Preparing for the NCLEX is a pivotal step for every aspiring nurse, marking the transition from student to licensed professional.
With a wide range of prep courses available-each offering unique features, teaching styles, and price points-choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your confidence and performance on exam day.
Here’s the bottom line:
- Hurst Review & SimpleNursing: Best NCLEX prep course for mastering core nursing concepts and building foundational knowledge.
- NURSING.com: Best NCLEX course for an extensive array of resources, backed by a unique guarantee.
- UWorld NCLEX: Best for in-depth question practice complete with detailed rationales and performance analytics.
- Nurse Plus Academy: Best for budget-conscious students wanting solid practice.
- Kaplan NCLEX: Best for test-taking strategies and high-yield content review, complete with live instruction.
NCLEX Prep Course Comparison Table
Hurst Review | Kaplan NCLEX | NURSING.com | UWorld NCLEX | SimpleNursing | Nurse Plus Academy | |
Price | From $159 (30-Day Access) | From $349 (3-Month Access) | From $59/Month | From $139 (30-Day Access) | From $89/Month | From $49/Month (30-Day Access) |
Format | Self-paced, Live Online, or In-person Live | Self-paced, or Live Online | Self-paced | Self-paced | Self-paced | Self-paced |
Free Trial | Yes No time limit | Yes 7 Days | Yes 3 Days | Yes 7 Days | Yes 5 Days | Yes No time limit |
Access Period | 30, 60, 90 or 120 Days | 3 or 6 Months | Monthly or 2 Years | 30, 60, 90, 180, 360, or 730 Days | Monthly, 3 or 6 Months | 30, 60 or 365 Days |
Pass Rate | 98% | 97% | 99.25% | 98% | 99% | — |
Video Lessons | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ✘ |
Live Class Hours | Yes | 18 hours | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
NCLEX Practice Questions | 1,500+ | 3,800+ | 6,500+ | 2,300+ | 4,000+ | 2,700+ |
Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) Questions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes 500+ | Yes 1,400+ | Yes 160+ |
Readiness Exams | 4 | 3 | Unlimited | 1-6 (Depending on membership plan) | 2-6 (Depending on membership plan) | Unlimited |
Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs) | ✘ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Printed Books/Materials | Yes Workbook & Study guide | ✘ 700-page ebook | Yes NCLEX Flash notes | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ (But there are printable PDFs) |
Additional Features | Numerous add-ons available (Purchased separately) | Private tutoring available (Purchased separately) | Comprehensive nursing resources included | Readiness test bundles available (Purchased separately) | Physical study guide books available (Purchased separately) | — |
Pass Guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes | ✘ | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App | ✘ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ✘ |
Best NCLEX Prep Courses In 2025
Now let’s undertake an in-depth analysis of the leading NCLEX prep courses available in 2025, highlighting their unique features, pricing structures, and suitability for different types of learners.
Each course is evaluated based on core offerings such as question banks, adaptive practice exams, instructional formats, and support resources, as well as student feedback and reported pass rates.
1. Hurst Review NCLEX Review
Hurst Review has established a strong reputation in the NCLEX prep market, claiming to have assisted over 500,000 nursing students in their exam preparation.
A key differentiator for Hurst is their guarantee that students will pass the NCLEX on their first attempt, a claim supported by a reported first-attempt pass rate of 98%.
This high success rate underscores their commitment to providing effective study materials and a structured learning experience. You have extensive study materials such as a student workbook, over 1,500 practice questions, flashcards, quizzes, and detailed content summaries
Hurst Review offers multiple flexible formats including in-person, live-streaming, and on-demand online learning to suit various learning preferences.
a) Hurst Now consists of on-demand video lectures with 30, 60, 90, or 120-day access options, including NGN core content, specialty topics, a QBank with 1,500+ questions, 4 readiness exams, and printed study materials.
b) Hurst Live is a 3-day in-person classroom course with 14-day access to core content lectures after class, priced around $399. It offers direct interaction with instructors and a structured schedule.
c) Hurst N-Stream is similar to Hurst Live but delivered as a live-streamed online course with 7-day catch-up access and 14-day post-course lecture access. Also priced at about $399.
The core of Hurst’s offering revolves around their HurstNow platform, which provides flexible membership options designed to cater to various study preferences.
Hurst Review NCLEX On-Demand HurstNow Program | ||||
HurstNow30 | HurstNow60 | HurstNow90 | HurstNow+ | |
Access Period | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days | 120 Days |
Price | $159 | $199 | $249 | $339 |
**The HurstNow+ 120-day access plan comes with a post-review guided study plan. | ||||
The features included in every HurstNow package are comprehensive, encompassing NGN Core Content lectures along with specialty topics, ensuring a broad review of essential nursing concepts.
