Top NCLEX Review Courses for Nurses 2023

You have successfully completed nursing school, but now there is one last hurdle to jump before you can receive your license and begin practicing. Even if you have been an exemplary student, passing the NCLEX can feel like a daunting task. That's why there are a lot of NCLEX review courses out there to help you. But which one do you choose?

We're here to help you decide which NCLEX test prep course is right for you. Read on to find out the best NCLEX review courses based on cost, what you get, length of access, and more.

 

Best NCLEX Review Courses Compared

Review Course	Study Materials	Additional Features	Access Length	NCLEX Pass Rate	Cost
UWorld	2,100+ questions 2 self-assessments in the more expensive package	Mobile App	30-180 days depending on the package	96%	$139-$279
NURSING.com	Up to 5 simulation NCLEX exams 300+ lesson review course 6,000+ practice questions 400+ page review ebook 4 study plans	Mobile App Online study groups 200% money-back guarantee	6 month to 18-month access with 3-day trial	99.86% pass rate	$39/month - $82/month $199-249 packages
Kaplan	Self-paced courses or live interactive classes	Pass guarantee Mobile App Diagnostic tests to identify weaknesses	6 months	Not listed	$425-$529
Hurst	Online and interactive streaming options Readiness exams 1500+ NCLEX questions Workbooks	Pass guarantee	30-120 days	98%	$109-$399
ATI	Self-paced review course Virtual and live options Mobile-friendly online classroom Content assessments and rationales	Diagnostic tests to identify weaknesses Live coaches Personalized course	12-week	94%	$25-$450

Ranking Criteria

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to NCLEX review courses and they are not all created equal. You want to make sure that you find the best combination of resources and support for a price that fits your budget. Nurse.org has ranked some of the best programs available to nursing students. 

• Programs have been ranked on the following criteria, 
• Price
• Personalized customer service
• Format (online versus in person)
• Number of practice questions available 

The Best NCLEX Review & Prep Courses 2023

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to NCLEX review courses and they are not all created equal. You want to make sure that you find the best combination of resources and support for a price that fits your budget. 

To help you narrow down your choices and prepare for the exam, here are the top 5 NCLEX prep courses worth looking into.

1. UWorld NCLEX Prep

UWorld is one of the highest-rated prep courses by both experts and student users. It is designed to offer an extensive bank of sample questions that mirror the style and difficulty of questions that will be on the exam.

This allows you to not only test your knowledge but become familiar with the style of the test so that there are no surprises on test day.

Pros to UWorld

Easy to use interface: UWorld has an intuitive design so you can easily navigate the dashboard. It also helps that it is almost identical to the NCLEX design, so everything will look and feel familiar when you take the test.

Extensive question bank: You can take as many practice tests as you want and never worry about repeat questions.

Mobile app: The mobile app allows you to access questions from your phone so you can practice no matter where you are. 

Thorough explanations: UWorld doesn’t just tell you whether your answer is correct or incorrect, it gives a rationale so that you can learn and avoid mistakes down the road.

Coverage of all subjects: The UWorld prep course does a great job of covering all the important subjects and avoids focusing too heavily on just one.

Customer support: Good customer support in case you have any questions you need help with.

Cons to UWorld

Cost: The cost of UWorld may be too much for some people to swallow, especially if you are fresh out of school and already stressed about finances. However, it does offer a range of plans at varying prices.

How Much Does UWorld NCLEX Test Prep Cost?

The cheapest option is 30-day access to a question bank of 2,100+ questions for $129, and the most expensive option comes in at $279 which includes 180-day access to the question bank, 2 self-assessments and a one-time reset option.

 

2. NURSING.com (formerly NRSNG)* NCLEX Test Prep

The NURSING.com prep course was designed by an experienced RN who was looking for an easy and concise way to deliver NCLEX test prep material. It offers a unique teaching method centered on the idea of linchpin concepts that users really seem to respond to.

Pros to NURSING.com

Variety of teaching materials: You get access to over 600 videos and audio lessons along with 900 pages of printable resources and 50 laminated clinical reference cards.

Online study groups: Join a private study group that will offer you support and motivation.

Money-back guarantee: If you pass their SIMCLEX test and don’t pass the exam, you are eligible for a 200% refund.

Cons to NURSING.com

Poor customer service: There are quite a few reports of users running into problems and having to wait a few days for a response. If you are already stressed about the exam, the last thing you want is to have to hunt down customer support.

How Much Does NURSING.com cost?

NURSING.com offers a variety of plans and prices.

The lowest cost option is the $39 a month plan which includes 2,000+ lessons, 6,500+ practice questions, and 2,100+ study tools

The next tier costs $82 per month, for 3 monthly installments followed by 9 months free. With this plan, you'll get everything in the first plan, plus 3 SIMCLEX test attempts, the 200% NCLEX pass money-back guarantee and an NCLEX review ebook. 

The top-tier plan costs $82 a month for 6 months, and then you get 18 months free. With this plan, you'll get 5 SIMCLEX test attempts, and a longer amount of time to prepare. 

>> Check out our full NURSING.com NCLEX Prep Course Review

*Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org may earn a commission if you click through and use this service.

3. Kaplan NCLEX Test Prep

Kaplan is a trusted and recognizable name in test prep and a great choice to help you study for the NCLEX.

Pros to Kaplan NCLEX Test Prep

Question analysis training: Kaplan doesn’t just help you memorize answers, it teaches you how to break down and understand questions so that you can reason through problems and develop a strategy when it comes to choosing the right answer.

Plenty of practice questions: There are thousands of questions in the Kaplan test bank.

