Creating your own NCLEX® practice test is one more way to enhance your knowledge heading into exam day. Practice tests should have 165 questions —the same amount you could have on the NCLEX® itself. Quality review programs like Slone NCLEX® can help you remediate your exam. Can I just do practice questions? Do I even...
NCLEX® test questions are supposed to prepare new-graduate nurses for a career caring for patients. Safely. But to pass the exam on your first try, you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of what’s involved in the Next-Gen NCLEX®. Keep study materials handy, test questions at the ready, and zero in on the new question item...
It’s easy to caught up in how to approach NCLEX® test prep, but we want to remind you of what not to do as well.
Don’t let distractions get in the way of your study time, and don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.
Not using an NCLEX® test prep program like Slone NCLEX is also something to avoid.
We talk a lot about what to do to prepare for the NCLEX®, but with every positive there is a negative. The same can be said about NCLEX® preparation — There are tactics you should avoid in your NCLEX® test prep.
NCLEX® Test Prep Pitfalls
Here is a list of all the things you should remember (not to do!) heading into exam day:
Doing nothing will not help you!
There’s a rumor that if you passed nursing school, you don’t need to do anything to prep for the NCLEX®. This is a lie. Sure, there are people who have been able to take the exam without preparing, but they aren’t always successful. It is not worth the risk. Make an NCLEX® test prep ... Read more
Creating your own NCLEX® practice test is one more way to enhance your knowledge heading into exam day.
Practice tests should have 165 questions —the same amount you could have on the NCLEX® itself.
Quality review programs like Slone NCLEX® can help you remediate your exam.
Can I just do practice questions? Do I even need to make a test? What’s the best way to craft my own NCLEX® Practice Test? What should I include? How many questions should it be? Should I time myself? How do I remediate my exam? Why should I even do it?There are so many questions, all important and valid, but also completely overwhelming. Let’s break them down and answer each one so that by the time you are done reading this, you will be able to craft your own NCLEX® practice test.
Can I just do questions? Do I even need to make a test?
You need to make a test! You want to duplicate the process of what your NCLEX® exam day will be like, and making your own exam will help you do that.
Being familiar with the format and content of your practice questions can help reduce test anxiety on exam day.
What is the best way to craft my own NCLEX® Practice Test?
The best way to craft your exam is to reference the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX-RN® Test Plan and incorporate a variety of item topics and item types.
What should I include?
To create an effective NCLEX® practice test, you should include a diverse range of nursing content and prioritize various question types, including traditional item types and the new next-generation item types.
Each question should include detailed rationales for the answers.
Aim to mimic the NCLEX® format by varying the difficulty levels.
Consider using a question bank or study guide as a reference to ensure comprehensive coverage of key concepts.
Incorporate real-life scenarios and critical thinking challenges to enhance the learning experience.
How many questions should it be?
Aim to have 165 questions on your practice test. This matches the maximum number of questions you could have on the NCLEX®.
Should I time myself?
Yes! You are timed in the NCLEX-RN® exam so the best way to prepare for that is to time yourself. Set your timer to five hours, and if you cannot complete your practice exam in that amount of time, you need to change the way you are testing to be more efficient and quicker.
If you have testing accommodations that have been approved through your state’s nursing review board (NRB), ensure that you match your accommodations with the time you give yourself to test.
How do I remediate my exam?
Review your report. What did you miss? Was there an area you missed more than others?
Create a study plan associated with those weak areas and review it.
This step is where it becomes invaluable to use a quality review program like Slone NCLEX. When you take an exam to test your readiness, prep programs like this one provide detailed feedback and rationales for your questions. This will help you not only understand the content you missed but also help you fill knowledge gaps in areas where you’re struggling.
By identifying your struggles, you can formulate more questions to enhance your understanding.
Use a platform that provides feedback on your performance, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.
Remediate it until you get it (and until you feel comfortable with the information).
Why should I even do it?
Have you ever heard the saying; you invest in what you value? That is why you should do it. You value your success. You value becoming a registered nurse.
You must put the value and the time into preparing for the NCLEX®. You have worked so hard to graduate from nursing school, this is the last part of this journey. Value yourself and invest in it!
