How To Choose Between The Inspire Global Assessment (NCAS) Triple Track Or Single Track RN

Choosing between the Triple Track (RN, LPN, HCA) and Single Track (RN only) for the NCAS Inspire Global Assessment as an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) depends on your goals, background, and flexibility in your nursing journey in Canada.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of each option, along with rationales to help you make an informed decision.

Triple Track (RN, LPN, HCA) Assessment

✅ Pros:

1. Increases Employment Opportunities:

   • If you do not meet RN competencies, you may still qualify for an LPN or HCA license, allowing you to work in healthcare while upgrading your RN credentials.

   • Many IENs use the LPN or HCA pathway to gain Canadian experience before transitioning to an RN role.

2. Lower Risk of Having to Retake Assessments:

   • If you take the RN-only track and do not meet RN competency, you may have to restart the process for LPN or HCA assessments. The triple track ensures that if RN competency isn’t met, you might still qualify for an LPN or HCA designation without needing another NCAS assessment.

3. More Cost-Effective in the Long Run:

   • Though more expensive upfront, taking all three assessments in one go prevents you from paying for separate assessments later if you need to switch to an LPN or HCA pathway.

4. Better Understanding of Canadian Nursing Scopes:

   • Exposure to LPN and HCA competencies can help you understand Canadian nursing roles, making your transition smoother. This is especially helpful if your nursing background does not match the Canadian RN scope perfectly.

5. Increases Your Chances of Registration Faster:

   • Some IENs struggle with meeting all RN competencies on their first attempt. Having the LPN or HCA option prevents delays in employment and allows you to continue working while pursuing an RN designation.

❌ Cons:

1. Higher Initial Cost:

   • The triple track assessment costs more than the single-track RN assessment. If you are confident that you meet RN competencies, you may not need to pay extra for LPN and HCA assessments.

2. More Comprehensive Assessment Requirements:

   • You will be tested on RN, LPN, and HCA scopes, meaning more content to study and prepare for. This can be overwhelming, especially if you are focusing only on RN registration.

3. May Slow Down RN Registration:

   • Some IENs prefer to focus only on RN registration rather than considering LPN or HCA as backup options. The triple track means you have to complete additional assessments and competency evaluations, which may slightly delay the RN process.

Single Track (RN-Only) Assessment

✅ Pros:

1. Focused Preparation:

   • You only need to prepare for the RN competencies, allowing you to concentrate on RN-specific knowledge and skills.

2. Less Stress and Shorter Assessment Duration:

   • Since you’re only being assessed for one role, the exam and practical evaluations may feel more manageable compared to the triple track’s broader scope.

3. Lower Cost:

   • The single-track RN assessment is cheaper than the triple track, making it a better option if you are confident in meeting RN competencies.

4. Faster RN Registration (If Successful):

   • If you pass all RN competencies, you won’t have to deal with LPN or HCA pathways, which means you can move forward with registration more quickly.

❌ Cons:

1. Higher Risk of Being Directed to LPN or HCA Later:

   • If you do not meet RN competencies, you may have to redo the assessment for LPN or HCA separately, leading to extra costs and delays.

2. No Backup Option if RN Registration is Delayed:

   • If your RN pathway takes longer (e.g., due to additional coursework or a re-assessment), you won’t have an LPN or HCA license to work in healthcare while waiting.

3. Limited Work Flexibility:

   • If you are unable to secure an RN license immediately, you may struggle to find work compared to those with an LPN or HCA backup option.

Which One is Best for You?

NCAS Track Comparison

Factor	Triple Track (RN, LPN, HCA)	Single Track (RN Only)
Cost	Higher upfront but cost-effective long-term	Lower cost upfront
Chance of Employment	More options (RN, LPN, or HCA)	RN only
Assessment Scope	Covers all three (RN, LPN, HCA)	Only RN
Difficulty Level	More challenging	More focused
Risk of Retaking NCAS	Lower (if you don’t meet RN, you may qualify for LPN/HCA)	Higher (if you don’t meet RN, you need a new assessment for LPN/HCA)
Time to Register as RN	Could take longer due to multiple assessments	Faster if you meet RN competencies

Final Thoughts

• If you are confident in your RN competencies and have strong clinical experience that aligns with Canadian RN standards, the Single Track RN-only assessment may be the best choice.

• If you want a safety net, need work flexibility, or are unsure if your experience fully meets Canadian RN expectations, the Triple Track is a better investment.

I wish you the best of luck in whichever decision you choose. Let me know in the comments below which one you’ve chosen so I can cheer you on!