Two nursing students start strong. One grinds through question sets without building understanding. The other uses the best National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®) prep with step-by-step explanations and computerized adaptive testing (CAT)-style practice. Weeks in, one is burned out and guessing. The other knows exactly where they stand and what to fix. The difference? One key choice.
Why Choosing the Right NCLEX Prep Course Matters
Deciding which NCLEX review course is the best for you is an investment. The right fit turns mistakes into progress, protects your time, and builds clinical judgment for test day. The wrong fit wastes hours and can lead to retakes. We’ll help you compare the most widely used best NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN prep courses so you can make the wisest investment:
- UWorld
- Princeton Review
- SimpleNursing
- Kaplan
How to Choose the Best NCLEX Preparation
Evaluating which NCLEX review course is the best can feel like a test in itself. Courses make similar claims, some add flashy features that don’t actually move your score, and all present themselves as the best NCLEX prep course.
That’s why we’ll compare only the key features that truly improve your chances of passing the first time:
- Questions and answer explanation quality
- Practice Tests, CAT simulations, and analytics
- High-yield videos
- Value, support, and guarantees
- Learning tools: flashcards, digital notebook, study planner, app
Best NCLEX Review Courses: Feature Comparison
1) NCLEX Practice Questions and Answer Explanation Quality
Why it matters: The NCLEX rewards clinical judgment over rote memorization. Seek question banks with clear, in-depth explanations for every answer choice so you can build the clinical thinking needed to pass with confidence.
- Written by nurse educators and practicing nurses, with clear answer explanations for every answer choice
- 5,000 NCLEX-style questions, including 750+ Next Generation (NGN) items (RN; plan dependent)
- Professionally designed visuals that clarify concepts and improve retention
- Clarity and depth of answer explanations are consistently praised by students
- Some reviewers find the rationales too detailed, which can slow study sessions.
- Some learners perceive its questions as harder than the NCLEX, which can feel intimidating early on.
- 3,800 total NCLEX-like questions with detailed explanations
- Decision tree strategy built into practice sets with item-level rationales that show how to eliminate distractors
- Based on each provider's public counts, its question bank is smaller than UWorld, Princeton Review, and SimpleNursing.
- Independent reviewers rate the explanations as serviceable but not as in‑depth as UWorld’s.
“After using UWorld, I took my NCLEX, and it felt easy. Yes, it is lengthy, and yes, some days it might take you longer to review, but it is all WORTH IT!” Read more Reddit reviews.
- Public page advertises 4,000+ NCLEX practice questions with detailed rationales for correct and incorrect options
- Purchases some official questions directly from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- The question bank includes fewer NGN-specific items than UWorld.
- It is more expensive than other courses.
- 4,000+ practice questions with 1,400+ NGN items
- Video-based rationales that explain why each answer choice is correct or incorrect
- Video rationales are unavailable for every item (the site lists NGN video rationales and “video-based rationales,” but not universal coverage).
Winner: UWorld. Its exam-level questions and nurse-authored, answer-by-answer explanations teach the “why.” Its CAT practice and self-assessments give usable readiness signals before you sit for the exam.
Keep Going: Practice with Exam‑Level NCLEX Questions
2) Practice Tests, CAT Simulation, and Analytics
Why it matters: Realistic, timed practice and computerized-adaptive (CAT) simulations calibrate your readiness under true NCLEX conditions. Strong analytics turn results into a target list, so you spend less time guessing what to study and more time fixing what matters.
- Adaptive CAT practice tests simulating format/timing with 85–150 questions and difficulty that adjusts as you answer
- Detailed post-CAT analysis (overall score, preparedness indicator, difficulty factor) with mobile access to results and practice
- 6 self-assessments with UWorld-stated statistically validated readiness indicators
- CAT is not included in the free, 7-day trial.
- 3 full-length CATs that mirror the NCLEX algorithm and include NGN item types
- “Practice Pack” bundles question bank + 3 CATs + 24/7 NCLEX Channel; CAT + question bank bundle is also offered
- App access with performance tracking; free trials for the question bank, and a 7-day Practice Pack trial with a CAT preview
- Access to CATs and Channel is package-dependent; Qbank-only does not include everything.
“I took the exam and checked my state’s nursing board this morning, only to be pleasantly surprised with an ‘Active’ license status. Just wanted to share that I used ONLY UWorld and did all the 2,500+ questions along with the 5 assessment tests.” Read more Reddit reviews.
