How to prepare for CBA by Inspire Global Assessment

What Is the CBA?

Let’s start with a quick overview.

The CBA (Computer-Based Assessment) is part of the Inspire Global assessment process and evaluates your nursing knowledge and decision-making skills against Canadian entry-level competencies.

It’s similar to the NCLEX, but tailored to test your ability to apply knowledge in real-world, culturally relevant to Canadian nursing practice.

• Format: The assessment presents unfolding clinical scenarios over time, requiring you to apply critical thinking and clinical judgment.

• Question Types:

  Multiple-choice: Select the best answer from four options.

  Multiple-select: Choose all correct answers (usually 2–3).

  Hotspot: Click on specific areas in an image.

  Sequencing: Arrange steps in the correct order.

  Open-response: Provide a written or audio response within set limits. inspireassessments.org

• Duration:

  • RN: 5 hours

  • LPN, RPN, HCA: 3 hours

• Delivery: Available at over 100 testing centers in 60 countries or remotely via Prometric for RPN, provided technical requirements are met. inspireassessments.org

How to prepare?

1. Review Entry-Level Competencies

Familiarize yourself with the competencies expected of Canadian nurses, including:

• Clinical decision-making

• Patient-centered care

• Ethical and legal responsibilities

• Collaboration and communication

• Safety and risk management

These competencies form the foundation of the CBA. inspireassessments.org

2. Utilize Resources

Inspire Global Assessments provides:

• Candidate's Guidelines: Comprehensive information on assessment design and preparation.

• Sample Practice Questions: Practice with various question types specific to your nursing designation.

• Blueprints: Detailed outlines of assessment components and focus areas.inspireassessments.org

3. Engage in Scenario-Based Practice

The CBA emphasizes application over memorization. Practice by:

• Analyzing clinical scenarios.

• Applying frameworks like ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and Maslow's Hierarchy.

• Justifying your clinical decisions.

4. Strengthen Theoretical Knowledge

Focus on areas such as:

• Pharmacology

• Pathophysiology

• Nursing interventions and rationales

Utilize Canadian resource, NCLEX preparation books, online resources, and practice exams to reinforce your understanding.

Sign up for my upcoming IEN preparation course (CBA and SLA) for a discounted offer. It includes CBA practice questions, SLA case scenario simulation breakdown, nursing and HCA skills review, pathophysiology and more!

Sign up here:

https://www.nursingcollective.co/course

5. Develop Test-Taking Strategies

• Time Management: Practice completing practice questions within the allotted time.

• Answer Techniques: Learn to eliminate incorrect options and focus on patient safety and priority frameworks.

• Simulate Exam Conditions: Take full-length practice tests to build stamina and familiarity.nursingcollective.co

📝 Exam Day Tips

• Arrival: Arrive early with two valid government-issued IDs.

• Materials: You'll be provided with a whiteboard or paper for note-taking.

• Breaks: Brief washroom breaks are allowed; inform the proctor before leaving.

• Technical Setup: For remote exams, ensure a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private space.

• Mentally and physically prepare:

  ✔️Get a good night’s sleep

  ✔️ Eat a balanced breakfast

  ✔️ Bring water and snacks for after

  ✔️ Stay calm—skip and return to tough questions

  ✔️ Use the process of elimination

  And most importantly, believe in yourself.

You’ve made it this far—don’t give up now. The CBA is a challenge, but it’s one you can absolutely overcome.

If you found this helpful, leave a comment with any questions, join the email list, and don’t forget to subscribe and follow me on youtube for more content to support you on your Canadian nursing journey.

Remember: you are smart, you are capable, and you are one step closer to becoming a nurse in Canada. I’m cheering you on every step of the way!