How to Prepare
The following resources will help you prepare for your NCAS Computer-based Assessment (CBA) and Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA).
Independent, private organizations may offer NCAS assessment preparation courses. NCAS has not reviewed or approved any of these programs and does not endorse them.
Preparing for your NCAS Assessment
Healthcare Aide / HCA candidates can read this resource, prepared by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry, for help guiding them through the NCAS process.
Entry-Level Competencies
NCAS assesses competencies that an entry-level nurse or Healthcare Aide needs to practice safely and effectively in Canada.
To prepare for your assessment, make sure you understand and can apply the entry-level professional competencies for which you are being assessed:
Assessment Components
The NCAS assessments have two basic components: a Computer-based Assessment (CBA) and a Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA). Both the CBA and SLA ask you to engage in different situations, such as:
- Workplace setting
- Life span
- Client health status
Review the NCAS Blueprint to understand the components of these assessments better.
Computer Based Assessment (CBA)
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 SLA format and what to expect on assessment day, review the following links:
Orientation Videos - Healthcare Aide
The NCAS SLA Orientation for HCA video shares 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 familiarizes you with the materials, supplies and equipment HCAs may see during that assessment.
Orientation Videos – Registered Nurse / Licenced Practical Nurse
The NCAS SLA Orientation for RN/LPN video shares 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. The video shows the room set up at the NCAS Assessment
Centres and the materials, supplies and equipment you may see during your
assessment.
SLA Nursing Charts
We recommend reviewing sample materials you may receive at the simulation lab stations. Review form templates forms that may be used during the simulation, or that can be found in the chart. Once you enter the simulation room, you will have an allocated time period 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
These resources offer background information on health care 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's offered two times per year. It will deepen learners' 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 health care use each of the nine essential skills: reading, document use, writing, numeracy, oral communication, thinking, digital technology, working with others and continuous learning. Search: Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates.
