Before the beginning of your career as a nurse, you have to first pass the NCLEX. For this reason, you may want to use effective ways that will enable you to pass.
We understand that sitting for your NCLEX exam can be overwhelming, and this is why we have listed the best prep courses that will keep you ready. Check them out below:
What we will cover?
#1.NCLEX Bootcamp ( Best Budget Pick)
NCLEX Bootcamp
- Next-Gen Strategy Course (9 Videos): The Next Gen Strategy Course is another standout feature. It explains the Next Gen testing format, and scoring, and offers tips and tricks for solving case study style problems. This test-taking strategy element is not commonly found in other courses, such as Nursing.com or UWorld.
- Focus on Next Gen: Next Gen Cases (252 Questions) & Next Gen Standalone Questions. (655 Questions)
- Detailed Study plan (from 1 to 3 months)
- Full-Length Rationales and Expert Walkthroughs: Bootcamp’s problem solutions are in-depth, easy to understand, and often include helpful visuals. The “key takeaway” feature highlights critical points to remember, and video breakdowns offer clear explanations, making their written and video solutions highly effective.
- Helpful question tagging System and Performance Review
For just $99, NCLEX Bootcamp is great value for money pick. Their competitive price point and comprehensive course content make it an attractive choice. With a focus on Next Gen case-type questions, in-depth explanations, and the strategy course, Bootcamp offers a highly effective study package for the new Next Gen NCLEX.
While there are some areas which can be improved, overall, the course is an excellent value for the price, earning it a high rating.
- Highly realistic practice problems.
- Focus on NextGen-style questions.
- Unbeatable prices at $99
- Detailed explanation with helpful visuals.
- No Live class option
- New player in market
#2.Kaplan Content with Practice Pack
If you’re the kind of student who thrives on the structure that comes with live classes, then Kaplan is the choice for you.
Kaplan is one of our top picks due to its series of high-quality live classes, unmatched by any other company, including Hurst. With 18 hours of live class time on offer, and an additional cost of just $100 over their self-paced option, each class hour costs only $5.50. This represents incredible value, as you won’t find NCLEX live review sessions for a cheaper price anywhere else. Despite their affordability, Kaplan’s classes are of high quality, led by experienced NCLEX tutors and teachers who excel at breaking down complex concepts. However, when compared directly to Nursing.com, we prefer Nursing.com’s self-paced material.
The basic package of Kaplan includes 2,100+ NCLEX questions, and they also have other bundled packages with CATs, live and recorded videos, and so much more.
Kaplan NCLEX
- If you’re on the lookout for live class options to give structure & NCLEX-like practice questions and mock tests, then Kaplan might be right for you.
- If you have limited time to prepare and basic concepts are fresh on your mind, Nurse Plus or UWorld practice questions would be a better fit.
- If you prefer the convenience of studying via your smartphone or tablet, then this course is tailored for you.
- Comprehensive Content Review: Content provides an in-depth view of topics from physiology, and anatomy to pediatric nursing. This ensures that nursing students get a good foundation of necessary skills and knowledge in their careers.
- Personalized Study Plan and a Progress Tracker: You get a personalized study plan that focuses on individual strengths and weaknesses. You can focus on the weak areas and put in more effort by requesting personalized help. Through the progress tracker, students can view other scores, areas of strengths, and weaknesses. This feedback is essential in enabling them to identify areas that need more concentration.
- Unique Decision Tree strategy: The Kaplan Decision Tree helps students to analyze NCLEX questions critically, enhancing their likelihood of providing correct answers by promoting deeper understanding over mere fact memorization.
- Practice Questions: 3000+ practice questions in the Kaplan program are formatted in a way that simulates the real NCLEX exam. You have a chance to assess your knowledge of a particular topic and identify areas that need more hours of learning and practice.
- Diagnostic Tests: Kaplan provides a diagnostic test to identify students’ weak areas, enabling them to customize their study plans accordingly, with some of these tests available for free on Kaplan’s website.
- Full-length tests: You get 3 full-length tests that have pretty realistic questions.
- Test-Taking Strategies: Kaplan’s tutors help you with different approaches to the exam to clear the test. These strategies include critical thinking and time management and will help you eliminate incorrect answers depending on a specific situation.
- Live and On-Demand Classes ( via NCLEX Channel): Kaplan understands that students’ schedules might not always align with the hours given for lessons. As such, the program offers the flexibility of live and on-demand classes that will accommodate all students. Students have the chance to interact with the instructors and other students for social growth and convenience purposes.
- Mobile App: Kaplan’s mobile app enables students to study on the go. Through the app, students can access study materials and resources and stay on track with their studies.
