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​​​​​How to prepar​e for your NCAS Assessment​​​​​​

The following resources are provided to help you prepare for your NCAS CBA and SLA-OA assessments. This should not be considered an exhaustive list of all resources available for use in preparing for the assessments.

Please Note: Independent, private organizations may offer NCAS preparation courses. NCAS has not reviewed, approved or endorsed any of these programs, and cannot attest as to whether or not they will help your performance on the NCAS assessment. 

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​To learn more about the assessment format and what to expect on assessment day:

NCAS Blueprint 

It may help you prepare for your NCAS assessment to become familiar with the kinds of competencies NCAS evaluates. We encourage you to review the NCAS Blueprint, which outline s the content assessed in all three assessments: the CBA, the SLA and the OA. This content focuses on the competencies that an entry-level nurse is required to possess to practice safely and effectively in a Canadian health care setting.  

The NCAS Blueprint contains the following important information: 

  1. The complete list of competencies that candidates will be assessed on based on nursing roles;
  2. A description of the competency categories that make up the competency framework.

Essential elements that are covered in the assessment:

          • Workplace setting 
          • Life span categories
          • Client health status
          • ​Critical entry to practice competencies 

NCAS​ Orientation Videos (SLA-OA)

These orientation videos were designed to give you a better understanding of what you can expect at your Simulation Lab and Oral assessment (SLA-OA).

Maritime Canadian Assessment Takers: please note that these videos are being revised to include the Dalhousie Simulation Lab and its equipment; we anticipate these new videos online by the end of April 2021.

The NCAS SLA-OAProcedures 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.

 

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The NCAS SLA-OA 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.

 


The NCAS SLA-OA 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. ​​

 

Simulation Lab Assessment (SLA) and Oral Assessment (OA) 

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 five minutes to read the chart. You may make notes (paper will be provided), though these notes will not be scored.

Computer Based Assessment (CBA)

Sample CBA Questions 

The following are sample CBA questions for each nursing or health care aide profession:

How to prepar​e for your Nursing in Canada

​​​​​Entry-Level Competencies

The following are entry level co​mpe​​tencies for each nursing or health care aide profession:

Orientation to the Canadian 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. Please note that NCAS has not endorsed this course and cannot attest as to whether this course will help your performance on the NCAS assessment.​

Essential Skills Profile - 3413 Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates​

Essential Skills Profiles describe how workers in this occupation use e​ach of the nine essential skills: reading, document use, writing, numeracy, oral communication, thinking, digital technology (originally, computer use), working with others and continuous learning.  Free online assessments can be taken with a goal of developing and building skills levels in the foundational areas of reading, document use and numeracy.​​

Textbook Resources

The following list represents a variety of educational resources for each nursing or health care aide profession.