Nurse JG: How I nailed the NCLEX on my first attempt: Secret Revealed

By now, you might have read several chapters of an NCLEX review book, answered hundreds of practice questions, or searched “Tips on how to pass the NCLEX” in google. Oh well, I did the same (haha!). Of course, we would like to pass the NCLEX on our first try. We’ve waited for so long and spent hundreds of dollars for our NCLEX application. We do not want to do it again, right?

As I was once on the same spot where you are now, I know very well how stressful it is. If I think about those sleepless days, hooo! I’m glad I’m done! If you ask what I did to pass the NCLEX on my first try, I gladly like to share it to you, frenny.

Knowing the NCLEX structure was the first thing that I did--- the topics to be covered and the types of questions that I’ll be answering. Nursing is too broad, frenny. We just need to study what are expected to come out in the exam. Like any other tests in school, we need to focus on the "pointers to review" given by our instructor. My reference was the introductory part of Saunders Q&A NCLEX review book. But for you, I recommend you to check the test plan at the NCSBN website as it is being updated every three years. To do so, go to:

I also took time to research on how the exam is being administered. NCLEX is far different from our local board exam, frenny. It’s not a pen and paper exam where we need to shade the circle of what we think is the correct answer. NCLEX is computer-based. They call it “Computer Adaptive Exam”. To simplify what this means, basically, the computer estimates our ability while we answer every question. When the question was answered correctly, the succeeding question will be slightly more difficult and this will continue until we submit an incorrect answer. With an incorrect answer, the succeeding question will be slightly less difficult. The computer will stop giving questions when it is 95% certain that our nursing ability is clearly below or above the passing standard. We are required to answer a minimum of 75 questions up to a maximum of 265 questions. The exam will also end if we reached the maximum number of questions or have consumed the alloted testing hours (6 hours). I took time to read these information so I know what to expect. I do not like “gulat moments” on an exam that can possibly change my life (haha!). I know, you too! There’s a lot of resources online. Take time to read them, frenny.

With regard to my review sessions, it was in 2011 (just after I got my Philippine Registered Nurse license) when I began reading NCLEX questions and answers. Even if I was not so sure when will I take the exam, I kept on doing so because I already set my mind that I’ll take it, just when the time is right. I took it easy though. I just read when I feel like doing it. No pressure at all.

My serious review sessions started when I began my NCLEX application in October 2014. I did not enroll in a review class. It costs a lot, frenny. I did self-review instead. I work on a night shift, so I did my review sessions at daytime. I spent around 3-4 hours a day answering NCLEX test questions at home using Saunders Q&A NCLEX review book. I always had a timer with me since the actual NCLEX exam is time-pressured. As I mentioned earlier, the number of test questions can be anywhere between 75 and 265, and we are only given 6 hours to complete the exam. This includes a short tutorial, two pre-programmed optional breaks and any unscheduled breaks if you need to. I trained myself to answer each question in 1-2 minutes because I can't really tell when will my computer stop in giving questions. I might reach the maximum so I'd better be ready.

At work, I had with me Ray A. Gapuz’s “The ABC’S of Passing Foreign Nursing Exams” because it is more handy than Saunders. I used to go to work 2 hours before my shift and read this book at the pantry. During break time (I happen to have 1.5 hours break), I used to answer questions being sent by my aunt through Facebook messenger. Yes, I have a very supportive aunt who patiently sent questions to me every day. Virtual review with my aunt was really helpful. (Hi Tita Liz, love you!) I also downloaded NCLEX review applications online which I used to answer when I was bored (I downloaded a lot, haha!).

Most of my weekends were dedicated for full time review. But ooops! I did hang outs too. I went for dates and out-of-town trips. I hope you too, frenny! No matter how pressured you are, find time to relax and enjoy. And one important thing that I did, I kept on reading without memorizing anything. It would be a mind-overload if I did that. What I ensured was, I understand the question, the answer and the rationale behind. That’s enough for me.

Three months before my exam, my aunt enrolled me to an online review with NCSBN Learning Extension (Hi Tita Len, thank you!). The course was developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Frenny, NCSBN develops the NCLEX exam. Don’t you think it is reasonable to enroll in a review session developed by them? Your answer should be a big YES!

Take note of this, frenny. I did not finish the course. I do not know if I read half of it even. But mind you, MOST of the test questions that I had on my actual NCLEX exam were there. When I encountered questions that I read in NCSBN Learning Extension, my eyes were smiling. My ears were clapping. I was overjoyed. When I encountered questions that I do not know, I regret not to finish the course. They must have been there.

Frenny, my deepest advice, from the bottom of my heart, invest with NCSBN Learning Extension. You already spent a lot with the application process. It must not be wasted. If I can say “Please enroll there.”, I will. This is not a written advertisement of NCSBN Learning Extension. I am no way connected to them (haha!). I just want to share what helped me most to Filipino nurses who have the same dream as mine. I look forward to your success too, my frennies!

And frenny, let us not forget to ask for help from above. No matter how we prepare for the exam, if it’s not His will, we will not make it. As for me, I did devotional prayers every day, for years. That’s how desperate I was to take and pass the NCLEX. And it’s really true, that when you ask from the heart, He will not fail you.