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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. With some thought about how you study, you can too! Only 87.1% of US 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 analyzing the numbers as a whole they are quite baffling. Here are some interesting facts.

US 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 pass 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 such a significant flux. The amount of students taking the exam does not appear to have an impact, 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 tests as the class 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 distractions, and they have more opportunity to study. Students with less responsibility are more likely to focus on what they have learned, opposed to their counter parts, who must concentrate on the needs of their children and their careers.

It is challenging to make the time to learn for the NCLEX Exam with such responsibilities It is essential to schedule your time. If you haven't started nursing classes yet, promptly take the time to decide when you will be able to study. Develop realistic expectations. Consider what other activities you will have to give up. If you understand in advance what sacrifices you have to make and you bring this to the attention to those who depend on you, they will be more conscience.

Decide where you will study. This must be a place where you feel focused on your studies. The effort that you spend focused only on your studies will be productive and take less time. Surprisingly, the auto is a great place to study and review what you have learned. Get NLEX 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 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 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