How to Study for the Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) – 2025 Nursing Guide

Graduating from nursing school is a huge accomplishment, but before you can officially practice as a registered nurse, there’s one final hurdle: the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN).

The NGN is designed to test whether you have the knowledge and clinical judgment skills needed to provide safe, entry-level care. It’s more than just another exam. It’s the step that transforms you from student to practicing nurse.

At Go Elective, we’ve seen how preparation makes all the difference. Many of our nursing interns build their confidence and clinical reasoning through hands-on hospital experiences in Kenya and Tanzania, which provide excellent context for the real-world scenarios emphasized on the NGN. Explore our pre-nursing internships and nursing electives abroad.

If you’re getting ready for the exam, here’s a breakdown of study tips, strategies, and FAQs to help you succeed.

Smart Study Tips for the Next Gen NCLEX

1. Know the Exam Format

The NGN isn’t structured like most nursing school exams. Visit the official NCLEX website and review the test plan so you understand the new question styles, case studies, and scoring system. Being familiar with the format will calm nerves and boost confidence.

2. Discover Your Study Style

Do you learn best solo, in groups, or with a tutor? Identify how you focus best and build your study plan around it. Matching your study strategy to your learning style helps maximize efficiency.

3. Focus on Weak Areas

It’s tempting to keep reviewing what you already know, but real progress comes from tackling your weaknesses. Use practice tests to pinpoint gaps and spend extra time there.

4. Use Practice Quizzes Regularly

Don’t wait until the end of your study plan to test yourself. Practice questions after each topic will reinforce material and help highlight areas needing review.

5. Prioritize Wellness

Healthy habits are as important as flashcards. Get enough sleep, exercise, eat well, and practice stress management techniques. A clear mind remembers better and performs better.

6. Watch for Common Pitfalls

The exam isn’t designed to trick you, but nerves can lead to mistakes. Remember nursing essentials like:

Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABCs)
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Patient safety always comes first

7. Invest in Resources

Consider review courses, online practice exams, or question banks. Even free resources can add structure and variety to your prep.

8. Stick to a Review Schedule

Consistency is key. Spread out your studying over several weeks or months instead of cramming. Plan daily or weekly review sessions and revisit material multiple times.

9. Set a Realistic Timeframe

Most students need 4–12 weeks of steady preparation, averaging 2–4 hours a day. Take at least one rest day per week to prevent burnout.

10. Build a Structured Study Plan

A written schedule helps you stay organized and accountable. Break down topics into manageable blocks, mix in practice questions, and set review days to reinforce learning.

The Days Before and Day Of the Exam

Final Week:

Focus on reviewing weak areas, not learning new content. Keep study sessions lighter and use active recall methods like practice questions.

Day Before:

Rest, organize your documents, and avoid over-studying. A calm mind is better than cramming.

Exam Day:

Eat a balanced breakfast, stay hydrated, and arrive early. Trust your preparation and approach the test with confidence.

FAQs: Preparing for the Next Gen NCLEX

#1. How long should I study for the NGN?

Most nursing graduates spend 6–8 weeks preparing. Some may need longer, depending on how much review is needed.

#2. How many hours per day should I study?

Aim for 3–4 focused hours a day. Break these into smaller sessions to stay fresh.

#3. Can I prepare in just two weeks?

It’s possible, but not ideal. If you only have two weeks, study 4–6 hours daily, focus on practice questions, and review key nursing concepts.

#4. How hard is the Next Gen NCLEX?

The NGN is challenging because it emphasizes clinical judgment, not just memorization. With steady preparation, you can pass on the first try.

#5. What’s the best way to study for the NGN?

Tailor your approach to your learning style, use practice tests to track progress, and don’t neglect self-care. The goal is consistent, effective study. Not exhaustion.

Final Thoughts

The Next Gen NCLEX is a milestone that opens the door to your nursing career. Preparation goes beyond memorizing facts. It’s about building confidence in your ability to think critically and care for patients safely.

At Go Elective, we help aspiring nurses strengthen these exact skills through immersive hospital-based internships in Kenya and Tanzania. By combining classroom preparation with hands-on practice, you’ll be ready not just to pass the NGN, but to thrive as a nurse. Explore our pre-nursing internships and nursing electives abroad.

Your journey is just beginning. Make the most of this final step.