Are you ready to take the NCLEX? You’ve worked hard studying and passing all of your nursing classes, and now it’s time to focus on taking this exam. As a registered nurse (or prospective RN), you must know what to bring with you when taking the test; doing so can help minimize anxiety and stress while increasing focus and concentration. Here we will discuss some essential items that may be beneficial or necessary for completing the NCLEX successfully. So read on, get organized, pack your bags—and let’s go!
Table of Contents
What to Bring to NCLEX Exam?
You might be thinking about what to bring to NCLEX? as a student. You need to get the following items with you:
Photo Identification
The most essential item to bring is a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. This allows the testing center staff to verify your identity and ensure that you are the correct person taking the test. Before test day, make sure to get a new picture ID made if you have changed your hair color, lost weight, or grown a beard. The name on your ID should match the name on your ATT precisely.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Driver’s license
- State/province identification
- Passport
- U.S. military ID.
Your Authorization to Test (ATT)
: You will be given an admission ticket when you sign up for an NCLEX exam. Make sure to bring this with you, as entering the testing center and starting the exam is necessary.
Do not bring any study materials to the test center
You cannot bring notes, books, or other study materials into the testing room. All testing centers enforce a strict no-note policy for taking the NCLEX. This ensures that everyone has an equal chance of passing the exam and answers questions based solely on their knowledge of nursing concepts and principles.
Personal Items
While at the testing center, you may need a break for restroom use or other needs. Bring snacks, mints, water bottles, and other items to make your stay more comfortable and productive.
Appropriate Clothing
Make sure to wear clothing appropriate for the testing environment. Avoid wearing distracting items such as jewelry, hats, or bulky coats. In addition, make sure to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing according to the room’s temperature.
Ensuring you have the necessary items prepared can make your NCLEX experience much smoother and increase your chances of success! Good luck on your journey as an RN!
NCLEX Check-in Procedure
- Always Reach at least 30 minutes before the test.
- Present your Exam Ticket and picture ID.
- Sign in.
- A computer image will be taken of you.
- Fingerprinted and may have your palm vein pattern scanned.
- Your belongings or personal items will be in a locker outside the testing hall.
Test Day Tip: You can get Earplugs on request. Request them in case you find yourself diverted by background noise.
Can I Make Some Notes During the Test?
If you’re worried about forgetting important information while taking the NCLEX, there’s good news – you can make notes during the exam.
However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. You can only use a whiteboard and marker provided by the testing center to make your notes, and you must erase them before leaving the exam room. Afterward, test-takers return it to the testing center staff, who will erase it for you.
Additionally, you’re not allowed to bring personal notes or materials into the testing room. Despite these restrictions, the ability to jot down important details during the exam can help ease some test-taking anxiety and ensure that you don’t forget any crucial information.
Do I Get Any Breaks?
You will be offered an optional break after 2 hours of testing. Take this opportunity to step away from the workstation, stretch your legs, grab a snack, and take some deep breaths before continuing.
Another optional break will be available 3 1⁄2 hours into the test; however, you may take breaks during the testing period. Just raise your hand to notify the test administrator and leave the room.
Be aware that the time spent away from the computer will count against your 6-hour total testing time. If you need a break to regain focus, we suggest taking a 2–5 minute one. Use this to use the restroom, eat, or grab a drink. Every question counts, so make sure you stay alert and focused! Remember to scan your palm before resuming the test.
To exit the venue, raise your hand to let the test administrator know. They will then escort you out. A palm scan will be taken when you leave and re-enter the room.
After answering all the questions in the test, a message that says “Your test is concluded” will appear on the screen to signify the end of the exam. This message will indicate that you have completed the test.
FAQs
Where Will My Personal Belongings Be Stored?
Before the test, you must place all your belongings in a locker outside the testing room. This includes phones, backpacks, wallets, and purses. You will be given access to the locker only after the exam. Remember which locker was assigned to you, as there may be multiple lockers with similar numbers.
The testing center staff will be available to answer any questions about the storage of your items or the check-in process. You must arrive on time and with all necessary items, as leaving the room during testing for any reason other than a break is strictly prohibited.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Results?
Your state board of nursing sends out your official NCLEX-RN® exam results. Each Board determines when the results will be released. In certain jurisdictions, you may access your unofficial outcomes two business days after taking the test via the NCLEX® candidate website (for a $7.95 fee).
These include:
| 1. Alaska | 21 Mississippi |
| 2. Arizona | 22 Missouri |
| 3. Colorado | 23 Montana |
| 4. Connecticut | 24 Nebraska |
| 5. District of Columbia | 25 Nevada |
| 6. Florida | 26 ,New Jersey |
| 7. Georgia | 27 New Mexico |
| 8. Hawaii | 28 New York |
| 9. Idaho | 29 North Carolina |
| 10. Illinois | 30 North Dakota |
| 11. Indiana | 31 Ohio |
| 12 Iowa | 32 Oklahoma |
| 13 Kansas | 33 Oregon |
| 14 Kentucky | 34 Pennsylvania |
| 15 Louisiana | 35 Rhode Island |
| 16 Maine | 36 South Carolina |
| 17 Maryland | 37 South Dakota |
| 18 Massachusetts | 38 Tennessee |
| 19 Michigan | 39 Texas |
| 20 Minnesota | 40 U S Virgin Islands |
For most states, you can expect to receive your official results around six weeks after your exam date.
Final Words
The NCLEX-RN® exam is an essential part of becoming a registered nurse. By following the instructions outlined above, you can ensure that your testing experience goes as smoothly as possible and that you will be well-prepared for your examination day. Read through all materials your school provides and the NCLEX® candidate website before your exam. Prepare for the test by attending review classes or studying on your own, and don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep before taking the exam!
As always, if you have any additional questions about taking the NCLEX-RN® examination, don’t hesitate to contact your state board of nursing or the NCLEX candidate website.
References:
https://www.kaptest.com/study/nclex/nclex-test-day-what-to- expect/
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.