How to Build a Personalised NCLEX Study Schedule (Free Template)

Step 1: Set Your Exam Date (Or Target Date)

If you have your ATT, you have 365 days to test. Book your exam date now — having a fixed date dramatically increases focus and follow-through. Work backwards from your exam date to build your schedule.

Step 2: Identify Your Weak Areas

Take a diagnostic assessment (our free 75-question practice test works well). Identify the topics where you score below 60%. These areas get extra time in your schedule.

Step 3: Block Time Around Your Life

Realistically assess your available hours. Night-shift nurses should schedule study in the afternoon before shifts. Mothers should use nap times and school hours. Build your schedule around your actual life, not an idealised version of it.

Step 4: Use the English Companion Topic Order

Our recommended content order: Fundamentals → Safety/Infection Control → Management of Care → Cardiovascular → Respiratory → Neuro → Renal → GI/Endocrine → Pharmacology → OB/Maternity → Peds → Mental Health → NGN review → Practice tests.

Step 5: Schedule Weekly Review and Rest

Every Sunday: 1 full practice test + review all wrong answers + plan next week. Take at least one full day off per week. Rest is not wasted time; it is memory consolidation.