How to Prepare
The following resources are provided to help you prepare for your NCAS computer-based assessment (CBA) and simulation lab assessment (SLA). This is not an exhaustive list of all resources that might help you prepare.
Please Note: Independent, private organizations may offer NCAS preparation courses. NCAS has not reviewed or approved any of these programs and does not endorse them.
Preparing for your NCAS Assessment
For HCA candidates, the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry has created this resource to help guide you through the NCAS process.
Entry-Level Competencies
NCAS assesses the competencies that an entry-level nurse or healthcare aide needs to practice safely and effectively in Canada.
To prepare for assessment, make sure you understand and can apply the entry-level competencies of the profession in which you are being assessed:
Components of the Assessment
The NCAS assessments have two basic components: A computer-based assessment (CBA) and a simulation lab assessment (SLA). Both the CBA and SLA will ask you to engage with patient cases that differ across:
- Workplace setting
- Life span
- Client health status
Familiarize yourself with the following NCAS Blueprint to further understand the components of the assessment.
Computer Based Assessment (CBA)
To learn more about the assessment format and what to expect on assessment day, be sure to review:
Sample CBA Questions
The following are sample CBA questions for each nursing or health care aide profession:
Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA)
To learn more about the assessment format and what to expect on assessment day, be sure to review:
Orientation Videos - HCA
The NCAS SLA Orientation for HCA video tells you what you can expect on assessment day. It provides an overview of the rules and procedures you'll be expected to follow.
The NCAS SLA Equipment for HCAs video is aimed at those being assessed as a health care assistant and is aimed at familiarizing you with the materials, supplies and equipment HCAs may see during that assessment.
Orientation Videos – RN/LPN
The NCAS SLA Orientation for RN/LPN video tells you what you can expect on assessment day. It provides an overview of the rules and procedures you'll be expected to follow.
** Please note that there is no longer an Oral Assessment (OA) component to the RN/LPN SLA.
The NCAS SLA Equipment for LPNs, RNs, and RPNs video is aimed specifically at those taking the RN, LPN or RPN assessment. It shows you the physical set up of the rooms at our NCAS Assessment Centres, as well as the materials, supplies and equipment you may see during your assessment.
SLA Nursing Charts
It is a good idea to become familiar with the kinds of documents you may encounter in each station of the simulation lab. Review the templates of the forms that may be used during the simulation, and that will be found in the chart. Once you enter the simulation room, you will have allocated time to review the patient chart. You may make notes (paper will be provided), though these notes will not be scored unless specifically noted.
Understanding Nursing in Canada
The resources may offer some insight into healthcare professions in Canada.
Health Care System, Culture and Context
This course is designed for internationally educated health professionals who are undergoing the process of becoming licensed in Canada. It is offered two times per year. It will provide learners with a deepened understanding of the Canadian health care system, what Canadian patients expect from their health care providers, and how to communicate with patients and caregivers.
Essential Skills Profile
Essential Skills Profiles describe how workers in this occupation use each of the nine essential skills: reading, document use, writing, numeracy, oral communication, thinking, digital technology, working with others and continuous learning. Search: 3413 Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates.
