Choosing the right NCLEX review books can make the difference between passing on your first attempt and facing the stress of retaking this crucial exam. With the introduction of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format questions and dozens of study guides flooding the market, finding the most effective NCLEX study materials has become more challenging than ever.
As a nursing student, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. Which books actually help you pass? Which ones are worth your investment? And most importantly, which prep resources align with the current 2025 NCLEX format? This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision about which NCLEX prep books deserve a spot in your study arsenal.
What Makes a Great NCLEX Review Book in 2025?
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s important to understand what separates effective NCLEX study guides from mediocre ones, especially given the recent changes to the exam format.
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Alignment: The best NCLEX-RN prep books now include Next Generation NCLEX questions that mirror the new interactive question types you’ll encounter on the actual exam. These include drag-and-drop, hot spots, and extended multiple response questions that require higher-level clinical reasoning.
Quality Over Quantity: While having thousands of practice questions might seem appealing, the best NCLEX-RN review books focus on high-quality questions that accurately reflect the exam’s difficulty level and style. Each question should include detailed rationales that explain not just the correct answer, but why other options are incorrect.
Comprehensive Content Review: Top-tier NCLEX prep resources balance thorough content review with practical application. They should cover all major nursing concepts while providing frameworks for clinical decision-making and prioritization – skills that are essential for NGN success.
Updated Content: The most effective NCLEX study guides are regularly updated to reflect current nursing practice standards, medication updates, and evolving healthcare protocols.
Top 5 NCLEX Review Books for 2025
1. Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination (9th Edition)
- Price Range: $63-80
- Pages: 1144
- Practice Questions: 5,700+
The Saunders Comprehensive Review consistently ranks as the gold standard among NCLEX-RN prep books, and for good reason. This comprehensive study guide offers an impressive balance of content review and practice questions that closely mirror the actual exam experience.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Extensive Content Coverage: Over 1,100 pages of detailed nursing content organized by body systems and nursing fundamentals
- Massive Question Bank: More than 5,700 practice questions with comprehensive rationales
- Visual Learning Tools: Abundant charts, diagrams, and tables that help visual learners grasp complex concepts
- Pyramid Points: Special callout boxes highlighting the most frequently tested content
- NGN Integration: Updated with Next Generation NCLEX question formats and strategies
Strengths:
- Most comprehensive content review available
- Excellent for students who need thorough concept reinforcement
- Questions closely match actual NCLEX difficulty and style
- Strong focus on prioritization and delegation
- Regularly updated to reflect current nursing standards
- Includes NGN questions
Weaknesses:
- Can feel overwhelming due to its size
- May be too detailed for students who only want practice questions
- Higher price point than some alternatives
Best For: Students who want the most comprehensive review available and prefer thorough content coverage alongside extensive practice questions.
2. Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus
- Price Range: $35-50
- Pages: 540
- Practice Tests: 2
Kaplan’s reputation in test preparation extends strongly into nursing education, and their NCLEX-RN Prep Plus delivers a well-structured approach to exam preparation that emphasizes both content mastery and test-taking strategies.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Strategic Approach: Focuses heavily on Kaplan’s proven decision-making framework
- Realistic Practice: Questions designed to match actual NCLEX-RN difficulty and format
- Content Organization: Logically structured content that builds knowledge systematically
- Online Resources: Includes access to additional online materials and practice tests
Strengths:
- Excellent test-taking strategies and frameworks
- Well-organized content that’s easy to follow
- Strong emphasis on critical thinking development
- Good balance of content review and practice
- Trusted brand with proven track record
- Breaks down 7 NGN questions types
Weaknesses:
- Less comprehensive content review than Saunders
- Fewer total practice questions
- Some students find the strategic approach too rigid
Best For: Students who learn well with structured frameworks and want to develop strong test-taking strategies alongside content review.
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3. Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN (13th Edition)
- Price Range: $40-58
- Pages: 1152
- Practice Questions: 6,000+
For students who learn best through extensive practice, Lippincott’s Q&A Review offers one of the largest question banks available in print format, with a strong focus on application-based learning.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Massive Question Bank: Over 6,000 questions covering all NCLEX content areas
- Comprehensive Applications: Questions organized by clinical area and difficulty level
- Detailed Rationales: Thorough explanations for both correct and incorrect answers
- Multiple Testing Formats: Includes both shorter practice sessions and full-length exams
Strengths:
- Largest question bank among major prep books
- Excellent for students who learn through repetition
- Strong rationales that explain reasoning
- Good variety of question types and difficulty levels
- Comprehensive coverage of all nursing content areas
Weaknesses:
- Limited content review compared to other books
- Can feel repetitive for some learners
- Less emphasis on test-taking strategies
- Does not include newest NGN formats
Best For: Students who already have a strong content foundation and want to focus primarily on question practice and application.
