Utilizing the NCLEX R.O.O.T.

Rule
This is what I did to pass the NCLEX-RN, after having tried 3 prior times. This is not a guarantee
that it will work for you to, but I hope it does.

If you have not passed the NCLEX exam 2 or more times, it’s time to try a different strategy.
 
Take the NCLEX on your terms.
 
Fact 1: The NCLEX rules recently changed.
As of this post the ROOT rule posted here (https://www.ncsbn.org/5912.htm) has been
superseded and is outdated information.

Old ROOT rule:

“If the candidate's ability estimate drops below the passing standard even once over the
last 60 items, the candidate fails”
 
The new ROOT rule is posted here (https://www.ncsbn.org/1216.htm).
And here: (https://www.ncsbn.org/SummaryofModificationstoNCLEX.pdf)

“When a candidate runs out of time, the final ability estimate is computed from ALL
responses on all the items completed. If it is above the standard, it is a pass; otherwise,
the exam will be a fail.”
 
Observation 1: Test candidates perform better during the beginning of the test when they are
fresh. To take advantage of this, it may be better to treat the NCLEX exam as a series of tests
with breaks every hour. This is an easy way to practice as well, and doing so will train your body
and mind to work in this way. Practicing with 20-30 question quizzes will allow you to study the
same way you test.

Observation 2: For the test taker, the first 10-20 questions are the most important. It is during
this period when your answers have the most weight in the algorithmic estimate of your ability.
Statistically speaking, as the sample size grows, the weight of each answer diminishes. If you
can get your estimated ability well above the line in your first 20 questions, from then on you
only have to get 50% correct to stay above the line.

Sub-observation: The more questions you have answered, the harder it is to move your
estimate (above the line). Even several correct answers in a row after 100 will only move the
needle a little bit.

Observation 3: Many people have a hard time with long tests. Skills degrade over time, and
people only have so much sustained brain power.
 
Based on these observations, I have generated the following strategy for taking the NCLEX on
your terms.

Pre-test: find a website (Archer, Uworld, Saunders) that allows you to take 20-30 mock NCLEX
questions. Practice each mock exam with 20-30 questions, then take a break.
 
You need to treat the test like a boring paid job, because you will sit there for the entire 5
hours, unless the exam shuts off on you because you either answered very well, or not. You
must convince yourself that taking this 5-hour test is the job, not a race, and the job description
is below.

Your job is to take 5 hours to answer 80-100 questions. It’s up to you depending on how well
you feel you are doing. Take at least 3 minutes per question. Every hour, if you are any faster
than the average of 3 minutes per question, you must take a break. You must take the full time
of 5 hours.

Bring with you tea or coffee, fruit and carbs. Eat a light meal before the test. Do not overeat.
Inform the Pearson proctor at the testing facility that you will be taking a lot of breaks.

*Remember, the Pearson proctor is working for you, and cannot affect your results unless they
catch you cheating. Do not cheat and you can take as many breaks as you want.

The goal is to take 3 minutes per question. If you do, you will end up taking 100 questions in 5
hrs.

This will force you to read every word of every part of the question and answer.
You may sit with any question for as long as you want. If you are unsure, just read the question
again and look for keywords or exclusions. You got this. It’s your job.
 
Hour Zero-one: This is the most important time in the whole test. During this first hour, answer
20-25 questions. Take 3 minutes per question. Do not go past 25 questions.
 
Hour One-two: Take a break. Get up. Get some tea or some fruit. Take 15-20 minutes to rest
your brain. Get back on it as if you are taking a fresh test. For the next hour, go slowly through
another 20-25 questions.
 
Hour Two and a half: Authorized break. Take it. Full length. Snack. Pretend you are being paid
to take a break.  
 
Hour Three: Get back in the saddle for another 20-25 questions now that you have had a nice
break.

If you have done well on the first 20 and well enough on the second 20 you are almost there.
You must get half of the next 25 questions right to maintain your line.
Hour Four: Take a break. You have earned it. If you have followed the plan, you have now
answered 60-75 questions in 3 quizzes rather than one long test. You have one more hour to
get to 80-100 questions.
 
You are tired. The proctors think you are crazy. You are sitting there staring at the screen for 10
minutes (or more) because you are ahead of schedule. Yay! Congratulate yourself for making it
to the last hour. Take a break. If you have finished more than 90 questions you are done and
now on the mandatory 5 minutes or more per question schedule. Do not go past 100 questions.

Post Test: Reward yourself for taking the test. You are investing in your future, and you are
worth it. You may have self-esteem issues after failing previously.

Do you remember what they call someone who fails the NCLEX 7 times, and passes the NCLEX
on their 8th try? They call them a Nurse.  
 
That’s it. I hope this helps.