RESUMO
BACKGROUND: In 2008, the Chilean National Nursing Examination Commission, COENENF, developed a national nursing exam (ENENF). Since 2013, COENENF has implemented a validated opinion survey at the time of the national examination to strengthen the quality of the exam and facilitate its continuous improvement. AIM: To determine the perception of nursing students about general aspects, specific areas, representativeness, mastery and usefulness of the 2018 ENENF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study, using a self-administered Likert-type survey, was administered in 2018 to 2949 last-year nursing students from 29 nursing schools who took the ENENF. The survey comprised three areas: representativeness of the questions, student mastery of each area, and the usefulness of the exam. RESULTS: Students had a positive perception of the Chilean ENENF and its application. Theoretical knowledge is effectively assessed and close to half of the sample agreed that the ENENF is useful. The results also suggest areas that should be improved. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students had a positive perception of the ENENF.