With proper planning you can pass the NCLEX exam the first time. Most students pass the exam on their first try, but there is still a large percentage that don't. When you take the time to determine how you are going to approach your studies, you can too! Only 87.1% of United States educated students and 47.4% of internationally educated students passed the NCLEX in the first quarter of 2008. This is down 2% and 10% for US 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 curious. Here are some interesting statistics .



United States Educated Students- First Time ">http://www.audiolearn.net/NCLEX/NCLEX_for_RN.html" >NCLEX Test Takers

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 tremendously form one quarter to the others. Does the test administered differ that much from one quarter to the next? It is not likely that the NCSBN is making changes that will cause a variance of this degree. The amount of students sitting for 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 conclusion we may be able to ascertain from this is that it is possible that the students taking the exam during the first and second quarters were full time nursing students and they sat for their exams as the class was completed. An amazing fact 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%. Surprisingly, students with only a diploma were able to perform better on the exam.

The cause for this is that they have fewer responsibilities, and they have more opportunity to study. Students with fewer responsibilities are better able to concentrate on what they have been taught, 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 study with such demands. It is imperative to plan your time. If you haven't begun nursing classes yet, start taking the time to decide when you will be able to study. Set 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 inform those who depend on you, they will be more conscience.

Determine where you will study. This must be a space where you feel focused on your studies. Time that you spend focused only on your studies will be productive and take less time. Interestingly, the auto is a great place to study and review what you have learned. Get NCLEX RN audios and start listening to them. Since you have used your time more effectively, you will be able to reward yourself with some downtime. Take full advantage of all the audio study guides. The more you listen to and learn, the less time you will be sitting at the desk.

Only careful execution of all aspects of your studying and test preparation will help you pass the NCLEX exam. As noted above, it is not a matter of your prior education that will determine if you pass the NCLEX: it is how you execute your plan for education.