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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 United States and internationally educated students compared to the first quarter of 2007 according to the NCSBN. At first glance this statistic could be a bit disheartening, but when reviewing the numbers as a whole they are curious. 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 tremendously between the quarters. 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 number of pupils 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 only significance we may be able to draw 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 tests as the course was completed. A very interestingfact 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 had a higher passing rate.

The most likely reason for this is that they have fewer responsibilities, and they have more opportunity to study. Students with fewer responsibilities are more likely to focus on what they have been taught, opposed to their counter parts, who must focus on the needs of their jobs and children.

It is challenging to make the time to study for the NCLEX Exam with such responsibilities It is imperative to plan your time. If you haven't begun nursing classes yet, start taking the time to determine when you will be able to study. set realistic expectations. Think about what other activities you will have to give up. If you realize in advance what sacrifices you have to make and you tell those who rely on you, they will be more likely to support you.

Determine where you will study. This must be a place where you feel you can concentrate on your studies. The effort 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 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 prior education that will determine if you Pass the NCLEX, it is how you execute your plan for education.

NCLEX Exam Study Guide- Audios