Background <p>During simulations, a student’s effort to perform the multiple tasks expected of them and the emotional burden arising from the nature of the simulation can create an excessive cognitive load for the student, negatively affecting learning results. Understanding and managing this cognitive load is crucial because it affects how well students can process information and achieve learning objectives.</p> Objective <p>The aim of this study was to collect evidence of the validity and reliability of the use of the Turkish-adapted Simulation Self-Report Cognitive Load Measurement Tool 2.0, which measures three aspects of cognitive load in nursing students during simulation-based experiences.</p> Design and methods <p>This was a cross-sectional methodological study of instrument translation and validation. The sample of the study consisted of 101 students in the second year of a nursing undergraduate program at a foundation university. The Turkish-adapted version of the tool was used for data collection. It measures intrinsic cognitive load (five items), extraneous cognitive load (five items), germane cognitive load (five items), and overall cognitive load (one item). Language validity was ascertained via ISPOR’s ten-step translation and cultural adaptation guide. Expert opinion was obtained for content validity, and a confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity was performed. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, the split-half method, and item analysis were used to assess the reliability of the tool, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate relationships between items. Significance was accepted at <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05.</p> Results <p>The tool measures a three-factor structure—intrinsic load, extraneous load, and germane load—and consists of 16 items. In the confirmatory factor analysis, all the factor loadings were greater than 0.30. The fit indices for the model were calculated as χ2/df = 1.423, with a root mean square error of approximation of 0.0643; the comparative fit index was 0.950; and the standardized root mean square residual was 0.084. The Cronbach’s alpha for the tool was 0.822.</p> Conclusion <p>The analysis provided evidence supporting the validity and reliability of the Turkish-adapted version of the tool for use with a Turkish sample. The use of this tool can aid in developing and enhancing strategies to achieve learning objectives in the design and implementation of clinical simulations.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>