Seeking to practice nursing in Texas? The Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE) is your next critical step after getting your credentials sorted. Plenty Nigerian nurses struggle with this exam—not because it’s difficult, but because most resources don’t address our specific challenges.
The good news? It’s an open-book exam with a 75% pass requirement—that’s just 38 correct answers out of 50 questions. This guide breaks down exactly what you need as a Nigerian nurse to ace this exam without stress.
What Is the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam?
The Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam tests your knowledge of Texas nursing laws and regulations. Unlike the NCLEX that tests clinical skills, the NJE focuses entirely on legal and ethical aspects of nursing practice in Texas.
Key Facts About the Exam
- Format: 50 multiple-choice questions, online
- Pass Mark: 75% (38 correct answers)
- Time Limit: 2 hours to complete
- Cost: Included in your application fee
- Format: Open-book (you can access the BON website during the exam!)
- Attempts: You can retake after 24 hours if you don’t pass
Most important thing wey Nigerian nurses need know: this is an open-book exam. You fit check the Texas Board of Nursing website during the test. No be memory test at all!
Why It Matters for Nigerian Nurses
The exam ensures you understand Texas nursing laws before receiving your license. For us Nigerians, this exam bridges the gap between our training and U.S. regulatory standards.
Without passing this exam, you can’t get your Authorization to Test (ATT) for the NCLEX-RN, which is essential for practicing in Texas.
How to Register for the Texas Jurisprudence Exam
Many Nigerian nurses get stuck at this first step. Here’s the exact process:
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- Create an account on the Texas BON website (www.bon.texas.gov)
- Submit your application for licensure by examination
- Wait approximately 15 business days after submitting your application
- Log into your nurse portal to access the exam link
- Pay the examination fee (included in your application fee)
- Take the exam online at your convenience
For Nigerian nurses without a U.S. Social Security Number, use the paper application option instead of the online version. This bypasses the SSN requirement that often trips up international applicants.
Pro Tip: Paper applications take longer to process (about 4-6 weeks), so plan accordingly if you’re on a tight timeline.
Required Documentation
| Document | Description | Nigerian Nurse Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Education Verification | Official transcripts | Must be evaluated by a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL/IELTS scores | May be waived if your nursing program was taught in English |
| Proof of Licensure | Nigerian nursing license | Must be verified by NANNNA or NMCN |
| Fingerprints | Criminal background check | Can be done at Nigerian police stations with FBI-approved channels |
Preparing for the NJE: Study Resources
The key to passing isn’t just studying hard—it’s studying smart. These resources were particularly helpful for Nigerian nurses who passed:
Essential Study Materials
- Texas Nursing Practice Act (NPA) – The primary source for the exam
- Texas Administrative Code (TAC) – Focus on Chapters 217 and 213
- BON Rules and Regulations – Available for free on the BON website
- BON Position Statements – Common interpretations of nursing law
- Free BON Jurisprudence Prep Course – Register through the BON website
Nigerian nurses often waste time memorizing everything. Instead, learn how to navigate these documents quickly using the search function (Ctrl+F works wonders).
Nigerian-Specific Study Tips
- Focus on Rule 217.11 (Standards of Nursing Practice) – This appears most frequently on the exam
- Understand delegation rules – These differ significantly from Nigerian nursing standards
- Join WhatsApp study groups with other Nigerian nurses preparing for the same exam
- Practice with the free BON prep course – It mimics the actual exam format
- Create bookmarks in the NPA and BON Rules documents for quick reference during the exam
Common Challenges for Nigerian Nurses
Many of us face similar obstacles when preparing for this exam. No need to sugar-coat am!
Language and Terminology Barriers
American legal terminology differs from what we learned in Nigeria. The solution? Create a personal glossary of unfamiliar terms as you study:
- Board Order vs. Disciplinary Action
- BON = Board of Nursing (not “board” as we use in Nigeria)
- NPA = Nursing Practice Act (the main law)
- Standards of Nursing Practice (Rule 217.11) – completely different from our NMCN standards
Cultural Differences in Nursing Practice
Texas nursing has specific areas where practice differs from Nigeria:
- Patient autonomy is emphasized more strongly
- Documentation requirements are much more detailed
- Delegation rules are stricter than in Nigerian hospitals
- Reporting obligations (mandatory reporting) for certain situations
Financial and Resource Constraints
Let’s be real—preparing while managing immigration costs is tough. Here’s how to prepare effectively on a budget:
- Use the free BON prep course rather than paying for commercial materials
- Join Facebook groups for Nigerian nurses in Texas for shared resources
- Look for used textbooks from other nurses who’ve already passed
- Schedule study time that works with your timezone (many Nigerian nurses study during night shifts)
How to Pass the Exam on Your First Attempt
Want to join the 90% of Nigerian nurses who pass on first try? Follow these proven strategies:
Effective Study Techniques
- Read the NPA once completely to understand the overall structure
- Take the free BON prep course at least twice
- Create a “cheat sheet” of frequently tested topics
- Practice navigating the BON website quickly
- Do practice questions focusing on delegation and scope of practice
- Schedule your exam during a low-stress period
Test Day Tips
- Have two devices ready – one for the exam and one to search the BON website
- Test your internet connection beforehand
- Prepare a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed for 2 hours
- Have the NPA and Rules documents open in separate tabs
- Read questions carefully – they often contain subtle language that changes meaning
- Flag difficult questions to come back to later
After Passing the Jurisprudence Exam
What’s next after you celebrate this milestone? Here’s what to expect:
- Print your certificate immediately after passing
- Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT) for the NCLEX-RN
- Schedule your NCLEX through Pearson VUE
- Apply for your Texas nursing license after passing the NCLEX
- Join Nigerian nurse associations in Texas for networking and job opportunities
Important: Your NJE certificate is valid for two years. If you don’t complete the licensing process within that time, you’ll need to retake the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a Social Security Number to take the Texas Jurisprudence Exam?
A: No. Nigerian nurses without SSNs can use the paper application process.
Q: How long should I study for the Jurisprudence Exam?
A: Most Nigerian nurses study for 2-3 weeks, focusing on the Nursing Practice Act and BON Rules.
Q: Can I use my mobile phone to take the exam?
A: Yes, but a computer or tablet offers a better experience for navigating between the exam and reference materials.
Q: How does the Texas NJE differ from other states?
A: Texas allows open-book testing, making it more accessible for international nurses compared to states like New York or California.
Q: What’s the wait time between failing and retaking the exam?
A: Just 24 hours – making Texas one of the most flexible states for international nurses.
Connect with the Nigerian Nursing Community in Texas
Passing the jurisprudence exam is just the beginning of your journey. These resources help Nigerian nurses find community and support:
- National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA) – Texas chapter
- Nigerian Nurses Association Sugarland – Active community in Houston area
- African Nurses Association of Texas – Mentorship programs for new nurses
- WhatsApp groups – Search “Nigerian Nurses Texas” on Facebook to find current groups
The journey to becoming a licensed nurse in Texas takes grit, but you’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerian nurses have walked this path before you—and succeeded.
Ready to take the next step? Head to the Texas BON website today, register for the jurisprudence prep course, and move one step closer to your American nursing dream!
This guide was created specifically for Nigerian nurses based on real experiences and updated Texas BON requirements as of May 2025. For the most current information, always verify with the official Texas Board of Nursing website.