Test Taking Strategies for Nursing Students

Young adults 18–24 · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do nursing students need before starting a test?

Before sitting down for a nursing exam, gather all necessary materials and prepare your mindset to maximize success. Bring required items such as pencils, erasers, a watch or timer, and any allowed calculators or notes. Have your student ID and any exam admission paperwork ready. Arriving early lets you settle in and avoid rushing, which can increase stress. Take a few deep breaths or practice mindfulness to calm nerves and focus.

Aside from physical preparation, review key nursing concepts and practice NCLEX-style questions ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the exam format. For example, if you have a test on pharmacology, review medication categories and common side effects. If your test includes patient care scenarios, practice prioritization and safety questions. Preparing mentally by visualizing yourself successfully completing the test can also boost confidence.

Create a quiet, clutter-free study space for the days leading up to your exam to build a focused study habit. Avoid cramming the night before; instead, review summaries and rest well. A good night’s sleep improves memory recall and concentration. On test day, eat a balanced meal to maintain energy and avoid sugary snacks that cause crashes. Lastly, bring a water bottle if allowed to stay hydrated, which keeps your brain alert.

What are the step-by-step test taking strategies nursing students should follow?

1. Read the instructions carefully Start by reading all instructions slowly and completely. Know if you must answer every question or if there’s a penalty for wrong answers. For example, some tests allow skipping questions; others may be adaptive like the NCLEX. Knowing this helps avoid mistakes like leaving questions blank unintentionally or spending too much time on one section.

1. Preview the entire test Flip through the test quickly to gauge question types and difficulty. This preview helps you plan your time and mentally prepare for tougher questions later. For instance, if there are 50 questions and you have 90 minutes, you know you can spend about 1.8 minutes per question.

1. Answer easier questions first Begin with questions you know well to build confidence and secure points. If a question seems hard or confusing, mark it and move on. For example, if you recognize a question about vital signs immediately, answer it and save a complex medication dosage question for later.

1. Use the process of elimination For multiple-choice questions, cross out answers that are obviously incorrect. Even if you don’t know the right answer outright, narrowing choices increases your odds. In NCLEX scenarios, sometimes two answers seem correct, but one is safer or more effective—eliminate options that violate safety principles or nursing priorities.

1. Manage your time effectively Keep track of time with a watch or clock. If you get stuck on a difficult question, move on to avoid wasting time. Plan to return to marked questions if time allows. For example, if you have 60 minutes for 40 questions, aim to spend no more than 1.5 minutes per question and reserve 10 minutes at the end for review.

1. Focus on keywords and details Look for words like “first,” “best,” “most appropriate,” or “except.” These indicate what the question really wants. For example, a question asking, “What is the first action a nurse should take for a patient with chest pain?” requires you to pick the initial step, such as assessing airway or calling for help.

1. Apply clinical reasoning for scenario questions Many nursing questions present patient situations requiring judgment beyond memorization. Use the nursing process—assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate—to analyze these. If a patient has difficulty breathing, your priority is ensuring airway and oxygenation before addressing other concerns. Think about patient safety, legal responsibilities, and ethical principles when choosing answers.

1. Review your answers if time permits If you finish early, spend time going back over flagged or uncertain questions. Check for careless mistakes, misread instructions, or better answer options. Don’t change answers unless you find clear evidence you made an error, as first instincts are often correct.

How can nursing students tell if these strategies worked?

Success isn’t just about the final test score but also how you feel during and after the exam. If you notice feeling calmer, more focused, and less overwhelmed during tests, that signals progress. Improved scores on practice questions and exams demonstrate the effectiveness of your approach. For example, if you used to run out of time but now complete tests comfortably, your time management strategy is working.

After the test, review your performance by identifying questions you answered confidently versus those you struggled with. Reflect on whether you followed your plan, like skipping hard questions and returning later, or if you got stuck. Did you use elimination methods effectively? Were you able to pick out keywords that guided your choices? Tracking these points helps you refine your strategies for next time.

Confidence gained from consistent practice also shows your strategies are impactful. You may find you worry less about tricky question types like “select all that apply” or prioritization scenarios because you have a systematic way to approach them. If you still feel anxious or confused, adjust your preparation and consider seeking support from instructors or peers.

What should nursing students do if their test taking strategy isn’t working?

If you find a strategy isn’t helping, it’s time to troubleshoot. For example, if you run out of time frequently, try timing yourself during practice tests and cutting down time spent on harder questions. If anxiety causes distraction, incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or guided imagery before and during testing. Saying something like, “I am prepared and can handle this,” can help reset your mindset.

