Here’s a hard fact. Around 13% of first-time NCLEX test-takers don’t pass. That sounds tough, right? But the NCLEX isn’t impossible.
It needs one key thing from you: preparation. This 90-day NCLEX study plan will help you do just that. This plan will give you structure, confidence, and the stamina to walk into that exam ready to crush it.
So, grab a coffee or your favorite drink, set aside some time, and let’s talk about how you can ace the NCLEX in 60 days without burning out. Let's dive in!
Why 90 Days is the Perfect Study Period
You might be wondering, “Why 90 days? Why not 30? Or 120?” Great question. The 90-day NCLEX study plan is like Goldilocks—just right.
Here’s why:
- It’s Manageable: Cramming is like trying to pour an ocean into a bucket. You get overwhelmed and can’t keep up. Three months is long enough for solid prep, but short enough to keep you from burning out.
- Deep Learning Time: The NCLEX isn’t about memorizing trivia. It’s about understanding how to apply your knowledge to real-world nursing. 90 days gives you time to genuinely learn, not just cram and forget.
- You Get a Breathing Room: Life is busy. Sometimes you miss a study session or something unexpected happens. A 90-day plan has wiggle room for when life throws you curveballs.
Breaking Down the 90-Day NCLEX Study Plan
This study plan is straightforward and effective. It consists of three phases: build your base, deepen your knowledge, and sharpen your test-taking skills. Let’s break it down step by step.
Phase 1: Laying the Foundation (Days 1-30)
The first 30 days serve as your preparation phase. You are not racing yet, but you are getting ready for what lies ahead. This phase helps you get comfortable with the material and ease into a study routine.
- Week 1: Make Your Study Schedule & Stick to It
- Set a daily study time, whether it's early morning or late at night. Find a groove and make it part of your routine.
- List out the NCLEX topics that intimidate you (we all have them—pharmacology, anyone?) and the ones you're already pretty solid on.
- Start with the fundamentals. Concentrate on wide subjects like anatomy, physiology, and essential nursing techniques. Don't rush; instead, focus on building a strong foundation.
- Weeks 2-4: Admit Your Difficulties
- View the NCSBN's comprehensive NCLEX exam plan. It lays out all that is necessary. Get the entire plan by downloading it here. It really is a prep game-changer.
- Break down big categories: Safe and Effective Care, Health Promotion, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. Get a feel for what’s coming.
- Start taking some practice questions—around 20 to 30 a day. Just a little appetizer before the main course. Saunders, UWorld, and Kaplan are solid options to start.
Focus On:
- Understanding the types of NCLEX questions. You'll see a lot of "select all that apply" (SATA), prioritization, and safety questions.
- Spotting where you struggle early on so you can spend more time on those weak spots.
Phase 2: Deep Dive into Content (Days 31-60)
You’ve got the basics down, so let’s get serious. This is where you start to focus in on those areas you need to know backward and forward. Consider it your “NCLEX bootcamp.”
- Weeks 5-6: Study in Blocks for Focus
- Monday to Wednesday focuses on Adult Health, which includes med-surg nursing. Think about chronic diseases, post-op care, and related topics.
- Monday to Wednesday focuses on Adult Health, which includes med-surg nursing. Think about chronic diseases, post-op care, and related topics.
- Thursday and Friday cover Pharmacology and lab values. This area is important, so break it down into manageable parts. Learn about side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions to gain familiarity.
- Saturday: Mental health, psych nursing, and those psychosocial integrity questions. These are just as important as anything else.
- Sunday: Catch up, review, or just rest. Your brain needs downtime too.
- Don’t just passively read. Actively study—highlight, make flashcards, and talk things out loud.
- Weeks 7-8: Move Beyond Content to Application
- This is where you practice scenario-based questions. The NCLEX is like a choose-your-own-adventure book—you need to know what to do in different nursing situations.
- Books like LaCharity’s “Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment” are great for these types of questions. Get comfy with them.
- Set a timer when doing questions. Gaining experience in timed situations is crucial for preparing you for high-pressure situations.
Pay Attention To:
- Prioritization and decision-making. NCLEX isn’t just about knowing; it’s about doing.
