The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized exam that all registered nurses (RNs) in the United States must pass in order to obtain their license. The NCLEX is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means that the difficulty of the questions changes based on the test taker’s performance. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, physiological integrity, and pharmacological and parenteral therapies.
- What is the NCLEX exam, and why is it important?
- Who is eligible to take the NCLEX exam?
- How to prepare for the NCLEX exam, including study tips and resources
- What topics are covered on the NCLEX exam?
- What to expect on the day of the NCLEX exam, including tips for success
- What to do after you take the NCLEX exam, including how to check your results
- Tips for passing the NCLEX exam for international nurses, second-degree
- Read stories from nurses who have passed the NCLEX exam
- Avoid these common mistakes on the NCLEX exam
- NCLEX Exam for Students with Disabilities
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
What is the NCLEX exam, and why is it important?
The NCLEX exam, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test that all registered nurses (RNs) in the United States must pass in order to obtain their license. The NCLEX exam is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means that the difficulty of the questions changes based on the test taker’s performance. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, physiological integrity, and pharmacological and parenteral therapies.
Here are some of the reasons why the NCLEX exam is important:
- To ensure that all RNs have the minimum level of knowledge and skills necessary to practice safely and effectively. The NCLEX exam is a rigorous test that covers a wide range of topics related to nursing practice. By passing the NCLEX exam, RNs demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care to their patients.
- To protect the public from harm. RNs play a critical role in the healthcare system. They are responsible for providing care to patients of all ages and with a wide range of medical conditions. By ensuring that all RNs have passed the NCLEX exam, the public can be confident that they are receiving care from qualified and competent professionals.
- To maintain the integrity of the nursing profession. The NCLEX exam is an important part of the nursing profession’s self-regulation system. By requiring all RNs to pass the exam, the profession ensures that its members meet a high standard of competence.
Who is eligible to take the NCLEX exam?
To be eligible to take the NCLEX exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Have graduated from an accredited nursing program
- Have completed all of the required clinical hours
- Have passed the required background checks
- Have submitted an application and paid a fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The specific eligibility requirements may vary slightly from state to state, so it is important to check with the NCSBN in your state for the most up-to-date information.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of each eligibility requirement:
- Graduating from an accredited nursing program means that the nursing program has been approved by a recognized accrediting agency. This ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and that its graduates have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice nursing safely and effectively.
- Completing all of the required clinical hours means that candidates have completed a certain number of supervised clinical hours in a variety of healthcare settings. This clinical experience is essential for developing the skills and knowledge necessary to practice nursing.
- Passing the required background checks means that candidates have passed a criminal background check and a fingerprint-based background check. This helps to ensure that candidates are of good moral character and have not been convicted of any crimes that would make them unfit to practice nursing.
- Submitting an application and paying a fee to the NCSBN is the final step in the eligibility process. The application process includes providing information about your education, work experience, and background. The NCSBN also charges a fee to process the application.
How to prepare for the NCLEX exam, including study tips and resources
There are many ways to prepare for the NCLEX exam. Here are some study tips and resources that can help you succeed:
Study tips:
- Create a study plan. This will help you to stay on track and make sure that you are covering all of the important topics.
- Use a variety of study materials. There are many different types of study materials available, such as textbooks, review books, online courses, and practice exams. Use a variety of materials to keep your studies interesting and effective.
- Form a study group. Studying with other people can be a great way to learn and motivate each other.
- Take breaks. Don’t try to cram everything into one long study session. Take breaks to rest and recharge so that you can stay focused and retain information more effectively.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for learning and memory. Make sure to get enough sleep the night before the exam and to avoid staying up late cramming.
Resources:
- Textbooks: Nursing textbooks are a good way to review the material that you learned in nursing school. Some popular nursing textbooks include Fundamentals of Nursing by Patricia A. Potter and Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing.
- Review books: Review books are designed to help you prepare for the NCLEX exam. They typically cover the most important topics and include practice questions. Some popular NCLEX review books include Saunders NCLEX-RN Comprehensive Review and Kaplan NCLEX-RN Review Guide.
- Online courses: There are many online courses available that can help you prepare for the NCLEX exam. These courses typically include video lectures, practice questions, and other resources. Some popular NCLEX online courses include UWorld NCLEX-RN Prep and Kaplan NCLEX-RN Review Course.