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, designing your own NCLEX® practice test gives you the opportunity to tailor questions to reflect your unique strengths and weaknesses in nursing knowledge and skills. By identifying specific topics or concepts where you feel less confident, you can create a focused study session that targets these areas. This personalized approach not only helps you engage more deeply with the material but also enhances retention and understanding. As a result, you can effectively track your progress over time and adjust your study strategy accordingly. In contrast to using generic practice tests, which may not address your individual learning needs, a custom exam can significantly increase your chances of success on exam day.
[post_title] => Crafting Your Own NCLEX® Practice Test
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => crafting-your-own-nclex-practice-test
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2024-12-27 21:52:00
[post_modified_gmt] => 2024-12-27 21:52:00
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://nclex-review.com/?p=882
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[1] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 869
[post_author] => 11
[post_date] => 2025-01-22 06:45:05
[post_date_gmt] => 2025-01-22 06:45:05
[post_content] =>
NCLEX® test questions are supposed to prepare new-graduate nurses for a career caring for patients. Safely.
But to pass the exam on your first try, you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of what’s involved in the Next-Gen NCLEX®.
Keep study materials handy, test questions at the ready, and zero in on the new question item types presented through NGN.
NCLEX® test questions are meant to prepare student nurses for the full-fledged nursing workforce, and with the implementation of the Next-Gen NCLEX® (NGN), practice is as important as ever.You know the drill by now — take 200 to 400 practice questions per day, of varying item types, and aim to take the exam itself as soon as possible after graduation. And until exam day? Keep those study materials handy, the NCLEX® test questions at the ready, and zero in on the new question item types presented through NGN.
Why Focus on Next-Gen NCLEX® Test Questions?
The NGN was introduced less than two years ago, adding new components to the already information-laden exam. In addition to the clinical judgment model, it brings in several new question item types, including:
Bowtie
Select N
Multiple response group
Highlight questions (including highlight test and highlight table)
A Journal of Nursing Education study published last April found that less than one-third of surveyed students were confident answering NGN questions and scored lower on the NGN’s bowtie or SATA styles. The authors suggested that, based on their results, “faculty should incorporate these item types into classroom activities or course assignments.”If you’re not in a position where NGN questions being incorporated into classroom curriculum will help, be vocal in your study group or in online study forums about reinforcing those question types. Maybe even devote a certain number of NCLEX® test question practice hours to NGN question item types and the clinical judgment model.
How to Study NCLEX® Test Questions
Creating a multi-pronged approach to studying NCLEX® test questions can also lead you to a passing score. Another study, also published last April in Teaching and Learning in Nursing, concluded that incorporating computer-assisted quizzing into nursing curriculum “can contribute to student success on standardized examinations.” Having the ability to take tests in the same manner as the NCLEX® could also help students prepare for NCLEX® test questions and gain a better understanding of how to approach them on exam day.If you’re studying NCLEX® test questions before you’ve graduated, consider asking a professor if there’s a way they can add computer-assisted quizzing to their course. Or at least send you in the direction of an NCLEX® study group that uses that study style as part of its methods. But don’t discount the importance of writing NCLEX® test questions and answers out by hand. The repetitiveness of doing so can help you better absorb the information. And used alongside study groups, computer-assisted quizzing, and prep programs like Slone NCLEX, it could give you an extra boost of confidence and know-how on exam day.
The Bottom Line
NCLEX® test questions are meant to test your ability to practice safely as a new nurse. The Next-Gen NCLEX® and its related additions only serve to reinforce that goal. Practicing regularly and using several methods to do so, will give you the best chance to pass the exam on the first try and start serving patients right away.
It’s easy to caught up in how to approach NCLEX® test prep, but we want to remind you of what not to do as well.
Don’t let distractions get in the way of your study time, and don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.
Not using an NCLEX® test prep program like Slone NCLEX is also something to avoid.
We talk a lot about what to do to prepare for the NCLEX®, but with every positive there is a negative. The same can be said about NCLEX® preparation — There are tactics you should avoid in your NCLEX® test prep.
NCLEX® Test Prep Pitfalls
Here is a list of all the things you should remember (not to do!) heading into exam day:
Doing nothing will not help you!
