Explore NCSBN Through The Years

A journey through the seminal events and milestones in NCSBN's history.

19781985

Establishing the Mission-driven Organization

The first several years of NCSBN’s existence focused on establishing a mission-driven organization that was rooted in public protection and strengthening the role of nursing regulatory bodies in nursing regulation.

Major Milestones

  • NCSBN founded

    1978

  • Implemented criterion-referenced scoring for NCLEX

    1981

  • First Model Nurse Practice Act adopted

    1982

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Explore 1978–1985

19861994

Forging New Frontiers with Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)

NCSBN had its eye on the future as it began researching the use of computer adaptive testing for the NCLEX. It took several years of research and hard work by dedicated professionals, but in 1994, NCSBN became the first health care organization to utilize computerized adaptive testing for the purpose of licensure.

Major Milestones

  • Voted to conduct standard-setting procedures every three years

    1989

  • Nursing Disciplinary Data Bank restructured to be congruent with federally mandated National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)

    1992

  • Implemented CAT for NCLEX

    1994

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Explore 1986–1994

19952002

Transforming Regulation Through Technology

Emerging technologies were changing the world as the beginning of the 21st century approached. NCSBN welcomed new technological tools, resources and mediums that forever changed the trajectory of nursing regulation.

Major Milestones

  • Adopted Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

    1997

  • Launched first online NCLEX-RN prep course

    1998

  • Adopted Nursys

    1999

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Explore 1995–2002

20032007

Promoting Evidence-based Nursing Regulation

As the body of nursing regulation knowledge becomes more expansive, NCSBN relies on evidence that is rooted in theory and based on research to assist in making regulatory decisions. NCSBN embraced the challenges and opportunities of evidence-based nursing regulation.

Major Milestones

  • Implemented public access to Nursys

    2003

  • Launched international NCLEX examination testing sites

    2005

  • Established the Center for Regulatory Excellence Grant Program

    2006

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Explore 2003–2007

20082013

Collaboration and Outreach

Health care has become increasingly global in scope. NCSBN saw this evolution as an opportunity to grow and collaborate reaching new, diverse audiences both nationally and internationally, as the organization continued its mission of public safety.

Major Milestones

  • Published first issue of "Journal of Nursing Regulation"

    2010

  • Produced social media guidelines brochure and video

    2011

  • Launched Nursys e-Notify, the national nurse licensure notification system

    2012

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Explore 2008–2013

20142018

Surging Towards the Future

Standing on the firm foundation of its past NCSBN looks forward to building even stronger partnerships with other regulatory bodies both nationally and internationally. Entering its fifth decade of operation NCSBN seeks out new opportunities and faces its challenges head on.

Major Milestones

  • NCLEX implemented as licensure exam for ten Canadian provinces/territories

    2015

  • Regulation 2030 brings together 80 regulators from around the world who endeavor to chart the future of nursing regulation by using concept mapping

    2016

  • Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact enacted (July 20, 2017)

    2017

  • Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact implemented (Jan. 19, 2018)

    2018

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Explore 2014–2018

20192023

Rising to the Challenge

Never content to rest on its laurels, NCSBN is moving forward through innovation, ingenuity and creativity designed to advance nursing and nursing regulation. Respectful of its past but with its eyes firmly fixed on the future, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. NCSBN remains an organization always looking to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Major Milestones

  • The International Center for Regulatory Scholarship (ICRS) was founded

    2019

  • NCSBN responded to challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on education, testing and licensure

    2020

  • Launched the REx-PN, a regulatory exam for practical nurses in Canada

    2022

  • The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) launched

    2023

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Explore 2019–2023

Explore Details From Each Period of NCSBN's History

See milestones, delegate assembly decisions, committees, and awards from each year in NCSBN's history.