- 7 Days Free Trial Option
- Money Back Guarantee: Kaplan NCLEX Review offers an option of a money-back guarantee for students who do not pass the exam on their first trial. This is a nice option since it gives you a chance to redeem yourself and work hard for a second attempt.
- Best Live Classes in the category.
- Includes in-person lessons in particular locations.
- Some students find Kaplan’s Decision tree strategy useful.
- Realistic practice questions.
- Offers some of the best and most flexible pre-recorded videos with expert tips.
- Includes printed prep materials and 500+ page e-book.
- Money-back guarantee.
- Not Cheap for the Self-paced Course
- Overwhelming amount of information might not be suitable if concepts are fresh in your mind.
- Harder practice tests might be discouraging to some users. However, it helps you mentally prepare for the test.
You can check the full Kaplan NCLEX review here.
#3.Nurse Plus Academy (Best Budget Pick)
Nurse Plus Academy provides free sample practice questions, but if you need to go in-depth, they also have a premium package with 1,600+ more questions, NCLEX test simulator retakes, and 65 practice questions with realism. Every practice question is accompanied by detailed and understandable answer solutions, which are written using simple English terms.
Similar to most NCLEX prep, Nurse Plus Academy practice materials also include videos and images that are perfect for visual learners. But, even though these illustrations are included, Nurse Plus Academy does not offer other side courses like prep books, live classes, and video lessons. Luckily, you can still access 300+ digital flashcards and 4 cheat sheets.
Lastly, Nurse Plus Academy offers budget-friendly courses, that is, $139 per year or $99 for 60 days. Therefore, this prep platform is an ideal option for students who want to save money whilst receiving realistic practice questions.
Nurse Plus Academy
- If you’re on the lookout for a cost-effective course with NCLEX-like practice questions and mock tests, then this course is meant for you.
- If you have limited time to prepare and basic concepts are fresh on your mind, this course should be enough for you.
- If you prefer the convenience of studying via your smartphone or tablet, then this course is tailored for you.
- However, if your preference leans towards viewing lectures or presentations about nursing, this course may not be the right fit for you.
- Budget Adaptability: Nurse Plus Academy presents a flexible budget plan to cater to your unique needs. If you’re aiming to prepare for your nursing exams in a month, their Monthly plan is an ideal option. However, they also have attractively priced premium packages for extended access; the decision on how much to invest in your exam preparation materials is entirely in your hands.
- Well-Crafted Course Design: Concise course design which can be used even in the last 1 month. Efficient, no-nonsense study experience free of technical glitches, and it’s fully operational on every device — be it a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Bonus Content: Nurse Plus Academy goes beyond simple test preparation by offering beneficial additional resources. The career and salary guides they provide can be instrumental in helping you navigate your professional journey after acing your exams, even though the main emphasis of this NCLEX prep course is on practice questions and flashcards.
- Realistic NCLEX practice questions with detailed answer solutions.
- You can choose to have the questions, rationales, and answers read aloud rather than reading them.
- An exceptionally authentic NCLEX simulator to practice under conditions akin to the actual exam.
- There are flashcards and cheat sheets which you can use for content review.
- Useful summary sheets and flashcards for revisiting important content.
- The “Answer Popularity” functionality displays the choices made by other exam takers.
- No Video lessons. Not suitable for visual learners
- No live classes.
- There are no prep books.
#4.Uworld NCLEX (Best Question Explanations)
If you are one of those students who have an extremely busy schedule, Uworld is the choice for you. They have 2,100+ NCLEX-RN and 1,200+ NCLEX-PN questions, which you can easily access from your digital devices, e.g. tablet, computer, and smartphone.
Uworld uses extraordinary practice materials with detailed explanations that allow you to know what to expect in the actual exam. Therefore, visual learners are at an advantage here since they can learn using the help of detailed explanations followed by diagrams and graphics.
Though Uworld questions may not be as realistic as Kaplan or Nursing.com, but it is still close to the real exam. In addition, using the 60-day plan allows users to perform the self-assessment test that includes 100 questions.
Pros of Uworld
- Detailed answer solutions with illustrations and visuals.
- Provides a sleek vibe to its users.
Cons of Uworld
- Only has practice materials but does not include other NCLEX study materials, i.e. written or video.
- The one-time self-assessment tests are limited.
#5.Ati NCLEX
Ati, which is Assessment Technologies Institute, has a 100% pass rate for NCLEX-PN and 99% for NCLEX-RN. The company uses Virtual-ATI + BoardVitals program, which allows you to access 3,300+ RN and 1,500+ PN questions for practicing.
If you are a visual learner, Ati has got you covered. They use illustrations and adaptive quizzes that enable you to easily understand every problem. In addition, their cause takes 12 weeks and includes an experienced nurse educator that allows you to study effectively and decide when you are ready to do your NCLEX exam.