- Practice exams: Practice exams are a great way to test your knowledge and identify any areas where you need additional review. There are many practice exams available online and in libraries. Some popular NCLEX practice exams include UWorld NCLEX-RN Practice Questions and Kaplan NCLEX-RN QBank.
In addition to the resources listed above, there are many other resources available to help you prepare for the NCLEX exam. Talk to your nursing school professors, classmates, and other nurses for recommendations. You can also find helpful resources on the NCSBN website.
What topics are covered on the NCLEX exam?
The NCLEX exam covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Safe and effective care environment: This includes topics such as infection control, patient safety, and risk management.
- Health promotion and maintenance: This includes topics such as nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.
- Psychosocial integrity: This includes topics such as mental health, stress management, and communication.
- Physiological integrity: This includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
- Pharmacological and parenteral therapies: This includes topics such as medications, nutrition support, and wound care.
What to expect on the day of the NCLEX exam, including tips for success
What to expect:
- Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early. This will give you time to check in, complete any necessary paperwork, and relax before the exam begins.
- You will be asked to present your identification and admission ticket.
- You will be given a brief orientation on the test center procedures and the NCLEX exam.
- You will be seated at a computer and given a tutorial on how to use the computer-adaptive testing (CAT) format.
- The exam will begin once you are ready.
- The NCLEX exam is typically four hours long, but the actual time may vary depending on your performance.
- You will be able to take breaks throughout the exam.
- You will be asked to complete a survey at the end of the exam.
Tips for success:
- Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
- Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Bring a calculator, pencils, and erasers.
- Read the questions carefully before answering them.
- If you are unsure of an answer, mark the question for review and come back to it later.
- Take breaks throughout the exam to rest and recharge.
- Stay calm and focused.
Here are some additional tips that may help you succeed on the NCLEX exam:
- Use the test center’s resources. The test center staff is there to help you. If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to ask.
- Pace yourself. The NCLEX exam is a long exam, so it is important to pace yourself and avoid spending too much time on any one question.
- Don’t panic. If you get stuck on a question, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and move on to the next question. You can always come back to the difficult question later.
- Trust your gut. If you have a feeling about an answer, go with it. Your intuition is often correct.
What to do after you take the NCLEX exam, including how to check your results and get licensed
How to check your results:
You will receive your NCLEX exam results within two to four weeks of taking the exam. You can check your results online by logging into your NCSBN account.
How to get licensed:
Once you have passed the NCLEX exam, you will need to apply for a nursing license in your state. The specific application process and requirements vary from state to state, so be sure to check with the NCSBN in your state for more information.
Here is a general overview of the licensing process:
- Complete a nursing license application.
- Pay a licensing fee.
- Submit proof of passing the NCLEX exam.
- Submit proof of graduation from an accredited nursing program.
- Submit proof of completing all required clinical hours.
- Pass a criminal background check and a fingerprint-based background check.
Once you have completed all of the requirements, you will be issued a nursing license. You can then begin working as a registered nurse in your state.
Tips for passing the NCLEX exam for international nurses, second-degree nurses, and other specific populations
International nurses:
- Review the NCLEX exam content areas and compare them to the nursing curriculum in your home country. This will help you to identify any areas where you need additional review.
- Take practice exams that are specific for international nurses. These exams will help you to familiarize yourself with the NCLEX exam format and the types of questions that are asked.
- Find a study buddy or join a study group with other international nurses. This can be a great way to learn from each other and support each other through the preparation process.
Second-degree nurses:
- Review the NCLEX exam content areas and focus on the areas that you did not cover in your undergraduate degree.
- Take practice exams that are specific for second-degree nurses. These exams will help you to identify any areas where you need additional review.
- Find a study buddy or join a study group with other second-degree nurses. This can be a great way to learn from each other and support each other through the preparation process.
Other specific populations:
- If you have any specific needs or concerns, be sure to contact the NCSBN for guidance. The NCSBN offers a variety of resources for nurses with disabilities, nurses with English language barriers, and other specific populations.
