Slide 1
Test-taking strategies
11 strategies can be utilized by students to be able to pass the NCLEX examinations. The
strategies include;
... [Show More] Understanding the NCLEX format
Do not self-evaluate during the test
Find ways to manage your test stress
Know your NCLEX style of study
Make a plan of study
Do not draw from past clinical or work experiences
Invest in test prep resources
Hone your test-taking skills
Go beyond the practice questions
Prepare yourself for the exam day.
Believe in yourself
Slide 2
Understanding the NCLEX format
NCLEX uses a CAT format or computerized adaptive testing which makes the examinations not
to be identical. The examinations are graded when the patient answers questions where the
minimum is 75 questions and the maximum is 265 questions. The pass mark is usually 95% and
above and anything below that is a failure. To be able to pass the test, one must be able to rise
above the pass line which demonstrates that they are competent with marginal doubt.
Slide 3
Do not self-evaluate during the test
There is no need of trying to self-evaluate while you are still doing the test. You should also not
assume that you are below the pass level just because you got a few “easy” questions in a row. It
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is also advisable to only focus on the question at hand since every question is important and what
might be hard for you might be easy for someone else. The examination is all about endurance
and thus you should prepare to be able to sit for the full time and by that, you will not stress if
you need to.
Slide 4
Find ways to manage your test stress
Since the exam is very important, there is a chance of one feeling nervous since the exam is very
important and thus one feels a lot of pressure. There are several ways in which examination
stress and anxiety can be minimized, they include;
Preparing for the examination seriously but also keeping a balance with other parts of
your life
Exercising, getting enough sleep, and doing things that you do for fun. Keeping a good
balance helps your mind to avoid building up test moments to be bigger than it is
actually.
Avoid studying or cramming information on the day of the examination and use the last
few hours to rest the mind. Also, you should focus on things that can help you to stay
grounded just before the examination such as listening to music, going for a run, etc.
Slide 5
Know your NCLEX style of study
Since we all have different styles of reading, you should know what your style is and ensure that
you tailor your studying to what works for you. For example;
For those who understand well with visuals, they should draw out rough sketches of the
chambers of the heart, color code the classes of medication, etc.
Auditory learners should look for study materials for example from YouTube lectures,
podcasts, etc.
Those who better understand through discussions should create study groups that they use
to talk through concepts together.
Slide 6
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Make a plan of study
By making a study plan, you can commit to the preparation that the test deserves. You should
also start studying when you have a plan in place, for example;
You should plan the days and time to study and the days that you will take off
You should make a goal before each study session such as to be able to do an x
amount of practice questions, or master x specific content topic, but should be
intentional.
Studying without having a plan in place is a waste of [Show Less]