How to Study for the NCLEX in 2 Weeks

You only have 2 weeks left before taking the NCLEX exam. You might be asking yourself, is it time to slow down on my studying? Is it time to study for the NCLEX even more? What should my last 2 weeks look like? The answer is that you should NOT slow down. You are in a good spot and must keep up the momentum. If you have already been preparing, there is no need to increase the time. If you have not been studying, don’t panic. Set and stick to a detailed plan.
Each day of the last 2 weeks should be intentionally planned out in detail. Devote 4 hours to test taking practice and 2 hours to review of the test results, including content remediation. Have rest or no-prep days scheduled to make sure you are taking care of yourself and not burning out.
Below are two different study plans for the 2 weeks prior to your NCLEX test day. Choose the plan that fits your level of NCLEX preparation. The key aspect to consider when choosing a two week NCLEX plan is how much preparation has already been completed. The ideal preparation plan is different for each individual. Most schools have some aspects of NCLEX preparation built into the last semester. If you’re feeling confident in your NCLEX prep, go for Study Plan #1. But if you haven’t started studying and the NCLEX is just weeks away, or you want heavy duty prep that will include content review apart from practice testing and remediation, choose Study Plan #2.

Study Plan #1: Last 2 weeks of prep for individuals who have already been preparing for the NCLEX.
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
No prep today! Take care of yourself. Do something fun with a friend or family member. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation. No prep today! Take care of yourself. Schedule personal appointments. Run errands. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.
No prep today! Take care of yourself. Do something fun with a friend or family member. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.No prep today! Take care of yourself. Schedule personal appointments. Run errands. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.
No prep today! Take care of yourself. Do something fun with a friend or family member. Eat a great dinner. Go to sleep early. Test Day! Arrive early. Be optimistic. Breathe.

Study Plan #2: 2 weeks of prep for individuals who have not previously prepared for the NCLEX
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
No prep today! Take care of yourself. Do something fun with a friend or family member. 6 hours of content review, starting with your weakest or most uncomfortable areas. 6 hours of content review, starting with your weakest or most uncomfortable areas. No prep today! Take care of yourself. Schedule personal appointments. Run errands. 3 hours of content review. 3 hours of test taking strategy review. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.
No prep today! Take care of yourself. Do something fun with a friend or family member. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation. No prep today! Take care of yourself. Schedule personal appointments. Run errands. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation. 4 hours of test taking practice. 2 hours of content remediation.
No prep today! Take care of yourself. Do something fun with a friend or family member. Eat a great dinner. Go to sleep early. Test Day! Arrive early. Be optimistic. Breathe.

Need a little more time to prep? Check out Kaplan’s NCLEX resources.