Tips for First-Time NCLEX Test Takers

Tips for First-Time NCLEX Test Takers

Nursing is a very noble and challenging profession. The career prospects are good, and you will not only be able to earn a lot of money but will also get a sense of achievement by becoming a registered nurse. Graduating from a nursing school is one hurdle you need to cross, but the first big challenge is to pass the NCLEX exam–otherwise, you won’t be able to become a registered nurse. The NCLEX is a computer-based exam that is offered throughout the year in Canada and the US. If you have the right preparation, you will be able to pass this exam with flying colors. Here are some tips to pass the NCLEX exam:

Understand the test format

The exam uses the computerized adaptive testing format, or CAT format. In this format, the next question is produced depending on the answer you give of the previous question. So, no two tests will be the same. There will be 75 to 265 questions, and the candidate needs to stay above the pass line with a confidence interval of 95%. The duration of the test is a maximum of 6 hours.

Know your learning style

Different people learn differently. Some people are visual learners, whereas some are auditory learners. If you are a visual learner, then draw pictures and try to understand the concept. If you are an auditory learner, then try to listen to YouTube lectures. Either way, consider consulting with a professional NCLEX tutor to help you study in a way that best suits your needs.

Make a plan

You should allocate a particular time of the day for studying, or meeting with an NCLEX tutor. Make a study goal and decide what you want to complete in how many days. You should also read the concepts and take lots of practice tests to prepare for the exam.

Forget what you learned in real-life experience

There are going to be questions on the test whose answers won’t be the same as what you may have learned in your real-life experiences at the clinic or hospital. The hospital might do certain things in certain ways, but that doesn’t mean it’s correct on the NCLEX test. You should learn from the beginning in order to pass the exam, and don’t let your previous experience prevent you from learning things differently.

Invest in books and other resources

You should buy practice exam books and learn from an experienced NCLEX tutor. You can even join different off-line and online coaching centers depending on your learning style and schedule. Try reading reviews to find out which books or study materials will be most effective for the exam.

Practice questions

The more you practice, the better you will get at it. So, take multiple practice exams and actually take the time to review the answers you have written. By understanding the mistakes, you have made you will be less likely to repeat those mistakes in the future.

Try to avoid unnecessary stress

You should start studying early so that you don’t have to study too much before the exam. Trying to cram at the last minute won’t be very effective and will only add to your stress leading up to your exam day. You should also sleep well the night before the exam so that you have a fresh mind when you attend the test.

If you don’t pass the test, you can retake it after 45 days, but it will cost you $200. So, use these tips to prepare for the exam and you will definitely pass it on the first attempt.

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