Passing the NCLEX has been the standard requirement for aspiring registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the United States since 1994. Out of over 350,000 NCLEX-RN and 65,000 NCLEX-PN test takers in 2023, the pass rates were 69.66% and 74.54%, respectively. These passers include 88.56% of NCLEX-RN and 86.67% of NCLEX-PN first-time, US-educated candidates. Effective study methods can increase your chances of passing the NCLEX on the first try; that’s why we handpicked the top NCLEX prep courses that can work for you:
- Kaplan — Top Pick
- NurseAchieve — Most Advanced Practice Exam Technology
- Hurst Review — Best First-Attempt Pass Rate
- NCLEX Mastery — Most Affordable
- CrushNCLEX — Best Online Course
- UWorld — Best for Busy Schedules
The Best NCLEX Prep Courses
Kaplan — Top Pick
Kaplan’s NCLEX test prep is our top pick, offering tiered packages that cater to different learning needs. With lessons from top nursing educators and a 97% first-time pass rate, Kaplan’s program excels in preparing students for success. Plus, their unique test-taking strategies, including the “Decision Tree” method, give you a competitive edge. The money-back guarantee further sets it apart, making Kaplan the best choice for NCLEX preparation.
Kaplan offers flexible tiered NCLEX prep packages, with varying options to suit your needs — from self-paced study to personalized tutoring and live instruction.
What We Like
Kaplan’s NCLEX test prep offers a range of packages, allowing students to choose the level of support they need. From self-paced learning to comprehensive tutoring, there’s an option for everyone, whether you prefer independent study or guided instruction.
The program is led by experienced, world-class nurse educators who bring real-world expertise to the table. Their extensive knowledge of the NCLEX exam and test-taking strategies helps students feel confident and prepared for the challenge ahead.
Kaplan’s impressive 97% pass rate, as reported on their website, highlights the effectiveness of their program. This high success rate gives students peace of mind, knowing they’re using a well-established, trusted resource that has helped many aspiring nurses achieve their goals.
What We Didn’t Like
While Kaplan’s live classes are comprehensive and led by expert educators, their prices can be steep, making it difficult for budget-conscious students to access this option.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on TrustPilot praise Kaplan’s NCLEX prep for its realistic exam structure and flexible scheduling, which are ideal for busy professionals. Many report passing on their first attempt. However, some express disappointment with customer service, citing slow responses or lack of clarity when seeking feedback on questions.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Qbank + CAT | $99 |
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| Practice Pack | $119 |
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| Self-Paced | $249 |
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| Live Online | $549 |
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| Online Tutoring + Live Online | Starts at $999 |
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NurseAchieve — Most Advanced Practice Exam Technology
NurseAcheive’s NCLEX test prep stands out for its advanced adaptive exam technology, offering unlimited practice exams that are regarded as strong predictors of NCLEX success. This makes it an excellent choice for students who thrive on practice and repetition. However, the program lacks live courses and personalized tutoring, which may be a drawback for those seeking more interactive, one-on-one support. Students pursuing this level of support may find Kaplan’s live courses worth the investment, while Hurst Review offers more affordable options.
NurseAcheive’s mock exams allow students to easily target specific areas like cardiovascular health, mental health, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, sharpening their knowledge for more focused preparation.
What We Like
With various package options, you can choose the timeline that best suits your needs — whether you’re looking for short-term intensive support or long-term study plans, NurseAcheive has you covered.
NurseAcheive offers unlimited opportunities to take adaptive mock exams, allowing you to continuously refine your test-taking strategies and assess your progress.
Another standout feature is the ability to focus on specific subjects, such as ADHD, mental health, and other targeted areas. This flexibility allows you to strengthen knowledge in weaker areas and tailor your study plan to address knowledge gaps.
What We Didn’t Like
Unlike other programs, NurseAcheive doesn’t offer live, instructor-led courses, which may leave some students without the interactive, real-time guidance they prefer.
