NCLEX Tips for ABSN Graduates
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Nov 12, 2025
NCLEX Tips for ABSN Graduates
With the demand for nurses still strong (the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 194,500 openings for registered nurses annually through 2033), graduates of non-nursing programs are increasingly looking to transition into the field. One of the fastest paths to this new career is through an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program .
However, earning an ABSN degree is just one step in the process. To become a registered nurse (RN), program graduates must pass the standardized National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). There may also be additional state requirements.
Professionals interested in pursuing a new career in nursing should understand the NCLEX and be mindful of NCLEX tips that can help them achieve their goals.
What Is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX is a nationwide exam for nursing graduates. The NCLEX-RN is for graduates on the path to becoming registered nurses, while the NCLEX-PN is for those seeking careers as practical nurses. Individuals must pass the NCLEX before they can become legally licensed and practice as RNs. Although state qualifications for becoming a nurse vary, NCLEX licensure is required nationwide and transferable between states.
The NCLEX is maintained by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which ensures the exam is consistent with the medical field as well as legitimate and fair.
Why the NCLEX Matters
The NCLEX plays a key role as a quality gatekeeper in nursing. It tests nursing competence, allowing nursing program graduates to demonstrate their knowledge and prove they’re ready for RN careers. The exam helps maintain industry standards in nursing, ensuring that those who become registered nurses have the necessary education to serve at that level of nursing .
Licensure from the NCLEX helps graduates feel confident in their nursing knowledge and abilities and helps medical facilities feel assured in their hiring decisions. Required licensure also helps maintain and improve the quality of care, as the NCSBN reevaluates passing standards for the NCLEX every three years.
Essential NCLEX Tips
Individuals preparing for the NCLEX should take the process seriously and leverage any best practices that can make passing the exam easier. Here are some key NCLEX tips:
Fulfill NCLEX Eligibility Requirements
The NCLEX has a few requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible to take the exam. It’s imperative that those interested in taking the NCLEX fulfill each of the eligibility requirements listed below before registering for the exam.
Earn a Nursing Degree from an Accredited Program
Earning an accredited nursing degree is the first step in achieving NCLEX eligibility. Completion of a nursing program provides those taking the exam with a solid foundation in its content and a better chance of passing.
Finish Clinical Hours
Graduates must have completed their clinical hour requirements prior to taking the NCLEX. Clinical hour requirements vary by state. Candidates should verify these requirements with their local nursing board if they’re unsure.
Complete a Background Check
Graduates must complete a background check to confirm NCLEX eligibility. Certain criminal convictions can disqualify individuals from pursuing a career in health care.
Provide Valid Identification
Those taking the NCLEX must provide proof of identification with an ID that meets all of the following requirements:
- Nondigital
- Non-expired
- First and last name that matches the registered candidate
- Includes a photo of the candidate
- Includes candidate’s signature
- Government-issued
Passports, driver’s licenses, and state or military ID cards are commonly accepted forms of identification.
Get Familiar with Exam Structure
Another valuable NCLEX tip for graduates is to get familiar with the exam’s structure. The two NCLEX offerings to become a registered or practical nurse are similar in structure; however, candidates need to understand the content and structure of their specific exam.
Take Advantage of NCLEX Pre-Exam Resources
An essential NCLEX tip for graduates is to utilize the NCLEX’s pre-exam resources. The NCLEX offers in-depth test plans for candidates. These preparation materials include invaluable information on exam content, exam administration, item writing tips, and more. Using test plans lets candidates gain familiarity and confidence with the types of questions they can expect to see during the exam.
The NCSBN updates test plans every three years in alignment with the NCLEX updates. Reviewing additional materials on exam rules, passing standards, and the registration process can also help candidates feel more prepared for the NCLEX.
Explore Additional Online Resources
Graduates may find additional NCLEX tips through other online materials, such as YouTube videos, podcasts, or online lectures. Exploring various forms of online content can be especially helpful for auditory and visual learners preparing for the NCLEX. It is essential that individuals verify accreditation when selecting online preparation resources to ensure they are reviewing accurate and up-to-date material.
Prepare for Your Nursing Career with an Accelerated Program
The first and biggest tip for passing the NCLEX is enrolling in an accredited, high-quality nursing program that properly prepares you for the exam. The University of Tulsa’s online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is such a program. Focused on professionals with a non-nursing degree who want to move into nursing quickly, the program can be completed in as few as 21 months. It also has some of Oklahoma’s highest first-time NCLEX pass rates, hitting 100% in 2023.
Discover how the accelerated online nursing degree can best support your journey in the health care field.
Recommended Readings
The Differences Between an LPN and an RN Explained
Palliative Care in Nursing: The Need for Administrative Leaders
Tips for Completing a Capstone in Nursing
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Accelerated Nursing Programs
Illinois Legal Aid, “Getting a Job in Health Care After a Conviction”
Inspira Advantage, “How to Study for the Next Generation NCLEX: 9 Key Tips”
National Council Licensure Examination, About the NCLEX
National Council Licensure Examination, Prepare for Success
National Council Licensure Examination, Registration Process
National Council of State Boards of Nursing, “Next Generation NCLEX: The Pathway to Practice”
SimpleNursing, “19 NCLEX Tips to Help Ace The Exam in 2025”