To facilitate practice and application of knowledge, Hurst provides a QBank featuring NGN case studies and over 1,500 practice questions.
Furthermore, students can gauge their preparedness through 4 readiness exams with 125 questions each that cover all NGN question types, mirroring the actual NCLEX testing format. The downside is that these exams are not computer adaptive.
Recognizing the value of traditional study methods, Hurst also ships a printed workbook and study guide directly to students, complemented by a resource library covering crucial areas such as pharmacology and infection control.
This blend of digital and physical resources aims to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Another highlight is that Hurst Review guarantees a first-time pass with a money-back policy or remediation course if the student completes the program and takes the NCLEX within three months of graduation from an accredited U.S. or Canadian nursing school.
Overall, Hurst Review is highly regarded for its thorough content, flexible learning options, structured approach, and strong pass rate, resources, making it a solid choice for NCLEX preparation, especially for those who value structured guidance and a money-back guarantee.
If you are looking for a reliable and flexible NCLEX prep course with a proven track record of success, then you will not go wrong with Hurst Review.
However, students seeking a fully adaptive testing experience or larger question banks might consider supplementing this course with other resources.
– High reported first-attempt pass rate of 98% provides reassurance of the program’s effectiveness.
– Comprehensive study materials including a printed workbook.
– Flexible study options and pacing, allowing students to customize their prep experience.
– The structured review modules provide a clear pathway for studying.
– Access to expert nurse educators and online support for guidance throughout preparation.
– Has a money-back, first-time pass guarantee.
– Practice exams are not computer adaptive.
– The refund and remediation guarantee applies only to recent graduates from U.S. or Canadian nursing programs, excluding international graduates and those who graduated more than three months prior to testing.
2. Kaplan NCLEX Review
Kaplan is a widely recognized and trusted name in test preparation, including for the NCLEX.
They offer multiple NCLEX review course options, each designed with robust study materials and a pass guarantee.
The comprehensive study materials at your disposal include thousands of realistic practice questions, full-length computer adaptive tests (CATs), detailed answer explanations, and content review videos led by experienced nurse educators
Kaplan’s approach emphasizes not just content memorization but also the development of critical thinking and test-taking skills, notably through their proprietary “Decision Tree” method.
This method aims to equip students with a strategy for dissecting complex NCLEX-style questions and improving their accuracy in selecting the correct answers.
Kaplan’s NCLEX review courses come in various formats to suit different learning preferences and budgets.
Kaplan NCLEX | |||
Self-Paced Program | Live Online Program | ||
Access Period | 3 Months | 6 Months | 6 Months |
Price | $349 | $399 | $549 |
a) The Self-Paced course gives you access to 3,800+ practice questions with detailed answers and explanations, 3 full-length computer adaptive tests (CATs), 6 NCLEX content review sessions, the content video library, pharmaceutical flashcards covering 300 essential drugs, and a 700-page ebook.
This plan also includes an NCLEX study plan to help students stay on track, as well as access to Kaplan’s Decision Tree method for clinical reasoning. You also get access to content review and strategy sessions on Kaplan’s NCLEX Channel.
b) The Live Online course encompasses everything offered in the Self-Paced course, along with 18 hours of interactive NCLEX Review conducted over 3 days by nurse educators, with recordings available for later review.
This plan features real-time Q&A, complete with question-based lessons for targeted learning.
All courses come with a money-back pass guarantee, with Kaplan reporting a 97% first-time pass rate among their students.
Students praise Kaplan for helping them develop critical thinking skills needed for the exam and for its realistic practice tests that build confidence before test day.
Many appreciate the question analysis training that Kaplan provides, which focuses on understanding the rationale behind questions rather than just memorizing answers.
Overall, Kaplan is considered an effective, trusted, and well-structured NCLEX prep provider that supports students in achieving high pass rates through rigorous practice and strategic study.
– Comprehensive video lessons break down essential topics effectively.
– Teaches critical thinking and strong test-taking strategies.
– Offers highly realistic Computer Adaptive Tests that closely mimic the actual NCLEX format.
– Has a substantial number of practice questions.
– Strong track record with a 97% first-time pass rate.
– The diagnostic test helps identify weak areas for a tailored study plan.
– Mobile app for on-the-go studying.
– Has a money-back pass guarantee.
– Kaplan’s courses are more expensive compared to other NCLEX prep options.