Although many competitors offer a money-back guarantee, NurseAcheive doesn’t provide this level of reassurance.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers praise NurseAcheive for its concise summary sheets and extensive question bank, though some find the written rationales challenging to follow. Many Reddit reviewers agree that its adaptive exams (CATs) are a reliable predictor of NCLEX success.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| NCLEX-RN Package |
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Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Hurst Review — Best First-Attempt Pass Rate
Hurst Review boasts a high first-attempt pass rate, is backed by a money-back guarantee, and offers affordable options for both live and self-paced instruction compared to competitors like Kaplan. It’s one of the few NCLEX prep programs offering a free 7-day trial, allowing students to explore course content and ensure it fits their study needs before committing to a paid plan. This flexibility makes it a strong contender for those seeking quality NCLEX prep with confidence in their investment.
Hurst’s comprehensive NCLEX prep combines expert instructors and proven test-taking strategies to guide you toward exam success.
Hurst offers both self-paced and live instruction packages, providing personalized NCLEX prep to suit every student’s learning style.
What We Like
Hurst Review offers both live instruction and self-paced study options at budget-friendly prices, making it accessible to many students. Whether you prefer interactive classes or independent study, Hurst has a package that fits your needs.
Also, Hurst’s money-back guarantee allows students who don’t pass the NCLEX on the first attempt to receive a refund, giving them peace of mind and an extra layer of support.
What We Didn’t Like
While Hurst offers excellent online options, in-person courses are limited, which may be a drawback for students who prefer face-to-face learning or need a more structured environment.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers report mixed experiences with Hurst Review. One Redditor expressed frustration over the lack of partial credit on answers, which differs from the NCLEX scoring system. Another found Hurst’s live classes especially beneficial when used alongside NurseAcheive for more comprehensive prep.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Now | 30-day access: $159
60-day access: $199 90-day access: $249 120-day access: $339 |
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| NStream | $399 |
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NCLEX Mastery — Most Affordable
NCLEX Mastery is an excellent tool for on-the-go learning, making it a standout option for students who find app-based studying more convenient. With access to over 4,000 questions and detailed explanations, it comprehensively covers key NCLEX concepts. Recently, NCLEX Mastery introduced two full-length simulated exams to boost readiness, giving students realistic practice for the actual test. One of the most unique aspects of the app is its 300% money-back guarantee, offering unmatched confidence for those preparing to pass the NCLEX on their first attempt.
NCLEX Mastery’s prep process includes a pre-test, access to 4,000+ practice questions, and a post-test to track progress and ensure exam readiness.
The program offers flexible subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and yearly plans, so you can choose the best fit for your study timeline.
What We Like
NCLEX Mastery has recently added two full-length simulated exams to better prepare students for the real test. These exams are designed to increase readiness and boost confidence by providing realistic practice.
This provider stands out with their unique 300% money-back guarantee — significantly higher than most competitors — offering peace of mind for students who don’t pass on their first try.
The program offers varying, auto-renewing subscription lengths to fit your specific needs, making it easy to customize your study schedule based on how long you want access to the materials.
What We Didn’t Like
Unlike some competitors, NCLEX Mastery doesn’t offer live instruction, which may be a con for students who prefer real-time interaction with educators.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on Reddit praise NCLEX Mastery as an excellent tool for on-the-go studying, often pairing it with other prep programs. Some, however, find the test questions more difficult or differently worded than the actual NCLEX, making it challenging for users to gauge their progress and probability of passing.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| NCLEX Mastery Subscription |
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UWorld — Best for Busy Schedules
UWorld is ideal for students with busy schedules, thanks to its extensive QBank of 2,300+ questions, including 500+ NGN questions, and customizable learning tools like flashcards and note-taking. These features allow test takers to study efficiently and tailor their sessions to fit their unique timelines. Many users praise the difficulty of UWorld’s questions, which they credit for boosting their critical thinking skills and preparing them for NCLEX success. However, the limited number of self-assessments may be a notable con for those seeking frequent progress checks.
