If you want to become a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse in the United States, you must pass the NCLEX. This is one of the biggest tests of your life if this is the career path you have chosen. A closer look at our NCLEX review will help you choose the right prep course.
There are plenty of online NCLEX prep courses to choose from. They are not all created equal, however. Some cater to a specific type of learning style, while others offer more helpful materials. Let’s look at some of the top online NCLEX prep courses in this NCLEX review to help you choose the right one for you.
Top 10 Online NCLEX Prep Courses
1. Nursing.com
One of the best options comes from Nursing.com. The NCLEX test prep course from Nursing.com offers plenty of great benefits. It was created by an experienced registered nurse. The goal was to create a program that will deliver the NCLEX test prep materials in a simple and concise manner.
If you choose the Nursing.com test prep option, you will get more than 600 videos and audio lessons, along with 900 pages of printable materials. There’s also a private study group to help and they offer a money-back guarantee.
The cost of the online NCLEX prep course from Nursing.com starts at $39 per month. This will get you more than 2,000 lessons, over 6,500 practice questions, and another 2,100 study tools.
If you want even more, you can upgrade to the $82 per month level, which you pay for in three monthly installments with nine free months after. This plan will give you everything in the first plan, along with three SIMCLEX test attempts, an NCLEX review eBook, and a 200% NCLEX pass money-back guarantee.
The highest-level option is also $82 per month, but you will pay for 6 total months and get 18 months free after. This plan will give you five SIMCLEX test attempts and more time to prepare for the actual exam.
2. Hurst
While many of the test prep options on this list cover a variety of options including NCLEX, Hurst specializes in NCLEX solely. They provide a ton of specialized features you get when you choose this online NCLEX prep course.
Hurst provides an extensive question bank with thousands of questions, along with four review exams. The test prep will help to build your critical thinking skills and will focus on testing strategies. They also offer many learning options including live classes, streaming webinars, and online classes.
The cost of the online NCLEX prep course from Hurst is $109 for 30 days of access to the online question bank. You can get the live classroom instruction options for $399 or the online live streaming option for the same cost. For $249, you can gain 90 days of access to the online question bank, as well.
3. Kaplan
A very well-known name in test prep, Kaplan offers a top NCLEX prep course you can use. They offer question analysis training, which will help you to better understand the questions and how to choose the right answers. This test prep option comes with thousands of practice questions, a mobile app, diagnostic testing, and a pass guarantee.
The only real disadvantage to the Kaplan NCLEX test prep option is the price. It’s rather expensive with the self-paced option coming in at $399 for six months of access. You can get a live online option with an interactive classroom experience for $499.
4. NurseAchieve
Get everything you need to pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN with NurseAchieve. This online NCLEX prep course offers 130 chapters of information to give you a very thorough NCLEX review. It will cover all the necessary topics and you can use the adaptive mock exam technology to prepare with unlimited attempts.
The online NCLEX prep course from NurseAchieve ranges from $105 to $389. They don’t offer any live courses, however. All courses are self-paced online courses and you can start with a free demo. Enjoy access for 30 days to two years and use the adaptive mock exam attempts to better prepare.
5. UWorld
UWorld offers one of the highest-rated online NCLEX prep courses you can find today. It was designed by experts and students to ensure it caters to the student. The large bank of sample questions is one of the reasons the UWorld NCLEX Prep course is so popular.
This option has an easy-to-use interface and offers unlimited practice tests. You can use the mobile app to prepare with UWorld, too. It will cover all the different subjects covered by the actual example with thorough explanations, too.
While UWorld offers one of the top options for your online NCLEX test prep, it’s also one of the more expensive options on the list. The cheapest option will only provide 30 days of access to more than 2,100 questions for $129. You can pay $279 for 180 days of access, which will also give you two self-assessments and a one-time reset option.
6. CrushNCLEX
Boasting a 97% pass rate, CrushNCLEX offers a mobile-friendly option with very comprehensive learning materials. You get more than 100 hours of video lessons and over 2,200 prep questions. This NCLEX test prep option was created by highly qualified medical educators and nurses.
With CrushNCLEX, you also get a simulated NCLEX interface, which will help you become familiar with the CAT experience. There’s a 100-point eBook, a 30-day NCLEX mastery schedule, and excellent email support with this option, too.
The cost of CrushNCLEX is $197 to $497. You can choose a lifetime subscription or you can make installment payments for this self-paced online course. However, they don’t offer a no pass guarantee like some of the other NCLEX prep courses.
7. Nurse Plus Academy
The Nurse Plus Academy offers many free sample test questions you can use. However, if you want even more, you can open a Plus Premium account and get more than 1,600 questions, 65 practice tests, and unlimited example retakes within the NCLEX test simulator.
