NCLEX Test Day Checklist

Test day is here. After months of studying, you want everything to go smoothly. This checklist covers what to bring, what to expect, and how to stay focused throughout your exam.

Save or print this checklist. Having it ready the night before takes one more worry off your plate.

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The Night Before

Documents to Prepare

• Authorization to Test (ATT) — Print or save to phone (some centers accept digital)
• Primary ID — Government-issued photo ID with signature (driver’s license, passport)
• Secondary ID — Credit card with signature, or second photo ID
• Verify your name on IDs matches your ATT exactly

Double-Check Your Appointment

• Confirm date, time, and testing center address
• Know exactly how to get there (do a test drive if unfamiliar)
• Check parking situation and cost
• Note the center’s phone number in case of emergency

Set Yourself Up for Sleep

• Stop studying by 6 PM — cramming doesn’t help at this point
• Set multiple alarms
• Lay out clothes for tomorrow
• Eat a normal dinner (nothing that might upset your stomach)
• Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine
• Go to bed at your normal time

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Morning Of

Get Ready

• Wake up with enough time to not rush
• Eat breakfast — protein and complex carbs (eggs, oatmeal, toast)
• Light caffeine if that’s normal for you (don’t change your routine)
• Use the bathroom before leaving
• Dress in comfortable layers (testing rooms can be cold)

Before You Leave

• ATT in hand
• Both IDs verified
• Snacks for your break (in your bag, not your pockets)
• Comfortable sweater or jacket
• Clear your pockets — leave phone, watch, wallet in car

What NOT to Bring

Testing centers are strict. Leave these in your car:

• Phone (even powered off)
• Smart watch or fitness tracker
• Study materials
• Notes or scratch paper
• Food or drinks for the testing room
• Jewelry (except wedding band)
• Hair accessories with metal
• Bulky outerwear

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At the Testing Center

Check-In Process

Expect this to take 15-20 minutes:

1. Sign in at the front desk
2. Present your ATT and two IDs — staff will verify your name matches exactly
3. Store belongings in a locker (you’ll keep the key)
4. Photo and palm scan — biometric verification
5. Empty pockets and get wanded (like airport security)
6. Receive whiteboard and marker for scratch work
7. Walk to your assigned computer with a proctor

Testing Room Orientation

When you sit down:

• Adjust chair height
• Request earplugs or noise-canceling headphones (free)
• Check that whiteboard marker works
• Take a few deep breaths
• Read the tutorial carefully (even if you’ve seen it before)
• Start when ready — the clock doesn’t begin until you finish the tutorial

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During the Exam

First 15 Minutes

• Read each question completely before looking at answers
• Take your time — there’s no bonus for finishing fast
• Use your whiteboard for calculations and ABCs
• Don’t panic if early questions seem difficult (CAT adjusts to your level)

Throughout the Test

• Cover the answers with your hand and read the stem first
• Ask yourself: “What is this question really asking?”
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers before choosing
• Trust your first instinct unless you have a concrete reason to change
• Don’t look for patterns in correct answers — there aren’t any

Managing Energy

• Take your optional break around question 75-100 (if you haven’t stopped yet)
• Stretch at your seat periodically
• Use the whiteboard to refocus if your mind wanders
• Drink water during your break

If Anxiety Rises

• Close your eyes and take three slow breaths
• Remind yourself: “I am prepared for this”
• Focus only on the current question — forget what came before
• Every question is a fresh start

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Optional Break Strategy

After question 75 (for NCLEX-RN), you can take an optional break:

If You’re Still Testing After 75 Questions

• Take the break — even if you feel fine
• Use the bathroom
• Eat your snack (protein bar, crackers, fruit)
• Drink water
• Walk around briefly
• Return refreshed for the next section

Break Logistics

• Raise your hand to signal the proctor
• You’ll be escorted out and must check back in (palm scan)
• Break time counts against your total time (budget 10-15 minutes)
• Don’t access your phone or study materials

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After the Exam

Immediate Steps

• Take a deep breath — you did it
• Collect your belongings from the locker
• Don’t try to remember questions (they’re confidential)
• Avoid forums discussing specific questions

Getting Your Results

Method	Timing	Cost
Quick Results (Pearson VUE)	48 hours (business days)	$7.95
State Board official	2-6 weeks	Free
NCSBN “good pop” / “bad pop”	24 hours (unofficial)	Free

The Pearson VUE Trick (Unofficial)

Many test-takers check for the “good pop” by trying to re-register for the exam:

• If you can’t schedule a new exam, it usually means you passed
• If you can schedule, it may mean you didn’t pass
• This is NOT official and not 100% reliable

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Checklist Summary: Print This Section

Night Before

• ATT printed
• Two IDs ready
• Appointment confirmed
• Route planned
• Clothes laid out
• In bed at normal time

Morning Of

• Eat breakfast
• Light caffeine only
• Use bathroom
• Dress in layers
• ATT + IDs in hand
• Snacks packed
• Leave early

At Center

• Arrive 30 min early
• Leave phone in car
• Empty pockets
• Request earplugs
• Adjust chair
• Take tutorial seriously

During Exam

• Read full question first
• Eliminate wrong answers
• Trust first instinct
• Take optional break
• Stay calm, breathe

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What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Computer Issues

Raise your hand immediately. Proctors can troubleshoot or move you to another station. Your progress is saved.

Feeling Sick

You can pause and use the restroom, but time continues. If you’re too ill to continue, speak to the proctor about options.

Running Out of Time

The CAT ends at 5 hours maximum. Most people finish well before this. If you’re approaching the limit, trust your preparation and keep answering.

Question You’ve Never Seen Before

This happens to everyone. The NCLEX tests clinical judgment, not memorization. Think: what’s the priority? What would keep the patient safe?

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You’ve Got This

You’ve studied. You’ve practiced. You know more than you think you do.

The NCLEX isn’t designed to trick you—it’s designed to confirm you can think like a nurse. Trust your training, stay calm, and take it one question at a time.

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More NCLEX resources:

• NCLEX Study Strategies That Work
• 30-Day NCLEX Study Plan
• 2-Week NCLEX Study Plan
• Archer vs UWorld