Figuring out how to pass the NCLEX-RN is essential for future registered nurses. Start by becoming familiar with the test's structure and question types. Then, create a plan and schedule for your NCLEX-RN test prep. Answer practice questions daily and take several full-length practice tests.
The NCLEX-RN is a licensure test that all aspiring registered nurses (RNs) must pass. Although the NCLEX-RN is challenging, learning how to pass the NCLEX-RN with smart strategies can help you succeed. It’s also helpful to attend a nursing school that offers thorough NCLEX-RN prep. At Madonna University, our nursing students receive all the support and resources they need as they prepare for the licensure exam.
Madonna’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program delivers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN. Additionally, students can work one-on-one with an Academic Success Coach. It’s all part of our commitment to graduating confident, practice-ready nurses who provide holistic, patient-centered care.
Before diving into NCLEX-RN tips for passing the exam, you’ll first need to understand what the test assesses, how it is structured, and which types of questions you’ll be asked. Then, learn how to pass the NCLEX-RN with a structured study plan, practice questions, and other strategies.
1. Understand What the NCLEX-RN Is Designed to Measure
The NCLEX-RN assesses whether you can apply appropriate nursing knowledge in practical settings and make evidence-based clinical decisions. In other words, it assesses whether you are ready to protect and promote patients' health and safety.
Because nursing is a field with significant responsibility, the test is comprehensive and in-depth. It will challenge your critical thinking skills across a wide range of topic areas.
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2. Learn the NCLEX-RN Format and Question Types
Before you learn how to pass the NCLEX-RN, it’s helpful to understand how the test is structured. The NCLEX-RN is divided into four main categories of patient needs, with a few subcategories.
The categories are:
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Physiological Adaptation
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
The NCLEX-RN is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) that designs a unique test format just for you. The purpose is to ensure you answer questions that match your ability level.
For example, after each answer, the computer updates its estimate of the candidate’s ability. A correct answer may lead to a harder question, whereas an incorrect answer may lead to an easier one. This keeps the questions challenging while allowing the software to assess your level of competency in nursing.
You’ll encounter multiple types of questions on the NCLEX-RN, including:
- Bow tie
- Cloze (drop-down)
- Extended drag-and-drop
- Enhanced hot spot or highlighting
- Extended multiple response
- Matrix grid
- Trend items
In addition, you’ll also see unfolding case studies. Unfolding case studies involve evaluating information from a medical record and answering question sets based on that information.
3. Create a Structured NCLEX-RN Test Prep Schedule
Now that you’re familiar with the structure of the NCLEX-RN and the types of questions on it, consider how to pass the exam with proven NCLEX-RN tips. One of the most essential steps in your NCLEX-RN test prep is to create and stick to a comprehensive study plan.
Start working on your NCLEX-RN test prep as early as the first semester of nursing school. The more time you have to prepare, the better.
Consider the following study plan tips:
- Ask your loved ones for help with personal and household tasks so you can make more time to study.
- Examine your schedule and identify one or two times each day when you can study for at least an hour.
- Include time in your study schedule for group study sessions with your nursing cohort.
- Use smaller chunks of time throughout the day to review concepts.
- Set aside time to take a practice exam early on to assess your current knowledge, strengths, and weaknesses. Use the results to guide your study sessions moving forward.
Lastly, take breaks as needed to avoid study fatigue.
4. Use High-Quality Practice Questions Every Day
Passing the NCLEX-RN requires more than just memorizing concepts and learning how to apply them to practical situations. You’ll also need to gain familiarity with the style of questioning. Many apps, websites, and similar resources provide NCLEX-RN questions for nursing students, including NCLEX-RN “question of the day” resources.
Commit to answering at least a few questions each day. Reflect on the explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly. Make a note to study those concepts more thoroughly. Even when you answer a question correctly, however, you should review the explanation to reinforce learning.
5. Take Full-Length Practice Exams to Track Progress
Answering a few questions each day is a good start, but you’ll need to take it a step further to properly prepare for the NCLEX-RN. You should take at least a few full-length practice tests during nursing school and after graduation in the weeks leading up to your test date. Practice tests will help you evaluate your progress and determine which areas still need more work.
6. Master Smart NCLEX-RN Test-Taking Strategies
Although there is no substitute for studying, there are several test-taking strategies that can help you learn how to pass the NCLEX-RN. Read each question thoroughly and pay attention to keywords, such as “most important” and “initial” or “best.” These indicate that more than one answer may be technically correct, but only one answer is the most correct.
Other NCLEX-RN tips include:
- Always prioritize the patient’s safety and immediate requirements.
- Answer every question, even if you need to make an educated guess.
- Avoid choosing answers that would delay necessary patient treatment.
- Be wary of answers that include absolutes, such as “always” or “never.”
- Maintain a steady pace while working on the test to avoid running out of time.
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7. Prepare for Success on Exam Day
Preparing for exam day is another important part of NCLEX-RN test prep. It might be tempting to do some last-minute cramming on the evening before your test date, but it’s advisable to rest instead. The test is stressful enough, and you’ve already spent months preparing for it. Instead, do something relaxing to relieve stress and get to bed at a decent time.
Arrive at the testing site well-rested with all the items you must bring. These items include:
- A beverage and snack
- A form of signed identification that includes your picture (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
- Authorization to Test (ATT)
Don’t bring any study materials and arrive at the testing site 30 minutes early.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Preparing for the NCLEX-RN
Knowing what not to do can be just as helpful as knowing what to do when preparing for the licensure exam. First, avoid relying solely on rote memorization of nursing concepts. Remember that the test assesses your critical-thinking skills and your ability to develop appropriate nursing responses. You’ll still need to memorize nursing knowledge but focus on doing so within a decision-making framework.
Other mistakes can include:
- Failing to develop a comprehensive study plan
- Neglecting sleep, good nutrition, and exercise
- Scheduling marathon study sessions instead of more frequent, shorter study sessions
How Nursing School Preparation Can Support NCLEX-RN Success
Madonna University nursing students graduate practice-ready and fully prepared to tackle a wide range of nursing challenges, thanks to the values-based education our program provides.
Additionally, each of our nursing students receives one-on-one assistance from our Academic Success Coaches, who can offer guidance and encouragement from enrollment until the NCLEX-RN test date. Faculty mentorship is facilitated by our small class sizes, and applicants to the program receive personalized assistance throughout the admission process.
If you have a previously completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits, you may be eligible to apply to our accelerated nursing program. Request information and learn more about the ABSN program today.