– While the practice questions are highly rated, the answer explanations are less detailed than those offered by platforms like UWorld.
3. NURSING.com NCLEX Review
NURSING.com, formerly known as NRSNG, presents itself as a comprehensive NCLEX test prep resource designed by an experienced RN to offer an easy and concise way to master the required material.
A standout feature of NURSING.com is their bold 200% money-back guarantee, which they describe as “crazy,” promising to refund the course fee and an equal amount on top if the student doesn’t pass after meeting their criteria.
They also boast a high 99% NCLEX pass rate among their users.
NURSING.com offers a wide variety of teaching materials, including 360 NCLEX-specific video lessons, paperback NCLEX flash notes covering 77 must-know topics, and a 530-page comprehensive NCLEX review ebook.
This program gives you over 6,500 NCLEX-style questions written by NCSBN-trained writers, offering detailed rationales and various question formats including NGN question types.
A key component of their program is the NCLEX Simulator, SIMCLEX, which is designed to closely mimic the real NCLEX exam experience.
It uses the same adaptive algorithms as the actual NCLEX, adjusting question difficulty in real-time based on your performance, making each test unique and personalized.
You can take unlimited SIMCLEX attempts, and you get detailed performance analytics after each test, including rationales for correct and incorrect answers, helping you identify strengths and weaknesses.
Furthermore, the program gives you personalized study suggestions based on your performance, to target your weak areas effectively.
NURSING.com also provides printable cheat sheets on essential topics, several ebooks filled with essential nursing knowledge, and a robust mobile app.
The course offers 2 distinct membership plans.
NURSING.com NCLEX | ||
Access Period | Monthly (Pay-as-you-go) | 2 years |
Price | $59/Month | $492 |
Many users praise the variety of teaching materials and the engaging nature of the content review videos offered by NURSING.com. The SIMCLEX simulator is often highlighted as a realistic and valuable tool for practice.
The generous 200% money-back guarantee provides significant peace of mind for students, and the availability of printable resources like cheat sheets is also appreciated.
This platform has been proactive in updating their prep courses to align with the Next Generation NCLEX, including all new question types and offering personalized study suggestions through SIMCLEX to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, NURSING.com offers a robust, visually engaging, and comprehensive NCLEX prep resource with strong content review, and extensive practice, ideal for students wanting a thorough understanding of nursing concepts alongside exam preparation.
– Extremely high reported NCLEX pass rate of 99.25%, among the highest in the industry.
– Comprehensive content review covering a wide range of nursing topics.
– Adaptive SIMCLEX testing realistically simulates the real NCLEX exam.
– Very large question bank with detailed rationales to develop critical thinking.
– Mobile app allows for flexible, on-the-go studying.
– Affordable and flexible pricing structure.
– The generous 200% money-back guarantee is a significant advantage.
– The course is designed primarily for nursing students still in school; it may offer more content than needed for graduates seeking only NCLEX review.
4. UWorld NCLEX Review
UWorld is a highly regarded NCLEX prep provider known for its distinct course for the NCLEX-RN exam, boasting a 98% pass rate.
Their platform is recognized for its comprehensive study resources and performance-tracking tools, including a mobile app for studying on the go.
A key strength of UWorld lies in its high-quality NCLEX question bank and the detailed answer explanations provided.
The NCLEX-RN review includes over 2,300 practice questions, with more than 500 specifically designed for the Next Generation NCLEX.
Additionally, UWorld offers high-yield review videos, adaptive (CAT) practice tests, digital flashcards, a dynamic study planner, and self-assessment tests (readiness exams).
Pricing options for UWorld NCLEX-RN access are as follows:
UWorld NCLEX | ||||||
Access Period | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days | 180 Days | 360 Days | 730 Days |
Price | $139 | $169 | $199 | $329 | $389 | $449 |
Self-Assessment Tests | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
UWorld NCLEX is highly regarded for its realistic, challenging question bank, and the thoroughness of its answer rationales which help deepen understanding and improve critical thinking skills needed for the NCLEX.
Many users report that the difficulty level and format of UWorld’s questions are very similar to the actual NCLEX, contributing to a sense of familiarity and preparedness on exam day.
The detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers are considered invaluable for understanding the underlying concepts and improving clinical judgment.
Also, the inclusion of high-yield review videos provides an additional resource for content review, and you have a mobile app that allows for convenient studying across different devices.
If you prefer a question-focused, exam-like prep with strong mobile support and detailed explanations, UWorld is a top choice.
– Extensive Question Bank providing high quality practice.
– Detailed and comprehensive answer explanations.
