How much studying should I do for NCLEX?

geekgolightly, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

I didn't study for the NCLEX other than going over lab values right before the exam. I did this because I have heard from numerous people that no matter how much you try and study for this exam, either you learned it in your years of schooling or you didn't. I passed, but it did take me 91 questions to pass.

So many people do study, according to this board and they report that 50 - 100 questions a day just to keep in shape, is what has worked for them.

It really depends on you and what you feel like you need. If you take some practice questions and find that you are getting many of them correct, I wouldn't worry as much.

JacelRN, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2003

Hello Kim,

Congratulations on graduating! Pat yourself on the back for that...its a big accomplishment.

I have to caution you regarding not reviewing or studying for the NCLEX. I understand some people may not need to do much of anything to pass the NCLEX, I in fact had one of my best friends, look over a book one day and pass with 96. However, for those of us visual learners, it isn't quite as simple. So with that said, what kind of learner are you? Do you read a question and visualize or just see the words? This is important for the NCLEX.

Secondly, when you went through nursing school did you have paper and pencil tests where you circled a question you didn't know and go back? Or was it computerized?

Now that you have those out of the way, know that this is the biggest nursing exam of your life. I don't mean to frighten but from experience, don't blow this off. Take it as seriously as your career and do the work. Doing on average 100 questions per day, non stop until they're finished is a good idea. 3000 is a good goal to reach for but don't kill yourself if you don't reach it. What I will say about the numbers is this. If you're not getting enough out of the questions you're doing, stop and come up with another plan. For example, if you tend to read question after question and don't really absorb what you're answering, then you aren't getting your full potential from studying.

Ok so I'll stop there. If you want anymore individual answers for your questions, I am more than happy to help you. I myself have failed 2x and know now what it takes to pass because of some changes I have made to my own study plan. PM me or heck even email me if you want, anytime.

[email protected]

God Bless and good luck,

Jacel

Angelica · Dec 21, 2003

I went over about 100-150 questions per day, 5 days a week for a month. I believe it really helped me. Not only did it give me an opportunity to review material that I hadn't seen in a couple of semesters, but it also gave me a lot of confidence knowing that I had prepared for the exam. I felt pretty calm going into the exam room, and when I was done at 75 questions, I knew, with 95% certainty, that I had passed. Good luck to you!!

NurseDixie · Dec 29, 2003

I graduated on Dec. 12. I took a Kaplan Review course for the NCLEX. They recommend that you try to go through at least 3000 questions before you take the NCLEX. I do about 100-150 questions a day. :)

rosemadder · Jan 6, 2004

Statistics from the board of nursing show that the longer you wait to take Boards the higher the chance of failure--study a few weeks and get in there--know your lab values for sure and most importantly keep your head--if the machine keeps going and going stay calm, take breaks, and focus--NO 1 TIP-do not go with anyone else to take the test. They may get finished first which will only make you nervous. Also, 70%-80% will be communication and delegation (or at least it was for my entire class who took boards). Good luck!

PS I waited 1 month (the earliest date I could take them)