Nursing Resources - Test Taking Strategies
Test-Taking Strategies for Nursing Exams
Preparing for nursing exams is an ongoing process. Many students find it helpful to stay current with readings, complete practice quizzes, review course resources, and study with classmates throughout the semester. Ideally, the days just before an exam should focus on reviewing material, rather than learning it for the first time.
Creating a weekly study schedule and studying in short, focused sessions (about 45–60 minutes) can also support retention. Using a variety of study methods—such as reading, watching videos, practicing quiz questions, or reviewing notes with a classmate—may help reinforce learning. Here are some additional considerations for taking tests.
The Day of the Exam
On the day of the exam, try to get enough rest and eat beforehand. Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive on campus, but consider avoiding last-minute conversations that increase anxiety.
If possible, find out in advance how many questions are on the exam and how much time is available. This can help you pace yourself during the test.
Strategies for Multiple-Choice Questions
Many nursing exams use multiple-choice questions. The following strategies may help:
- Answer easier questions first. Skip questions you are unsure about and return to them later if time allows.
- Avoid spending too much time on one question. Moving on can help you manage your time more effectively.
- Trust your first response when appropriate. Overthinking can sometimes lead to changing a correct answer.
If you still have unanswered questions near the end of the exam, you may need to make an educated guess. One helpful approach is to eliminate clearly incorrect options to narrow your choices.
Students sometimes notice patterns such as:
- The correct answer may be longer or more detailed than other options.
- Answers that contain absolute words—such as all, never, everyone, none, only, or always—are sometimes less likely to be correct.
- Answers with general qualifiers—such as sometimes, often, usually, or generally—may appear more frequently in correct responses.
- If two answers seem equally correct and there is no “all of the above” option, carefully reread both choices before deciding.
- Clearly unrealistic or “silly” options are often included to help you eliminate incorrect answers.
Example
Consider the following answer choices:
A. The nurse should follow universal contact precautions at all times in every case.
B. The nursing assistant demonstrated a completely poor awareness of transfer safety.
C. Never allow new medications to be accessible in the unit.
D. Sometimes, the action taken by the aide was not well-planned.
Option D may be the strongest choice because the qualifier sometimes suggests a more realistic situation. The other options contain absolute words such as all, completely, and never, which may signal overly rigid statements.
Managing Test Anxiety
Some level of nervousness before an exam is normal. However, excessive worry can make it difficult to focus or recall information.
Common signs of test anxiety may include:
- Feeling frozen or panicked during a test
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical symptoms such as sweating or shortness of breath
- Loss of confidence or motivation
Strategies that may help
- Prepare consistently throughout the semester.
- Spread studying over time rather than cramming the night before.
- Maintain a positive and realistic mindset about your preparation.
- Exercise regularly and try to get adequate sleep.
- Take slow, deep breaths if you begin to feel anxious during the exam.
- Read directions carefully and pace yourself through the test.
- Skip difficult questions and return to them later if needed.
- Focus on your own test rather than how quickly others finish.
Seeking Additional Support
If test anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out for support. CCRI's Counseling staff and the Tutoring Center's academic coaches are there to assist.