Most people dread taking any kind of examination. Performance anxiety and stress are often compounded when the test is being used to determine your suitability for a given profession. The Nursing Entrance Test (NET) is one of the more popular examinations that is used as a screening tool for applicants to Associate of Science in Nursing programs.
The NET is quite similar to standardized tests that we have all taken throughout our school careers, and consists of questions in seven different areas: reading rate, math, reading comprehension, social skills, learning style, test-taking, and stress profile.
In general, schools require a minimum score of 50% in both reading comprehension and math, although some schools have higher eligibility requirements. Scores in the other areas of the exam are not usually used as formal eligibility criteria, but help to give examiners a better feel for the applicant’s overall suitability for the academic program.
There are several other Entrance exams for Nursing, including,
Diagnostic Entrance Exam (DET), Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) ,
Practical/Vocational Nursing Entrance Exam (PNEE), Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (PSB) , Registered Nursing Entrance Exam (RNEE)
The NET is computer based and will take approximately 2 ½ hours to complete. You will not be able to use a calculator or any other type of outside resource for any portion of the test. Sections of the tests include:
1) Reading Rate and Reading Comprehension – This test will measure your reading rate during the first minute of
the test. You will have 30 minutes to complete this section during which you test, you will be asked to draw conclusions based on reading material, identify main ideas, and answer other questions that demonstrate deep understanding of content.
2) Essential Math Skills – The math section questions consist of basic operations, including whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and simple algebraic equations. You have 60 minutes to complete the 60 problems in the math section.
3) Social Interaction Profile - in this portion of the test, there aren’t any right or wrong answers. You will be asked questions about social interaction, and the test will assess your social style and leadership skills. These scores won’t figure into your admission process, but can provide useful information for both you and your instructors.
4) Stress Level Profile - Because school in general, and being in an academically demanding program in particular, can be quite stressful it is important that you identify y areas of stress in your life. You will answer questions related to your feelings and perceived stress within your family, social life, money/time, academics and workplace.
5) Learning Style – The learning style assessment will help you identify how you learn best with the understanding that most people do have very definite preferences. It will greatly improve your school experience if you can determine what your preferred modes of learning are. For example, do you work better alone or in a group? Do you retain information better when you hear it or when you write it down?
6) Test-Taking Skills: This portion of the exam will assess how well you are able to assess test questions and apply strategies for answering.
Upon completion of the exam, you will receive an immediate printout of your score. If you did not receive a passing score, you may re-test after 60 days. Only two re-tests are allowed within a one-year period from the date of the original test.
