Quick Reference Guide 2: Nursing Skills and Knowledge Assessments

Maybe at some point in your RN processes you were asked to complete a nursing skills and knowledge assessment like: the IENCAP, ARNAP, SECA, NCAS, CCA and the CBA. These are diagnostic written and practical exams to determine the gaps of nursing skills and knowledge of an internationally-educated nurse (IEN). The Colleges/Associations of RNs would be able to make a determination on how this IEN should proceed with the process.

What covers this assessment? It covers essential entry-lvel nursing skills and concepts. The IEN is being assessed as an entry-level nurse in different patient situations and scenarios that could possibly happen in different clinical/community settings. Simply, going back to basics. Always remember that youa re not being assessed as an advance practice RN.

The assessment has 2 parts:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
• Objective Structured Clinical Exam (known as the OSCE)

Here's the list of nursing skills and knowledge assessment across Canada and criteria for assessment referral.