There’s a rumor that if you passed nursing school, you don’t need to do anything to prep for the NCLEX®. This is a lie. Sure, there are people who have been able to take the exam without preparing, but they aren’t always successful. It is not worth the risk. Make an NCLEX® test prep study plan and stick to it.
Slacking off = lackluster results.
Once you’ve graduated from nursing school, it's so easy to feel like you are done and can take a break. But that’s a TRAP you must avoid. After nursing school is when you should be working overtime. You have one focus and that is to pass the NCLEX®.
Not using a prep program is a recipe for disaster.
There is a LOT of talk about not needing to use an NCLEX® Test Prep program. People are often falsely confident, then take the exam and don’t pass. Set yourself up for success and use a program like Slone NCLEX® that can provide a structured, detailed, and focused NCLEX® review.
Being distracted = being unprepared.
Oof, this is a tough one. Once you’re done with nursing school, you so badly want to just take a break. But you must be disciplined and maintain focus on taking and passing the NCLEX®. You need distraction-free time to focus. So keep those library dates. Continue to utilize day care. Whatever ways you created distraction-free study time in nursing school should continue until AFTER you have taken and passed the NCLEX®.
Don't cram! Don’t wait until the last minute
This one is so important. Last-minute studying leads to information overload and poor retention. You should begin your NCLEX® Test Prep during your final semester of nursing school and prepare every day until you sit for the exam.
Take 200-400 questions per day. Make sure those questions cover a variety of topics and are presented in a variety of ways.
Don’t rush.
Rushing through practice questions leads to rushing through the actual exam, which leads to careless mistakes. Take the time to read the questions thoroughly and give yourself time to really understand the rationales and why something is right and why something is wrong. Don't assume you know the answer without thoroughly reading the question and ALL of the answer options.
Don’t pinpoint your focus and lose the big picture. Diversity is key
The NCLEX® includes a variety of item types. Remember, in 2023 the NCLEX® underwent a major update and added a variety of new item types in addition to the traditional item types. Finding a test prep program, like Slone NCLEX, that offers a solid variety of item types and topics will set you up for success on test day.
NCLEX® is administered through computer-adaptive testing, meaning it will give you more questions on areas you’re weaker in, so present a well-rounded and comprehensive approach.
Don’t become lost in the specialties or facility-specific practices
Prioritize your studying by focusing on entry-level nursing knowledge that aligns with the NCLEX® blueprint.
Remember the NCLEX® tests you over perfect-world nursing with all resources available. So don’t answer questions based off what you see at your facilities. Keep your answers to the exam’s standard.
Neglecting your self = neglecting your success.
This is easier said than done. You need to make sure you are eating, but more importantly, that the food you are eating is healthy, feeds your brain, and helps you focus. Foods such as berries, nuts, leafy greens, eggs, dark chocolate (yes, chocolate), avocados, and even coffee (before noon) are proven to help boost brain activity and improve focus. Additionally, you have to sleep! I know that can be a challenge, but it is evidenced-based in study after study that your brain needs rest, and you need to sleep! So, make sure that when you are creating a study plan, sleeping and a balanced diet are part of it.
Ignore your weaknesses = ignoring opportunities.
There is no bigger lie than the one you tell yourself. You know you are weak in some areas of nursing and that there were areas in nursing school you really struggled through. Make sure you give yourself extra time to review those areas.
Taking a readiness exam like the one we have on Slone NCLEX will help you identify your knowledge gaps and provide a focused and targeted review to help you improve those areas.
The Bottom Line
Avoiding these things in your NCLEX® test prep will help you pass the exam with flying colors. Only you can take your NCLEX® exam, so give it the attention it deserves. You have worked too long and too hard getting to this point to not give it your all and avoid these basic sink holes. You can do this. You just need to set yourself up for success and not failure.
Creating your own NCLEX® practice test is one more way to enhance your knowledge heading into exam day.
Practice tests should have 165 questions —the same amount you could have on the NCLEX® itself.
Quality review programs like Slone NCLEX® can help you remediate your exam.
Can I just do practice questions? Do I even need to make a test? What’s the best way to craft my own NCLEX® Practice Test? What should I include? How many questions should it be? Should I time myself? How do I remediate my exam? Why should I even do it?There are so many questions, all important and valid, but also completely overwhelming. Let’s break them down and answer each one so that by the time you are done reading this, you will be able to craft your own NCLEX® practice test.
