How to Pass the NCLEX RN - Naxlex Blog (2024)

The worst that happens when waiting for your NCLEX RN exam is the stress, anxiety, and pressure you build up on yourself. Each NCLEX RN candidate wishes to pass the exam on the first attempt.

Nationally, statistics from the NCSBN website show that the percentage of candidates taking the exam for the first time and passing improved from 69.66% in 2023 to 79.08%. What does this mean? With the right preparation, you can pass this exam on your first attempt.

What is NCLEX RN

NCLEX RN stands for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. The exam uses a computerized Adaptive subsystem to measure the competence of candidates on decisions they will make as nurses and how they would prioritize various choices in real-world patient care situations.

How to pass the NCLEX RN Exam

Naxlex is the best resource online to help you pass your exam. In this guide we’ll discuss the NCLEX RN content areas, creating a personalized study schedule, and test-taking strategies.

NCLEX RN content areas

According to the NCLEX RN test plan, the exam covers four major topics related to client needs. These are, Safe and Effective Care Environment, Physiological Integrity, Health Promotion and Maintenance, and Psychosocial Integrity.

Below are the categories and the percentages of questions you might encounter on your test.

Client NeedsPercentage for Each Category/Sub-Category
Safe and effective care environmentManagement of careSafety and infection control
15-21%10-16%
Health promotion and maintenance6-12%
Psychosocial integrity6-12%
Physiological integrityBasic care and comfortPharmacological and parenteral therapiesPhysiological adaptationReduction of risk potential
6-12%13-19
9-15%11-17%

After understanding the major categories tested the next step is to create a study plan.

Creating an NCLEX RN study plan

A study plan is the most important step toward passing the NCLEX RN. Here is how to create one.

Self-assessment

When studying for NCLEX it’s important to identify your areas of weaknesses. This can be done by taking practice exams. Where can you find NCLEX RN practice exams? Naxlex allows you to take NCLEX exam practice questions that 100% mirror the real exam.

More NCLEX Study resources at Naxlex

Question Bank

We have the largest test bank online with over 3000 NCLEX questions covering all the content areas we discussed. The questions come with answers detained rationales for further review. Build your test-taking abilities by taking our practice questions and solidify your ability to differentiate between similar-sounding choices in the official NCLEX exam.

Study groups

Study groups offer a unique advantage for NCLEX-RN prep. When you join Naxlex, you can access a collaborative learning environment where you discuss complex topics with NCLEX candidates. Our study group fosters active learning through discussions, quizzes, and shared resources while holding you accountable to your study plan. Take advantage of our support system, share anxieties, celebrate wins, and stay motivated as you await the NCLEX exam.

Unlimited CATS

We have the best online NCLEX testing systems. You can take continuous assessments after studying different areas to rate your levels. Our NCLEX CATs use the computerized Adaptive system that mirrors the real NCLEX exam.

Study Time Management

When studying for the NCLEX exam you have to ensure consistency. Aim for regular study sessions even if they’re short. Allocate time for each study area based on complexity and your grasp of the materials.

Master NCLEX RN Question Formats

NCLEX exam questions are in various formats, Select all that apply(SATA), Multiple choice, and ordered responses. Use the following strategies to excel in each,

  • Multiple choice

For each question, read the stem carefully to identify keywords. Eliminate choices that are irrelevant or clearly incorrect.

  • Select all that apply(SATA)

Here identify the minimum number of choices needed. Select only options that are relevant to the clinical situation.

  • Ordered response

To answer this type of question you must have a deeper understanding of medical procedures. Analyze the steps involved in a specific procedure and arrange them in the correct sequence.

Conclusion

Despite the challenging nature of the NCLEX RN test takers have passed the exam and you can too. The secret to conquering the test for most takers is joining online prep courses like the one we offer at Naxlex.

Candidates who use our prep service pass the exam on their first attempts. So what are you waiting for? Join us today and unlock your path toward becoming a registered nurse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NCLEX RN exam hard?

You might be wondering how difficult it is to complete the NCLEX exam. The best response is: The test should be challenging but manageable. The questions become harder gradually as you answer correctly, but the CAT system gives you a follow-up question meaning you have higher chances of passing.

How many questions are on the NCLEX RN?

The number of questions can range from 85 to 150. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the minimum length of the 85 questions includes 52 questions from the content areas, 18 encompassing three clinical judgment cases, and 15 unscored questions considered to be pretest items.

How to Pass the NCLEX RN - Naxlex Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to answering NCLEX questions? ›

Pay attention to critical keywords in the question and answers. Words like “first,” “initial,” “best,” and “most important” can guide you toward the correct choice. Look for Grammatical Inconsistencies. Eliminate answers that do not fit grammatically with the question stem.

