9 Tips for Taking the NCLEX-RN Exam

From important study tips to vital test-taking advice, here are some of the best NCLEX-RN exam tips for students taking the exam for the first time.

1. Make a Study Plan — and Stick to It

Just sitting down and hitting the books the night before the exam isn't going to cut it — you need a long-term, comprehensive study plan.

In the time between finishing your nursing education and taking the NCLEX-RN exam, whether it's weeks or months, you should have a plan in place for specific days and subjects to study.

Set yourself goals — how many subjects to review in a week, how many test questions to complete in one sitting, and how many questions you want to get right in a single practice test are good targets to aim for.

2. Know the NCLEX Format

The NCLEX has a minimum of 75 questions, but you could end up answering over 200 before you're done. Be prepared to take the entire test time, and don't be alarmed if the test ends suddenly — that just means you've answered enough questions to get your grade.

The majority of the questions on the NCLEX-RN are multiple choice, and the test itself adapts to your answers to change the format and difficulty of your questions as you go.

Don't let yourself falter if the questions suddenly get easier or harder, and don't freak out when you come across a drag-and-drop question after dozens of multiple-choice ones. To familiarize yourself with the difficulty and format of NCLEX questions, take plenty of practice tests.

3. Do More Than Just Practice Tests

Don't rely exclusively on practice tests — you should also look up the answers to questions you don't understand, review concepts and materials from your courses, and use your own learning style to promote memorization through techniques like visual aids and group discussions.

Practice test questions are there to help you become familiar with the NCLEX testing format and point out areas of improvement you need to focus on when studying. If all you do is memorize the answers to last year's questions, you won't pass this year's test.

4. Get Test Prep Resource Recommendations

It is definitely worthwhile to consider using test prep materials.

Your instructors, clinical supervisors, and fellow students should have plenty of recommendations for practice test books, YouTube lectures, and NCLEX-RN exam tip booklets that you can take advantage of during your studying.

Don't hesitate to try paid prep courses if you can afford them, and never turn down a free study resource — just make sure they're current, as the NCLEX goes through small but influential changes every year.

5. Remember Your Nursing School Assessment Steps

Many of the questions on the NCLEX-RN will involve patient assessment. As long as you remember the steps of assessment, such as the ABCs (check the airway, breathing, and circulation), you'll have an easier time eliminating answer options.

Even if you can't remember all the steps, remember this — you can always do something for your patient, so answers that involve leaving them or doing nothing can be struck out automatically.

6. Make Time to Relax Even When You're Studying

While you have a lot of material to go over and many instructors recommend vigorously studying, it's important to take the time to destress.

Burning out while studying will make it harder to remember the materials you've already gone over, and being stressed long-term is bad for your health. Make sure you take breaks — little ones in the middle of long study sessions and big day-long breaks alike can help you recharge and stay on track.

7. Use the Day Before the Exam as a Rest Day

Many people spend the day before the exam cramming and prepping due to stress. In truth, this sets you up for failure.

Overtaxing your brain the day before the test not only won't help you learn more, but it'll make it harder to take your exam the next day.

To be at full capacity, make the day before the exam a relaxation day. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, and lay out your clothing and documentation the night before so you don't have to worry about finding it in the morning before you leave for the test.

8. Remove Distraction and Discomfort from Your Test Day

To give you the best chance of success, you'll want to ensure you aren't distracted, uncomfortable, or stressed on the day of the NCLEX-RN exam.

Have comfortable clothes on and bring a jacket in case the testing site is cold. Eat well the morning of the exam, but bring water and a snack so you don't get too hungry or thirsty during the all-day testing — just make sure to check that you can bring it into the room with you or find a place on site to store your things.

Arrive early so you can find the testing room and bathroom, and take the time to relax before the test starts so you can start your exam while calm and collected.

9. Trust and Believe in Yourself

You've already made it this far in your nursing education and career, and there's merit in that. Over the past few years, you've been developing stellar nursing instincts — trust them and let your gut help you answer questions when your head gets a little lost on what the right choice is.

Go into your exam with confidence and believe that you can pass, and you most likely will. You're well-rested and well-prepared; you'll do great.