Mobile app: Study on the go and access practice questions from your phone or tablet.

Diagnostic test: This test will identify your strength and weakness when it comes to test content and help you focus your studies.

Pass guarantee: If you take the test within 6 months of graduation and don’t pass after using the Kaplan course, you may be eligible for a 100% refund or an additional 3 months of enrollment.

Cons to Kaplan NCLEX Test Prep

Cost: Kaplan comes with a hefty price tag although it might be worth the money if it means passing the NCLEX on your first try.

How Much Does Kaplan NCLEX Test Prep Cost?

Pricing ranges from $425-$529 for the self-paced and live online prep course options. They also offer practice options that consist of Qbank, CAT, and access to their Nursing Channel that range from $279 - $159. 

4. Hurst

Hurst is one of the few test prep companies that specialize in the NCLEX, which means that it comes with a few more specialized features.

Pros to Hurst NCLEX Test Prep

Extensive question bank: Access to thousands of questions and an eBook.

Builds critical thinking skills: Their organized and strategic approach to reviewing core content and developing critical thinking will help you tackle difficult questions.

Focuses on testing strategies: Hurst provides strategies that are specific to the NCLEX exam.

Four review exams: You can take four different exams that follow the pattern of the NCLEX.

Support: You'll receive support from nursing coaches who will help you through the course.

Various learning options: Choose between a live class, online class or streaming webinar.

Cons to Hurst NCLEX Test Prep

There are no major complaints against Hurst. Students and experts both seem to like the program, especially since there are plenty of resources and options to support different types of learning. 

How Much Does Hurst NCLEX Test Prep Cost?

Hurst offers a variety of packages with the least expensive being 30-day access to an online question bank for $109. The live classroom instruction and the online live stream courses both cost $399. The online class comes with 90-day access and costs $249.

>> Click to see our full review of the Hurst Review NCLEX Prep Course

5. ATI

ATI is another test prep service that solely serves nursing students. Some users prefer this level of specialization from their test prep provider because it can mean less of a focus on testing in general and more on the specific challenges of the NCLEX.

Pros to ATI NCLEX Test Prep

NCLEX style questions: The review material is similar to the NCLEX style so you can get used to the questions. They also offer extensive rationale reports.

Mobile app: All the materials are online and can be accessed from your phone or tablet.

Diagnostic exams: Testing can identify your strengths and weaknesses and help you focus your efforts. 

Live coaches: Live coaches who will help you review the test.

Cons to ATI NCLEX Test Prep

Not Everyone Gets the Live Coaches: While ATI sells the live coaches as a great feature, not all students enjoy or benefit from this teaching method.

Inconsistent: Students have reported inconsistent instruction and a lack of cohesion between segments.

Live Locations are Limited: Limited locations for LIVE class review. You may not be able to attend live classes close to home.

Dull Material: Delivery of material can be boring. While ATI offers an extensive database of information and questions, some users were turned off by how dry it is.

How Much Does ATI Cost?

If you are an existing ATI member, you can save money on the course, but new customers will pay $450 for the RN course.

6. SimpleNursing

Nurse Mike Linares and the SimpleNursing gang are known for their entertaining remediation video content that serves as a lifeline for visual learners and offers a nice alternative to boring practice question study routines.

Pros to SimpleNursing’s NCLEX Prep

Massive Video Library: over a thousand fun and visual videos to help remediate and fill your knowledge gaps. A real game changer for folks who are tired of textbooks and practice questions.

Video Rationales: in-depth video-based rationales are provided for each question that breaks down the science and best test-taking strategy for each question. More and more students have found that they are audio/visual learners, which makes SimpleNursing stand out in this area.

Comprehensive & Adaptive Assessment Exams: Assessments scientifically identify your learning coverage gaps so you can maximize the impact of your study time. They also help you determine if you're ready to write the real exam.

Top Knotch Practice Questions: Only the most highly tested topics are covered. The content and concepts you see tested here is what you’ll need to know to pass the NCLEX. 

Cons to SimpleNursing’s NCLEX Test Prep

Not All Videos Have Animation: The animated videos are perhaps SimpleNursing’s most fun and most loved videos. They are currently working to create animation for some of their older videos. 

How Much Does SimpleNursing Cost?

For monthly access, SimpleNursing charges $99/month. 60 days is $149, and 90 days is $199. 

>> Related: Watch Nurse Alice's Free Webinar on How to Prepare for the NCLEX, exclusively available in the Nurse.org Nurse Network

How to Choose the Right NCLEX Review Course for You

If you want the absolute best in test prep courses and resources, be prepared to spend upwards of $300. When cost isn’t the deciding factor, your best bet is to think about how you learn best and choose a course that speaks to your learning style.

If online courses work for you, there are plenty of options that are complemented by review support and coaching. 

FAQs

• Can I study for NCLEX in 2 weeks? 

  • You can study for the NCLEX in two weeks after finishing an accredited nursing program. All accredited nursing programs must meet the requirements to adequately prepare students to take the NCLEX. 

• How do I review for the NCLEX? 

  • You can prepare for your NCLEX by enrolling in a test prep program that will give you study materials, practice questions, and practice exams. 

• What is the NCLEX pass rate?

  • In 2022, the pass rate for the NCLEX from BSN programs was 86% and 79% from ADN programs. Overall, the total average pass rate for BSN, ADN, and diploma programs in the U.S. was 82.4%. 

More NCLEX Tips and Tricks

• How to Pass the NCLEX the First Time
• What Does the NCLEX Consist of?
• NCLEX Exam Changes Due to COVID-19
• Signs You Failed the NCLEX (And What to Do If You Did Fail)