Your final week strategy for the Nursing Licensure Examination.
The February 2026 Nursing Licensure Examination is almost here. If you’re reading this, you’re in the final stretch of your board exam preparation—and that’s exactly where you need to be.
Here’s the truth: Last-minute cramming won’t save you. But strategic final-week review? That can absolutely boost your score and solidify the knowledge you’ve been building for months.
February 2026 NLE Exam Information
Key Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Dates | February 2026 (check PRC for exact dates) |
| Testing Time | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Total Questions | 500 items (100 per test) |
| Testing Centers | Major cities nationwide |
| Results Release | Approximately 2-3 weeks after exam |
What to Bring
- ✅ PRC exam permit (printed, not digital)
- ✅ Two (2) valid government-issued IDs
- ✅ Black ballpoint pens (at least 3)
- ✅ Analog watch (non-smart)
- ✅ Light snacks for break time
- ✅ Water bottle
The 7-Day Final Review Strategy
The final week before the NLE is not the time to learn new material. It’s time to reinforce what you know and build confidence.
Day 7-6: Review High-Yield Topics
- Review your notes on high-yield areas
- Re-read summaries and flashcards
- Do NOT attempt to learn entirely new topics
- Spend 4-6 hours reviewing, then rest
Day 5-4: Practice Questions Only
- Solve 100-150 practice questions per day
- Focus on subjects where you scored lowest
- Practice time management (45 seconds per question)
- Review rationales for wrong answers
Day 3-2: Light Review + Rest
- Light review of notes only (2-3 hours max)
- Prioritize sleep—aim for 8 hours
- Eat nutritious food
- Prepare your exam materials
Day 1 (Day Before): Rest Day
- No studying — Your brain needs rest
- Prepare all materials and documents
- Visit testing center location (if unfamiliar)
- Go to bed early (by 9-10 PM)
High-Yield Topics for February 2026 NLE
Fundamentals of Nursing (15-20%)
- Vital signs: normal values, interpretation
- Infection control: standard precautions, isolation types
- Patient positioning
- Medication administration: rights, routes, documentation
Medical-Surgical Nursing (25-30%)
| System | Key Conditions |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | MI, CHF, Hypertension, Dysrhythmias |
| Respiratory | COPD, Pneumonia, TB, Asthma |
| Endocrine | Diabetes (DKA, HHS), Thyroid disorders |
| Renal | CKD, AKI, Fluid & Electrolyte imbalances |
| GI | Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, GI bleeding |
Maternal & Child Health (15-20%)
- Fetal development landmarks
- Antepartum complications
- Labor and delivery stages
- Pediatric milestones
- Immunization schedule (EPI)
Psychiatric Nursing (10-15%)
- Defense mechanisms
- Therapeutic communication
- Common psychiatric medications
- Crisis intervention
Community Health Nursing (10-15%)
- Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)
- Communicable disease control
- DOH programs
- Family planning methods
Test-Taking Strategies for NLE
- Read each question carefully. Don’t skim—NLE questions often have hidden qualifiers.
- Identify the question type. Priority action? Expected finding? Patient teaching?
- Eliminate wrong answers. Narrow down to 2 choices.
- Trust your first instinct. Don’t change answers unless certain.
- Manage your time. 500 questions = ~45 seconds per question.
- Mark and return. If stuck, move on and come back later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ All-night cramming — Tired brains don’t perform well.
❌ Studying new topics in the last 3 days — Focus on what you know.
❌ Skipping meals — Your brain needs glucose.
❌ Negative self-talk — Stay positive and confident.
❌ Arriving late — Plan to arrive 1 hour early.
Exam Day Checklist
Documents
- PRC Exam Permit (printed)
- Valid ID #1
- Valid ID #2
Supplies
- Black ballpoint pens (3+)
- Analog watch
- Light snacks
- Water bottle
Morning Of
- Eat a balanced breakfast
- Arrive 1 hour early
- Take deep breaths and stay calm
Mental Preparation
Managing Exam Anxiety
- Deep breathing: Inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4. Repeat.
- Visualization: Picture yourself calmly answering questions.
- Positive affirmations: “I am prepared. I will pass.”
- Accept imperfection: You don’t need 100%—you just need to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions is the February 2026 NLE?
The NLE consists of 500 multiple-choice questions divided into 5 tests (100 each), conducted over 2 days.
What time does the NLE exam start?
Morning session: 8:00 AM. Afternoon session: 2:00 PM. Arrive at least 1 hour before.
Can I bring a calculator to the NLE?
No. Calculators are not allowed. Practice mental math and drug calculations manually.
When will February 2026 NLE results be released?
Results are typically released 2-3 weeks after the exam. Check PRC website for announcements.
You’ve Got This
The February 2026 NLE is the culmination of years of nursing education and months of review. If you’ve made it this far, you have what it takes to pass.
- Trust your preparation. You’ve studied hard.
- Stay calm. Anxiety is normal, but don’t let it control you.
- Focus on one question at a time.
You are ready. Go pass that exam.
Contact Ray A. Gapuz Review System:
- Website: raygapuzreviewsystem.com
- Location: United Nations Avenue, Manila
- Programs: NLE Review, NCLEX Review, NLE-to-NCLEX Bridge