7 Signs You’re Ready for NCLEX

How can you tell if you’re ready for NCLEX? When you have been studying for what seems like forever, it can be hard to know how much is enough. In fact, you may never feel 100% prepared. But when you’re preparing correctly, you can achieve the perfect balance of knowledge, mental, and emotional readiness.

7 Signs Checklist: Are You Ready?

Here are seven key indicators that will ensure you feel confident when you sit for the exam. Use this checklist to see how you’re doing:

You do well on practice exams. This includes:

• Understanding the rationale provided with each question. Rationales are simple explanations meant to jog your memory. They’re not mini-lectures or deep-dives. If a rationale doesn’t make sense, it’s your cue to return to the topic for study.
• Being familiar with how questions are formatted. Extensive research goes into the phrasing and vocabulary of each question. If you’re confused about wording or how the information is presented, keep taking practice tests.
• Knowing why a wrong answer is wrong. It’s disappointing to get a red “X” for an incorrect response on a practice test. Consider it a teachable moment: Did you miss a cue in the stem? Did you scan the options too quickly? Did you read too much into the question? Did you guess? Learn from these mistakes!

You know where to focus study.

Remember that NCLEX is based on standard textbook learning and nursing education. It’s not meant to be tricky or misleading. Each test item is based on the current Test Plan which contains detailed information about exam content.

Be sure to keep in mind that the purpose of NCLEX is to “serve as a gatekeeper…protecting the public from potentially unsafe or ineffective care.” View every question through the lens of “Does this keep my patient safe from harm?”

You can do medication calculations.

This is non-negotiable. On Exam Day, you’ll be given tools to answer test items about figuring and administrating all types of medications and IV fluids. You MUST memorize and be proficient at accurate medication calculations. There are some reliable formulas for calculations; choose the one(s) that are easiest for you and stick with them. Practice, practice, practice.

While you’re at it, take time to brush up on Black Box Warnings and IV fluids. Read our 10 Pharmacology Tips for NCLEX.

You’re able to easily explain concepts in your own words.

While you’re studying, pretend you’re teaching the material to someone who has no knowledge of nursing. When you take practice tests, use your own words to explain the answer. These tactics avoid a vague “I’m pretty sure I know this” mentality.

You can consistently apply knowledge to various situations.

Information doesn’t live in separate silos. Consider the simple concept of dehydration: the principles (physiology, signs, symptoms, interventions) are consistent. How do they manifest in a 2-week-old vs a 78-year-old? Severe burns vs DKA? Does treatment address the underlying cause?

When you’re able to make connections between concepts and situations, you’re using critical thinking. NCLEX changed in 2023 to include Clinical Judgment Skills. The purpose is to bridge the gap between nursing school and actual practice by following a systematic six-step process.

You’ve practiced with the time constraints.

Building stamina for several hours—and staying focused—is essential. This reduces stress and boosts confidence. NCLEX can last up to 5 hours. (Including a brief tutorial at the start, actual test time, and optional breaks). There isn’t a time limit for each test item, but 90 seconds is a good goal.

NCLEX uses a Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format, with a range of 75 to 145 questions. The number of test items—and the total test time--will vary for each person. Go at your own pace. You’ve got this!

You’re ready for Test Day.

Have a plan:

• How to get there. Allow extra time in case of delays.
• What to bring…and what NOT to bring.
• What to expect all day, including Candidate Rules.
• Sleep and nutrition before the exam. No cramming!
• Stress management techniques that work for you: deep breathing, mindfulness, visualization, etc.

Time to pass NCLEX!

You’ve done everything to prepare for this day. You’re still nervous, but also confident that you’re as ready as you’re going to be. In fact, you’re looking forward to taking your NCLEX and moving closer to your career as a licensed nurse. Nurse Plus is cheering for you!