Top 10 Best NCLEX Study Guide Books for 2025: Reviews and Pass-Rate Tips

Preparing for the NCLEX exam can feel overwhelming, especially with the high stakes of launching or advancing your nursing career. One of the smartest decisions you can make in 2025 is choosing the best NCLEX study guide to support your preparation. With so many resources available, it’s easy to feel lost or waste time on guides that don’t match your learning style or fail to cover the updated exam content.

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive review of the top NCLEX study guide books for 2025—so you can confidently choose the right one and focus on what really matters: passing your exam on the first try.

The NCLEX is more than just a test of knowledge—it’s an evaluation of your ability to apply critical thinking in real-world nursing scenarios. Because of this, the study materials you choose must go beyond memorization. The best NCLEX study guides provide structured explanations, practice questions with rationales, and strategies that help you approach each question with confidence. Whether you’re an international nurse navigating the exam for the first time or a recent graduate in the U.S. or Canada, the right study book can save you countless hours of stress and dramatically increase your chances of success.

In 2025, nursing education continues to evolve with updated test plans, new alternate-format questions, and an increased emphasis on clinical judgment skills. That means your study guide needs to be equally up-to-date, aligning with the latest NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exam formats. From comprehensive reviews like Saunders and Kaplan to focused resources such as UWorld’s QBank and pharmacology-specific guides, there’s a study book for every kind of learner.

In this article, we’ll highlight the top 10 best NCLEX study guide books for 2025, breaking down their features, strengths, and unique benefits. You’ll also find practical tips on how to choose the right one for your learning style and study plan. By the end, you’ll know exactly which NCLEX study guide deserves a place on your desk—and how to use it to pass your exam with confidence.

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Why the Right NCLEX Study Guide Matters

Preparing for the NCLEX is very different from preparing for a standard classroom exam. The questions are designed to test not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply that knowledge in real-life nursing situations. This is why having the right NCLEX study guide is essential—it becomes your roadmap to mastering the skills and strategies that the test demands.

A well-structured study guide simplifies complex nursing concepts into easy-to-understand explanations, helping you review efficiently without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of wasting time jumping between multiple unorganized resources, a reliable guide brings everything together—content summaries, practice questions, rationales, and test-taking strategies—so your preparation is streamlined and effective.

The best NCLEX study guides also teach you how to think like the exam itself. NCLEX questions often include tricky scenarios, prioritization challenges, and alternate-format questions such as “select all that apply.” Without the right preparation, these types of questions can lower your confidence and your score. A quality guide shows you how to approach these challenges step by step, building both your critical thinking and your test-taking stamina.

For international nurses, choosing the right NCLEX study book is even more important. Many international-trained candidates face unique hurdles, such as unfamiliar question styles, differences in healthcare practices, or gaps in pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing knowledge. The right guide helps bridge those gaps, ensuring you’re not just memorizing but truly understanding the concepts tested.

Ultimately, the NCLEX is the final step before becoming a licensed nurse in the U.S. or Canada. A passing score opens the door to endless opportunities, from hospital positions to specialized career paths. Investing in a reliable study guide is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances of passing on the first attempt—saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Easy Guide: How long does nclex processing take for foreign nurses in US (2025 Update)

Key Features to Look for in NCLEX Study Books

Not all NCLEX study guides are created equal. Some focus heavily on practice questions, while others provide in-depth content reviews. To make the most of your preparation, you need a resource that balances both.

When comparing options, keep the following key features in mind:

1. Updated Content Based on the Latest NCLEX Test Plan

The NCLEX exam evolves every few years, with updates in question types, clinical judgment focus, and nursing competencies. A great study guide should be aligned with the most recent NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test plans. Always check the publication date to ensure your book is current for 2025.

2. Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales

Practice makes perfect—but only if you understand why an answer is correct or incorrect. Look for study guides that provide thousands of practice questions with clear rationales. These explanations help you identify knowledge gaps, strengthen your critical thinking, and avoid repeating mistakes.

3. Alternate-Format Question Practice

The NCLEX isn’t just multiple-choice anymore. It includes SATA (Select All That Apply), drag-and-drop, hotspot, and case-based questions. A quality guide prepares you for these alternate-format items so you won’t be caught off guard on exam day.

