10 Tips to Pass the NCLEX in 2025-2026

Passing the NCLEX is a huge accomplishment and a critical step on your way to become a licensed nursing professional. To help you get started on your NCLEX prep, we’ve compiled a list of our top NCLEX tips and tricks so you feel confident on exam day. Remember that the current version of the NCLEX places an increased emphasis on your clinical judgment and decision-making skills, rather than just your ability to memorize facts. Keep this in mind as you begin your NCLEX content review and continue reading to get our best tips for studying for the NCLEX.

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QUICK NCLEX TIPS:

• Tip #1: Know what is covered on the exam.
• Tip #2: Understand the exam’s format.
• Tip #3: Build up your test endurance.
• Tip #4: Create a study plan.
• Tip #5: Assess yourself honestly during your studies.
• Tip #6: Know what kind of learner you are.
• Tip #7: Understand that the exam is based on real-world experience.
• Tip #8: Know which strategies work–and which don’t.
• Tip #9: Manage the test experience.
• Tip #10: Take advantage of NCLEX prep resources.

NCLEX Tip #1: Know what is covered on the exam.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is the organization that develops the nursing licensure exams. Each NCLEX test question has gone through rigorous analysis and beta-testing to ensure its validity as part of the question test pool. The NCSBN has developed a detailed test plan which you can download from their website. In this document, you will see a comprehensive list of the areas tested and the content under each area. You will also see the percentage range of questions you can expect to encounter when you take the exam. Use this document to check your knowledge base.

NCLEX Tip #2: Understand the exam format.

The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT), meaning that no two exams are identical. The NCLEX you take will adapt to your answers and be different from any other individual’s exam. While the exam will provide you with a minimum of 85 questions, and a maximum of 150 questions, the NCLEX uses an algorithm to produce each new question based on your performance on previous questions.

The exam ends when the candidate either passes the test after correctly answering enough questions to stay above the passing line with 95% confidence interval, OR the candidate fails the test by not staying above the passing line with 95% confidence.

Sometimes candidates try to self-evaluate and guess how they are doing as they go through the exam, but the NCLEX doesn’t work that way. It is best to focus on the questions at hand. What is easy for you might be a real challenge to someone else. Each NCLEX question is as important as the next!

NCLEX Tip #3: Build up your test endurance.

Preparing to pass the NCLEX is all about building your test endurance. Unlike other exams you may have taken, the NCLEX isn’t a test you can cram for. Over many years of providing NCLEX test prep, Kaplan has found that students who pass the first time have spent several weeks to months preparing for the test. How much time you can spend studying for the NCLEX each day depends on you, but it’s important to remember that this is a test of safe practice covering all areas of patient care and health/disease management. 

The NCLEX is part of the “marathon” of becoming a nurse, not only in preparation but in the actual exam itself. Please remember that the exam might take you up to five hours. As you’re studying, take progressively longer free NCLEX practice tests so you can train your brain, as well as your backside, to successfully sit and focus for the duration of your NCLEX experience.

NCLEX Tip #4: Create a study plan.

It is important to be resolute in your preparation for the NCLEX. You’ve come this far–don’t quit now! Here are some things you can do to create and stick to a great NCLEX study plan:

• Plan to study a bit every day.
• Set goals for each study session. Is it the completion of a Practice Test? Working through a certain number of practice or NCLEX QBank questions?
• Remediate every question. Know why you got a certain question right or wrong. Content? Strategy? Understand the rationale for every answer. Kaplan provides you with rationales for each answer choice, right or wrong. Remember, you may see this same question presented differently on the NCLEX.

Need help getting started? Check out our free 1-Month NCLEX Study Plan.

NCLEX Tip #5: Assess yourself honestly during your studies.

Know what kind of test taker you are and assess yourself critically–and honestly–during your test prep so you understand your strengths and weaknesses. 

Kaplan Nursing has found that successful NCLEX test takers:

• Have a good understanding of nursing content.
• Tackle each test question with confidence because they assume that they can figure out the right answer.
• Don’t give up if they are unsure of the answer. They are not afraid to think about the question, and the possible choices, in order to select the correct answer.
• Possess the know-how to correctly identify the answer.
• Stay focused on the question.

Unsuccessful NCLEX test takers often:

• Assume that they either know or don’t know the answer to the question.
• Memorize facts to answer questions by recall or recognition.
• Read the question, read the answers, read the question again, and pick an answer.
• Choose answer choices based on a hunch or a feeling instead of thinking carefully.
• Answer questions based on personal experience rather than nursing theory.
• Give up too soon because they aren’t willing to think hard about questions and answers.
• Don’t stay focused on the question.

NCLEX Tip #6: Know what kind of learner you are.

Do you learn best by listening to videos and lectures or reading books? Are you a good note-taker? Have you used NCLEX Qbanks successfully? Would you do better in a self-paced NCLEX course, or do you need an instructor-led NCLEX course for additional support and guidance? All of these are critical components of preparation and study. Your NCLEX prep should provide you with a comprehensive variety of videos, written reviews, strategies, and practice materials to suit your complex learning preference best.

NCLEX Tip #7: Understand that the exam is based on real-world experience.

The former NCLEX test was based on evidence-based practice. However, test takers are now urged to think like they are in the real world when taking the NCLEX. So, instead of assuming that you have a perfect situation when answering questions, you should consider real-world factors, like having restricted time, space, and resources.

[ TRY FREE PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR THE NCLEX ]

If you have worked in healthcare, you may notice that different facilities each may have slightly different ways of doing things that they deem safe and effective. However, do not assume that this applies to the NCLEX. For the exam, you must assume that you have a perfect situation, with ample time and resources to perform your duties. Choose your answers based on this “perfect world” scenario.

NCLEX Tip #8: Know which strategies work–and which don’t.

