How to Pass the NCLEX

Congratulations on completing nursing school! Your next milestone is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). But, do you know how to pass the NCLEX? The NCLEX is a distinctive assessment that demands a thorough preparation. Its questions are designed to evaluate critical thinking skills essential for safe nursing practice at an entry-level. Familiarizing yourself with the exam’s format, anticipating its content, and honing effective test-taking techniques are key to conquering the NCLEX.

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What Is the NCLEX Exam?

The NCLEX is a computerized adaptive examination designed to determine pass-fail outcomes, consisting of a variable number of questions ranging from 75 to 145. It employs a dynamic question selection process, beginning with simpler queries that gradually progress in difficulty based on your responses. Incorrect answers prompt easier questions before returning to more challenging ones. Success on the exam is established by consistently performing at or above a predetermined proficiency level. Test duration can fluctuate; the conclusion at the lower end (75 questions) indicates exceptional or insufficient performance, rendering further questions unnecessary. An algorithm evaluates candidate responses to tailor the number of questions administered, allowing for individualized assessment outcomes. Thus, two examinees may complete different question counts yet still achieve a passing result.

Is NCLEX Difficult?

You are allotted five hours to answer a minimum of seventy-five questions on the NCLEX exam.

The test concludes under three circumstances:

• When the computer algorithm determines with ninety-five percent certainty whether you are above or below the minimum passing standard.
• Upon completion of all 145 questions, with the final outcome determining a pass or fail grade.
• If time elapses before you reach the minimum required number of questions.

As per data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in 2021, the first-time pass rate for the NCLEX was seventy-nine percent. Adequate preparation is essential to ensure that you fall within this passing percentage.

Types of Questions on the NCLEX

If you seek effective NCLEX preparation strategies, understanding the various question formats is crucial.

The NCLEX incorporates the following question types:

• Multiple-choice questions constitute eighty to ninety percent of the exam.
• Fill-in-the-blank questions necessitate problem-solving, such as calculating medication dosages.
• Select-all-that-apply questions present four or more options, requiring identification of at least two correct answers.
• Drag-and-drop questions task you with arranging information in the correct sequence, often for procedural steps.
• Hot spot questions feature diagrams or images, prompting identification tasks like locating injection sites or assessing specific areas.

NCLEX Study Tips 

An additional tip for NCLEX preparation involves acquainting yourself with question categories and concentrating on those that present challenges. Questions stem from four primary Client Needs categories, with two of these further segmented into subcategories.

NCLEX Client Needs Categories:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Physiological Integrity
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
• Management of Care
• Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort
• Physiological Adaptation

Preparation for the NCLEX

In many states, scheduling the NCLEX via Pearson Vue is possible no sooner than forty-five days’ post-graduation. To gauge your readiness and pinpoint areas of strength and improvement, consider taking a few practice tests if uncertain about the ideal study duration.

While planning for your exam, allocate sufficient study time, but avoid delaying excessively. Optimal timing involves sitting for the exam when both your knowledge and study routines remain recent. Once you’ve selected a date and familiarized yourself with the candidate bulletin, it’s crucial to devise an effective NCLEX study strategy.

How do I Study for the NCLEX?

Numerous resources exist to aid in your NCLEX preparation. With years of schooling under your belt, you likely understand your preferred learning methods for retaining information. Utilize available resources to gain an advantageous edge in your studies.

Additional NCLEX Study Tips on How to Pass the NCLEX

• Utilize NCLEX prep books and supplementary study materials
• Engage in NCLEX practice exams to assess your readiness
• Participate in collaborative study groups
• Listen to recorded lectures or educational podcasts
• Join NCLEX-focused communities on platforms like Facebook
• Watch instructional lectures on platforms such as YouTube
• Dedicate specific study periods and establish clear goals, such as completing a set number of practice questions or reviewing targeted content areas.

Final Preparatory Steps for the NCLEX

• Prioritize ample rest the night before the exam to ensure alertness and energy.
• On the exam day morning, avoid last-minute cramming and focus on relaxation.
• Ensure you have all necessary materials and plan to arrive early for the exam.
• Once the exam begins, maintain a steady pace, carefully reading each question. Trust your instincts if unsure of an answer and avoid lingering excessively on any one question.

Additional NCLEX Exam Day Tips

• Recall the “ABCs” (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) principle when prioritizing patient care.
• Address life-threatening physical conditions promptly.
• Conduct a patient assessment before contacting the physician.
• Always select an action for the patient rather than choosing to do nothing.
• Operate under the assumption of having all necessary resources available.
• Focus on principles learned in nursing school rather than specific workplace practices.
• Practice viewing select-all-that-apply options as true or false to facilitate elimination of incorrect answers.
• Limit time spent on each question to one minute.
• Recognize that the exam may last up to five hours and plan for breaks if necessary.

These bunch of tips will definitely equip you fully in how to pass the NCLEX with flying colors

NCLEX Exam Results

Expect your NCLEX exam results approximately six weeks after the test date, though some states offer expedited service with results available within forty-eight hours.

Since the commencement of nursing school, you’ve been diligently preparing for this milestone. Avoid rushing through your preparation and approach the NCLEX exam with a positive mindset, enhancing your chances of success.