- 2 “Directive” self-assessments (mock NCLEX exams) with score reports that explain results and where to focus
- Exam-like practice sets with NGN questions; 365-day access in Self-Paced supports spaced practice blocks
- No adaptive CAT simulator stated; self-assessments are fixed-form
- Only 2 self-assessments listed
- Unlimited full-length CAT practice tests plus 6 readiness assessments
- Site materials highlight CAT and readiness assessments as core NCLEX features
- Essentials tier only includes 2 assessments; certain testing features vary by membership tier
Winner: UWorld. Its adaptive CAT exams are built into the NCLEX course, paired with detailed, post-exam performance analysis and multiple self-assessments that provide a statistically grounded readiness signal you can act on.
Build Confidence with Realistic Mocks & CAT
3) High-Yield NCLEX Videos
Why it matters: Short, focused videos help you relearn the “why” behind answers without getting lost in long lectures. The right library reinforces high-yield concepts, supports clinical judgment, and fits into short study windows.
- Short, high-yield videos on frequently tested topics with visuals and captions
- Pairs naturally with QBank answer explanations to reinforce clinical judgment
- Progress tracking to show time on tasks and completion
- Designed as refreshers, not a long-form lecture series
- On-demand video library covering 300+ topics plus live/on-demand NCLEX channel
- Live Online packages with teacher-led sessions for structured review
- Mobile app for on-the-go viewing
- Video access depends on package; QBank-only may not include Channel/library
- Total hours and depth by topic not specified on public pages
“These [UWorld’s] are very high-quality videos, and quite easy to follow. They constantly add new ones to the catalogue.” Read more Reddit Reviews.
- Animated video lessons paired with 1,000+ slides of study notes
- Self-Paced/LiveOnline formats with up to 12 months to review
- Content aligned to client-needs categories for targeted refreshers
- Total video hours and lesson counts are not published.
- There is no adaptive video pathing or smart playlisting described.
- 1,200+ animated videos with strong visuals and memory aids
- NCLEX Review Lecture Series (Nurse Mike) adds test-day strategies
- NGN video rationales for select questions connect practice to concepts
- Access to the Lecture Series and some video features varies by plan.
- Video rationales appear on select items, not every question.
Winner: UWorld. Concise, high-yield NCLEX review videos are built to reinforce frequently tested content and pair naturally with its QBank explanations, so what you watch shows up in how you answer.
Master NCLEX With UWorld High-Yield Videos
4) Value, Support, and Guarantees
Why it matters: Value isn’t just price. It’s how much exam-level practice and guidance you can use without friction. Clear, reachable guarantees and responsive support reduce risk and stress, while built-in CATs, self-assessments, and analytics in the base plan prevent false confidence (and costly retakes).
- Strong value at multiple price points (30–730 days) with key tools included (videos, QBank, CAT, flashcards, study planner, Notebook, synced app); Affirm financing and a free, 7-day trial to sample tools
- Ongoing support via free, live/on-demand NCLEX review sessions and an in-product performance dashboard; clear FAQs and product breakdowns
- Trust signals: NSNA exclusive partnership; states 1.4M+ served and a 98% pass rate for users meeting internal proficiency on self-assessments
- There is no money-back pass guarantee, and readiness indicators are based on internal data, not NCSBN.
- CAT access requires a paid plan (not in the free trial).
- Pass guarantee (terms apply) plus layered support: live classes, 24/7 NCLEX channel sessions, instructor guidance, and printed review materials
- Good value bundles (Practice Pack or CAT + questions) and free trials (questions trial and 7-day Practice Pack trial with CAT preview); Affirm payment options
- Clear post-test guidance on where to focus next; app access for practice and tracking
- Most support benefits (Channel, CATs) sit behind higher-priced bundles; QBank-only is limited.
- Access windows are timed (often ~6 months on courses), and unlocking the full feature set increases the total cost.
- Pass guarantee eligibility requires meeting specific conditions.
“Don’t focus on your scores, just focus on the rationales and trust UWorld, that’s what I'm doing right now, I personally know 4 people who graduated a long time ago and passed on their NCLEX-RN exams on their first time using only UWORLD as a resource.” Read more Reddit reviews
- Money-Back Pass Guarantee on listed NCLEX products (per term) and long access window (Self-Paced shows 12 months)
- Self-Paced value stack: 4,000+ questions, animated lessons, 1,000+ slides, mobile app; support via enrollment advisor and student support lines
- Frequent promotions/discounts to lower the effective price
- Hardcopy books are not bundled; depth of ongoing coaching/support beyond phone/email is not detailed.
- Guarantee terms vary by product and require eligibility steps.
- High perceived value at lower entry prices; free trial; Elite tier offers “until you pass” access and a pass guarantee
- Support mix includes live NCLEX cram sessions (Elite), adaptive study plan (Elite), and large video/study-guide library with mobile apps
- Readiness assessments with pass prediction to guide study focus
- Pass guarantee is restricted to Elite; core support features (live sessions, adaptive plan) are gated by tier.
- Hardcopy books are sold separately; analytics/readiness methodology details are light on public pages.