4. Digital & Online Companion Tools

Modern study guides often come with bonus online access, mobile apps, or question banks. These tools are excellent for on-the-go study sessions, timed practice exams, and progress tracking. Having both print and digital resources makes your prep flexible and effective.

5. Visual Aids and Quick Reference Charts

Nursing involves a lot of memorization—lab values, medications, procedures. Guides with charts, mnemonics, and visuals can speed up your review and make learning more engaging. Pocket guides or cheat sheets are especially handy for last-minute prep.

6. Structured Study Plans

Some study guides include built-in 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day study plans. These pre-made schedules help you stay organized and avoid cramming at the last minute.

Pro Tip: Don’t just pick a guide because it’s popular—pick one that matches your learning style. If you’re a visual learner, a book with diagrams and illustrations will be more helpful. If you learn by doing, choose one with thousands of practice questions.

Top 10 Best NCLEX Study Guide Books for 2025

Choosing the right NCLEX study guide can make all the difference in your preparation. Below are the 10 best NCLEX study guide books for 2025, carefully selected based on content accuracy, practice question quality, and user feedback. Each review highlights the strengths, weaknesses, and who the book is best suited for.

1. Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN

Focus Keyword: best NCLEX study guide

• Why It’s Great: Often considered the gold standard, Saunders provides in-depth content review, thousands of practice questions, and detailed rationales.

• Best For: Students who need a thorough review of nursing content from A–Z.

• Highlights: Easy-to-follow explanations, color-coded charts, and access to an online companion for extra practice.

2. Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus

• Why It’s Great: Famous for teaching test-taking strategies, Kaplan’s guide emphasizes how to answer NCLEX questions.

• Best For: Students who struggle with tricky question formats and need exam-day confidence.

• Highlights: 1-year online access, practice tests with rationales, and in-depth strategy sessions.

3. UWorld NCLEX QBank (Online Resource)

• Why It’s Great: Widely loved for its challenging practice questions that closely mimic the actual NCLEX.

• Best For: Nurses who already understand the content but want to practice exam-style questions.

• Highlights: 2,000+ questions, detailed rationales, mobile-friendly platform, and performance tracking.

4. HESI Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN

• Why It’s Great: A diagnostic-style review guide that helps you identify weak areas before the exam.

• Best For: Students who want a focused, time-efficient prep tool.

• Highlights: End-of-chapter practice quizzes, concise summaries, and priority nursing concepts.

5. Lippincott’s Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN

• Why It’s Great: Perfect for mastering alternate-format questions, including SATA and case studies.

• Best For: Students preparing for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) emphasis on clinical judgment.

• Highlights: 6,000+ questions, rationales, and simulation exam formats.

6. NCLEX-RN Drug Guide by Kaplan

• Why It’s Great: Focuses exclusively on pharmacology, one of the trickiest areas for many candidates.

• Best For: Students who need extra help memorizing medications, side effects, and nursing implications.

• Highlights: Pocket-sized, easy to carry, and organized alphabetically.

7. Mosby’s Comprehensive Review of Nursing for the NCLEX-RN

• Why It’s Great: Uses visuals, flowcharts, and mnemonics to simplify complex concepts.

• Best For: Visual learners who need diagrams and illustrations for better retention.

• Highlights: Full-length practice exam, online resources, and visual-rich explanations.

8. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! NCLEX-RN Review

• Why It’s Great: Known for its fun, simplified approach, this guide turns tough content into easy-to-grasp lessons.

• Best For: Beginners or students who struggle with traditional textbook-style learning.

• Highlights: Mnemonics, simplified diagrams, and engaging writing style.

9. SimpleNursing NCLEX Guide

• Why It’s Great: Offers a modern, simplified approach with engaging explanations and memory tricks.

• Best For: Students who prefer bite-sized learning and video support.

• Highlights: Integrates with online video lessons, practice quizzes, and downloadable notes.

10. Exam Cram NCLEX-RN

• Why It’s Great: Designed for last-minute preparation and review.

