In this post, we will explore the best NCLEX prep courses that will help you pass the exam on the first try. We will compare the top three resources: Kaplan vs. UWorld vs. Hurst.
How difficult is the NCLEX? Well, it isn’t easy. The adaptive test gets progressively harder as you go, challenging how well you can transfer what you’ve learned in school to the field. Yet, people who adhere to a good study plan and use the best NCLEX prep courses seem to do better.
In 2024, the worldwide NCLEX pass rate was 79%, with 81,824 students sitting for the test. This is an increase from 2023, when average questions were launched, and the pass rate was 69.7%.
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Let’s break down exactly why the NCLEX is so challenging.
- Vast Range of Content: The NCLEX encompasses a vast amount of content, all of which you’ve studied during your nursing program. The test assesses your knowledge of everything from pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing to pediatric care, obstetrics, mental health, and more. Mastery of these varied subjects is essential because you never know what you’ll be asked.
- Knowledge Application: The NCLEX is all about translating what you’ve learned into practice. You will be required to make clinical decisions, prioritize the care of your patients, and critically think about the most appropriate action in given situations.
- Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT): One of the distinguishing features of the NCLEX is that it applies CAT, meaning that the test is based on how well you’re doing. The questions become more difficult if you answer correctly and easier if you answer wrong.
- Time Management: With only limited time to answer all the questions, timing is a critical factor. You need to control your time so that you are left with sufficient time to answer as many questions as possible without spending any additional time.
- Critical Thinking and Test-Taking Skills: NCLEX calls for a sophisticated understanding of nursing principles and analytical thinking to pick the correct response. You will have to scrutinize the question, identify the problem, and select the most appropriate solution using the information given. It is not merely memorizing the correct answer—it’s about determining how to attack every problem and how to process the information so you arrive at the correct decision.
Fortunately, there are a variety of study aids that can assist you in preparing for the NCLEX exam. The best NCLEX prep courses include review books, flashcards, and online practice tests. You are encouraged to use these tools to supplement your studying and reinforce what you have learned.
Among the best NCLEX prep courses and materials providers are Kaplan, UWorld, and Hurst. These organizations have existed for years, assisting a thousand nursing students to pass the NCLEX and become licensed.
All of these resources are useful, but based on your needs, you may gain more from one than the rest. Let’s start our NCLEX prep course comparison!
How to Choose the Best NCLEX Prep Course for You
When choosing an NCLEX prep course, you need to look beyond its ratings. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to learning. You need to choose the one that best aligns with your needs. Here are some of the key points to bear in mind:
- What’s your learning style? Understanding how you learn best is required in selecting the right prep course. Are you a reader and practice question, or do you like to watch videos and listen for explanations? Are you more comfortable with structure and a set schedule (e.g., live classes), or would you want to study at your own pace?
- What’s your budget? The price of NCLEX prep courses is not the same. There are affordable NCLEX prep courses, and then there are more expensive premium courses. It is crucial to select a course that you can afford.
- What is the pass rate? Review the pass rates for all programs—the higher the pass rate, the better. A great pass rate does not guarantee you will pass the NCLEX, but it will provide an idea of how well the course prepares students to pass the test.
- What are the features? What do you want in a prep course? Some provide question banks, while others provide video lessons, performance tracking, or live classes. Ensure that the program provides the tools you require to stay motivated and confident.
Kaplan NCLEX Review
Features
Kaplan NCLEX review is famous for its adaptive learning technology, which adjusts the study material to your requirements as you go along. It also provides:
- large question bank with numerous practice questions
- video lessons
- NCLEX test-taking strategies
Their “QBank” is particularly well-liked for offering realistic NCLEX-style questions.
The Kaplan course also has practice tests that will give you a sense of when you are prepared. Their “Decision Tree” method is a major component of the course, instructing you on how to analyze difficult questions and apply a structured method for responding to them.
Pricing
Kaplan has a number of courses available, varying from a simple package to a premium package with live lessons. The cost generally ranges between $99 and $467, depending on the package you opt for.
- CAT + Qbank
- $99
- 2,200+ questions, 3 CATs, 300 drug flashcards
- Practice Pack
- $119
- 2,200+ questions, 3 CATs, 300 drug flashcards, 24/7 review, Pass Guarantee
- Self-Paced
- $280
- 2,200+ questions, 3 CATs, 300 drug flashcards, 24/7 review, 6 NGN strategy classes, study plan, Pass Guarantee
- Live Online
- $467
- 2,200+ questions, 3 CATs, 300 drug flashcards, 24/7 review, 18 hours of live review, study plan, Decision Tree method
Student Reviews and Success Rates
Kaplan is well-known for preparing students to pass the NCLEX. The 2024 pass rate was 97% for first-time test takers.
Known as being one of the providers of the best NCLEX prep courses, students enjoy the detailed rationales on the practice questions, which help them understand why an answer is correct or not. Some students find that the interface of the program can be less user-friendly, and the video lessons could be a bit dull at times.
UWorld NCLEX Review
Features
UWorld is one of the most recognized and respected NCLEX study resources. There are hundreds of NCLEX-style questions in the program’s great question bank. UWorld has received specific accolades for providing the most thorough rationales for each answer choice, which is very helpful in explaining difficult concepts.
