How and when should I start studying for the NCLEX?

What Is the NCLEX and Why Proper Preparation Matters

The NCLEX (or National Council Licensure Examination) is a computer adaptive test developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to test an individual’s level of nursing competence. It is designed to test for entry-level nursing practice skills in the US, Canada and Australia. 

There are two different NCLEX exams: the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN. Successfully passing the NCLEX-RN means that you are ready to practice as a registered nurse, while the NCLEX-PN indicates that you have the skills necessary to practice as a practical or vocational nurse. 

The NCLEX doesn’t just test your ability to memorize and recount facts, but your critical thinking and clinical judgement skills that will be needed in real world nursing situations. 

Passing the NCLEX is extremely important. You will not be eligible for your nursing license until you pass the exam. Data indicates that the odds of passing the exam on a second or later attempt are significantly lower. It’s highly encouraged that you work hard to pass the exam on the first try. Not only will you increase your chances of success, but you’ll also be able to begin your nursing career sooner, avoid unnecessary stress, prevent delays in earning a great salary, and demonstrate your competence to potential employers. 

When Should You Start Studying for the NCLEX?

The NCLEX is one test you do not want to cram for. Instead, you should plan to review the material that will be tested over time so that you are able to enhance your knowledge in areas where you may not score as well.

Ideal Timeline for NCLEX Preparation

When you start studying earlier, you improve your long-term retention. You also reduce stress and increase your confidence for test day. 

• 3–6 months before graduation: Begin light review of the material that will be tested. Make note of any areas where you may not be as strong. 
• 1–2 months before the exam: Begin working through a structured study plan that you have developed yourself or one you have purchased specifically for NCLEX preparation. 
• Final 2–4 weeks: Begin intensive review and practice questions. Many companies offer realistic NCLEX practice questions just like those you’ll see on test day. It’s a good idea to get familiar with them to increase confidence. 

Studying While Still in Nursing School

One of the best ways to ensure that you have enough time to prepare for the NCLEX, is to start studying while you’re still in nursing school. Beginning your prep a few months before you graduate should provide you with enough time to accurately assess your strengths and improve any weaker areas before test day. 

A great strategy is to add a few NCLEX-style questions into your daily routine. Answer 10-15 practice questions every day and see how you score. Go back and study any questions you missed and learn the reasons WHY you may have missed them. This process will add up to a lot of review time and will be very valuable when it’s time for intensive review. 

How Soon After Graduation Should You Take the NCLEX?

Most nursing students are eligible to take the NCLEX 30 - 45 days after graduation. Once you graduate, your school will send your final transcripts to your state board of nursing. The state board of nursing will issue an Authorization to Test (ATT), and you cannot take the NCLEX exam until you receive the ATT. 

Rules differ by state so it’s a good idea to check with your state board of nursing to see if there is a waiting period before you are allowed to take the exam. However, most graduates will take the NCLEX 45-60 days after graduation. This allows for time to study, but the knowledge you gained in nursing school will still be fresh in your mind. 

How to Start Studying for the NCLEX

Step 1: Take an Assessment

The best way to determine how and what you need to study, is to find out where you are in your knowledge today. Start by taking an assessment to determine your baseline. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, catalog areas where you need improvement, and get an accurate view of your NCLEX readiness level. 

Step 2: Create a Realistic Study Plan

You’re likely very busy in the weeks and months leading up to your NCLEX exam, and this is especially true if you’re working through a program for working nursing like an LPN to RN Bridge program. You need to create a realistic study plan that will help you prepare without becoming overwhelming. 

• Create daily study blocks. Even if you only have 30 minutes a day, block the time on your calendar. 
• Create weekly goals with topic breakdowns so you know what you need to study every week. You’ll spend less time searching for something to review if you have a plan.
• Leave time for review and practice exams. These will likely be scheduled closer to your exam date, but they are extremely important and should be included in your overall plan.  

Step 3: Choose NCLEX Study Resources

You should choose one or two study resources that give you a holistic approach to preparing for the NCLEX. Make sure that the resources you choose provide a study guide, online practice questions with answer feedback, and even guidance and support that can help you better prepare for areas where you may need a little more help. 

TIP: Something that can make a huge difference in your success on the NCLEX exam is to learn why an answer is right or wrong and the reasons behind this choice. 

Step 4: Focus on High-Yield NCLEX Topics

Prioritize the subjects that appear most often on the NCLEX exam including: management of care and prioritization, pharmacology basics (especially high-alert medications), physiological adaptation, safety and infection control, and reduction of risk. Developing a deep understanding of these topics will give you a strong foundation in your studies and will increase your chances of success on the exam. 

Best Study Strategies for NCLEX Success

Practice Questions Daily

Practicing questions every day builds up our endurance and improves your critical thinking skills over time. The NCLEX is all about application of the things you’ve learned in your nursing courses and reviewing questions daily also help you get familiar with the exam’s question formats.

TIP: Always review the rationales behind correct answers, even for the questions you get right. This will further reinforce your learning and will help you with recall. 

Use Active Learning Techniques

Reading an NCLEX study guide or nursing text book isn’t enough when it comes to NCLEX prep. You need to be able to deeply understand concepts and apply them in real-world situations come test day. 

Use flashcards to help with quick recall, teach concepts to others and write summaries in your own words to deepen your understanding, and consider using concept mapping to help you visualize and retain knowledge of complex topics. 

Master Test-Taking Strategies

Understanding how to approach questions on the NCLEX will help you be more effective on the day of your exam. Develop some strategies for succeeding on the test such as working to identify keywords within questions and eliminating wrong answers to narrow down your selections. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Studying for the NCLEX

You want to avoid the most common mistakes people make when preparing for the NCLEX. Things to avoid: 

• Waiting too long to start studying
• Cramming for the exam instead of consistent review
• Ignoring areas where you may be weaker in knowledge
• Overwhelming yourself with too many study resources at one time

The best thing you can do is stay focused, and stay consistent in following your study plan. Consistent review over time is key. 

Signs You’re Ready to Take the NCLEX

You may be ready to take the NCLEX if you're scoring well on practice exams each time you take them. You want to make sure you are consistently scoring at a passing level on practice tests before you attempt to take the actual exam. 

Another sign you may be ready to take your NCLEX exam is feeling confident. You need to have confidence in your clinical judgement skills and know that you can handle whatever the test creators throw at you. 

Finally, you want to make sure that you can answer the higher level application-based questions before you attempt to take the NCLEX exam. Being able to apply your knowledge is key not just for the exam but for your future nursing career. 

Reminder: You must wait to receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) before you can sit for the NCLEX exam. 

Final Tips to Stay Motivated and Confident

Studying for the NCLEX exam should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint to the finish. This means no cramming for the test. Consistent preparation over time will equal greater success. 

Create a study routine and stick to it. Life happens. There will be a day here and there when you get off track, but jump back into your routine the next day. 

Give yourself enough time to rest each day. Try not to overwork yourself when it comes to studying. Create a manageable plan that will help you avoid burnout. 

Finally, staying focused on your goal to become a licensed nurse will help keep you motivated to achieve it. You’ve got this, and we’re cheering you on!

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