12 Techniques to Use During Your Nursing Exam

Here, we cover 12 test-taking strategies you can use during your nursing exam to help you tackle your nursing exam with confidence!

1. If given a piece of paper, write down quick notes of things you are afraid you might forget.


2. Keep a positive attitude throughout the whole test and try to stay relaxed. If you start to feel nervous, take a few deep breaths to relax. Repeat these actions throughout the test. This process will help you to stay relaxed and to make more energy available for remembering, thinking, and writing.


3. Read directions carefully—do not overanalyze questions or instructions.


4. If you have failed the test before, try not to memorize what you did on the previous exam you took. The answers you remember may be wrong. Pretend that you have never seen the test before so that you can start out fresh mentally.


5. Do not panic or let your anxiety take over. Learn to use a calming technique, such as deep breathing, to calm yourself quickly before you take the exam.


6. Put the main ideas/information/formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times; this makes it easier to retain the key concepts that will be on the test.


7. The first answer that “pops” in your head is usually the correct answer.


8. If you are guessing, pick an answer at random. Try not to change it unless you are sure.


9. Avoid changing too many answers (no more than three is recommended). If you are not sure, then leave the answer alone.


10. Remind yourself to read slowly and carefully throughout the test. Avoid reading questions too rapidly. Make sure that you understand the stem of the question (usually the last sentence of a question).


11. If you get drowsy and “fuzzy” during the exam, there are several ways to “wake up” rapidly. Excuse yourself and go the bathroom to drink cold water and to splash cold water on your face. You can perform 10 to 20 jumping jacks. Drinking a caffeinated beverage or coffee can be very helpful. (However, don’t drink too much.)


12. Do not let it worry you if you do not know all the answers during your nursing exam. Take a deep breath and keep going. Rejoice in those answers you know and find easy!
    ❯ HINT
    You are not really supposed to know all the answers!

King, C. R., Gerard, S. O. (2016).