Tips to Kick Off Your NCLEX Prep

It means no more sleepless nights spent studying for finals or reading textbook after textbook. The only problem is there's just one more obstacle that stands in your way from getting that license - the NCLEX examination.

How To Start Your NCLEX Prep

If you've already started planning for the NCLEX exam, you're one step ahead of many other nursing students! As you begin to think about preparing for test day, there are likely many questions on your mind: When should I begin studying? How many practice questions will I need to study each day to feel ready on test day? How can I possibly remember everything from nursing school? Should I open all my old textbooks and study every topic? Rest assured, we're here to help.

STEP 1: Build your confidence

One of the most crucial aspects of preparing for the exam is building your confidence. You've made it this far, so you should feel ready for the challenge. While the NCLEX is difficult, the right prep can make test day feel much simpler! So how should you prepare for the exam? Here are of our tips to get ready for the last obstacle on your path to licensure.

STEP 2: Prioritize NCLEX prep

You've probably realized it already: studying for the NCLEX requires a lot of time and focus. In the final weeks and months leading up to test day, your schedule should revolve around NCLEX prep. Do you need to spend every hour of the day reviewing? Of course not. However, we recommend carving out time each day in your calendar to review for the exam, complete practice questions, and take practice tests. NCLEX Prep needs to be at the core of your schedule between graduation and test day, although we recommend taking one day to rest each week as well.

STEP 3: Stick to the resources that work for you

There are so many NCLEX resources available to nursing students these days. Many students make the mistake of picking bits of pieces of everything rather than sticking to the resources that work best. As you begin to explore your options, consider how you learn best. Do you prefer some extra guidance? A class might be your best bet (if there are no classes in your area, remember that many NCLEX classes are offered online). If you're schedule is tight but you still would prefer the extra guidance, consider an online self-paced program. If you prefer to study on your own and just need some extra practice, consider purchasing a Qbank with reliable NCLEX-style questions and rationales. You can also purchase Computer Adaptive Tests to build test-day familiarity and confidence, as well as online study resources and books.

No matter which resources you choose, aim to complete between 50 and 75 questions each day and take the time to review the questions you answered incorrectly. A mistake made today is one you won't make on test day (as long as you learn from it).

STEP 4: Find an effective work space

Your work area is just as important as the resources you choose to use. Scout a location that is conducive to focused studying. You should pick a place where you feel comfortable and focused. Ideas include your local library, an office or private work room, or even a quiet corner of your home or dorm room. Your priority should be an area that makes it easy to focus.

While it's important to be comfortable, we recommend avoiding your couch or bed, as these places tend to make us feel more relaxed than focused. Instead, find a desk or table with a comfortable chair, as this kind of environment will be similar to the one you'll find on test day.

STEP 5: Practice the drive to your test center

On test day, you want to be sure you know where you're going and that you have enough time to get there. The best way to prepare for this commute is to practice driving to your test center, especially if you're unfamiliar with the location. A day or two before the exam, set aside some time to head to the test center. This will help reduce the potential of arriving late or getting lost.