During nursing school, you may have noticed that tests and correct answers varied by teacher and were mostly driven by content. On the NCLEX, this isn’t the case. Comprehensive research and testing have gone into each NCLEX question. And while you may get all of your content questions correct, this doesn’t mean you’ll pass. This exam tests your ability to think critically, and you must apply content to a scenario in order to answer correctly.  

Here are some strategies that might have worked in nursing school but DON’T work on the NCLEX:

• “Cramming” in hundreds of facts about disease processes and nursing care.
• Recognizing and recalling facts rather than understanding the pathophysiology and the needs of a client with an illness.
• Knowing who wrote the question and what is important to that instructor.
• Predicting answers based on what you remember or who wrote the test question.
• Selecting the response that is a different length compared to the other choices.
• Selecting the answer choice that is grammatically correct.
• When in doubt, choose the answer choice (C) or (D).

Here are some NCLEX strategies that DO work:

• Visualization: Create an image in your mind about the scenario you are reading on the exam. See the patient they are describing and place yourself in that situation.
• Reword the question: NCLEX item writers have a topic in mind they want to know if YOU know the answer to. The first step to correctly answering questions is to find out what each question is really asking.
• Use the answer choices for clues about the topic: Yes, the topic is THAT important. If you are clueless about the topic after reading the question stem, then look for a pattern in the answer choices to help you determine the topic.
• Eliminate obviously wrong answer choices: One of the major problems of unsuccessful test takers is that they do not thoughtfully consider each answer choice. They react to questions using feelings and hunches. Unsuccessful test takers look for a specific answer choice and select an answer too quickly and without thinking.
• Recognize expected vs. unexpected outcomes: Expected outcomes are the behaviors and changes you think are going to occur as a result of nursing care. These outcomes allow the nurse to evaluate whether goals have been met.

Remember, the NCLEX is testing your ability to make safe, competent decisions based on evidence-based knowledge. Use information from your approved nursing textbooks or a summary review of them, such as Kaplan’s NCLEX content review books.

NCLEX Tip #9: Manage the test experience.

Do you have test anxiety? We are all a bit nervous from the pressure of such an important milestone exam. Just remember that you made it through nursing school. What strategies did you use to overcome anxiety on past exams and experiences? You learned about stress management with patients in nursing school. It helps to apply those principles to yourself now as you prepare.

Use these methods to minimize stress as you study for the NCLEX:

• Keep a balance between your studies, work, and personal life.
• Sleep regularly. Sleep is the master antioxidant and restorative healer.
• Exercise daily. Regular exercise is good for your body, but it also changes the brain to improve memory and thinking skills.
• Study a bit every day, but don’t let study consume your life. Build it into your daily routine like any other task, such as taking a daily NCLEX practice question. 
• Get ready for NCLEX exam day by taking a trip to the testing center. Know the route and traffic patterns so you don’t get lost or caught in unexpected traffic snarls. Locate the parking lot and building. Find the lockers where you will be storing your belongings, and review what you can and cannot bring to the exam so you feel prepared.
• The night before the exam, make sure you have gas in your car, get adequate sleep, wear the proper clothing, and bring the proper ID documents.

Ultimately, the best way to alleviate anxiety is to study properly. The NCLEX won’t seem so scary when you feel prepared and confident!

NCLEX Tip #10: Take advantage of NCLEX prep resources.

Kaplan has a variety of NCLEX test prep options to help prepare you to pass the NCLEX on your first attempt, so spend some time browsing options to identify the prep style that fits you best. Try our free NCLEX practice questions to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you’re likely to encounter on exam day. More students recommend Kaplan for NCLEX prep than anyone else.^* Why? Our personalized study plans and comprehensive tools cover everything you need to pass. In fact, 97% of Kaplan NCLEX students pass the first time.^‡ We guarantee you’ll pass the first time, too—or get your money back.^†

Hear Kaplan Nursing experts discuss general NCLEX test-taking tips.

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Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Dr. Christi Doherty DNP, RNC-OB, CNE, CHSE, CDP. Dr. Doherty is the Executive Director of Nursing & i-Human Patients at Kaplan North America. She is a skilled researcher, valued professor of nursing, experienced clinical nurse, and designer of virtual simulations. Dr. Doherty has earned certifications in nursing education, healthcare simulation education, diversity, and inpatient obstetrics.

^*More Students Recommend Kaplan: These are the findings of two quantitative surveys conducted by Kaplan conducted August 26, 2022, through September 30, 2022, and September 5, 2022, through October 9, 2023. A sample of 368 NCLEX test prep customers was interviewed online, of which 118 customers prepped with Kaplan and 250 customers prepped with any other market competitor (selected from a closed ended list representing the majority of the NCLEX prep market with the option to write in a competitor). The distribution of competitors selected in the survey is not necessarily reflective of true market share. The results showed that Kaplan has a net promoter score that is statistically higher than the competition at a 95% confidence level with a 10% margin of error.

† Passing Guarantee: Conditions and restrictions apply. For complete guarantee eligibility requirements, visit kaplannursing.com/guarantee.

‡ NCLEX Exam Pass Rate: Results based on a Kaplan post-exam survey of first-time, NCLEX-RN exam test-takers who graduated from their nursing program during the first 6 months of 2023. Respondents had access to a Kaplan Self Paced or Live Online NCLEX-RN exam prep retail product on or after January 1, 2023, and reported they had passed the NCLEX-RN exam in the first 6 months of 2023 (n = 115). Survey responses were responses received August 17, 2023, to September 25, 2023. The study is based on students who have provided their pass/fail status. While the study focused on students who took the NGN exam, data may include some respondents who purchased and sat for the NCLEX-RN exam prior to the current Next Generation NCLEX-RN exam.