- Memorizing the must-know content: lab values, emergency meds, safety protocols. This is stuff you need to be confident about.
Phase 3: Test-Taking Strategy & Final Review (Days 61-90)
You’re in the home stretch. You’ve put in the work, now it's time to get test-smart. Think of this as the polish before you walk into the test center.
- Weeks 9-10: Develop Your Strategy
- NCLEX questions are like puzzles—sometimes, you just need to find the pieces that don’t fit. Learn to eliminate wrong answers quickly.
- Review question types like SATA, prioritization, and delegation. Be strategic in how you answer.
- Practice tests should be completed in full, at least once a week. Become accustomed to concentrating, time management, and extended hours of sitting.
- Weeks 11–12: Final Review & Mock Exams
- Time for mock exams! Simulate real test conditions—quiet room, timed sessions, and focus. No distractions.
- Review any questions you missed. Focus on understanding why you got them wrong.
- Lighten up the content. This is more of a “clean up” phase—fixing little knowledge gaps and polishing what you know.
- Focus on:
- Reviewing weak spots without obsessing. You know more than you think you do.
- Getting into a calm mindset. Confidence is half the battle.
Extra Tips for NCLEX
Success Because you can never have too many tips, right? Here are some extra nuggets to make this 90-day NCLEX study plan work for you.
- Study Smarter, Not Longer: If you’re staring at a page for two hours but not absorbing anything, take a break. Three focused hours are better than six hours of staring at your textbook.
- Mix It Up: Use different study techniques—flashcards, videos, practice questions, group study. It keeps things interesting and helps with memory retention.
- Get Moving: Don’t stay glued to your chair. Walk around, talk out loud, or write on a whiteboard. Movement helps your brain work better.
- Simulate Exam Day: Practice doing questions under timed conditions. This will help you get used to the pressure and pacing required on test day.
- Teach What You’ve Learned: Explaining concepts to others solidifies your understanding. If you can teach it clearly, you’ve mastered the topic.
- Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: Your brain needs rest and proper fuel to function at its best. Don’t sacrifice sleep or eat poorly during your study sessions—your performance will suffer.
- Set Manageable, Small Objectives: Divide your study schedule into manageable, everyday objectives. Reaching these small goals will help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed as the test gets closer.
- Examine Rationales, Not Just Answers: When preparing for tests, be sure you comprehend the logic underlying both right and wrong responses. This will deepen your critical thinking and help you approach similar questions confidently.
- Stay Positive and Manage Stress: A positive mindset can make a huge difference. Incorporate stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine to stay calm and focused.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A plan is great, but let’s talk about what to avoid doing. Here are the common pitfalls that trip people up.
- Cramming Is a No-Go: It’s tempting to do all-night study marathons, but don’t. Your brain can’t retain that much in one go. Consistent, spaced-out studying is way better.
- Ignoring Practice Questions: The best way to get ready for the NCLEX is to do questions. A lot of them. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at understanding how the exam thinks.
- Skipping Self-Care: Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Take breaks, eat well, and sleep. Your brain needs fuel and rest to perform its best.
- Overlooking Test-Taking Strategies: It’s not just about content knowledge. Understanding how to eliminate wrong answers and manage your time can make a huge difference on exam day.
- Not Reviewing Weak Areas: It’s easy to focus on what you already know, but you’ll make more progress by targeting your weak spots. Review areas you struggle with to ensure you're well-rounded.
- Studying Without a Plan: Diving into study materials without a clear strategy can lead to burnout and missed topics. Stick to your 90-day plan to stay organized and focused
In Conclusion, Let’s Ace This!
You're prepared! This is your all-inclusive 90-day study plan for the NCLEX. Your best opportunity to have a steady, collected, and confident NCLEX experience is throughout the next three months.
As you proceed with your training, remember to stay in touch with yourself and follow the timetable. Visualize yourself arriving at the testing site confident and prepared.
You respond to each question with ease, and before you realize it, you're finished. The passing score then appears on your screen. You're now formally an RN.Three months of commitment, work, and concentration will pay off. I have faith in you, aspiring nurse!
