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Nurses provide care for patients, deliver emotional support and educate people on their health conditions. These workers play a key role in modern healthcare and must undergo rigorous training to ensure their expertise.
Along with completing a nursing program, prospective nurses must pass the NCLEX®, a multi-part examination that assesses their readiness for nursing. This test is a key step on the pathway to nurse licensure and requires significant preparation. So, what are some of the best ways to prepare for this demanding exam?
This guide explores several NCLEX prep methods, including when to start preparing for your exam, NCLEX review courses to consider, exam content and NCLEX pass rates.
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What Is the NCLEX?
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). All prospective registered nurses (RNs) must pass this exam to earn licensure. In April 2023, NCSBN launched the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), a revamped version of the licensing exam that more accurately assesses each candidate’s critical thinking skills in nursing.
The NCLEX covers four categories of patient needs:
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
The exam tests prospective nurses’ ability to problem-solve within these contexts. Its wide-spanning content explores nursing topics like informed consent, high-risk behaviors, assistive devices, hemodynamics and contraindications.
The NCLEX uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) method, which adjusts the difficulty of exam items as the test taker progresses. This format aims to challenge each prospective nurse, tailoring prompts to align test items with their specific ability level.
NCLEX Test Prep Resources
ATI® Testing
Study Methods: Prep quiz question bank, adaptive quizzes, live online review, one-on-one access to nurse educator
Cost: BoardVitals™: $159; Virtual-ATI® + BoardVitals: $525; live NCLEX review: $550
Resource Overview: ATI Testing offers several NCLEX prep methods. Its Virtual-ATI option is a 12-week program in which users communicate directly with experienced nurse educators to develop individualized NCLEX study plans. Prospective nurses receive ongoing assessments, allowing nurse educators to alter study plans as necessary.
Virtual-ATI users can access BoardVitals, which features more than 3,700 NCLEX prep questions to create personalized mock exams in specific areas. ATI users can also opt for its live review method, in which expert nurse educators communicate with students about problem-solving strategies for taking the NCLEX.
Kaplan Nursing
Study Methods: Self-paced, live online
Cost: Self-paced: $425; live online: $525
Resource Overview: Kaplan Nursing offers two pathways for NCLEX prep: self-paced and live online. Both formats provide six months of access to study materials, including a question bank of over 3,800 test items. Kaplan uses the CAT format for mock exams to mirror the NCLEX and provide individualized feedback for each user.
The self-paced format includes access to a content video library, three CATs and a content review guide. Users who choose the live online option receive these prep materials plus 18 hours of synchronous classes.
Mometrix Test Preparation
Study Methods: Free practice test, practice questions, lessons, instructional videos, flashcards
Cost: $79.99/month
Resource Overview: Mometrix offers a one-week money-back guarantee on its NCLEX review course. Users pay a monthly subscription to access review materials for as long as they need. With over 150 lessons, more than 1,350 practice questions, upwards of 110 instructional videos and 1,000 flashcards, Mometrix users can use content adapted to visual or language-based learners to prepare for the NCLEX.
Customers can access the same content on desktop and mobile platforms.
Nurse Plus Academy
Study Methods: Adaptive practice tests, digital flashcards, progress tracking
Cost: $49 for 30 days; $99 for 60 days; $139 for 365 days
Resource Overview: Along with paid access to Nurse Plus Premium, Nurse Plus Academy users receive free practice exams. The Premium tier features benefits like hints and “answer popularity,” which offer insight into other test takers’ choices. Nurse Plus offers a pass guarantee, providing a full refund to Premium subscribers who fail the NCLEX.
Nurse Plus’ Challenge Bank stores questions that users miss when taking practice tests, allowing them to identify problem areas and revisit subjects.
Nursing.com
Study Methods: Simulated NCLEX, content review, study plans, strategy guides
Cost: $29-$162 billed monthly; $149-$449 billed yearly
Resource Overview: Nursing.com‘s SIMCLEX tests offer a simulation of the NCLEX exam and report a 99% real-world pass rate. The company includes a 200% pass guarantee; individuals who pass Nursing.com’s simulation but not the NCLEX can get a 200% refund on their prep course.
Users can access NCLEX prep resources designed to support visual learners and those with anxiety, ADHD or dyslexia. Nursing.com features more than 6,500 NCLEX-style questions and provides customers with a global ranking to compare with peers.
The Princeton Review®
Study Methods: Practice questions, self-paced study, live online courses
Cost: Self-paced: $325; Live online: $649; QBank $179-$349
Resource Overview: Along with free resources and events, The Princeton Review offers self-paced and live online NCLEX test prep with a money-back guarantee for candidates who do not pass the exam. Users gain access to interactive lessons and over 3,700 NCLEX practice questions. RNs with advanced degrees lead the live online courses and respond to users via one-on-one emails.
UWorld Nursing
Study Methods: Practice questions, NCLEX prep app, performance tracking
Cost: $139 for 30 days; $169 for 60 days; $249 for 90 days; $329 for 180 days
Resource Overview: UWorld Nursing touts a 99% NCLEX pass rate among learners who performed well on UWorld’s self-assessment. UWorld’s practice tests mirror the NGN experience to prepare test takers for exam day. Individuals receive access to virtual flashcards, a digital notebook and performance-tracking metrics. Each 30-day session includes one self-assessment.
How Many People Pass the NCLEX?
According to NCSBN, about 70% of candidates passed the NCLEX-RN in 2023. NCSBN provides a breakdown of pass rates based on other criteria, including education level and whether candidates had taken the NCLEX before.
In 2023, about 89% of first-time test takers passed the NCLEX. Among these candidates, 89% of diploma-level learners, 90% of individuals with bachelor’s degrees and 88% of associate-level candidates passed on their first attempts. Repeat test takers educated in the United States had a 51% pass rate.
When Should You Start Studying?
Recommendations for NCLEX prep times vary. Formal NCLEX prep programs vary in length from one month to one year or longer. Consider your usual learning style and how long you’ve needed to prepare for past exams; some learners take longer than others, so give yourself the time you need to ready yourself for this rigorous test.
In general, aim to start preparing for the NCLEX four to 12 weeks before test day. If you do not feel ready for the exam after this period, continue to focus on improvement areas until you feel more confident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NCLEX Prep
How do I start preparing for the NCLEX exam?
Start preparing for the NCLEX by researching upcoming test dates. With an endpoint in mind, you can create a study plan. Find an NCLEX prep program or method that aligns with your exam timeline, schedule and personal obligations, and start studying until you feel confident.
Can you study for the NCLEX in three weeks?
Ideally, you should spend longer than three weeks preparing for the NCLEX. However, if the next exam day takes place in three weeks and you want to take it, plan to study for three to five hours every day to sufficiently prepare. Some sites offer two-week NCLEX prep plans if you prefer a more structured approach.
How should I study for my NCLEX?
The best study method depends on your preferred learning style. Along with self-prep, research prep programs to find one that aligns with your timeline and favorite study methods. Use practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and gain insight on areas that need more attention. Take detailed notes, and compare your progress over time.
How long should you study for the NCLEX before taking it?
Aim to study for the NCLEX for four to 12 weeks, depending on your schedule and target test date. If you still feel unprepared after this period, keep taking practice tests to work on improvement areas.
