The NCLEX PN exam can trip up even the sharpest students, with about 15% of first-time test takers not making it through (NCSBN, 2023). Passing this exam takes more than just reviewing notes from nursing school—it demands smart prep with the right tools. This isn’t about throwing a bunch of study guides at you.
The best NCLEX PN prep materials will fit your style and help you think like the test makers. But with so many review books, apps, and question banks out there, it’s easy to get lost. So, I’ve narrowed it down to the seven best tools that do what they say on the label.
These resources aren’t just popular; they work. Ready? Let’s get into it.
UWorld: Gold Standard for Practice Questions
If you’ve asked anyone about NCLEX prep, UWorld has probably come up. It’s the go-to because it gives you questions that look and feel exactly like NCLEX questions. The rationales after each question explain what works, what doesn’t, and why.
You don’t just learn answers—you learn how to think through the questions the right way.
What Makes UWorld Stand Out
UWorld isn’t about skimming through content. It drills you on real NCLEX logic and forces you to think critically, just like the test will.
Saunders Comprehensive Review: The All-in-One Guide
Some students need structure, and Saunders delivers. This textbook covers everything on the exam and gives practice questions after every chapter. If you like to dive deep, Saunders helps you review each topic thoroughly.
It also throws in access to online tools so you can test yourself even more.
Why Saunders Should Be on Your List
Saunders is your content powerhouse. It’s perfect if you want to feel confident that you’ve gone over every possible topic.
Kaplan NCLEX PN Prep: Boost Your Test-Taking Skills
Kaplan leans into test-taking strategies. It teaches you how to approach tricky questions and narrow down your options. The practice questions are tough but helpful.
Kaplan also gives you live and on-demand classes led by instructors who know their stuff. The best part? You can run through a full NCLEX simulation to get used to the pressure.
Why Kaplan Works for NCLEX Prep
Kaplan gets you into the mindset of answering smarter, not harder. You’ll walk into the exam ready for anything.
NCLEX Mastery App: Study Anytime, Anywhere
You don’t need a textbook or laptop for every study session. The NCLEX Mastery app fits right into your pocket, letting you study on the go. It offers flashcards, practice questions, and performance tracking to keep you on top of your game.
The app’s reminders nudge you to stay consistent, so procrastination doesn’t stand a chance.
What Makes the NCLEX Mastery App Useful
This app works best if you like short, focused study bursts. You’ll never feel tied to a desk again.
Nurse Achieve: Full NCLEX Simulations
Nurse Achieve takes prep up a notch by mimicking the actual NCLEX format with adaptive exams. You can take unlimited practice tests that change based on your answers, just like the real thing. It’s perfect if you want to practice without guessing how the computer-adaptive system will react.
What Makes Nurse Achieve Stand Out
This tool helps you build test-day confidence by giving you real experience with NCLEX-style exams.
Hurst Review: Focused Content Review
Hurst Review focuses on the most important topics, helping you review efficiently. The video lessons keep things easy to understand without sacrificing content. Hurst also offers quizzes and study planners, so you can organize your prep and make steady progress.
Why Hurst Review Deserves a Spot in Your Prep
Hurst is your go-to if you need a quick content refresh before test day.
NCSBN Learning Extension: Straight from the Source
The NCLEX PN exam comes straight from NCSBN, so their official course offers valuable insight into how the test works. This resource comes with interactive tools, practice questions, and review modules that stick closely to the test plan.
Why NCSBN Learning Extension is a Smart Choice
If you want to study directly from the source, this is the tool to use.
Quick Tips for Using the Best NCLEX PN Prep Resources
It's one thing to know what to utilize. The important thing is to use it properly. The following advice will help ensure that your study sessions are fruitful:
These tips will help you stay organized and make the most out of your prep time.
Conclusion: Find What Works Best for You
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to passing NCLEX PN. It’s about finding the best NCLEX PN prep tools that match how you study. Whether it’s UWorld’s brain-bending questions, Kaplan’s strategy lessons, or Saunders’ deep-dive content, the right resource will boost your confidence and performance.
Prep smart, stay consistent, and trust the process. With these seven resources on your side, you’ll walk into the test ready to tackle anything.