Toward the end of your nursing course and after years of theories and application, there is one question you have to ask yourself: Are you ready for the NCLEX? The NCLEX is the ultimate test that you have to pass in order to determine if you are indeed prepared to practice entry-level nursing.

Are You Eligible to Take the NCLEX?

Even though you have been preparing for NCLEX since the first day you entered school to study nursing, you will probably need months to review everything you learned and applied.

Before you sit down and hit the books, make sure you’ve accomplished the following before examination day:

• Apply for a nursing license from your state board of nursing. Your state board will decide if you meet all criteria to be eligible to take the NCLEX.

• You will then receive an NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin in the mail or you can download it from the website.

• Register with the testing service of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (Pearson Vue) over the telephone or by filling out the mailed registration form. You can also register online.

• After the state board has confirmed thet you’re qualified, which usually happens after you graduate, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), and a list of testing centers and instructions on how to schedule an appointment to take the examination. Again, this can be done online or offline.

• Schedule your test date and pay the examination fee.

Once you’re done with all the paperwork, you can resume the grueling task of preparing yourself for the actual test.

Ways to be Ready for the NCLEX

There are several ways to prepare for the NCLEX. You can use the conventional method of reviewing you own notes and manuals. You can join a study group, review class or program course with your school’s nursing department and instructors. You can go online, get tips and answer practice tests. You can use different audio-visual tools and software to aid you with your review.

• Conventional Method – You can rely on your own resources, your personal reviewer, notes and textbooks.

• Study Group – NCLEX preparation classes are offered toward the end of your nursing curriculum. You can also attend an NCLEX review class to refresh your memory. You can have a study group or partner if you find studying on your own to be too monotonous and unproductive. You can consult with your nursing department and instructors for guides that can help you prepare for the test. Some professors offer private tutoring. You can get a test mentor who uses current test preparation materials.

• Internet - You can use online reviewers with useful pointers and sample test questions with complete and enlightening answers. You can use online practice tests. Most materials on the Net are free, but more comprehensive guides are sold at reasonable prices.

• Audio-visual Tools – You can utilize test preparation software and traditional flashcards to help you in your review.

The method of reviewing is up to you. Prepare. Apply useful tips. Focus on your studies. Be optimistic. When D-day arrives, you can answer the question, “Are you ready for the NCLEX?” with a positive “Yes!”