Read stories from nurses who have passed the NCLEX exam
International nurse:
“I’m an international nurse from the Philippines. I took the NCLEX exam twice before I passed. The first time I took it, I was overwhelmed by the difficulty of the questions. I didn’t know how to answer a lot of them. But I didn’t give up. I studied harder and took practice exams every day. The second time I took the exam, I passed! I was so happy and relieved.” – Maria Santos, RN
Second-degree nurse:
“I’m a second-degree nurse. I got my bachelor’s degree in a different field and then decided to go back to school for nursing. I was worried that it would be difficult to pass the NCLEX exam because I didn’t have any nursing experience. But I found a study group with other second-degree nurses and we helped each other to prepare for the exam. We studied every week and took practice exams together. On the day of the exam, I was nervous but I felt confident that I had prepared well. I passed the exam on my first try!” – John Smith, RN
Nurse with a disability:
“I have a learning disability and I was worried that it would make it difficult to pass the NCLEX exam. But I contacted the NCSBN and they were very helpful. They provided me with accommodations for the exam, such as extended time and a separate testing room. I also found a tutor who helped me to develop strategies for studying and taking the exam. I passed the exam on my first try and I’m now a working registered nurse!” – Sarah Jones, RN
These are just a few stories from nurses who have passed the NCLEX exam. There are many other stories out there of nurses who have overcome challenges and achieved their dream of becoming a registered nurse. If you are preparing for the NCLEX exam, remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you succeed. Good luck!
Avoid these common mistakes on the NCLEX exam
Not reading the questions carefully. The NCLEX exam is a test of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is important to read each question carefully and make sure that you understand what is being asked before you answer.
Not paying attention to the keywords in the questions. The NCLEX exam often uses keywords in its questions to signify important information. For example, the keyword “priority” means that you should answer the question based on the most important nursing intervention.
Not eliminating incorrect answer choices. If you are unsure of the answer to a question, try to eliminate the incorrect answer choices. This will increase your chances of choosing the correct answer.
Relying on memory alone. The NCLEX exam is not a test of your ability to memorize facts. It is important to understand the concepts behind the facts. This will help you to answer the questions correctly, even if you don’t remember the exact details.
Panicking if you don’t know the answer to a question. It is normal not to know the answer to every question on the NCLEX exam. If you get stuck on a question, mark it for review and come back to it later. Don’t spend too much time on any one question.
Guessing on too many questions. It is better to leave a question blank than to guess on it. If you guess on a question, you have a 25% chance of getting it right. If you leave it blank, you have a 50% chance of getting it right (since the NCLEX exam uses negative grading).
NCLEX Exam for Students with Disabilities
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized test that all registered nurses (RNs) in the United States must pass in order to obtain their license. The NCLEX exam is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means that the difficulty of the questions changes based on the test taker’s performance. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, physiological integrity, and pharmacological and parenteral therapies.
The NCLEX exam is also available for students with disabilities. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers a variety of accommodations to help students with disabilities succeed on the exam.
These accommodations include:
- Extended time
- Separate testing room
- Reader
- Scribe
- Use of a computer
- Use of a keyboard or other assistive device
To request accommodations for the NCLEX exam, students must submit a Disability Request Form to the NCSBN. The form must be accompanied by documentation from a qualified professional, such as a doctor, psychologist, or learning specialist.
The NCSBN will review the Disability Request Form and documentation to determine if the student is eligible for accommodations. If the student is eligible, the NCSBN will provide the student with an Accommodation Approval Letter. The student must present the Accommodation Approval Letter to the test center staff on the day of the exam.
Conclusion
The NCLEX exam is a challenging but important exam that all registered nurses (RNs) in the United States must pass in order to obtain their license. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, physiological integrity, and pharmacological and parenteral therapies.
If you are preparing for the NCLEX exam, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:
- Start preparing early and create a study plan.
- Use a variety of study materials, such as textbooks, review books, online courses, and practice exams.
- Find a study buddy or join a study group.
- Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve your focus.
- Stay positive and motivated.
Remember, the NCLEX exam is not a test of your knowledge alone. It is also a test of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Stay calm and focused on the day of the exam, and you will be well on your way to success.
FAQ's
Candidates with a Practical Nursing Diploma are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. Candidates with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. After completing their nursing program, the candidate must apply for licensure or registration with a Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB).
According to statistics, 87% of people pass the NCLEX-RN on their first try. The pass rate for second attempts reduces to 45%, indicating that the exam may be tough for many pupils. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) passed at a rate of 90%, while those with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) passed at a rate of 84%.
While nursing school exams are information-based, the NCLEX-RN® assesses application and analysis of nursing knowledge. You will be tested on your ability to employ critical thinking abilities to make nursing decisions.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses) and NCLEX-PN (for practical/vocational nurses) examinations to safeguard the public from dangerous nursing services.
