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With proper planning you can pass the NCLEX exam the first time. There are many students that pass the test on their initial attempt. With some thought about how you study, you can too! Only 87.1% of United States educated students and 47.4% of students educated abroad passed the NCLEX in the first quarter of 2008. this figure dropped 2% and 10% for United States and internationally educated students compared to the first quarter of 2007 according to the NCSBN. An initial review of this statistic could be a bit disheartening, but when reviewing the numbers as a whole they are compelling. Here are some interesting facts.

United States Educated Students- First Time NCLEX TestTakers 2007:

First Quarter- 26,923 Candidates 89.1% % Pass Rate

Second Quarter- 31,379 Candidates 87.6% Pass Rate

Third Quarter- 51,428 Candidates 83.5% Pass Rate

Forth Quarter- 9.849 Candidates 78.6% Pass Rate

The passing rates vary significantly form one quarter to the others. Does the test taken vary that much from one quarter to the next? It is not likely that the NCSBN is making changes that will cause such a significant flux. The amount of students taking the exam does not appear to be a factor either, as the highest and lowest pass rates are during periods where there are the most and least number of candidates.

The only significance we may be able to draw from this is that it is possible that the students sitting for the test during the first and second quarters were full time students and they took their tests as the class was completed. An amazingfact which is not mentioned above is that in 2007, on average students with a high school diploma passed at 87.9% ; baccalaureate degreed students 86.4%; and associate degreed students at 84.8%. Amazingly, students with a mere diploma were able to perform better on the exam.

The most likely reason for this is that they have fewer responsibilities, and they have more time to study. Students with fewer responsibilities are better able to concentrate on what they have learned, opposed to their counter parts, who must concentrate on the needs of their children and their careers.

It is difficult to make the time to learn for the NCLEX Exam with such responsibilities It is necessary to schedule your time. If you haven't started nursing classes yet, start taking the time to decide when you will be able to study. Develop realistic expectations. Think about what other activities you will have to give up. If you understand in advance what sacrifices you have to make and you communicate with those who rely on you, they will be more supportive of you.

Decide where you will study. This must be a location where you feel you can concentrate on your studies. Time that you spend focused only on your studies will be productive and take less time. Surprisingly, the car is a great place to study and reinforce what you have learned. Get NCLEX RN audios and start listening to them. Take advantage of this time, so you can reward yourself with free time later. Take full advantage of all the audio study materials. The more you listen to and learn, the less time you will be sitting down gaining weight.

Only careful planning and execution of all aspects of your studying and test preparation will help you pass the NCLEX exam. As mentioned above, it is not a matter of your level of education that will dictate if you Pass the NCLEX, it is how you execute your plan for education.