Wrapping up

You did it!

Congratulations on completing the Achievable NCLEX-RN® Course! You’ve put in the time, practiced your clinical judgment, and built the skills necessary to succeed. Completing this course is a major milestone, and you should feel confident in your preparation. You now have a strong foundation in the knowledge and reasoning required not only to pass the NCLEX-RN® but also to begin practicing safely and effectively as a registered nurse. See below for more tips on how to register for the NCLEX, what to expect, and how to prepare for the exam day.

Testing registration

When you are ready, you’ll need to register for the NCLEX-RN® through Pearson VUE after applying for licensure with your chosen nursing regulatory body (NRB). Once your NRB has approved your eligibility, you will receive an Authorization to test (ATT), which allows you to schedule your exam.

• Where to register: NCLEX registration page at Pearson VUE
• Exam fee: $200 USD (additional fees may apply for international scheduling)
• Retake policy: Candidates who fail must wait a minimum of 45 days before retesting, with a maximum of 8 attempts per year, depending on jurisdiction.

Plan ahead: testing appointments can fill up quickly, so schedule as soon as you receive your ATT.

Additional information

• Exam format: Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), with 85-150 questions and a maximum of 5 hours (300 minutes).
• Passing standard: There is no fixed percentage score; passing depends on demonstrating ability consistently above the standard set by NCSBN. The number of questions you receive doesn’t indicate whether you passed or failed.
• Pretest items: 15 questions on every exam are unscored trial items, but they look identical to scored questions.
• Accommodations: Reasonable testing accommodations are available; requests must be submitted to your NRB during registration.
• Testing locations: The NCLEX is administered at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide; there is no at-home or virtual testing option.

Tips for exam day

• Rest the day before: Avoid last-minute cramming; give your brain time to reset.
• Arrive early: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
• Bring proper ID: A government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) is required.
• Expect security measures: Palm-vein scanning, a digital photograph, a digital signature, and photo ID checks are standard.
• Stay calm: Remember, every question is an opportunity to demonstrate your competence; focus on one at a time.

Additional resources

• Official NCLEX FAQ
• NCSBN Test Plans
• Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Bulletin

For more study tips, strategies, and updates, check out the Achievable Blog.

Dump sheet

Many test takers use “dump sheets” as study supplements and as a way to create a legal reference during the exam. A dump sheet typically includes visual guides and condensed notes on key topics. The idea is to memorize the material ahead of time and then “dump” it onto your notepad at the beginning of the exam.

These are allowed in the test center as long as they are created after the test has started (and not during the initial tutorial). They aren’t required to succeed, but some test takers find them helpful.

You can certainly create your own, but here are Achievable’s NCLEX dump sheets:

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - How the exam thinks

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Communication, coping, and counseling

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Delegation and collaboration

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Ethics, law, and quality

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Infection control

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Client safety

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Positioning, mobility, and hygiene

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Nutrition, elimination, and pain

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Pharmacology: safe administration

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Drug effects, interactions, and dosage

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - IV therapy, blood, and oxygen

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Lab values and ABGs

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Fluids and electrolytes

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Shock and medical emergencies

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Critical care monitoring and complications

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Maternity: antepartum care

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Maternity: labor and postpartum

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Newborn transition and assessment

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Newborn feeding, jaundice, and safety

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Growth and development

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Aging, geriatric syndromes, and cultural care

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - End of life, screening, and immunization

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Mental health: defenses, crisis, and mood

Download: NCLEX Dump Sheet - Psychotic, personality, substance use, and eating disorders