Attend class regularly to retain as much information as possible and take as many practice tests as you can to get used to the way that questions are phrased and grouped. Study for short periods of time in an environment in which you are unlikely to be distracted or disturbed. The material you will be tested on is complex. For example, you will need to know the components of the cardiovascular system, so make and use such study aids as flashcards, medical mnemonics, outlines and summary sheets.
Clear your mind of negative thoughts and maintain a positive attitude throughout the test. Nursing is a career that requires a clear head and good judgment which you can develop by learning and practicing relaxation techniques to battle anxiety and heighten your focus. Always over prepare for tests. Being over prepared will help you become confident in the subject matter.
Get a good night's sleep before the test. Eat a balanced meal before your test begins and, if possible, bring high-energy snacks to keep you going during long tests. Arrive at the testing site early to give yourself time to relax before the test. Check that you brought the necessary tools, such as pencils, paper, calculator and drug formula data books. Also check that you have forms of identification, such as a driver's license, military ID or passport, and a confirmation letter from the testing center.
Follow the guidelines suggested by the examination company to make full use of the allotted time. Schedule checkpoints for yourself at regular intervals during the test to help you stay to your schedule. The NCLEX exam, for example, is five hours with two 10 minutes breaks. Establish hourly checkpoints to help you decide if you are moving at a pace that will allow you to finish the exam within the time provided.
Read through all of the questions at the start of the test to identify questions you can answer quickly and any that may cause you trouble. Return to the beginning and start the test, re-reading each question. Read every line of every question and identify the key words to determine what the question is asking. Anticipate the answer before looking through the choices offered. Complete easy questions first and flag more difficult questions, such as those requiring the use of formulas for drug calculation, to return to later.
Answer every question and do not leave any unanswered. Use common sense, logic and deductive reasoning to form an educated guess for any questions to which you do not know the answer. However, don't over think the questions. Your first guess is often the best guess. Avoid choosing an answer because you are not familiar with it. The terminology for anatomy, chemistry and pharmacology can be tricky, so learn any terms that you may be tested on.