How to best pace yourself during exam?

[tag2007]

Hello,

I take nclex tomorrow and I'm still a little confused as to how I should be pacing myself when answering questions. For example, I could take my time, but what if I'm not doing well and don't allow myself enough time to make it to 265 questions if that's needed? If we have 6 hours max, does that mean those who got up to all 265 question were taking less than a minute and a half for each question?

Any opinions on the best strategy here? So nervous!!

Thanks!

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

Just read the question (as well as the answers) well and then read it again to be sure you didn't miss any key words (always, except, never, first, last, priority etc) and answer it.

If you get stuck on a question and really have no idea, don't dwell on it and waste time, try to narrow it down and pick one.

You need to allow yourself enough time should you get all the questions. They are giving you just a little over a minute per question at 265 questions in 6 hrs. Try to pace yourself to answer quickly BUT while reading the question and answers fully.

[tag2007]

Well thanks for the advice! I took it today and I think I passed cause I got the good pop up when doing the Pearson vue trick. My exam stopped at 85 and thank goodness it did because I was definately going too slow if I did need to get to 265. I'm definitely a slow test taker so I was worried about that but I ended up with some luck! :)