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Welcome to Our FAQs
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our programs and resources. We’re committed to helping you succeed in your nursing journey, so take a look below for helpful insights and guidance.
Common Questions
Discover the answers to your most pressing questions about our programs and resources.
NurseForward™ is an NCLEX® prep platform created by Dr. Linda and Dr. Angela Silvestri (Saunders Pyramid to Success NCLEX® Review authors). Choose from RN or PN CAT assessment and CAT readiness testing, the Success by Design course, 1000+ QBank practice questions, and optional 1:1 coaching support.
To create the most robust preparation plan, we recommend integrating our Success by Design course with our adaptive testing tools. This approach ensures you aren’t just practicing questions, but actually mastering the Silvestri Method.
By following this four-step sequence, you move from an initial assessment to strategic mastery and, finally, to total exam-day readiness.
You can also choose to purchase resources individually, if you don’t need a full comprehensive plan.
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Step 1: The Assessment CAT
Measure your starting point: Begin by taking the Assessment CAT ($60 for 4-months access to both Assessment and Readiness CAT exams). This adaptive exam mimics the real NCLEX® environment and current test plan specifications to help you understand exactly how you would perform today. Upon completion, you will receive a detailed feedback report, which mirrors the Candidate Performance Report (CPR) that NCSBN uses, identifying your specific Client Needs, Cognitive Skills, and Content Area strengths and areas that require immediate attention.
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Step 2: NCLEX® Success by Design
Master the strategy: Before diving into heavy practice, complete the NCLEX® Success by Design course ($40). This expert-led program teaches you the “how” behind the test. You will learn to identify the components of test questions, apply the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) to NGN item types, and utilize specific test-taking strategies across all specialty content areas.
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Step 3: Targeted Practice with QBank
Build consistency and content mastery: Apply your new strategies within the 1,000-QBank. For just $10, you can use your initial feedback report to guide your sessions, focusing on bridging your knowledge gaps through 1,000 exam-style questions and detailed rationales. This step is critical for building the testing stamina and consistency needed for the NCLEX®.
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Step 4: The Readiness CAT
Confirm you’re ready for test day: Once you have remediated and mastered the Silvestri Method, take the Readiness CAT. This final adaptive check confirms your readiness and provides a concluding feedback report. By the time you finish this step, you will have a clear, data-backed validation that you are ready to pass the real NCLEX® with confidence.
The QBank includes 1,000+ practice questions with rationales and test-taking strategies, organized by content area to match the NCLEX® test plan Client Needs percentages. The current package is $10, and more QBank tests are expected to publish soon. You are provided with 3 months of full access to the QBank.
CAT exams are computer-adaptive tests for RN and PN students. These adaptive exams mimic the real NCLEX® environment and current test plan specifications to help you understand exactly how you would perform. You’ll complete an Assessment CAT and a Readiness CAT, and you’ll receive a detailed feedback report after each exam. The exams include standalone (Bowtie and Trend) cases and unfolding cases accompanied by all NGN types of items. These include highlight, drop-down and drag and drop cloze and rationale items, enhanced multiple response items (multiple response, select N, grouping), and matrix/grid items (matrix multiple choice, matrix multiple response).
The Assessment CAT determines your current performance level, while the Readiness CAT is taken after you have completed remediation to confirm you are ready for the real exam.
The program (including both the Assessment CAT and the Readiness CAT ) is $60 for 4-month access.
While both tools are essential for your preparation, they serve different roles in your journey toward passing the NCLEX®. The 1,000-QBank is designed for high-volume, daily practice to help you build a consistent study habit and master nursing content through repetition. For just $10, you receive 3 months of access to practice questions that include detailed rationales for every answer, ensuring you understand the “why” behind every choice.
In contrast, the CAT Exam Program acts as a “dress rehearsal” for the actual board exam. Instead of standard practice, these are adaptive-style exams built to match the current NCLEX® blueprint and test plan. For $60, you receive 4-month access to a two-step process: you take an Assessment CAT to see where you currently stand, receive a detailed feedback report to guide your remediation, and then take a Readiness CAT to confirm you are prepared for test day.
To get the most out of your preparation, we recommend pairing these tools to create a comprehensive study roadmap. We suggest beginning with the Assessment CAT to measure your current performance and identify specific areas that need improvement. Once you receive your detailed feedback report, utilize the 1,000-QBank to build consistency and strengthen those identified content areas through daily practice and rationale review. Finally, after you have remediated and built your confidence, take the Readiness CAT to confirm your exam-day readiness and ensure you are prepared for the real NCLEX® experience.
Feature | 1,000-QBank | CAT Exam Program |
Primary Goal | Consistent daily practice and building a knowledge base. | Measuring actual exam readiness with an adaptive experience. |
Experience | Traditional practice questions with rationales. | Simulated NCLEX® environment using the current test plan. |
Structure | Self-paced study across 1,000 questions. | Two-step process: Assessment CAT and Readiness CAT. |
Feedback | Detailed rationales for every answer choice. | Detailed feedback reports after each exam to guide remediation. |
Access Length | 3-month access. | 4-month access. |
Investment | $10. | $60. |
This $40 comprehensive course covers five essential parts: understanding the exam design, mastering item formats, applying the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM), specialty content application, and the “Silvestri Method” for success. Access the Free Trial to have an insider look on course content.
Yes, you can save money and bundle the CAT exams, Success by Design course, and QBank questions for $100. This is on the Choose Your NCLEX Prep Option page.
The Free Trial gives you limited, timed access to our Success by Design program and 10 practice questions from our QBank and CAT exam so you can preview components of the platform before purchasing.
Coaching is a separate offering for students who want 1:1 guidance. Once you enroll in one or multiple NurseForward™ offerings, start with a free 20-minute discovery call with one of our expert team members, and we’ll recommend the best next step based on your timeline and needs.
Yes, we offer plans for institutions. Please use the contact form below to inquire about custom packages and pricing for your program.