- Access lengths on non-Elite plans are shorter; upgrades may be needed to match competitor support.
Winner: UWorld. Its strong overall value is driven by best‑in‑class question quality, clear pricing, flexible access lengths, and trusted signals. Despite a formal pass guarantee, its readiness tools and trial access make it a smart first choice
Compare Plans Built for First‑Time Success
5) Learning Tools: Flashcards, Digital Notebook, Study Planner, App
Why it matters: The right tools turn practice into memory and momentum. Spaced-repetition flashcards, a searchable notes hub, a planner tied to your test date, and a synced app help you retain concepts, stay organized, and study consistently, without losing time to logistics.
- Spaced-repetition flashcards, a built-in digital Notebook, and a dynamic study planner in one place
- Mobile app syncs progress across devices; practice, CAT, and analytics accessible on the go
- Planner auto-builds a schedule from your test date and habits to track coverage and pace
- Offline functionality isn’t stated on public pages.
- Some tooling depth (e.g., number of self-assessments tied to plans) varies by subscription length.
- 300-drug pharmaceutical flashcards included; companion app provides QBank access and performance tracking
- 24/7 NCLEX channel sessions (with eligible packages) for what to study next
- No dedicated digital Notebook or smart study planner is described on public pages.
- Access to stronger support tools (Channel, CATs) is package-dependent.
“Happy to say I passed my NCLEX in 87 questions — only took me 45 minutes. Thought the exam was very easy, and I finished the QBank on UWorld. I found the exam to be very similar to UWorld, and I think I was overprepared.” Read more Reddit reviews.
- “Create your own” flashcard tool plus mobile app access for practice on the go
- Large notes library (1,000+ slides) to pair with videos for quick refreshers
- There is no stated smart study planner or dedicated Notebook feature.
- App access and features are limited to enrolled students; offline use is not specified.
- Adaptive study plan available in the Elite tier to target weak areas
- Flashcards and 900+ downloadable one-page study guides; mobile apps for iOS/Android
- There is no dedicated digital Notebook listed.
- Key planning/support tools (adaptive plan, live sessions) are gated to higher tiers.
Winner: UWorld — it has integrated spaced‑repetition flashcards, a searchable Notebook for teachable moments, a smart planner tied to your test date, and a full‑featured mobile app with sync and analytics.
Study Anywhere with Powerful Learning Tools
Why UWorld Is the Best NCLEX Prep
After weighing key features to move your NCLEX score, UWorld stands out as the best NCLEX prep course. It mirrors exam rigor and logic, so practice feels like test day. Answer explanations written by nurses and nurse educators walk you through every option and turn mistakes into clinical judgment.
That care and craft show up in the trust signals that count: the National Student Nurses’ Association chose UWorld as its exclusive NCLEX prep resources provider. More than 1.4 million students have prepared with it. Among learners who reach UWorld’s self-assessment proficiency level, the reported pass rate is up to 98 percent.
Join 1.4+ Nursing Students Who Choose UWorld
Here’s What Our Students are Saying…
I always did the UWorld self-assessment tests at a cafe to motivate myself and would treat myself to a sweet treat afterwards. I found doing the questions on night shifts during my last placement helpful as well because sometimes I would talk them through with the nurses!”
Yes, the NCLEX is tough. It’s complex. It makes you question everything, including your snack choices and your life decisions. 😂 But here’s the secret: UWorld + Determination = NCLEX Success! Result? PASSED on my first attempt! 🎉 ”
What powered me through was pure determination and a lot of late nights. I used UWorld everywhere—on my phone during lunch breaks, in bed before sleeping, even in between shifts when I was exhausted. The rationales made things finally click, and the questions trained my brain to think like a nurse. This time, I feel ready. If you’re struggling, just know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—just don’t stop. You’ve come too far to give up now.”
References
- Reddit. (2024). Kaplan vs UWorld. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/1b8i7n4/kaplan_or_uworld/
- Reddit. (2024). UWorld worth it. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/195cy16/u_world_worth_it/
- Reddit. (2024). UWorld saved my life. Finished NCLEX in 45 minutes. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/1e98e2r/uworld_saved_my_life_finished_nclex_in_45_minutes/
- Reddit. (2025). I passed in 87 questions. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/1lbvsgd/i_passed_in_87_questions/
- Reddit. (2024).I firmly believe that Uworld is all you need in order to pass. r/PassNclex. https://www.reddit.com/r/PassNclex/comments/1bji9dt/cant_recommend_uworld_enough_passed_at_85_first/
- Quora. How similar are UWorld questions to NCLEX? https://www.quora.com/How-similar-are-UWorld-questions-to-NCLEX
- Quora. Is UWorld enough to pass the NCLEX? https://www.quora.com/Is-UWorld-enough-for-Nclex
