Do not postpone your study session until the night before the exam. You should start preparing months before the exam date arrives. Form a study group where you and others can meet at least once a week to review the material that may show up on the test. You want to ensure you have gone over everything at least once so nothing catches you off guard on the examination.
Take advantage of practice tests. Either buy or borrow the latest NCLEX preparation guide. During your study group sessions, you can swap answers after you have completed the practice tests. There are many free practice tests available online. Taking various styles and formats of the tests will expose any areas where you are weak. You can then improve upon those areas. The more familiar you are with the material, the more comfortable you will be on the day of the exam.
Get plenty of rest the night before. Relax and try not to worry about the exam. Watch a movie, or have dinner with friends. It is best not to overthink about the test or try to cram in more studying. Stay calm when the day arrives, eat breakfast and arrive early. Think positively, because you have been preparing for months now; you know the material and you will pass.
The NCLEX exam consists of 265 multiple-choice questions. The final is completed on a computer using the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) system. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the test covers the following categories: safe, effective care environment; health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity; and physiological integrity. You have five hours to complete the exam. After you have completed a minimum of 75 questions, the computer will determine your competence level. If you are above the passing standard you will likely pass, but if you are below you will fail. If you are close to the passing standard, you will continue to answer the questions until a definitive result can be determined by the CAT system. Answer as many questions as possible. If you are unsure of an answer, make an educated guess. Do not leave questions blank.