When to Change Your Answer on the NCE

The "First Instinct" Myth

You have probably heard the advice: "Go with your gut. Your first answer is usually right." This is one of the most persistent myths in test-taking, and research consistently shows it is wrong. Studies on answer-changing behavior have found that when test-takers change their answers, they change from wrong to right about twice as often as they change from right to wrong.

The reason this myth persists is a psychological phenomenon called the "first instinct fallacy." When you change an answer from right to wrong, the regret is intense and memorable. When you change from wrong to right, you barely notice because you were uncertain in the first place. This asymmetry in emotional impact makes people overestimate how often changing hurts them.

When You Should Change Your Answer

Not all answer changes are created equal. Change your answer when any of the following conditions apply:

You misread the question. If you realize you overlooked a key word like "not," "except," or "least," change your answer immediately. Misreading errors are the most straightforward reason to change.
You gained new information from a later question. Sometimes a question later in the exam provides context or triggers a memory that makes you realize an earlier answer was wrong. This is a legitimate reason to change.
You can articulate why the new answer is better. If you can specifically explain to yourself why the new answer is correct and the old one is wrong, change it. Vague feelings of unease do not count. You need a concrete reason.
You initially guessed and now remember the material. If you guessed on your first pass and have since recalled the relevant concept, update your answer with confidence.

When You Should Keep Your Original Answer

Leave your answer unchanged in these situations:

You are second-guessing without new information. If you are simply anxious and cycling between two options without any new reason to prefer one, stick with your original choice. Anxiety-driven changes tend to hurt your score.
You are running out of time. In the final minutes of the exam, hasty changes are more likely to be wrong. Use remaining time to answer any skipped questions rather than revisiting answered ones.
The question is about a topic you studied extensively. If you prepared thoroughly for a topic and your initial answer reflected that preparation, trust your knowledge. The answer that came from your study is more reliable than a last-minute change driven by doubt.

A Practical Answer-Changing Protocol

During the exam, use this protocol for every potential answer change:

Ask yourself three questions: "What specifically is wrong with my original answer?" If you cannot identify a specific flaw, do not change it. "What specifically makes the new answer better?" If you cannot point to a concrete reason, do not change it. "Did I gain new information or insight since I first answered?" If the answer is no, do not change it.

This three-question filter prevents emotional, anxiety-driven changes while allowing legitimate corrections. It takes only a few seconds to apply and can protect you from costly mistakes during your review pass.

Using the Flag Feature Wisely

The computer-based NCE allows you to flag questions for review. Use this feature strategically. Flag questions where you were uncertain, not every question you want to double-check. When you return to flagged questions during your review, apply the answer-changing protocol above. If nothing has changed since your first pass, unflag the question and move on.

Practice this flagging strategy during your timed practice sessions on our practice platform. The more comfortable you are with the review process before exam day, the less likely you are to make anxiety-driven changes during the real exam. Start building these habits today with realistic NCE practice questions.