If you need to attend live sessions, Ati provides a BoardVitals-only package for live in-person lessons in specific locations
Pros of Ati
- Includes repurchase discounts
- International students can also partake in the course
- Free repeat in case you fail the course
Cons of Ati
- The live in-person lessons are limited in certain areas.
#6.Nursing.com NCLEX
- Best for students who need content review.
- Realistic NCLEX simulator (SIMCLEX) with an adaptive test-like algorithm
- 6500+ practice questions with great explanations.
- Highly visual short video lessons with mnemonics.
- Helpful cheat sheets and picnomic
- Unique 200% pass guarantee (double-money back guarantee)
- Robust mobile app for on-the-go learning
- Lacks live instruction option
This NCLEX prep is ideal for students who need brief revision of content apart from solid practice questions. If you have certain learning disabilities including ADHD, dyslexia, visual problems, or anxiousness, nursing.com is a great choice due to its highly visual video lessons. The Nursing.com course gives you up to five simulations of NCLEX exams, 300+ PDF cheat sheets, 6,500+ practice questions, a 475-page review eBook, and personalized study plans. Similar to Uworld, Nursing.com also includes diagrams and graphics, ideal for students who find some topics more challenging.
In addition, Nursing.com provides 5 SIMCLEX, which are simulated NCLEX tests. These tests closely resemble the real thing since, as you progress, the questions tend to get either hard or easy just like NCLEX exams. The best part about these tests is the fact that each question has a detailed answer that gives insights into certain problems. You will find such explanations for all questions in both SIMCLEX and QBank.
But, what if you fail to pass the real NCLEX exam? Well, Nursing.com refunds you twice the money you gave them.
Overall, it provides best combination various study materials apart from realistic question banks with ample NextGen style questions. You can find our full review here and current deals for nursing.com here.
#7.Hurst Review(Workbook+Live Classes)
The next on the list is Hurst, which offers various services like live classes, video lessons, good workbooks, practice questions and so much more. Since 1988, Hurst has been at the forefront to help future nurses pass their NCLEX exam and has later achieved a pass rate of 98% on the first attempt.
Hurst uses both traditional and online learning methods, thereby allowing you to choose whatever you prefer. Their workbook also includes great content that enables you to understand everything there is to know about NCLEX exams. The only disadvantage is that you need to attend every class, especially in-person lessons which are provided in particular cities, and watch specified videos. This allows you to perfectly comprehend and keep up with the workbook.
On the good side, you do not need to stress about your money in case you fail the exam since Hurst offers a refund or free remediation course.
Pros of Hurst
- Thorough workbook.
- Money-back guarantee or free remediation course.
- Smooth and simple platform.
Cons of Hurst
- In-person classes are limited to certain cities.
- Does not include realistic revision questions like other NCLEX prep courses.
#8.Nurse Achieve
Nurse Achieve uses advanced technology that will allow you to pass the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN. The practice materials include a comprehensive review of 130 detailed chapters, thus eliminating the need of using time-consuming textbooks.
If you are looking for something that will help replicate the actual NCLEX exam, then Nurse Achieve has got you covered. Due to their advanced technology, they can easily make you feel like you are doing the real thing when engaging in their mock exams.
Moreover, they always release the performance of your exam, so you can improve on the parts you find challenging. In addition, this prep platform offers the Next Generation NCLEX items, which are way more advanced and can allow realism.
Pros of Nurse Achieve
- You can attempt the mock exams as many times as you prefer.
- Uses Next Generation NCLEX equipment.
Cons of Nurse Achieve
- Does not include live classes and video lessons.
#9.CrushNCLEX
Using this prep platform allows you to experience a smooth application whether you are using your smartphone, laptop, or any other device. The company has a 97% pass rate with understandable practice materials like video lessons and over 2,200 practice questions.
Moreover, they also have simulated exams that allow you to experience the real NCLEX test. Besides, they are one of the most upgraded platforms that use technology, so you can easily monitor your performance and practice on topics that are challenging for you.
Choosing CrushNCLEX will allow you to gain access to 30 days mastery schedule, 100 points NCLEX eBook, as well as 24-hour friendly email communication.
Pros of CrushNCLEX
- Includes installment payments.
- Has a lifetime subscription.
- Smooth prep platform.
- Realistic tests.
Cons of CrushNCLEX
- Does not have a pass guarantee.
#10.Achieve Test Prep
If you want to experience an in-person course, Achieve Test Prep is the choice for you. Classes usually go once every week though you can also learn from live videos online for 15 hours. During live lessons, you are given the privilege of asking any questions as well as listening to other students who are living with you.