A section on UWorld’s website breaks down the provider’s standout features — such as self-assessment tests, digital learning tools, and performance tracking.
What We Like
UWorld offers an extensive QBank with thousands of practice questions to cover all critical NCLEX topics. Each question is paired with detailed rationales for correct and incorrect answers, ensuring you fully understand the concepts.
They advertise an impressive 98% pass rate, though it’s important to note this is based on users who consistently achieve an average of 70% on their QBank scores. Dedicated students using UWorld’s tools effectively will likely succeed on their first attempt.
UWorld allows students to customize their learning experience with valuable features like note-taking, creating flashcards, and marking difficult questions for review.
What We Didn’t Like
UWorld only offers a limited number of self-assessment exams, which may not be sufficient for students needing more frequent practice. The number of assessments ranges from one to three, depending on the access level you purchase.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on TrustPilot and Reddit praise UWorld’s NCLEX test prep for its challenging questions that boost critical thinking skills. Many credit it with helping them pass on their first try. While some complain about customer service and slow response times, the consensus highlights its effectiveness in preparing for the exam.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Review Course |
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| Self-Assessments |
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CrushNCLEX — Best Variety of Learning Formats
CrushNCLEX offers the best variety of learning formats, making it a standout option for those with different learning preferences. With their affordable packages, this program provides more accessible opportunities than pricier competitors like Kaplan. CrushNCLEX also offers flexible streaming and on-demand content for those who prefer self-paced learning. This range of formats ensures that students can choose the method that best fits their schedule and study style without breaking the bank, making it a versatile and cost-effective NCLEX prep option.
The CrushNCLEX homepage offers a free trial and a breakdown of how the program works, distinguishing it from competitors’ programs.
Regularly praised by reviewers, the CrushNCLEX video lectures offer instruction from top-tier nursing experts.
What We Like
CrushNCLEX offers flexible and budget-friendly packages to suit different needs, whether students prefer self-paced learning, streaming lessons, or live instruction.
Also, CrushNCLEX provides a seamless and intuitive interface, making navigating through study materials, quizzes, and practice exams easy. The platform’s design ensures students can access and engage with content efficiently at home or on the go.
With over 30 years of nursing experience behind their program, CrushNCLEX’s expert-driven content provides you with the knowledge and strategies needed to succeed on the NCLEX.
What We Didn’t Like
Compared to other prep programs, the program provides fewer self-assessment exams, which can be a drawback for those looking for more frequent testing opportunities to gauge their progress and readiness. Students looking for unlimited self-assessments should consider options like Kaplan or NurseAcheive.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers largely praise CrushNCLEX, with many crediting the program’s experienced instructors for their success. Reviewers highlight the straightforward and easy-to-understand rationales provided for each question, making it easier to grasp complex concepts. Overall, users find the content well-structured and accessible, contributing to a positive prep experience.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Self-Paced |
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| N-Stream |
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| Live Online |
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How We Chose the Best NCLEX Test Prep
We chose the best NCLEX test prep programs by focusing on critical factors that matter most to nursing graduates eager to begin their careers. Test scores are crucial, as the NCLEX is designed to ensure you’re ready for entry-level nursing practice. While you can’t put a price on your future, many programs are a significant investment, with over 95% of students passing on their first try. To help you make an informed choice, we thoroughly researched each company, examined customer reviews, and tested the platforms ourselves.
Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats
We prioritized flexible scheduling and adaptable formats to meet your unique learning needs. Many NCLEX prep programs offer self-paced, streaming, or even live instruction options, allowing you to study in whichever way suits you best. For example, Kaplan stands out for its online tutoring, though it has a higher cost, while other services offer app-based learning for ultimate convenience.
Personalized instruction
Personalized instruction is vital to effective NCLEX prep. Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, as highlighted in a 2020 article on K-12 education, which emphasizes the benefits of students choosing how they learn best. This principle extends to adult learning, where the ability to focus on their weakest subject areas allows test takers to optimize their prep experience.