4. NCLEX-RN Questions & Answers Made Incredibly Easy (7th Edition)
- Price Range: $55-81
- Pages: 912
- Practice Questions: Three tests of 265 questions
Part of the popular “Made Incredibly Easy” series, this book takes a more approachable and visually engaging approach to NCLEX preparation, making complex nursing concepts more digestible.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Visual Appeal: Colorful graphics, charts, and memory aids throughout
- Approachable Format: Two-column layout with questions and immediate answers
- Extensive Practice: Over 6,500 questions with varied formats
- Memory Techniques: Includes mnemonics and visual cues to aid retention
Strengths:
- Excellent for visual learners
- Less intimidating format than traditional textbooks
- Good variety of question types
- Strong use of memory aids and mnemonics
- Immediate feedback format
Weaknesses:
- Limited systematic content review
- Less comprehensive than other options
- May be too simplistic for some advanced students
- Does not include newest NGN formats
Best For: Visual learners who prefer a more engaging, less traditional textbook approach to NCLEX preparation.
5. HESI Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination (6th Edition)
- Price Range: $38-45
- Pages: 352
- Practice Questions: 900 + 300 online
HESI’s comprehensive review takes a systematic approach to NCLEX preparation, with excellent organization and clear explanations that make complex concepts more accessible.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Systematic Organization: Content organized by clinical areas and body systems
- Clear Explanations: Concise, well-written content that’s easy to understand
- Test-Taking Strategies: Dedicated section on exam strategies and tips
- Quality Focus: Fewer but higher-quality practice questions
Strengths:
- Excellent writing quality and clarity
- Well-organized content structure
- Strong focus on clinical reasoning
- Good balance of content and application
- Excellent test-taking strategy section
- Includes practice Next Generation NCLEX question types
Weaknesses:
- Fewer practice questions than competitors
- Higher price point
- Less comprehensive question bank
Best For: Students who prefer clear, well-organized content with focused practice rather than extensive question banks.
How to Choose the Right NCLEX Study Guide for You
Selecting the best NCLEX prep books depends on your learning style, current knowledge level, and specific preparation needs. Here’s how to determine which option aligns best with your situation:
If You Need Comprehensive Content Review: Choose Saunders Comprehensive Review for its extensive content coverage and systematic approach to all nursing concepts.
If You’re Strong in Content but Need Practice: Lippincott Q&A Review offers the most extensive question bank for application-focused learning.
If You Want Strategic Test-Taking Approach: Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus provides excellent frameworks and decision-making strategies.
If You’re a Visual Learner: NCLEX-RN Questions & Answers Made Incredibly Easy offers the most engaging, visual approach to preparation.
If You Want Quality Over Quantity: HESI Comprehensive Review provides focused, high-quality content and practice.
Essential NCLEX Prep Resources Beyond Books
While NCLEX review books form the foundation of most study plans, successful candidates often supplement their preparation with additional resources:
Online Question Banks: Digital platforms like Lecturio offer adaptive question banks that adjust to your performance level, providing more dynamic practice than static book questions. These systems can identify your weak areas and provide targeted practice.
Adaptive Learning Platforms: For students who struggle with traditional book formats or prefer interactive content, digital learning platforms offer personalized study paths with video explanations and adaptive technology that adjusts to your individual progress based on your performance patterns.
Video Content: Visual learners benefit from comprehensive video lessons that complement traditional study materials, especially for complex topics like pharmacology and pathophysiology. Video explanations can help clarify difficult concepts that may be harder to grasp through text alone.
Mobile Learning: Mobile applications allow you to practice questions during commutes or breaks, maximizing your study time. The convenience of smartphone-based learning helps maintain consistent study habits even with busy schedules.
Interactive Simulations: Some digital platforms offer virtual patient scenarios and clinical simulations that mirror real-world nursing situations, helping bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Study Groups: Many students find peer discussion and collaborative learning helpful for reinforcing concepts.
Next Generation NCLEX: What You Need to Know
The introduction of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) questions has changed how you should approach exam preparation. These question types require:
Enhanced Clinical Reasoning: Focus on books and/or digital platforms that emphasize clinical decision-making frameworks rather than just memorization.
Interactive Question Practice: Seek prep materials that include drag-and-drop, hot spot, and extended multiple response questions.
Case Study Analysis: Look for resources that present complex patient scenarios requiring multi-step reasoning.
The best NCLEX prep books and other resources now integrate these NGN elements throughout their content, ensuring you’re prepared for the current exam format.
Final Recommendations
For most nursing students, Saunders Comprehensive Review serves as the ideal primary resource due to its comprehensive coverage and extensive practice questions. Supplement this with either Lippincott Q&A Review for additional question practice or Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus for strategic test-taking approaches.
Students who learn better through interactive content may want to consider supplementing their chosen book with adaptive learning platforms like Lecturio, which offers personalized study paths and video explanations that complement traditional text-based study.
Remember that the most effective NCLEX study guides are those you’ll actually use consistently. Consider your learning style, available study time, and budget when making your final decision. The investment in quality NCLEX prep resources is minimal compared to the cost of retaking the exam or delaying your nursing career.
Success on the NCLEX requires more than just choosing the right books – it demands consistent study habits, regular practice, and confidence in your clinical reasoning abilities. Choose the prep materials that best support your learning style, then commit to using them effectively as you work toward achieving your nursing license.
