12 Techniques to Use During Your Nursing Exam

/ Exam Prep / By / September 2, 2025
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12 Test-Taking Strategies for Nursing Exams

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

1. Write Quick Notes

If you’re given scratch paper, jot down key formulas, facts, or concepts you’re worried about forgetting.

2. Stay Positive and Relaxed

Keep a positive mindset throughout the test. If you feel nervous, pause, take a few deep breaths, and reset. This will help conserve energy for remembering, thinking, and writing.

3. Read Directions Carefully

Avoid overanalyzing questions. Pay close attention to the instructions and focus on what is actually being asked.

4. Don’t Dwell on Past Attempts

If you’ve failed before, don’t rely on answers you “remember” from a previous test. They may have been wrong. Approach the exam with a fresh mindset.

5. Manage Anxiety with Calming Techniques

If anxiety creeps in, practice deep breathing or another calming method to stay grounded.

6. Highlight Key Concepts

Write down main ideas or formulas on your scratch sheet. Review them as needed to reinforce important information.

7. Trust Your First Instinct

The first answer that comes to mind is often the correct one.

8. Guess Strategically

If you don’t know the answer, make your best guess. Avoid second-guessing unless you are certain another option is correct.

9. Limit Changing Answers

Changing too many answers often leads to mistakes. Limit revisions to no more than three, unless you’re sure of the correction.

10. Read Questions Slowly and Carefully

Don’t rush. Pay close attention to the stem of the question (usually the last sentence), as it tells you what’s being asked.

See also  10 Tactics for Multiple-Choice Questions

11. Stay Alert

If you get drowsy, take a quick break. Drink cold water, splash your face, or even do a few jumping jacks. A little caffeine may help—but don’t overdo it.

12. Don’t Stress About Not Knowing Everything

It’s normal not to know every answer. Focus on the questions you do know. Remember: you’re not expected to know everything!

⭐ Hint: You are not supposed to know all the answers!

Resources

  • King, C. R., & Gerard, S. O. (2016). Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Review, Second Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.

  • Leik, M. C. (2018). Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Third Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.

  • Menzies Kent, K. (2014). Adult CCRN Certification Review. New York: Springer Publishing.

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