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Practice modes

Learn with a tutor. Perform against the clock.

Tutor vs timed mode: two ways to practise every NCLEX question in the bank. Tutor mode teaches you the reasoning behind each answer the moment you submit it. Timed mode puts you under exam conditions and saves the review for the end. Use both, and switch between them as your exam date gets closer, as set out in our NCLEX study plan.

Create your account Compare the modes
  • 2 modesTutor and timed
  • 2 minPer question in timed mode
  • Every typeClassic and NGN
Tutor mode

Understand every answer, one question at a time

Tutor mode is how you learn. As soon as you submit an answer, you see whether you were right, which options were correct and a rationale that explains the nursing reasoning, including why the wrong options are wrong. There is no clock, so you can stop and read as long as you need.

  • Instant feedback after every question, including partial credit on NGN items.
  • Full rationales for correct and incorrect options.
  • Lessons and videos linked to rationales where available.
  • Notes and bookmarks so you can come back to an item later.
Timed mode

Build the pace and stamina exam day demands

Timed mode is how you check what you have learned. A countdown runs for the whole test, set at about two minutes per question with a little extra time on top. Answers and rationales stay hidden until you submit, just like the real exam, and then you review every question in one sitting.

  • A visible countdown to train your pacing.
  • Mark for review and use the question navigator to move around.
  • Calculator and notepad on screen for dosage and case studies.
  • Pause and resume if your shift or family needs you.
  • Score report and review mode as soon as you finish.
Side by side

Tutor or timed: which one when?

Both modes use the same questions, the same tools and the same reports. The difference is when you see the answers and whether the clock is running.

Tutor mode Timed mode
Best forLearning content and the reasoning behind answersChecking your knowledge, pace and stamina
ClockNo time limit. Your time is still recorded for your reportA countdown of about 2 minutes per question
FeedbackCorrect answer and rationale after each questionHidden until you submit the whole test
ReviewAs you go, question by questionReview mode with every rationale at the end
ToolsCalculator, notepad, notes, bookmarks, mark for reviewCalculator, notepad, notes, bookmarks, mark for review
Pause and resumeYesYes
ReportScore and breakdown when you finishScore and breakdown when you finish
In both modes

The same exam-style screen and tools

Whichever mode you choose, you build the test the same way and answer on the same screen.

Four-section builder

Choose the exam, mode and question pool, then question types, focus areas and the number of questions.

Every question type

Multiple choice, SATA, matrix, cloze, highlight, bowtie, ordered response and NGN case studies.

Calculator and notepad

Work out doses and keep track of findings without leaving the question.

Mark for review

Flag questions you are unsure of and return to them from the navigator.

Pause and resume

Stop any test and continue later, on the same device or another one.

Notes and bookmarks

Save a note on a question and build a test from your bookmarks later.

Instant report

Score, points, time per question and a breakdown by area after every test.

Retake and review

Every test stays in your history so you can review it or measure progress.

Strategy

How to combine the two modes

A simple rule: learn in tutor mode, prove it in timed mode. Shift the balance as your exam gets closer.

Early

Learn the content

Most of your tests in tutor mode

  • Short tutor tests by subject or topic
  • Read every rationale, even when you are right
  • Save notes on the points you keep missing
Mix: about 80% tutor, 20% timed.
Middle

Build accuracy and pace

Add more timed blocks

  • Timed tests of 40 to 60 questions
  • Tutor tests on your weakest areas
  • Watch your time per question fall
Mix: about 50% tutor, 50% timed.
Final weeks

Exam conditions

Mostly timed, then full review

  • Long timed blocks for stamina
  • Review every miss in review mode
  • Add the adaptive CAT and readiness tests
Mix: about 20% tutor, 80% timed.
Questions

Common questions about tutor and timed tests

More answers are in the full FAQ.

Contact support

Timed tests allow about two minutes per question, with a little extra time added for the test as a whole. The countdown is shown on screen throughout.

No. In timed mode answers and rationales stay hidden until you submit, as on the real exam. You then review every question with its rationale in review mode.

Yes. You can pause any test and resume it later from where you stopped, on the same device or a different one.

Yes. Every completed test, tutor or timed, feeds your test history and the Performance page.

Start with tutor mode to learn the reasoning, then add timed tests as your accuracy improves. Most students shift towards timed mode in the final weeks.
Keep exploring

More ways to practise

Adaptive CAT An 85-question computer adaptive test that adjusts to your answers and ends with a pass or fail result. About the CAT NGN case studies Six-question case studies with the client record in tabs, grouped by topic. About case studies Question types Every NCLEX format explained, with tips and the scoring rule for each one. View question types

Start in tutor mode tonight. Switch to timed when you are ready.

Create your account, build a test in four sections and see your first rationale in minutes.

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