What is the best way to pass NCLEX-RN? ›

How to Pass the NCLEX-RN: 7 Key Tips
  1. Know The NCLEX Content. ...
  2. Make A Study Plan. ...
  3. Familiarize Yourself With Question Types. ...
  4. Remember to Use the Nursing Process. ...
  5. Utilize Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. ...
  6. Rest the Day Before the NCLEX Exam. ...
  7. Be Early and Stay Calm on the Day of Your NCLEX Exam.
Mar 19, 2024

How to pass the NCLEX on the first try? ›

How to Pass the NCLEX: 11 Study Tips to Pass the First Time
  1. Understand the NCLEX Format. ...
  2. Don't Self-Evaluate During the Test. ...
  3. Find Ways to Manage Your Test Stress. ...
  4. Know Your NLCEX Study Style. ...
  5. Make a Study Plan. ...
  6. Don't Draw from Past Clinical or Work Experiences. ...
  7. Hone Your Test-Taking Skills. ...
  8. Invest in Test Prep Resources.

How many questions do you need to answer correctly to pass the NCLEX? ›

To pass the test, you must answer at least 75 questions correctly, and you will not be asked more than 265, which means the test may be comprised of anywhere from 75 to 265 questions. If you end up having to answer more than 75 questions (as most test-takers do), don't despair!

What are the key words for NCLEX? ›

Yes, the NCLEX bolds key words such as best, most, essential, first, priority, immediately, highest, initial, next, refute, increased, decreased and support.

How do I choose the right answer for NCLEX? ›

You must always figure out what the question is asking, and you must always eliminate answer choices. Choosing the right answer often involves choosing the best of several answers that have correct information. This may entail your correct analysis and interpretation of what the question is really asking.

What is the hardest part of the NCLEX? ›

The hardest questions on the NCLEX often require a deep understanding of nursing theory, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and nursing interventions. They may present complex clinical scenarios involving multiple patients or require you to identify the best course of action when faced with conflicting information.

How can I increase my chances of passing the NCLEX? ›

Additional Study Tips for the NCLEX:

Review an NCLEX prep book and other study aids. Complete the NCLEX practice exams. Participate in study groups. Listen to recorded lectures or podcasts.

Which state NCLEX is the hardest? ›

every State has a bit different learning curriculum but overall the State Board of Licensure has exactly the same test in order to receive a Nursing License. The NCLEX is a standardized exam and is the same type of test for everyone in the country. No state has a “harder” exam than another state.

How do you quickly know if you passed the NCLEX? ›

The only definitive way to know if you've passed the NCLEX is to wait for your official score. You will be able to access unofficial results shortly after taking the exam, which means you can look online to see if you passed or failed.

How many NCLEX practice questions should I do a day? ›

If you are committed to studying every day of your 90-day study plan, you will need to work through at least 25 NCLEX-RN practice questions per day. Plan to spend at least 5-7 minutes per question as you familiarize yourself with the questions and detailed rationales.

Do the first 15 questions count on NCLEX? ›

The length of the Next Gen NCLEX

The NGN presents 70-135 scored items (plus 15 pretest items) based on the test-taker's ability. The unscored items (which are randomly mixed in to the exam) do not contribute to the candidate's test score but are used for future exam development.

What happens if you get the last question right on the NCLEX? ›

If the last question is below the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate fails. If the last question is above the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate passes.

What are the three pass fail rules for NCLEX? ›

What are the Pass/Fail Rules? The CAT algorithm determines whether you pass or fail based on one of the following three rules: the 95% Confidence Interval Rule, Maximum-Length Exam Rule, or the Run-out-of-time (ROOT) Rule.

What is the passing score for NCLEX-RN 2024? ›

The NCLEX scoring system uses a unit of measurement called logits to score questions and determine whether candidates pass or fail. Logits report the differences between the candidate's ability estimates and the question difficulty. The current passing standard of the NCLEX is -0.18 logits.

What is the pop up trick for NCLEX? ›

When you re-register for the NCLEX, you may receive one of two pop-up messages. The "good pop-up" NCLEX message states that you previously scheduled the exam and cannot re-register. Based on the Pearson VUE trick, this may indicate that you passed the NCLEX.

How to guess correctly on the NCLEX? ›

Do not second guess what is being asked, cautions Dabrow Woods, and do not change your answers. “The first answer is usually the correct one if you have taken the time to reason through the question,” says Dabrow Woods. Ross advises, “Read each answer choice and pick the best choice based on instinct.”

How to prioritize NCLEX questions? ›

Use the ABCs: Remember the ABCs of patient care – Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. These are the top priorities in any patient situation, so always address these needs first. Identify the most urgent needs: Look for cues in the question that indicate a patient is in distress or immediate danger.

What is the fastest way to get NCLEX results? ›

How to Access
  1. Sign into the Pearson VUE website with username and password.
  2. Under "My Account," select "Quick Results"
  3. If results are available, Click "Purchase"
  4. Fill in the payment information and click Next.
  5. Confirm order by clicking the "Submit Order" button.
  6. Result will appear on the receipt page.

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