As a result of recent circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, PEARSONVUE has closed all of their testing centers in Canada and the United States from March 17th until April 16th. They have also stated they will consider extended this closure. This regretfully includes the licensing exam for Registered Nurses, and has impacted hundreds of future nurse’s ability to become fully licensed for practice.

With additional measures being put in place by provinces, states, and countries to provide health care, these potential exam contestants are anxious to join the front lines. This unprecedented pandemic has created an even greater need for health care providers at this time. For example, Ontario provincial government announced additional funding and positions for nurses and other front line staff as of March 17. New graduates are available to fill these positions, but need to be provided the opportunity to become licensed. Citizens need the best care possible, including the empowerment of all front line staff possible.

We petition that the test center closures are not extended past April 16th for the NCLEX exam. We ask that they institute diligent social distancing and cleaning procedures, allowing nursing applicants to complete their NCLEX licensing exam and join the front lines.

This would not only allow current graduates to start working, but also prevent the nurses who will be graduating in a few short weeks from experience a backlog for their exams-delaying more nurses from entering the workforce. While we understand there are many exams effected by this closure, nurses are needed now.