10 Proven Strategies to Pass NCLEX-RN on Your First Attempt

The NCLEX-RN has a significant failure rate for international nurses. Here's how to be among those who pass on their first try.

Strategy 1: Understand the CAT Format

The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). This means:

• Questions adapt to your performance level
• Getting questions right leads to harder questions
• Getting questions wrong leads to easier questions
• Don't panic if questions seem difficult — it may mean you're doing well!

CAT Tips:

• Every question is important, but early questions set your baseline
• You cannot go back to previous questions
• The test ends when the computer determines your competency level
• Minimum 75 questions, maximum 145

Strategy 2: Focus on NCLEX-Style Questions

NCLEX questions are different from typical nursing exams:

Question Types:

• Multiple Choice (most common)
• Select All That Apply (SATA)
• Ordered Response (drag and drop)
• Fill in the Blank (calculations)
• Hot Spot (click on image)

What Makes NCLEX Different:

• Often no single "correct" answer — you choose the BEST answer
• Questions test application and analysis, not just recall
• Clinical judgment is key

Strategy 3: Master Priority and Delegation

These topics appear frequently and trip up many candidates:

Priority Questions:

• Use ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
• Apply Maslow's Hierarchy (physiological needs first)
• Consider acute vs chronic (acute takes priority)
• Think unstable vs stable (unstable first)

Delegation Questions:

• RNs cannot delegate assessment, evaluation, teaching, or unstable patients
• LPNs can perform routine, predictable care
• UAPs handle basic ADLs and vital signs on stable patients

Strategy 4: Build a Structured Study Schedule

The 8-Week Intensive Plan

Weeks 1-2: Foundation

• Review content areas systematically
• Complete 50-75 questions daily
• Identify weak areas

Weeks 3-4: Deep Dive

• Focus on weak areas
• Increase to 100+ questions daily
• Start timed practice sessions

Weeks 5-6: Application

• Full-length practice tests
• Review all incorrect answers thoroughly
• Practice with CAT-style question banks

Weeks 7-8: Final Preparation

• Light content review
• Focus on high-yield topics
• Exam day preparation and rest

Strategy 5: Master High-Yield Topics

Focus extra time on these frequently tested areas:

Medical-Surgical Nursing

• Cardiac conditions (MI, heart failure, arrhythmias)
• Respiratory (asthma, COPD, pneumonia)
• Diabetes management
• Renal conditions and dialysis

Pharmacology

• Drug calculations
• Side effects and adverse reactions
• Patient teaching for medications
• Drug interactions

Maternal-Child Nursing

• Labor and delivery complications
• Newborn assessment
• Pediatric growth and development
• Immunization schedules

Mental Health

• Therapeutic communication
• Crisis intervention
• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders

Strategy 6: Practice Active Learning

Don't just read — engage with the material:

For Each Incorrect Answer:

1. Understand WHY the correct answer is right
2. Understand WHY each wrong answer is wrong
3. Identify the concept being tested
4. Note patterns in your mistakes

Create Study Tools:

• Flashcards for medications and lab values
• Concept maps for disease processes
• Mnemonics for assessment findings

Strategy 7: Manage Test Anxiety

Before the Exam:

• Get adequate sleep (minimum 7 hours)
• Eat a balanced breakfast
• Arrive early but not too early
• Use positive self-talk

During the Exam:

• Take breaks when allowed
• Deep breathing if stressed
• Read each question carefully — once
• Don't overthink answers

Reframe Your Mindset:

• Difficult questions may mean you're performing well
• Trust your preparation
• Focus on one question at a time

Strategy 8: Learn the "NCLEX Voice"

NCLEX questions have a specific style:

What to Look For:

• "First," "Initial," "Priority" = What comes FIRST
• "Most important," "Essential" = What matters MOST
• "Further teaching is needed" = Wrong answer
• "Understanding is demonstrated" = Correct answer

Eliminate Distractors:

• Answers with "always," "never," or absolutes are usually wrong
• Focus on patient safety
• When in doubt, assess before acting

Strategy 9: Use Quality Study Resources

Not all NCLEX prep is equal:

Essential Resources:

• Official NCSBN Learning Extension
• Reputable question banks (1,500+ questions minimum)
• Content review books aligned with current test plan

Red Flags in Prep Materials:

• Outdated content
• Questions not in NCLEX format
• No rationales for answers

Strategy 10: Know When You're Ready

Signs you're prepared:

Green Lights:

• Consistently scoring 65%+ on practice tests
• Able to identify why wrong answers are wrong
• Comfortable with all question types
• Managing time effectively

Red Flags:

• Avoiding certain content areas
• Memorizing answers instead of understanding concepts
• Consistently running out of time
• High anxiety affecting performance

Exam Day Checklist

✅ Two forms of ID (one with photo and signature) ✅ Authorization to Test confirmation ✅ Comfortable clothing ✅ Water and snacks for breaks ✅ Arrive 30 minutes early ✅ Positive mindset

You Can Do This!

Thousands of international nurses pass the NCLEX-RN every year. With proper preparation, you can too.

GdayNurse offers:

• CAT-format practice questions
• Detailed explanations
• Performance tracking
• Expert support

Start Your NCLEX Preparation

---

Study strategies based on successful candidate experiences. Individual results may vary.