NCLEX Study Strategies

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The most effective NCLEX prep strategy is spending 80% of study time on practice questions and 20% on content review, according to analysis of first-time passers. With an 82-88% first-time pass rate for US-educated nurses (per NCSBN 2024 data), proper preparation makes the difference.

How should I split my NCLEX study time?

Most successful test-takers spend 80% of their study time on practice questions and 20% on content review. If you’re doing the opposite, you’re probably over-preparing on material you already know.

The NCLEX tests your ability to apply knowledge, not just recall it. You need to practice making decisions under pressure, which means working through questions—lots of them.

How many practice questions should I do per day?

A solid target is 75-150 questions per day in the final weeks before your exam. Quality matters more than quantity, though. Every wrong answer should become a learning opportunity.

When you miss a question:

Read the rationale completely
Identify why the correct answer is right
Understand why each wrong answer is wrong
Note any content gaps to review later

Don’t just move on. The questions you miss are the most valuable part of your prep.

Which Question Bank Should You Use?

Not all question banks are equal. You want one that:

Has NGN-format questions (the new exam format since 2023)
Provides detailed rationales explaining why each answer is right AND wrong
Offers readiness assessments to tell you when you’re actually ready

I recommend Archer Review’s Sure Pass program because it checks every box: 3,100+ questions (including 1,100+ NGN items), unlimited readiness assessments, AND live review sessions—all for $139-239 depending on how long you need access. Students who score “high” on 4 consecutive readiness assessments have a 98.98% pass rate.

Why are prioritization questions so important?

If you master one skill for the NCLEX, make it prioritization. These questions appear constantly and trip up many test-takers.

The ABCs Still Apply

When choosing between patients or interventions, default to the basics:

Airway beats breathing
Breathing beats circulation
Circulation beats everything else

A patient who can’t breathe takes priority over a patient with chest pain. A patient with an obstructed airway takes priority over everyone.

Maslow’s Hierarchy for Nursing

Physical needs come before psychological needs. Safety comes before self-esteem. This seems obvious, but under test pressure, you might second-guess yourself.

If two answer choices seem equally valid, ask: which addresses a more fundamental need?

What NCLEX content can I skip?

Not all NCLEX prep content is worth your time.

Obscure drug calculations: The NCLEX calculator handles basic math. Focus on setting up problems correctly, not memorizing conversion factors.

Rare diseases: If your textbook mentions something affects “fewer than 1 in 10,000 people,” you probably won’t see it on the exam.

Detailed lab values: Know the critical values (potassium, sodium, glucose), but don’t memorize every normal range. The question stem will tell you if something is abnormal.

When should I schedule my NCLEX exam?

Most programs give you an Authorization to Test (ATT) that’s valid for 90 days. Here’s how to use that time wisely:

Weeks 1-4: Content review and light practice (50 questions/day)

Weeks 5-8: Heavy practice (100-150 questions/day), identify weak areas

Week 9-10: Focused review of weak areas, take readiness assessments

If you’re using a program like Archer, aim to score “high” on at least 4 consecutive readiness assessments before scheduling your exam. Students who hit this benchmark have a 98.98% pass rate—far above the 71.6% national average.

Final days: Light review, rest, and mental prep

Scheduling your exam for too far out leads to burnout. Too soon, and you won’t feel ready. The 8-10 week mark works well for most people.

What should I do the night before NCLEX?

Stop studying by 6 PM. Seriously. No last-minute cramming will help you more than a good night’s sleep.

Prepare everything you need for test day:

Two forms of ID (one with signature)
Directions to the testing center
Confirmation email printed

Eat a normal dinner. Go to bed at your usual time. The work is done.

Key Takeaways

Spend most of your study time on practice questions, not content review
Learn from every wrong answer—don’t just move on
Master prioritization and ABCs—they appear constantly
Skip obscure content that rarely appears on the exam
Schedule 8-10 weeks of prep time and stick to your plan

Looking for state-specific information about taking the NCLEX? Check out our NCLEX guide or browse state requirements for application details.

Related resources:

2-Week NCLEX Study Plan — Day-by-day intensive prep schedule
30-Day NCLEX Study Plan — Comprehensive month-long preparation schedule
Archer vs UWorld — Compare the top NCLEX question banks
NCLEX Test Day Checklist — Everything you need for exam day