Free IQN Practice Tests: 5 Mock Exams for the NZ IQN Theory Exam
Prepare for the Nursing Council of New Zealand IQN theory exam with 5 free full-length IQN mock tests. Each mock follows the real exam structure with 120 questions: Part A medication safety (drug calculations) and Part B nursing knowledge. See instantly whether each answer is right or wrong, read a short explanation, and get your score at the end.
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Go to my mock tests- 5 full mock tests600 practice questions in total, each mock with 12 drug calculations and 108 nursing knowledge questions.
- Instant feedbackKnow straight away if your answer is right or wrong, with the correct answer and a short explanation.
- Track your progressSee your score for every mock on your own dashboard and continue where you left off.
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What is the IQN theory exam?
IQN stands for internationally qualified nurse. If you trained as a nurse outside New Zealand and need a competence assessment to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ), you must pass the IQN Theoretical Examination and then the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). The IQN theory exam checks that you have the nursing knowledge and medication safety skills needed to practise safely in New Zealand.
There are separate IQN exams for registered nurses and enrolled nurses, depending on the scope of practice you apply for. Both have two parts:
- Part A: medication safety, including drug calculations such as dosages, conversions, IV drip rates and infusions.
- Part B: nursing knowledge, covering clinical judgement, patient safety, mental health, communication and professional practice in a New Zealand context.
IQN exam at a glance
| Exam | NCNZ IQN Theoretical Examination (registered nurse or enrolled nurse) |
|---|---|
| Who takes it | Internationally qualified nurses applying for New Zealand nursing registration who need a competence assessment |
| Parts | Part A: medication safety. Part B: nursing knowledge |
| Where | Pearson VUE test centres in New Zealand and internationally |
| Fee | NZ$140 for the full exam. Resits: Part A NZ$32, Part B NZ$108 |
| Attempts | Up to three attempts. After the first attempt you only resit the part you did not pass |
| Results | Shown on your Pearson VUE dashboard soon after the exam |
| Next step | Orientation course and the OSCE in New Zealand |
Source: Pearson VUE NCNZ exam information. Fees and rules can change, so always check the latest NCNZ IQN Theoretical Examination Handbook before booking.
What is in our free IQN mock tests?
Each of our 5 IQN mock tests mirrors the two parts of the real exam, so you can practise both and track your progress from mock to mock.
Part A: drug calculations (12 questions per mock)
- Unit conversions: grams, milligrams, micrograms and litres
- Oral and injectable dose volumes and number of tablets
- IV drip rates in drops per minute and total fluid volumes
- Insulin doses and potassium chloride infusions
Part B: nursing knowledge (108 questions per mock)
- Medical-surgical nursing and recognising the deteriorating patient
- Mental health, including psychosis, mania, suicide risk and antipsychotic side effects
- Paediatrics, maternity and older adult care
- Pharmacology and medication safety
- Communication (ISBAR), professional boundaries, confidentiality and cultural safety
Sample IQN exam questions
Part A example: Doctor orders 30 mg. Stock solution: 60 mg in 2 mL. How many mL will you give?
A) 0.5 mL B) 0.75 mL C) 1 mL D) 1.5 mL
Part B example: A patient taking furosemide develops muscle weakness and leg cramps. Which electrolyte disturbance should the nurse consider?
A) Hyperkalaemia B) Hypokalaemia C) Hypercalcaemia D) Hypermagnesaemia
How to prepare for the IQN exam
- Know the structure. Practise Part A and Part B separately so you can see which needs more work.
- Master drug calculations. Learn one formula for dose volumes and one for drip rates, and always check units first.
- Think New Zealand practice. Many questions test safe escalation, ISBAR handover, consent, confidentiality and cultural safety.
- Read every explanation. Understanding why an answer is right helps more than memorising answers.
- Take all 5 mock tests. Practise under exam conditions, compare your scores and review weak topics before booking with Pearson VUE.
Need structured support? NZSC’s IQN theory exam training includes live classes, practice questions and mock exams taught by nurses with New Zealand clinical experience. After the theory exam, see our OSCE training in New Zealand.
IQN exam FAQs
What is the IQN exam in New Zealand?
The IQN exam is the Nursing Council of New Zealand IQN Theoretical Examination for internationally qualified nurses. It has two parts, Part A medication safety and Part B nursing knowledge, and is taken at Pearson VUE test centres before the OSCE.
What does IQN stand for?
IQN stands for internationally qualified nurse: a nurse who trained outside New Zealand and is applying for New Zealand nursing registration.
How much does the IQN theory exam cost?
The full IQN theory exam costs NZ$140. If you need to resit, Part A costs NZ$32 and Part B costs NZ$108. Check the latest NCNZ handbook before booking, as fees can change.
How many attempts do I get at the IQN exam?
You have up to three attempts to pass. After the first attempt you only resit the part you did not pass.
Where can I take the IQN exam?
The IQN theory exam is taken at Pearson VUE test centres in New Zealand and internationally.
Are the IQN mock tests really free?
Yes. All 5 IQN mock tests are completely free. We only ask for your details once so we can share your results and help you plan your preparation.
Do I need to register for each mock test?
No. Register once and all 5 mock tests unlock. On a different phone or computer, just enter the email you registered with.
What is in each IQN mock test?
Each mock has 120 questions: 12 Part A drug calculation questions and 108 Part B nursing knowledge questions, with instant answers and a short explanation for every question.
Can I stop and continue later?
Yes. Your progress and scores are saved on your device, and your dashboard shows how far you are in every mock.
How can NZSC help me pass the IQN exam?
NZSC offers structured IQN theory exam training with live classes, practice questions and mock exams, taught by nurses with New Zealand clinical experience.