Pricing and plans
We carefully evaluated pricing options and plans to select the best NCLEX prep programs for various budgets. While many services are relatively affordable, some outliers offer pricier packages for live instruction and online tutoring. We aimed to find outstanding options across price ranges that deliver real value and can significantly impact NCLEX success.
Expert instructors and tutors
When it comes to NCLEX prep, having access to expert instructors and tutors is essential. This was a top priority in our research, with all our picks featuring learning content exclusively developed by experienced nurse educators. Many platforms, such as NurseAcheive and CrushNCLEX, emphasize this expertise with content created by nurses with decades of practical and teaching experience. Across all platforms, the focus on “nurses teaching nurses” guarantees high-quality, relevant content, making these prep services trustworthy and effective for exam success.
Choose the Right NCLEX Prep Course for You
When deciding on the right NCLEX prep course, you’ll want to consider specific factors like your personal learning style, how much time you have to prepare, your budget, and the features most important to you. Below, we’ve provided more information to help you make the best decision.
Calculate prep time
Because the NCLEX is offered continuously every year, many NCLEX review providers offer courses for as short as one month up to a lifetime subscription to accommodate students with different personal timeframes. Taking the NCLEX as early as possible after graduation is not unusual, especially for new graduates with fresh knowledge and/or excellent academic records. Repeat test takers and those planning to take the NCLEX long after graduation may need intensive preparations within a reasonable timeframe.
Consider your learning style
Taking the right NCLEX prep course based on your learning style makes understanding difficult concepts easier. If you’re mostly a visual learner, choosing online NCLEX review courses that use video lessons and interactive flashcards may work for you. There are also options with audio lessons and virtual classroom lectures for aural learners.
Compare costs
When comparing costs among different NCLEX prep courses, consider what’s included in their service packages to help you understand which ones are reasonable for your budget. Also, keep in mind that programs with a relatively high upfront cost may be more affordable in the long run than short-term programs that cost more per month. Pricing for online NCLEX prep courses ranges from free to over $999, depending on the learning formats and number of practice questions included.
Look for must-have features
Some of the most important features to look for in an NCLEX prep course are:
- Thousands of practice questions with rationales
- High quantity of NCLEX-style practice tests
- Availability of video, audio, and/or text lessons
- Access to expert support from an educator
- Declared percentage of passing students
- Money-back guarantee for students with non-passing scores
- Free trials and platform demos
NCLEX Prep Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for taking the NCLEX?
The NCLEX is offered continuously throughout the year. Candidates must first submit applications for licensure/registration to their nursing regulating bodies (NRB) and then register for the exam with Pearson VUE. When determined eligible by their NRBs, registered candidates receive their Authorization to Test (ATT) emails, and they must be able to schedule and take exams within the validity dates written on their ATTs. The average ATT period is 90 days. Candidates may schedule their exam with their preferred Pearson VUE testing center based on time slot availability. Changes in schedule must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Official test results are sent by the NRBs up to 6 weeks after a candidate takes the exam. A non-passing candidate can take the NCLEX up to eight times in a year but must take the next exam at least 45 days after the last one.
Are there accommodations for disabilities?
Pearson VUE only provides testing accommodations to candidates with authorization from their NRBs. Prior to registration and exam scheduling with Pearson VUE, a candidate must send a written request to the appropriate NRB in compliance with the NRB’s requirements for granting testing accommodations. Candidates who receive written approval from their NRBs should schedule their exams with Pearson VUE’s NCLEX Accommodations Coordinators via telephone.
How early should I prep?
Each state has a required minimum period before taking the NCLEX after graduation. Due to the extensive range of topics covered in the NCLEX, starting to prepare for the exam a few months ahead can help you become fully prepared to answer difficult questions.
How much does NCLEX prep cost?
The cost of NCLEX prep courses varies greatly based on learning format, course duration, and included materials. Some providers offer renewal discounts and reduced total prices for bundled packages or longer subscriptions, saving students more than purchasing a la carte products and monthly plans.