The best part about the in-person class is that you can always approach your instructor in case you have any inquiries. Apart from that, Achieve Test Prep also offers free practice questions that resemble the actual NCLEX test.
Moreover, this NCLEX prep has recorded a 95%pass rate and also offers free repeat for students who don’t pass.
Pros of Achieve Test Prep
- In-person classes
- Free and realistic practice questions
- Live lessons
- Free repeat in case you fail to pass
Cons of Achieve Test Prep
- Requires you to perform a one-time full payment
How to Choose the Perfect NCLEX Prep?
Not every NCLEX prep is ideal for everyone. People have preferences, which in return allows them to study and prepare effectively. For this reason, we have broken down some of the things you need to consider when choosing a course that is right for you.
- Preferred Learning Method
People have different ways of learning, which enabled them to comprehend difficult topics. Therefore, if you are a visual learner, then opt for a course that incorporates videos and diagrams in the practice materials. For aural students, virtual lectures and audio lessons are ideal for them.
- Consider the Prep Time
Prep time is essential since it allows you to choose a subscription period that will suit your needs. Take an example of a student who just graduated. They may take lesser periods going for prep courses since their knowledge is still fresh.
On the other side, those who are taking the course long after their graduation or even if they are repeat test takers may need a longer period to prepare. This is why most NCLEX prep differ in payments as others offer monthly subscriptions while others include lifetime subscriptions.
- Check Your Budget
Checking the pricing of every prep course is essential since it allows you to spend according to your capabilities. For instance, if you have a tight budget, you can consider going for a lifetime package since it tends to be less costly than the monthly ones.
However, some prep platforms also offer discounts and free courses, but you will probably need to choose a package if you need to go in-depth in your practice.
- Check for the Most Vital Features
No matter the NCLEX prep you choose, always consider looking for the following factors:
- Free trials and demos
- Check for audio, text, or video lessons.
- Numerous similar NCLEX practice tests.
- A variety of practice questions that include rationales.
- Money-back guarantee in case you fail to pass.
- Check the percentage rate of students who passed.
- Professional and friendly support from the staff or educator.
The above features can help you recognize which NCLEX prep company is the best, so you can stay prepared to answer even the most challenging questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do I need to pay for NCLEX Prep?
Every NCLEX prep charges differently usually depending on the materials used, the duration of the course, and the learning format. Some of them even provide renewal discounts and reduced prices for packages and subscriptions. You can check out the comparison table below and choose an NCLEX prep that fits your budget.
| Company | Price |
| Kaplan |
|
| Hurst Review |
|
| Uworld |
|
| Nursing.com | Pay $99 per month |
| Nurse Plus Academy |
|
| Nurse Achieve |
|
| CrushNCLEX |
|
| Achieve Test Prep | Live classes for 15 hours go for $499 |
| Ati |
|
- Do I need an NCLEX prep?
Not every student can study using just one book from Amazon and excel easily in the NCLEX exam. If you are one of those students, then good for you, but some need to use more than just one practice material using thorough training and more studying time. This is where NCLEX prep comes in. Here, you get to receive video lessons, live classes, simulated exams, and so much more. The main aim here is to check how you would perform if the exam was a real NCLEX test.
- When should I take the NCLEX exam?
The dates for the NCLEX exam are available throughout the year, but you must first prove your eligibility. Therefore, candidates need to first go through their state’s regulatory body or nursing board.
To begin, you have to apply for your nursing license. Next, you have to register for the exam using Person VUE. If your application qualifies, an email will be sent to you with an Authorization to Test (ATT). This is because you will need to submit your authorization number, candidate ID number, and testing validity date when scheduling your test.
The ATT will expire after 90 days, but ensure that you do the test within the specified validity dates. If you feel that you need to change the schedule, do so 24 hours before the actual schedule. In addition, non-passers are allowed to repeat the NCLEX exam up to 8 times throughout the year as long as they take the exam within 45 days after the previous one.
- How early do I need to prepare?
The minimum period for taking the NCLEX exam after graduation can differ depending on the state you come from. Therefore, it is recommended to do your preparations early, probably a few months ahead, since NCLEX can be a tough exam for most people, mostly due to the extensive topics that are covered.
- Does NCLEX offer accommodations for a disability?
To receive NCLEX accommodations, you first need to receive NRB’s approval. Before you even schedule for the exam, you first need to send to the NRB a written request to grant accommodations. If your request is approved, you need to schedule your exam using a call, directed to the Pearson VUE’s NCLEX Accommodations Coordinators.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is always an NCLEX prep for everyone including those students with learning disabilities, those who are busy, those who are looking for something cheaper, and more.
Review Summary
User Reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
Share Your Experience