The IQN (Internationally Qualified Nurses) Theoretical Examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam administered by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) for nurses who qualified outside of New Zealand and wish to register and practice in New Zealand. This examination assesses if internationally qualified nurses possess the necessary nursing knowledge to practice safely and effectively in New Zealand.

Here are the key details of the IQN Theoretical Examination:

Purpose:

• To evaluate the nursing knowledge of internationally qualified nurses against the standards required for safe and effective practice in New Zealand.
• It is a mandatory step in the competence assessment process for IQNs seeking registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

Eligibility:

• Internationally qualified nurses who completed their nursing education outside of New Zealand.
• Must hold current nursing registration in their country of education.
• Generally, it requires at least two years of nursing experience.
• Must meet English language proficiency requirements (if applicable).

Exam Format:

• Computer-based, multiple-choice examination.
• Two Parts:
  • Part A: Medication Safety: 12 questions focusing on medication and fluid safety.
  • Part B: Nursing Knowledge: 108 questions covering broader nursing practice areas, including:
    • Management of nursing care
    • Professional responsibility
    • Interpersonal relationships
    • Interprofessional healthcare
• Total: 120 questions.
• Time Allotment: 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete both parts. Part A has a suggested time of 30 minutes and Part B has a suggested time of 135 minutes within the total 180 minutes. No extra time is given.
• Online Exam: Taken at accredited Pearson VUE test centers, available both overseas and in New Zealand.

Attempts and Resits:

• Three attempts are allowed to pass the entire examination.
• First attempt: Candidates must complete both Part A and Part B.
• Resit: If only one part is failed, only that part needs to be retaken. If both parts are failed, both must be retaken.
• If you fail after three attempts, your application for registration will be closed.

Exam Content and Preparation:

• The exam covers various aspects of nursing practice, including:
  • Professional nursing practice
  • Clinical skills
  • Healthcare systems and policies in New Zealand
  • Ethical and legal aspects of¹ nursing
• Preparation Resources:
  • Nursing Council of New Zealand’s Competence Standards for Nursing: Review these standards to understand the expected competencies.
  • Study materials specific to New Zealand’s healthcare system: Focus on policies, protocols, and ethical/legal frameworks.
  • IQN Theoretical Examination Handbook and IQN Theoretical Examination Example Questions: These resources are available on the Nursing Council website and provide guidance and sample questions.
  • Practice exams and study guides: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.
  • IQN training programs: Various training programs are available to help candidates prepare. Search online for “IQN training New Zealand” to find available programs.

Cost:

• The exam fees are payable in New Zealand currency and are subject to change.
• Entire IQN exam fee: $140 NZD
• Re-sit entire IQN exam fee: $140 NZD
• Re-sit only Part A (Medication Safety Module): $32 NZD
• Re-sit only Part B (Nursing Knowledge Module): $108 NZD

Booking and Taking the Exam:

• Pearson VUE Test Centers: The exam can only be taken at Pearson VUE test centers. You can find test center locations on the Pearson VUE website.
• Booking: Book your exam through Pearson VUE.
• Proof of Identity: You will need to present a primary ID (current passport) and a secondary ID (with name and signature or name and photo) when booking and on the exam day. The name on your IDs must match your Nursing Council registration application.

Results:

• Your results will be available on your Pearson VUE dashboard soon after completing the exam.
• The Nursing Council will communicate your official results within six weeks of your exam attempt. This communication will outline your next steps based on whether you passed or used all attempts.

After Passing the IQN Exam:

• You can then apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
• This typically involves submitting a registration application, providing evidence of passing the IQN Exam, and paying the registration fee.
• You will then be invited to enroll in the Clinical Competence Assessment, which includes an orientation course and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Failing the IQN Exam:

• You can retake the exam (or the failed part) within the allowed three attempts.
• If you fail after three attempts, your application for registration will be closed.

Key Resources:

• Nursing Council of New Zealand – Competence Assessment Process: https://nursingcouncil.org.nz/IQN/IQN/Competence-assessment-process.aspx
• Pearson VUE – Nursing Council New Zealand Certification Testing: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ncnz.html

For the most up-to-date and detailed information, always refer to the official website of the Nursing Council of New Zealand and Pearson VUE.

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IQN NZ Exam Guide and Practice Questions
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