The cost of the NCLEX test prep from Nurse Plus Academy ranges from $49 to $139, depending on how much access you want. They offer options including one month, one year, and lifetime access.
8. NCLEX Mastery
One of the most affordable online NCLEX prep courses on the list comes from NCLEX Mastery. This test prep option will give you all the help you need to pass the NCLEX-RN or the NCLEX-PN. It’s a great option for the on-the-go students looking for self-studying options.
NCLEX Mastery offers affordable auto-renewing options with one-month, three-month, and annual subscription options. You even get a double your money-back guarantee if you don’t pass the exam with NCLEX Mastery.
The NCLEX-RN option has 1,800 questions, while the NCLEX-PN has more than 1,600 questions. You will also gain access to mnemonics, category-specific quizzes, and nursing terminologies.
You will pay from $34 to $139 to gain access to the NCLEX Mastery test prep options. This app-based online learning option gives you everything you need, but it doesn’t have any sample tests. If you need sample tests, this is not the option for you.
9. ATI
Another option for your online NCLEX prep course comes from ATI. This option will give you all the materials you need with actual NCLEX style questions, a mobile app, diagnostic exam, and live coaches. However, if you don’t benefit from a live coach, this might not be the right option for you. Plus, the locations for the live classes are rather limited.
The course from ATI is $450, but you can save some money if you’re a member of ATI already.
10. Mometrix University
Mometrix University offers a ton of free NCLEX prep course materials with more than 120 video lectures with transcripts. You can also get the paid version of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN prep courses, which will give you access to e-flashcards, audio lessons, practice tests, instructional videos, and even more.
The paid version is $59.99 per month and offers a refund option within the first seven days. There is only one paid option with Mometrix University.
Frequently Asked Questions about the NCLEX Reviewed
What is required before I take the NCLEX?
You will need to check with your state board of nursing to make sure you meet the necessary requirements. You need to become eligible by the state board and get the Authorization to Test email before you schedule your exam appointment.
Who will be administering the NCLEX?
The National Council of State Boarding of Nursing (NCSBN) administered the NCLEX exam.
What will the NCLEX-RN cover?
The NCLEX-RN will cover many different topics split into four main areas:
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Safe, Effective Care Environment
- Physiological Integrity
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
While some of the things you learned in nursing school will be covered on the test, you will still need to prepare for this difficult exam.
What type of format can I expect when taking the NCLEX-RN?
The NCLEX-RN is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam. While not every question is a multiple-choice question, most are and have four answer options. There will be some open-ended questions and some fill-in-the-blank questions.
This exam will cover anywhere from 75 to 265 questions. It’s an adaptive exam, which means the exam may end when:
- You have completed 75 questions and shown competence in nursing
- You have completed 75 questions and failed to show the necessary competence as a nurse
- You have answered the maximum number of questions
- You have used up the maximum amount of time for the test
While there is no time limit for each individual question, you do have six hours to take the test. You do get an optional break after two hours and after three and a half hours.
Will all of the questions on the test count?
It’s common for 15 questions that are answered by test-takers to not count towards the score. These questions are used to help refine future test editions.
How long will it take before I get my NCLEX results?
The state you take the test in will determine how fast you get your results. In some states, the NCLEX Quick Results Service is used, which gives you an unofficial score in just 48 business hours. However, in other states, it can take up to six weeks to get your results after taking the NCLEX exam.
What happens if I don’t pass the NCLEX the first time?
Depending on the test prep course you chose, you may be able to get a refund if you don’t pass on the first try. However, you will also need to retake the exam. When you fail to pass the NCLEX, you have to wait 45 days to retake the exam. This time should be used to better prepare for the retake of the exam.
What are the passing rates for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams?
The passing rates are fairly high for the NCLEX-RN. Nearly 85% of candidates will pass on the first try with about 45% passing on the second try.
With the NCLEX-PN exam, about 81% pass on the first try with about 34% passing on the second try.
The right online NCLEX prep course can give you an even better chance of passing. Some test prep providers boast first-time passing rates of more than 97%.
If you’re planning to become a nurse, you cannot avoid taking the NCLEX. You will either take the NCLEX-RN or the NCLEX-PN, depending on which type of nurse you are becoming. Regardless of the exam version, you will need the right NCLEX prep course to help you prepare.
The right NCLEX review will help you choose the best prep course for you. We have listed the best online NCLEX prep courses above with ten excellent options. Choose the right one for you based on your learning style, your specific needs, and your budget. With the right NCLEX prep course, you’ll be able to pass the first time.
Jordan Fabel
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