NCLEX Preparation and ATI
What is the NCLEX-RN?
Graduates of approved pre-licensure RN nursing education programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to be licensed as a registered nurse. The licensure process ensures individuals have the necessary competency as well as specialized knowledge and skills to safely and effectively perform a specified scope of practice.
Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)
Pre-licensure nursing students use Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Nursing Education program to help prepare them for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). These programs include learning and assessment activities, such as case studies, supplemental review materials, quiz banks, and practice exams. These materials are assigned in selected courses as a prescribed percentage of the course grade. The program includes specialty and cumulative examinations. Research has demonstrated that these cumulative exams are highly predictive of NCLEX success.
BSN students scoring below the recommended benchmark on a specialty exam are required to complete individualized remediation (review) plan, submit appropriate documentation of their work, and retake the exam, if applicable. Students who do not show substantial improvement upon remediation will be required to meet with a faculty member to discuss their study and test-taking strategies. They will develop an individualized plan for NCLEX preparation.
Why an NCLEX prep program?
NCLEX prep programs provide ongoing standardized practice and feedback in a format that mirrors the NCLEX. This is an integral part of your preparation for success on the NCLEX examination for licensure as an RN.
NCLEX Review and Preparation
Each nursing course and ATI specialty exam is integral to helping you prepare for the NCLEX and for practice as a nursing professional. Take time to prepare for each ATI specialty exam and the comprehensive predictor exam--each one helps you to prepare for the NCLEX and for your professional practice! After each specialty exam, take the time to review your performance and do practice questions on areas in need of improvement.
In the first year of the program, you should begin preparing for the NCLEX.
How should I prepare for the NCLEX exam?
- Complete as many NCLEX practice questions as you can (experts recommend completing about 1,000 practice questions)
- Review an NCLEX prep book or online program, including rationale
- During your final semester, make your NCLEX study plan. This should include:
- Reviewing the NCLEX Detailed Test Plan, which provides a guide for candidates to prepare for the exam
- Watching the Candidate Registration Process video on the NCSBN website
- Reviewing content from previous nursing courses
- Doing as many practice questions and practice exams as possible
- Studying with a NCLEX review book, a mobile app, and online resources (see some suggestions below)
- Reviewing your detailed ATI comprehensive predictor exam score report and working on your areas in need of improvement