• Best For: Students with limited time before the exam who need quick refreshers.

• Highlights: Cram sheets, quick-reference summaries, and practice exams.

 These books cover different learning styles and preparation needs, ensuring every nursing student—whether a first-timer or a repeat test-taker—can find the best NCLEX study guide for their journey in 2025.

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How to Choose the Best NCLEX Study Guide for You

With so many options available, choosing the best NCLEX study guide can feel overwhelming. The key is to match the right resource with your learning style, study timeline, and exam readiness.

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

1. Identify Your Learning Style

• Visual Learners: Choose guides like Mosby’s Comprehensive Review or Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! with plenty of charts, illustrations, and mnemonics.

• Auditory Learners: Look for study guides that pair with online lectures or videos, such as SimpleNursing or UWorld’s QBank with audio options.

• Hands-On/Practice Learners: Go for Q&A–heavy books like Lippincott’s Q&A or Kaplan Prep Plus that emphasize practice questions over content summaries.

2. Consider Your Timeline

• 3–6 Months Before Exam: Use comprehensive guides like Saunders or Kaplan to cover all nursing concepts in detail.

• 1–3 Months Before Exam: Shift toward practice-heavy resources like UWorld and Lippincott’s Q&A to sharpen test-taking skills.

• Last-Minute Prep (1 Month or Less): Quick resources such as Exam Cram or Kaplan’s Drug Guide are best for focused review and recall.

3. Match It With the Exam Format

• Preparing for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN): Prioritize books like Lippincott’s Q&A and Kaplan NCLEX Prep Plus, which include case studies and clinical judgment practice.

• Focusing on Weak Areas: If pharmacology is a struggle, add a drug-focused resource. If prioritization and delegation are challenges, look for guides with those specific sections.

4. Budget and Accessibility

• If you’re on a budget, start with a single comprehensive review book like Saunders.

• Pair it with free online NCLEX practice tests or low-cost resources like Exam Cram for added practice.

• If budget allows, invest in UWorld QBank alongside a full review book for the best balance of content + practice.

The best NCLEX study guide for you is the one that fits your learning style, timeline, and weak areas—not necessarily the most expensive option.

Study Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Your NCLEX Study Guide

Simply buying the best NCLEX book isn’t enough—you need a strategy for using it effectively. Many nursing candidates fail not because they didn’t study, but because they didn’t study smart. Here are proven tips to make the most of your chosen guide:

1. Create a Realistic Study Schedule

• Break your study guide into daily or weekly chunks.

• For example, dedicate two weeks to medical-surgical, one week to pediatrics, and one week to pharmacology.

• Stick to consistent study hours—short, focused sessions (2–3 hours) are better than marathon cramming.

2. Mix Content Review with Practice Questions

• Don’t just read—test yourself regularly.

• After each chapter, complete the related NCLEX-style questions to reinforce learning.

• Use rationales to understand why answers are correct or wrong.

3. Focus on Weak Areas

• Track your scores and identify patterns.

• If you keep missing pharmacology questions, dedicate extra time to drug cards or pharm-specific guides.

• Don’t ignore topics you find difficult—these are often the areas that cost points on the exam.

4. Simulate the Real Exam

• At least once a week, sit down for a timed practice test using your guide’s question bank or a supplemental resource.

• This helps build exam stamina and teaches you to manage time effectively.

5. Use Active Learning Strategies

• Summarize chapters into flashcards.

• Teach a concept to a friend or colleague—explaining reinforces retention.

• Use mnemonics and visual aids included in your book to lock information into memory.

6. Combine Your Book With Other Resources

• Pair your study guide with online practice banks like UWorld or NCLEX Mastery App.

• Join NCLEX study groups or forums for peer support and question discussions.

 Consistency beats intensity. Using your NCLEX study guide daily in a structured way will give you the confidence and knowledge to walk into the exam prepared and calm.

Proven Guide: State Boards Accepting Foreign-Educated Nurses for the NCLEX 2025

Best NCLEX Study Books for 2025 – Reviewed & Recommended

Choosing the right NCLEX study book can make or break your preparation. To save you time, here’s a curated list of the best NCLEX study guides for 2025, complete with strengths and what type of learner each one benefits the most.

1. Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN (9th Edition)

• Best for: Comprehensive content review

• Features detailed nursing concepts, full-color illustrations, and thousands of practice questions.

• Includes online practice tests and rationales for deeper understanding.

• Perfect for candidates who want an all-in-one textbook-style guide.

2. Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus 2025

• Best for: Test-taking strategies

• Known for its focus on exam strategies, clinical judgment, and alternate-format questions.

• Comes with online access to practice tests and adaptive question banks.

• Great choice if you need help understanding how to approach NCLEX-style questions.

3. Lippincott Q&A Review for the NCLEX-RN (13th Edition)

• Best for: Practice-heavy learners

• Over 6,000 NCLEX-style questions with detailed rationales.

• Prioritization, delegation, and Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) case studies included.

• Ideal for those who learn best by practicing and reviewing rationales.

4. UWorld NCLEX QBank (Online Resource)

• Best for: Real exam simulation

• Highly rated for its challenging practice questions that mimic the actual NCLEX.

• Includes in-depth rationales, images, and performance tracking.

• Best for nurses aiming to boost confidence and exam readiness.

5. Exam Cram NCLEX-RN (6th Edition)

• Best for: Last-minute prep

• Concise, to-the-point review with quick study notes and “Cram Sheets.”

• Perfect for reviewing core content when exam day is close.

• Works best as a supplemental resource alongside a comprehensive guide.

Many successful candidates pair a comprehensive guide (like Saunders) with a practice-focused resource (like UWorld or Lippincott) for the best balance of content and application.

Comparison Table: NCLEX Study Guides at a Glance

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the top NCLEX study books for 2025 so you can easily pick the one that fits your needs:

Quick Recommendation:

• If you need full review → Start with Saunders.

• If you need strategy & practice → Use Kaplan + UWorld.

• If you need quick revision → Add Exam Cram.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right NCLEX Study Guide for Success

Passing the NCLEX is one of the biggest milestones in your nursing career, and the right study guide can make the difference between success and setbacks. With so many resources available in 2025, the key is to choose a guide that fits your learning style, study timeline, and exam goals.

If you prefer a comprehensive approach, Saunders Comprehensive Review is your go-to resource. For those who need to sharpen test-taking strategies and clinical judgment skills, Kaplan and UWorld offer the perfect balance of challenge and support. And if you’re looking for last-minute review tools, Exam Cram provides quick, focused summaries to boost confidence right before exam day.

Remember: there’s no “one-size-fits-all” book. Many successful candidates combine a detailed review guide with a practice-heavy resource, ensuring they master both the knowledge and the test-taking skills required to pass.

Ultimately, the NCLEX is not just about memorizing facts—it’s about applying nursing knowledge in safe, effective, and patient-centered ways. By investing in the right study guide and committing to a consistent study plan, you’ll give yourself the best chance to succeed on your first attempt and move confidently into your nursing career.

 Take action today: pick your guide, create your study plan, and start preparing for success. Your future as a licensed nurse begins with the steps you take now.

Resources & References for NCLEX Preparation (2025)

Here are some official and trusted resources to support your NCLEX study journey:

• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) – Official NCLEX information, candidate guides, and test updates.
  https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex

• UWorld NCLEX-RN QBank – Highly rated online NCLEX practice question bank with detailed rationales.
  https://nursing.uworld.com

• Kaplan NCLEX Prep – Offers online courses, practice tests, and NCLEX study books.
  https://www.kaptest.com/nursing/nclex

• Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN – Widely considered the gold standard for NCLEX review books. Available through publishers and online retailers.
  https://evolve.elsevier.com

• Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN – Practice question–focused study guide with NGN updates.
  https://shop.lww.com

• NCLEX-RN Mastery App – Mobile-friendly study resource with flashcards, quizzes, and practice questions.
  https://www.nclexmastery.com

• Exam Cram NCLEX-RN – Concise, easy-to-review guide perfect for last-minute preparation. Available on major retailers like Amazon.

 These resources, combined with a structured study plan, can help ensure you’re fully prepared to tackle the NCLEX and pass with confidence.