When stuck on questions, avoid fixating. Mark it and move on to maintain momentum. After the test, analyze where your approach faltered. Did you misread instructions? Were you unsure how to prioritize answers? Use this insight to focus your study sessions. For example, if prioritization questions confuse you, practice identifying patient needs using simple rules like ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).

If stress or anxiety feels overwhelming, talk to a counselor, trusted adult, or use resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988). Study groups and peer discussions can also provide encouragement and different perspectives to improve your approach.

How can nursing test strategies be adapted for the NCLEX?

The NCLEX uses adaptive testing and focuses heavily on clinical judgment and patient safety. Practice with NCLEX-style questions regularly to get comfortable with the unique format. Pay special attention to “select all that apply” questions by evaluating each answer option independently rather than guessing based on patterns.

Use prioritization frameworks like the ABC rule or Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to answer scenario questions. For example, a patient with compromised airway takes priority over one with pain. The NCLEX also tests delegation and legal/ethical issues, so review those topics thoroughly.

Because the NCLEX can vary in length, pacing is crucial. Practice taking timed quizzes that mimic the NCLEX’s adaptive style to improve stamina and time management. Review rationales for every question, focusing on why wrong answers are incorrect to sharpen critical thinking.

How can young adult nursing students adjust these strategies for their first exams?

Young adults new to nursing exams should start by building a study routine that balances study and self-care. Break study sessions into short, focused chunks with breaks to avoid burnout. Use a planner or app to schedule topics and practice questions. For example, dedicate Monday to medication review, Tuesday to patient care scenarios, and so on.

Incorporate active learning like teaching concepts out loud or creating flashcards. Explaining material helps retention and confidence. Practice relaxation techniques like stretching or meditation to reduce test anxiety. Aim for consistent sleep schedules and nutritious meals to support brain function.

During tests, remind yourself to breathe slowly and take one question at a time. Use positive self-talk such as, “I’ve prepared, and I can do this.” Reach out to instructors or peers for help when concepts are unclear. Remember, test-taking skills improve with practice, so be patient and celebrate progress.

What additional resources can help nursing students improve test taking?

Many nursing students find value in supplemental study materials such as NCLEX review books, online question banks, and video tutorials that explain difficult concepts. Creating or joining a study group helps with motivation and understanding different perspectives. Apps designed for nursing students allow quick quizzes on the go, reinforcing learning throughout the day.

Flashcards are excellent for memorizing medication names, lab values, and nursing procedures. Use spaced repetition techniques to review cards regularly for better retention. Watching videos on nursing procedures or patient scenarios can clarify complex topics.

In addition, explore general test-taking strategy resources to improve focus, time management, and reduce anxiety. Articles like Effective Test Taking Strategies for Students of All Ages and Study Tips and Note Taking Strategies provide foundational techniques that complement nursing-specific preparation.

Frequently asked questions

How should I handle “select all that apply” questions on nursing tests?

Treat each option as a separate true/false statement. Carefully evaluate each answer on its own merit rather than trying to find a pattern. Cross out clearly incorrect options and base your selections on nursing knowledge. These questions test detailed understanding, so take your time and avoid guessing multiple answers blindly.

What’s the best way to deal with test anxiety during nursing exams?

Preparation builds confidence, which reduces anxiety. Before the exam, practice deep breathing, positive visualization, or mindfulness exercises. During the test, if anxiety peaks, pause, breathe deeply, and focus on one question at a time. Afterward, talk to a trusted adult or counselor if feelings overwhelm you. Support resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) are available anytime.

Can I use my phone calculator during nursing exams?

This depends on your specific exam rules. Many nursing tests do not allow phone use during testing to prevent distractions or cheating. Check with your instructor or testing center beforehand. If calculators are allowed, bring a basic, silent calculator to avoid issues.

How can I improve time management on long nursing tests?

Divide your total test time by the number of questions to establish a per-question time limit. Use a watch or timer to monitor your pace. Answer easier questions quickly, mark difficult ones to revisit, and avoid spending too long on any single question. Practice timed quizzes to build pacing skills ahead of the exam.

What should I do if I don’t know the answer to a question?

Use the process of elimination to narrow down choices. If guessing is allowed, make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank. Mark the question and return if time permits. Avoid getting stuck; moving on keeps your momentum and prevents wasting time on one question.