You accomplished your goal!! You survived the grueling program called nursing school. So, what comes next? During nursing school you spend countless hours studying, studying, and more studying!

You studied for exams and spent long hours in clinicals to ensure you received that passing grade. As if you didn’t already do enough, now you have to take the NCLEX-RN exam in order to obtain your nursing license. Another test? Yes, your correct!

What Is the NCLEX?

NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. This nationwide exam will assess your knowledge and skills to ensure you meet the necessary requirements to become a Registered Nurse in your state. This test is completed on the computer and is made up of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop test questions, and fill-in-the-blank.

The NCLEX is a pass or fail type of exam. You can expect to see anywhere from 75 to 265 questions. After 75 questions, the exam will end once you demonstrate enough competence to become a nurse.

When Should You Take The NCLEX?

Once you graduate nursing school, the next step is taking the NCLEX exam. One common question students have is when to take the exam.

After graduation, you will receive paperwork containing a predetermined date and all the information needed to apply for the exam. This national exam will evaluate your knowledge and skills to ensure that you meet the standards to become a Registered Nurse in your state. Students can learn how to apply for the exam by visiting their website, www.nclex.com.

According to their website, students usually start taking the exam 45 days after graduation.

Nursing school can be extremely rigorous and stressful. Take time after graduation to relax and celebrate!

You made it through a very difficult program and deserve to take time off and congratulate yourself. Spend a couple weeks doing what you love and catching up with missed family and friends.

After 2 weeks of relaxation, the test taker should start the process of getting organized for the NCLEX exam. Schedule your test and make a plan. Start to familiarize yourself with the style of testing.

Once you've determined whatever study method is most beneficial for you, you'll need to pick where and when you'll use it. Do you prefer to study in a library, a coffee shop, or at home? Are you more likely to study before, during, or after a meal? Will you study in a group setting or on your own?

Use different resources such as the internet, books, and your nursing school to help organize and prepare for the exam. Some nursing schools offer an NCLEX prep class after graduation. Take every opportunity to prepare yourself. Setting up a solid study schedule for specific areas of the test will make it easier.

The average student may study for 2-3 months prior to taking the NCLEX exam. Some may need more. Some may need less.

Just keep in mind you don't put it off for too long. Waiting a significant amount of time may cause you to lose motivation and focus.

Start out slow. Don’t overdo it. Cramming all the information in as quickly as possible will not benefit you in any way. Take your time and stick to your plan.

Concentrate hard a few weeks before the exam. This is your time to really focus on the necessary material.

A day before your exam, relax and do something you enjoy. Don't try and fit more information onto your final day! Going into the exam with a clear rested mind will help you succeed.