What is PNC Licensure Exam and Why is it Necessary?

by Khalil Ahmed Jatt, Head Nurse, PIMS, Islamabad 

PNC Licensure Examination is a written test of the Generic BSc Nursing graduates that is conducted by the Pakistan Nursing Council to determine the preparedness of the graduates for nursing practice. Recently, the examination has been abolished by PNC due to some understandable reasons. Some people are of the view that PNC licensure examination for GBSN is unjust and unnecessary. Their perspective is based on the following arguments:

1. When there are university exams then we do not need to appear for an extra exam.
2. There is no licensure examination for the diploma holders therefore, there is no need for licensure exam for BSN graduates.
3. Other healthcare professionals in Pakistan do not go through such examination, therefore this exam is unnecessary for BSN graduates
4. It is not conducted internationally.
5. PNC can not conduct a transparent examination. Many toppers failed in the licensure examination.
6. Licensure examination wastes the precious time of the graduates.

One would see that most of these arguments are flawed, irrelevant and are based on lack of knowledge about a licensure examination. This article is an effort to address the above-mentioned arguments.

 One of the most common arguments against the licensure examination is that the GBSN graduates go through university examinations for each subject at the end of each semester, in addition to the continuous assessment during the course of study. Therefore, there is no need for the PNC licensure examination. However, people in favour of this standpoint fail to understand that the purpose of conducting the licensure examination is to assess the overall preparedness of a candidate by the licensing body, i.e., Pakistan Nursing Council. It is in no manner a repetition of the university tests and exams. Without any assessment by the licensing body, awarding a license does not make any sense.

Secondly, many people argue that there is no licensure examination for the diploma holders then there is no need for licensure exam for BSN graduates. However, one would agree that the lack of licensure exam for the diploma programme was one of the major weaknesses of the programme. Lack of licensure exam was also a key reason for the mushrooming of sub-standard diploma nursing schools in every nook and corner of Pakistan. By abolishing the licensure exam of BSN programme, we are going to apply the weakness of diploma to the BSN programme.

Thirdly, some people argue that if other councils in healthcare, like PMDC or Physiotherapy Councils, are not conducting the licensure examination then there is no need for such an exam by the nursing council. However, a sane mind would immediately respond that it is not essential for the nursing profession to imitate the trends and traditions of other healthcare professionals in Pakistan. The nursing profession has gained its own professional identity and it is further strengthening with time. The trend of conducting a licensure exam is a plus point of the nursing profession. Unfortunately, we are going to lose our plus point.

Moreover, some are of the view that licensure examination is not conducted internationally, therefore, we should not create a hassle for BSN graduates in Pakistan by conducting an unnecessary examination. However, they are not aware that the licensure examination is conducted in many countries. These exams have become symbols of quality nursing practice.  NCLEX (USA and Canada), HAAD (Abi Dhabi), and SNLE (Saudi Arabia) are a few examples of nursing licensure examinations.

Furthermore, another common argument against the licensure exam is that PNC fails to conduct a transparent exam. Many toppers failed in the exam and many incompetent candidates qualified the exam through bribery. In response to this objection, one would conclude that like any examination, there may be some deficiencies in this exam that are required to be corrected. If anyone has evidence of any type of corruption they should highlight and criticize that specific point. Moreover, the process and the quality of the PNC examination is also required to be improved. Skilful nursing professionals should play their part in improving the exam process. However, deficiencies in the exam process do not mean that we should abolish the whole process of examination. Instead, we should highlight the deficiencies and propose the appropriate solutions. With time, the process of the exam will improve.

In addition, a viewpoint also states that the licensure examination wastes the precious time of the graduates as they do not get PNC license without passing this exam. Hence, they are not able to apply for a suitable job. Like the previous argument, one would counter argue that if there is a delay in the process then that delay must be criticized specifically. The process of conducting the exam must be accelerated to save the graduates’ precious time but abolishing the whole process makes no sense. Licensing incapable people is tantamount to criminal negligence.

A suggestion to further improve the PCN licensure examination is that provincial Nurses Examination Boards should be converted to the regional offices of PNC after abolishing the diploma programme. Besides facilitation in other tasks of PNC, these regional offices can facilitate in improving the licensure examination process.

In brief, PNC licensure examination is not only an excellent quality check but it is also a barrier for substandard nursing institutes mushrooming across Pakistan. The exam is also an example for other professional bodies in Pakistan to follow. There are some deficiencies in the exam process that are required to be corrected but abolishing the whole process does not make any sense. The silence of sensible nursing professionals over the issue is more harmful to the profession and the healthcare sector than the hue and cry of people with vested interests. Raise your voice, it makes a difference.