How to Study for the NCLEX: 10 Key Tips

If you’re considering attending nursing school, you’ve probably heard about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®), which is required for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). You may even be wondering how to study for the NCLEX while in the process of earning your BSN degree.

Rest assured that you'll be in good hands when you enroll in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Averett University in Norfolk, Virginia. The program will teach you how to become a competent and compassionate nurse and prepare you to confidently sit for the NCLEX after graduation.

Here are a few strategies you can implement when putting together your NCLEX preparation plan.

1. Focus on Nursing School Success

Your nursing school curriculum is the foundation for NCLEX success. The exam reviews all the material you’ve learned during nursing school, so before you begin studying for the exam, focus on soaking up all you can in your online courses, skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations.

Rest assured that the NCLEX is a focus of the ABSN curriculum at Averett University. The curriculum includes numerous planned activities, including study tips, practice tests and skills sessions to support you in your NCLEX exam preparation.

Before considering exactly how to study for the NCLEX, it’s helpful to understand the question style you’ll be engaging with. The exam doesn’t only test your nursing knowledge; it emphasizes analytical reasoning and clinical decision-making.

In other words, the NCLEX evaluates your ability to form appropriate nursing responses to various patient care scenarios. At Averett, our nursing simulation labs prioritize the development of evidence-based decision-making to prepare you for the NCLEX and a career as a highly competent RN.

2. Understand the Exam

Before implementing NCLEX study tips, be sure you understand the exam's intricacies. The NCLEX is not structured or scored like most exams.

The exam does not have a standard number of questions or cutoff time. Instead, the exam uses intuitive CAT technology to adjust the number and type of questions based on your previous answers. You’ll also want to brush up on other exam information, such as question distribution, break timing and exam procedures.

The NCLEX also undergoes periodic revisions. The last revision was a major overhaul that revised the exam focus and question types. While many question types will look familiar, others are new. It’s a good idea to review the question types in advance.

3. Begin Your NCLEX Preparation Plan Early

The NCLEX is a challenging compilation of nursing concepts, and you cannot prepare for it in a week or two. You will need at least a few months to prepare, so start working through review materials and practice questions as soon as possible.

In fact, it is imperative to begin NCLEX exam preparation as early as the first semester of nursing school. Adequate preparation is a marathon, not a sprint, so spacing out study sessions can boost memory retention.

Most students take the NCLEX a few weeks or months after graduation. If you follow a similar timeline, you should increase the time you spend preparing for the NCLEX in your fourth semester of the ABSN program.

It might seem like a good idea to delay taking the NCLEX to give yourself more time for full-time study. However, it’s generally best to take the test on the first available test date after graduation while the nursing school curriculum is still fresh.

4. Preparing for the NCLEX With Practice Questions

The most important NCLEX study tip is to lean heavily into practice questions. These are your bread and butter and should occupy the bulk of your study time. There is no better way to study than by utilizing practice questions.

Each question teaches you how to approach the exam and prioritize the answer choices. Practice questions are an active way to study; instead of just reading a review book, you interact with the material the same way you will on exam day.

Create a habit of answering a set number of questions each day. Set a manageable goal for yourself so you can consistently become more comfortable handling NCLEX-style questions.

5. Thoroughly Review Incorrect Answers

Now you know the importance of practice questions; however, the greatest learning opportunity occurs after you finish a set of questions. Spend time reviewing each question you missed, paying attention to what set the correct answer apart from the others.

Expect to spend more time reviewing each question than it took to complete it, as this is how you extract all the learning you can from the experience.

Don’t neglect to review the explanations for the correct answers, either. You might be surprised to learn that an answer you got correct was correct for a different reason than you originally thought. It’s important to develop a thorough understanding of the reasoning behind each answer.

6. Take Advantage of NCLEX Exam Preparation Resources

As you work on how to prepare for the NCLEX, you can supplement your preparation through online resources such as study guides, practice questions, full-length practice exams, review videos and more. There are many free NCLEX study resources online but expect to pay for some study guides and exams. These are an investment in your future.

You can also connect with your peers or instructors if you have NCLEX-related questions. Remember that you are all in this together and want to see each other succeed.

7. Take Full-Length Practice Exams

One essential NCLEX study tip is to complete full-length practice exams before test day. Consider taking your first full-length practice exam after each semester of nursing school, starting at the end of your second semester. You should also take an extra exam after graduation before your test date.

Complete each practice exam under simulated test conditions. Set a timer for yourself and complete each exam uninterrupted, only taking the breaks allotted to you on exam day. This will help you not only identify areas for improvement but also increase your familiarity with the testing conditions and time constraints.

The next day, review the questions, especially your incorrect answers. Note the areas where you struggled and review these concepts in depth before test day.

8. How to Prepare for the NCLEX Test Day

When preparing for the NCLEX, don’t forget to learn what to can expect on the test day to avoid any surprises that can affect your performance on the exam. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has published a list of very specific exam day rules you are required to adhere to.

These include rules such as items prohibited in the testing room, expected conduct during breaks and available technical assistance during the exam if you experience a computer glitch. You’ll also need to be sure to bring an acceptable form of identification with you. An acceptable form of ID is physical (non-digital), government-issued and not expired, among other requirements.

9. Be Consistent With Your NCLEX Exam Preparation

Figuring out how to study for the NCLEX can seem intimidating at first because there’s so much material to review. A great way to break it up into manageable pieces is to make study sessions a daily habit. Prioritize your regularly scheduled study sessions the same way you prioritize your in-person labs and clinical shifts.

Consistency allows you to make steady progress and not fall behind in your studies. In addition, regularly revisiting the material may improve your long-term retention.

10. Take Regular Study Breaks

Preparing for the NCLEX is challenging, and maintaining balance is key to success. If you are studying for a few hours, take periodic breaks for a snack or walk. This will help you avoid burnout and remain motivated to work hard. Always remember that your mental health comes first, and you must take care of yourself. Amid the stress of NCLEX studying, make time to relax and refresh, connect with friends and stay active. Doing so will help you stay strong.

Begin the Nursing Path at Averett

Now that you know these top 10 NCLEX study tips to help you succeed, it’s time to begin your nursing journey. The accelerated nursing program at Averett can help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 16 months if you have at least 60 non-nursing college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Our program uses a hybrid blend of online courses, in-person nursing labs and clinical rotations, and computerized testing resources to provide a comprehensive education designed to prepare you to confidently sit for the NCLEX. Contact our admissions counselors today to learn more about our ABSN program in Norfolk, Virginia.