Top 10 Tips to Pass the NCLEX Exams in 2025

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the final gateway that nursing students must pass through to become licensed professionals. Whether you’re taking the NCLEX-RN to become a Registered Nurse or the NCLEX-PN for Practical Nursing, this test is designed to assess your ability to apply nursing knowledge and think critically in real-world scenarios.

Passing the NCLEX on your first attempt is entirely achievable—but it requires focused preparation, effective study strategies, and the right mindset. This comprehensive guide offers ten detailed tips to help you confidently prepare for and pass the NCLEX exams.

10 Tips to Pass the NCLEX Exams in 2025

Tip 1: Understand the NCLEX Format and Blueprint

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is diving into preparation without fully understanding what the NCLEX entails.

The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), which means:

The difficulty of questions adjusts based on your responses.
You won’t get the same number of questions as everyone else. The exam can stop between 75 and 145 questions for the NCLEX-RN, and between 85 and 150 for the NCLEX-PN.

The content is divided into four major categories:

Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity

Each category has subcategories with specific focus areas. To guide your study:

Download the official NCLEX test plan from NCSBN.org
Familiarize yourself with how each section is weighted.

Understanding the blueprint ensures that you study intentionally and don’t waste time on low-yield topics.

Tip 2: Create a Realistic Study Schedule

A solid study plan is essential. Without one, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or fall behind.

Steps to Create a Study Schedule:

Assess how much time you have before your exam.
Break the NCLEX content into manageable sections.
Allocate specific days to focus on different systems (e.g., Week 1: Pharmacology, Week 2: Cardiovascular, etc.)
Include time for practice tests and review.
Don’t forget to schedule rest days to prevent burnout.

Stick to your plan consistently, and track your progress weekly. Flexibility is important—if you fall behind, adjust the plan rather than cramming.

Tip 3: Use Trusted NCLEX Prep Resources

Not all resources are created equal. Use only trusted materials known to reflect the NCLEX format.

Recommended Resources:

UWorld: Offers realistic questions with in-depth rationales.
Kaplan: Known for its test-taking strategies and diagnostic assessments.
Nursing.com: Great for visual learners with video-based lessons.
Saunders Comprehensive NCLEX Review: Ideal for thorough content review.
Archer Review: Affordable and good for question practice.

Choose two to three resources that suit your learning style and stick with them. Don’t overwhelm yourself by jumping between too many tools.

10 Tips to Pass the NCLEX Exams in 2025

Tip 4: Practice Questions Every Day

NCLEX success hinges on your ability to answer questions effectively. The more you practice, the better you become at recognizing question patterns.

Best Practices for Daily Practice:

Aim for 50–75 questions daily, increasing to 100 closer to the test.
Always review rationales, not just right answers.
Identify your weak areas and revisit the relevant content.
Prioritize Select All That Apply (SATA) questions—they’re common and tricky.

Consistency builds your confidence and helps sharpen your clinical reasoning.

Tip 5: Focus on High-Yield Topics

While the NCLEX can test a wide range of topics, some areas appear more frequently than others.

High-Yield Topics to Prioritize:

Pharmacology: Know common drugs, side effects, and interactions.
Safety & Infection Control: Precautions, PPE, and patient safety.
Delegation & Prioritization: Who to assign tasks to and in what order.
Maternity & Pediatric Nursing: Especially newborn care and developmental milestones.
Mental Health: Therapeutic communication techniques.

Create flashcards, summary sheets, or cheat charts for these topics and revise them regularly.

Tip 6: Master Test-Taking Strategies

You might know the content, but failing to apply effective strategies can lead to wrong answers.

Key Strategies:

Use the process of elimination to rule out obviously wrong answers.
Apply the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) in prioritization questions.
Use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to identify patient priorities.
Follow the nursing process (ADPIE): Assessment comes before implementation.
Don’t overthink. Read the question carefully and avoid adding assumptions.

Practice these strategies until they become second nature.

10 Tips to Pass the NCLEX Exams in 2025

Tip 7: Take Full-Length Practice Exams

Simulating the actual exam helps you build stamina and understand the pacing.

How to Use Full-Length Exams:

Take at least 2–3 full practice exams before the real one.
Treat it like test day—time yourself and minimize distractions.
Analyze your performance afterward. Identify patterns in your mistakes.

This builds confidence and reduces anxiety about exam conditions.

Tip 8: Join a Study Group or Online Forum

Studying alone can be isolating. Being part of a group boosts motivation and accountability.

Benefits of Study Groups:

Share resources and insights.
Explain complex topics to one another.
Stay motivated through peer support.
Ask and answer practice questions.

Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or WhatsApp communities focused on NCLEX prep. Just ensure the group is constructive and focused.

Tip 9: Take Care of Your Health

Mental and physical wellness is often overlooked—but it’s crucial.

Health Tips:

Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours per night.
Nutrition: Eat brain-fueling foods like fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
Exercise: Helps reduce stress and improve focus.
Mindfulness: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.

Avoid caffeine overload and late-night cramming. A well-rested brain performs far better.

Tip 10: Trust Your Preparation and Stay Positive

By the time exam day arrives, your mindset plays a big role.

Final Reminders:

Believe in yourself—you’ve done the work.
Use positive affirmations: “I am prepared,” “I can do this.”
Don’t second-guess yourself—your first instinct is usually correct.
Visualize success and stay calm, even if you get difficult questions.

The NCLEX is designed to challenge you—but you are ready to meet that challenge.

10 Tips to Pass the NCLEX Exams in 2025

Conclusion

Passing the NCLEX may seem daunting, but with smart preparation, the right resources, and a healthy mindset, it’s completely within reach. Use these ten tips as your roadmap and commit to the journey ahead. The nursing profession is calling, and this exam is your final step.

Stay focused, stay confident, and go claim your license.