Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Nursing Licensure Examination - Pioneer Candidates Experiences and Perception in Ghana

Sep 5, 2026

Uploaded by Sage

To explore experiences and perceptions of pioneer (first-batch) computerized nursing licensure exam candidates in Ghana, the study used a mixed-methods design with an e-survey and structured questionnaires. Post-test data were collected from 2018 diploma in psychiatric nursing graduates of Pantang Nurses’ Training College in Accra, who were among the pioneer test takers of the 2018 computerized nursing licensure examination. Most candidates reported positive experiences and preferred CBT, while also indicating system improvement needs. The findings support implementing a similar test system within the nursing training curriculum.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Nursing licensure mandate in Ghana

Shift to computerized nursing licensure exams in 2018

Challenges and interventions in licensure performance

Evidence on digital testing and candidate preparation

Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Nursing Licensure Examination: Pioneer candidates Experiences and perception of the premier test in Ghana John Bright Agyemang 1 , Nina Sarpomaa Konadu2 , Anita Frimpomaa Oppong3,4, Appau Comfort5 1Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland 2Manna Mission Hospital, Accra, Ghana 3St. Michael’s Midwifery Training School, Kumasi, Ghana 4St. Michael’s Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana 5Obuasi Government Hospital, Obuasi, Ghana Abstract: To explore the experiences and perception of pioneer (First batch) computerized nursing licensure exam candidates The study employed a mixed methods approach using an e-survey technique with structured questionnaires to collect post-test data from the 2018 diploma in psychiatric nursing graduates of the Pantang nurses’ training college in Accra, Ghana, pioneer test takers of the premier 2018 computerized nursing licensure examination. Majority of the candidates reported a positive experience and preferred the computer-based test (CBT), but were of the view that the system can be improved. The result suggests the need to implement a similar test system within the training curriculum. Keywords: Computer-based Test, Nursing Licensure, Nursing education, Ghana. I. INTRODUCTION Nursing and midwifery practice, education and ensuring standards is under the mandate of the nursing and midwifery council of Ghana (NMC, Ghana) . To be registered as a nurse or midwife in Ghana, it is obligatory and open for graduates of nursing and midwifery programs to pass the Registered nurse or registered midwife certification examination of the NMC, Ghana scheduled twice (February and August) annually. (Amankwaa, Agyemang-Dankwah & Boateng, 2015; Bell et al., 2013; Dela & Gross, 2019) The NMC, Ghana initiated the conduct of computerized nursing licensure examination in Ghana in 2018, the digital test started with only the diploma in registered psychiatric nurse graduates. The commencement has been pronounced as sudden but among the relevant policies in education of nurses since the previous thirty years. (Dela & Gross, 2019) Qualifications in nursing usually find it challenging to continuously attain acceptable grades initially, this is observed widely among nursing colleges (Joy et al. 2017) . The inability of a student to get the required score in the licensure assessment test pose disturbing effects, specifically, to failed students immensely, the nursing course, the nursing faculty and the availability of adequate nurses and midwife (Joy et al. 2017; Sifford & McDaniel, 2007), and a hindrance to individual confidence (Frith et al., 2008) . An explanation is the need for graduates to redeem themselves of possible student related debts and a setback in career commencement, this can result in financial, emotional and psychological difficulties including elevated distress for the failed graduate (Joy et al. 2017; Sifford & McDaniel, 2007) . The preparedness of students and interventions of leaders remain significant elements in attaining higher scores in nursing licensure test (Wardani & Mahayanti, 2018) . Among the strategies to halt lower NCLEX-RN marks below required level, curriculum reconsideration was undertaken with standardized accepted benchmarks leading to increased number of test questions, elevating pass score for nursing courses and introduction of prepared test questions similar to the board examination to students within their study duration (Joy et al. (2017) . Similarly, Sifford & McDaniel (2007) indicated that the leading intervention for nursing education programs to curb the declining rate of success levels in standardized nursing licensure test is remediation targeted at failure-risk candidates. The investigation of Tao et al., (2016) aimed at discussing the perception of students regarding a secure laptop-based testing program (SLBT), revealed that, students admitte

FAQs

What was the study designed to examine?

The study investigated pioneer computerized nursing licensure exam candidates’ experiences and perceptions of the CBT in Ghana.

How were data collected after the exam?

Post-test data were collected using an e-survey with structured questionnaires.

What were the main findings about candidates’ experience with CBT?

Most candidates reported positive experiences and preferred CBT, but they also suggested that the system could be improved.

Sep 5, 2026

Uploaded by Sage