They also have performance tracking with the question bank that allows you to track your progress over time. As you get closer to the test date, you can feel that much stronger with the questions that resemble the real NCLEX in difficulty.
Pricing
UWorld offers different packages based on the length of time you need access to the course. The main difference in pricing is the length of time you get access to the question bank and other resources.
- 30-Day Access: $139
- 60-Day Access: $169
- 90-Day Access: $249 ($199 Sale)
- 180-Day Access: $329
Student Reviews and Success Rates
UWorld NCLEX review is widely praised by students, with many saying it was the main factor in their success. The 2024 pass rate of UWorld reviewers was 90%.
The questions are high-quality and simulate the NCLEX experience well, and the rationales provide in-depth explanations. Some students say UWorld’s interface is more intuitive than other programs, and they love the detailed performance reports, which help them understand where they need to focus their efforts.
Hurst NCLEX Review
Features
Hurst stands out a bit from Kaplan and UWorld because it offers both live classes and recorded materials. This is fantastic if you prefer a more organized study routine or enjoy the engagement that comes with live lessons.
As one of the top online NCLEX prep courses, Hurst’s NCLEX review includes:
- thorough content reviews
- practice exams
- strong focus on critical thinking and test-taking strategies
Their approach is all about simplifying nursing concepts to help you build a solid foundation for the NCLEX exam.
Pricing
- 30-Day Access
- $159
- Includes QBank
- 60-Day Access
- $199
- Includes QBank
- 90-Day Access
- $249
- Includes QBank
- 120-Day Access
- $339
- Includes QBank & Elevate
Hurt’s NCLEX prep course pricing for extras:
- QBank (30-Day Access)
- $109
- 1,500+ NCLEX® Questions, NGN® Case Studies, Flashcard or Quiz Mode
- Elevate (60-Day Access)
- $99
- Post-Review Guided Study Plan, NGN® Study Tips
- Acid Base Essentials (90-Day Access)
- $29
- ABG Interpretation, Pathophysiology, Respiratory & Metabolic Skills
Student Reviews and Success Rates
Hurst NCLEX review course, used by over 400,000 nursing students, boasts a 98% first-attempt pass rate. Hurst is especially popular with students who need more content review rather than just practice questions.
Kaplan vs. UWorld vs. Hurst: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown of the three best NCLEX study materials providers:
| Feature | Kaplan NCLEX Review | UWorld NCLEX Review | Hurst NCLEX Review |
| Best For | Adaptive learners or students who prefer a structured approach. | Students seeking detailed rationales and high-quality questions. | Students who prefer live classes and in-depth content reviews. |
| Pricing | – CAT + QBank: $99 – Practice Pack: $119 – Self-Paced: $280 – Live Online: $467 | – 30-Day Access: $139 – 60-Day Access: $169 – 90-Day Access: $249 ($199 Sale) 180-Day Access: $329 | – 30-Day Access: $159 – 60-Day Access: $199 – 90-Day Access: $249 – 120-Day Access: $339 |
| Key Features | – Adaptive learning – Large question bank – Video lessons – Decision Tree method | – Extensive question bank – In-depth rationales – Performance tracking | – Live and recorded classes – Content reviews |
| Weaknesses | Interfaces can be less user-friendly, and video lessons may feel dull. | Limited access duration based on pricing; some prefer more structured review material. | Less focused on practice questions, can be more expensive for extended access. |
| Pass Rate | 97% for first-time test takers (2024) | 90% for first-time test takers (2024) | 98% first-attempt pass rate (2024) |
Which NCLEX Prep Course Should You Choose?
When you look at the NCLEX pass rates for Kaplan UWorld Hurst, you will see that they all have outstanding rates. It will all boil down to your budget and study preferences.
- Best for Question Practice: If you learn best by doing practice questions, the best NCLEX study materials for you can be found at UWorld. It has an extensive question bank, detailed rationales, and excellent performance tracking.
- Best for Content Review: Hurst’s nursing school test prep content review might be the best fit for you if you need a more thorough review of nursing concepts before diving into questions.
- Best for Structure: If you prefer a structured, guided study plan with live classes, Kaplan’s adaptive learning and live classes might be the best option.
Ultimately, the best guide on how to choose an NCLEX prep course is to assess your own learning style and what you feel will best prepare you for the exam. Once you figure that out, you’ll be better equipped to choose the NCLEX prep course that aligns with your goals and learning style.
Final Tips for Passing the NCLEX
Here are a few final tips on how to increase your chances of passing the NCLEX the first time:
- Create a study schedule. Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to studying for the NCLEX. Make a schedule that will provide sufficient time to study all topics, practice questions, and mock exams.
- Take advantage of free resources. Many websites and applications provide free NCLEX practice questions, study guides, and flashcards. These can be wonderful additions to your prep course.
- Stay positive and confident. Don’t let the pressure of the NCLEX get to you. Stay focused, study regularly, and remember that you’ve been preparing for this throughout nursing school.
Good luck with your studies! With the right prep course and a solid study plan, you’ll be ready to take on the NCLEX and start your nursing career.