– Exam-like Interface that closely mimics the actual NCLEX testing environment.
– Mobile app allows flexible studying anywhere and anytime.
– Offers adaptive (CAT) practice tests.
– Detailed progress reports help identify strengths and weaknesses for targeted study.
– High pass rate of 98%.
– UWorld is considered expensive compared to other NCLEX prep options, especially since it is primarily a question bank without many additional study materials.
– No pass guarantee.
5. SimpleNursing NCLEX Review
SimpleNursing has gained popularity among nursing students, claiming to be trusted by over 1,000,000 individuals for their NCLEX preparation.
Their program focuses on providing feature-rich content, including animated videos, digital study guides, and a large question bank.
SimpleNursing emphasizes making learning fun and easy to comprehend through memory tricks and test tips.
SimpleNursing offers three NCLEX prep packages: Essentials, Premium, and Elite.
SimpleNursing NCLEX | |||||||
Essentials | Premium | Elite | |||||
Access Period | Monthly | 3 Months | 6 months | Monthly | 3 Months | 6 months | Unlimited |
Price | $89/ Month | $99 | $132 | $99/Month | $108 | $150 | $299 |
Monthly Price Breakdown | $89/ Month | $33/Month | $22/Month | $99/Month | $36/Month | $25/Month | — |
a) The Essentials package includes 1,200 animated remediation videos, over 1,000 digital study guides, over 4,000 practice questions with rationales (including 1,400 NGN questions), adaptive CAT practice tests, and 2 readiness assessments with pass prediction.
b) The Premium package includes all Essentials features plus 6 readiness exams with pass prediction, NCLEX review lectures by Nurse Mike, as well as NGN Video Rationales by Nurse Mike.
c) The Elite package includes everything in Premium plus personalized adaptive study plans, live NCLEX cram sessions, and a pass guarantee. Furthermore, this package provides unlimited access until you pass your exam.
Many users have praised SimpleNursing for its engaging video lessons featuring Nurse Mike, who is known for his ability to simplify complex concepts and provide helpful memory tricks.
The colorful and visually appealing digital study guides are also a significant advantage, especially for visual learners.
SimpleNursing offers a substantial number of practice questions, including a significant portion dedicated to the NGN format. These practice questions are considered highly realistic, closely mirroring the style and difficulty of the actual NCLEX.
– Engaging, visually rich video lectures do a great job of simplifying complex topics.
– Colorful and visually appealing digital study guides are easy to understand.
– Large question bank with detailed video and written rationales.
– Strong focus on pharmacology with mnemonic aids.
– Live cram sessions for last-minute review and real-time Q&A.
– Reasonably priced for the value offered.
– Mobile app for on-the-go studying.
– No included hard copy study guides; physical books must be purchased separately.
– Pass guarantee is only available with Elite plan.
6. Nurse Plus Academy NCLEX Review
Nurse Plus Academy is presented as a budget-friendly option for NCLEX prep, particularly for students who are looking for an affordable starting point.
Key features of Nurse Plus Academy include unlimited NCLEX simulations and a 100% money-back pass guarantee if you do not pass the NCLEX after completing the program.
This NCLEX course is affordable, and offers flexible subscription plans available in three pricing tiers:
Nurse Plus Academy NCLEX | |||
Access Period | 30 Days | 60 Days | 365 Days |
Price | $49 | $99 | $139 |
Nurse Plus Academy offers a focused NCLEX preparation course primarily centered on extensive practice questions and exam simulation rather than comprehensive content review or video lessons.
You have over 2,700 NCLEX-style practice questions, including 163 NGN-style questions, 215 Select All That Apply (SATA) questions and 12 NGN case studies, organized by NCLEX topics to mirror the real exam format and content.
This platform also has a computer-adaptive NCLEX Simulator that replicates the actual exam’s adaptive algorithm, question formats, and timing to provide a realistic test-taking experience.
Better yet, you can take unlimited practice test simulations, allowing for ample practice.
After each test simulation the performance metrics give you passing probability estimates and a comparison of your performance to other test-takers so you can best gauge your readiness for the real NCLEX.
Additional study aids like flashcards, cheat sheets, a cram guide, and a rapid review sheet in printable PDF formats for quick reference are also available with your subscription.
Nurse Plus Academy is best suited for learners who want to master the NCLEX through repeated practice and exam simulation rather than those seeking detailed content lectures or extensive review materials.
Users appreciate the affordability of Nurse Plus Academy, especially for students with budget constraints.
The availability of a significant number of practice questions and unlimited simulations allows for ample practice. Just as well, the pass guarantee goes a long way in offering some peace of mind.
