In order to successfully pass the NCLEX®, you should begin preparing for the exam through careful study, completing sample tests, and perhaps even taking a preparatory course. It is also useful to carefully review NCLEX® materials so that you understand the format of the test and that you take steps to ensure that you're in good physical condition the day you it. Talking to your nursing school professors as well as other nurses who have successfully passed the test can also help you pass the NCLEX® yourself.
The NCLEX® is a standardized test administered in the United States as part of the credentialing process for both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). In some states, LPNs are known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). The NCLEX® tests are the United States national standard for nursing license exams and are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. They are administered by a proprietary test administration company. If you do not pass the NCLEX® test for the type of nursing license that you seek, you won't be able to practice nursing.
While you are still in school, you should start talking to your professors and any RNs or LPNs you know about the test and ask their advice for taking and passing the exam. They can share with you their own experiences with the exam, and in the case of your professors, they can also share with you feedback that they have received from their students over the years. You may also wish to purchase an NCLEX® test preparation guide or an online preparation course or attend a test preparation class. You may be able to find practice tests and questions that you can take online or on paper. These practice tests, particularly if you use a timer to see how quickly you can answer questions, can really help address any test anxiety that you have and give you a good idea about pacing yourself during the exam.
Be sure that you understand how to get to the testing center and that you follow the testing company's instructions for what you can and cannot bring to the exam. You don't want to get to the testing center late or find that you cannot enter the center because you have contraband materials with you or because you did not bring appropriate identification. As you would for any significant event that demands peak performance, you want to make sure that you are rested and appropriately nourished on exam day. If you normally suffer from test anxiety, you may want to look into deep-breathing or other stress-reducing techniques that can quell your panic and help you focus.