Can I just do questions? Do I even need to make a test?
You need to make a test! You want to duplicate the process of what your NCLEX® exam day will be like, and making your own exam will help you do that.
Being familiar with the format and content of your practice questions can help reduce test anxiety on exam day.
What is the best way to craft my own NCLEX® Practice Test?
The best way to craft your exam is to reference the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX-RN® Test Plan and incorporate a variety of item topics and item types.
What should I include?
To create an effective NCLEX® practice test, you should include a diverse range of nursing content and prioritize various question types, including traditional item types and the new next-generation item types.
Each question should include detailed rationales for the answers.
Aim to mimic the NCLEX® format by varying the difficulty levels.
Consider using a question bank or study guide as a reference to ensure comprehensive coverage of key concepts.
Incorporate real-life scenarios and critical thinking challenges to enhance the learning experience.
How many questions should it be?
Aim to have 165 questions on your practice test. This matches the maximum number of questions you could have on the NCLEX®.
Should I time myself?
Yes! You are timed in the NCLEX-RN® exam so the best way to prepare for that is to time yourself. Set your timer to five hours, and if you cannot complete your practice exam in that amount of time, you need to change the way you are testing to be more efficient and quicker.
If you have testing accommodations that have been approved through your state’s nursing review board (NRB), ensure that you match your accommodations with the time you give yourself to test.
How do I remediate my exam?
Review your report. What did you miss? Was there an area you missed more than others?
Create a study plan associated with those weak areas and review it.
This step is where it becomes invaluable to use a quality review program like Slone NCLEX. When you take an exam to test your readiness, prep programs like this one provide detailed feedback and rationales for your questions. This will help you not only understand the content you missed but also help you fill knowledge gaps in areas where you’re struggling.
By identifying your struggles, you can formulate more questions to enhance your understanding.
Use a platform that provides feedback on your performance, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.
Remediate it until you get it (and until you feel comfortable with the information).
Why should I even do it?
Have you ever heard the saying; you invest in what you value? That is why you should do it. You value your success. You value becoming a registered nurse.
You must put the value and the time into preparing for the NCLEX®. You have worked so hard to graduate from nursing school, this is the last part of this journey. Value yourself and invest in it!
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, designing your own NCLEX® practice test gives you the opportunity to tailor questions to reflect your unique strengths and weaknesses in nursing knowledge and skills. By identifying specific topics or concepts where you feel less confident, you can create a focused study session that targets these areas. This personalized approach not only helps you engage more deeply with the material but also enhances retention and understanding. As a result, you can effectively track your progress over time and adjust your study strategy accordingly. In contrast to using generic practice tests, which may not address your individual learning needs, a custom exam can significantly increase your chances of success on exam day.
[post_title] => Crafting Your Own NCLEX® Practice Test
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => crafting-your-own-nclex-practice-test
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2024-12-27 21:52:00
[post_modified_gmt] => 2024-12-27 21:52:00
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://nclex-review.com/?p=882
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[comment_count] => 0
[current_comment] => -1
[found_posts] => 43
[max_num_pages] => 15
[max_num_comment_pages] => 0
[is_single] =>
[is_preview] =>
[is_page] =>
[is_archive] =>
[is_date] =>
[is_year] =>
[is_month] =>
[is_day] =>
[is_time] =>
[is_author] =>
[is_category] =>
[is_tag] =>
[is_tax] =>
[is_search] =>
[is_feed] =>
[is_comment_feed] =>
[is_trackback] =>
[is_home] => 1
[is_privacy_policy] =>
[is_404] =>
[is_embed] =>
[is_paged] => 1
[is_admin] =>
[is_attachment] =>
[is_singular] =>
[is_robots] =>
[is_favicon] =>
[is_posts_page] => 1
[is_post_type_archive] =>
[query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => 40ae388b830d9b0833bf7a01cdcc2007
[query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] =>
[thumbnails_cached] =>
[allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] =>
[stopwords:WP_Query:private] =>
[compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array
(
[0] => query_vars_hash
[1] => query_vars_changed
)
[compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array
(
[0] => init_query_flags
[1] => parse_tax_query
)
)