– Budget-friendly pricing.
– Good number of practice questions.
– Unlimited full-length practice exams that adapt to your ability level.
– Performance metrics include passing probability and comparison to other test-takers, helping gauge readiness.
– 100% money-back pass guarantee if you complete the course and don’t pass the NCLEX.
– Handy supplemental materials like cheat sheets and flashcards for quick review.
– Answer explanations are somewhat brief and not very detailed, which may not satisfy learners needing in-depth rationales.
– The company does not publish their actual NCLEX pass rates.
What To Consider When Purchasing An NCLEX Prep Course
Choosing the right NCLEX prep course is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your study experience and ultimately your success on the exam. Several factors should be carefully considered to ensure you select a course that aligns with your individual needs and preferences.
a) Your Learning Style
Different NCLEX courses employ various teaching methods.
For visual learners, courses like NURSING.com and SimpleNursing, which heavily utilize video lessons and engaging graphics, might be particularly effective.
Auditory learners might benefit from courses that offer live online classes, such as Kaplan, where they can listen to lectures and interact with instructors in real-time.
Kinesthetic learners, who learn best by doing, should look for courses with a large number of practice questions and simulated exams, such as UWorld, and Nurse Plus Academy, allowing them to actively engage with the material.
Identifying your preferred learning method will help you narrow down your options to courses that are designed to cater to your strengths.
b) Budget
The cost of NCLEX prep courses can vary widely, from relatively inexpensive options like Nurse Plus Academy to more premium-priced courses such as Kaplan.
Consider your financial constraints and evaluate the value offered by each course within your budget. Some courses might offer discounts or payment plans, which could make more expensive options accessible.
It’s important to balance cost with the features and resources that are most important to your learning.
c) Your Study Schedule
Consider the amount of time you have before your NCLEX exam and how much time you can realistically dedicate to studying each week.
Some courses offer access for a limited duration (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days), while others provide longer access periods or even unlimited access until you pass.
If you prefer a structured approach with scheduled learning activities, live online classes might be a good fit. If you need more flexibility to study at your own pace and on your own time, on-demand courses will be more suitable.
d) Practice Resources
The importance of practice questions and simulated exams cannot be overstated. Practice is crucial for reinforcing learned concepts and familiarizing yourself with the NCLEX format and question styles, including the new Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) item types.
Look for courses that offer a substantial question bank with detailed rationales for both correct and incorrect answers, as this helps deepen your understanding.
Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs) and realistic simulators, such as NURSING.com’s SIMCLEX, are invaluable for replicating the actual exam experience and helping you get accustomed to the adaptive nature of the NCLEX.
e) NGN Material
Given the recent implementation of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format, it is essential to ensure that the prep course you choose has been updated to reflect these changes.
The course should include NGN-style questions, such as case studies and questions with multiple correct answers, and should prepare you for the new scoring methodologies.
Courses that explicitly mention their NGN readiness are likely to be better equipped to prepare you for the current exam.
Best NCLEX Prep Course FAQs
What Is The Best NCLEX Prep Course?
There is no single “best” NCLEX prep course, as the ideal choice depends on individual learning preferences, budget, and study habits.
However, some consistently highly-rated options include:
- UWorld, known for its realistic practice questions and detailed rationales.
- NURSING.com, praised for its comprehensive resources, engaging video lessons, and generous 200% money-back guarantee.
- Kaplan, recognized for its strong focus on test-taking strategies and extensive practice materials.
Ultimately, the best course is the one that best fits your unique needs and learning style.
How Much Do NCLEX Prep Courses Cost?
The cost of NCLEX prep courses can vary significantly, ranging from under $50 to over $500.
Some providers offer monthly subscription plans starting as low as $20-$30 per month, while others offer fixed-period access plans (e.g., 30 days, 90 days, 180 days) with one-time payments ranging from around $50 to several hundred dollars.
More comprehensive packages with live instruction or longer access periods tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Consider your budget and the duration of access and features you need when evaluating the cost.
Is A Pass Guarantee Worth It When Choosing An NCLEX Prep Course?
A pass guarantee can offer some reassurance and peace of mind when choosing an NCLEX prep course.
However, it’s important to look beyond the guarantee and prioritize the quality and comprehensiveness of the course content and features.
Carefully review the terms and conditions of any pass guarantee, as they often require students to meet specific criteria, such as completing a certain percentage of the course materials or achieving a particular score on practice exams
While a pass guarantee can be a bonus, your primary focus should be on selecting a course that provides effective preparation and aligns with your learning style and study needs.
