictments to the Board within 30 days for any of the following: (1) any felony arrest or indictment; (2) any arrest for driving while impaired or driving under the influence; and (3) any arrest or indictment for the possession, use, or sale of any controlled substance. Updates to the NPA are made to reflect the current practice of nursing in an ever-changing health care environment and to ensure that the laws governing the regulation of nursing practice in NC facilitate the work of the Board in its legislated mandate to protect the safety of the public.
