8 Best NCLEX Practice Tests in 2026: Free & Paid, Ranked

In this guide, we’ll explore the best NCLEX practice tests for nursing graduates preparing for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN who need to choose the right resource the first time.

NCLEX practice tests

Best NCLEX Practice Tests in 2026:

Find the best NCLEX practice tests available in 2026

1. UWorld NCLEX

Best For: Best clinical rationales
Price: $139


UWorld is the consensus gold standard for NCLEX practice questions, the resource that Reddit, professors, and recent test-takers recommend most consistently.

Highlights:

  • 2,700+ questions including 580+ dedicated Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) items
  • All NGN formats: bow-tie, matrix, cloze, drag-and-drop, trend, highlight
  • Illustrated rationales with clinical images and diagrams for every question
  • CAT practice tests, self-assessments, spaced-repetition flashcards, video lectures


Visit: Uworld NCLEX

2. Kaplan NCLEX

Best For: Structured strategy + guarantee
Price: $119


Kaplan is the most structured full-course NCLEX option; its proprietary Decision Tree method gives students a systematic framework for breaking down any NCLEX question, not just the ones they’ve practiced.

Highlights:

  • 3,800+ QBank questions
  • 18 hours of live online instruction
  • Full pass guarantee: refund or free 3-month repeat if you fail after completing


Visit: Kaplan NCLEX

3. Archer Review

Best For: Budget + unlimited CATs
Price: $159


Archer Review has become one of the fastest-growing NCLEX prep platforms, delivering exceptional value at a price point well below major competitors.

Highlights:

  • 3,100+ QBank questions with unlimited Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT)
  • Live content lectures twice weekly
  • Live case studies three times weekly
  • 90 or 180-day access options


Visit: Archer Review

4. NURSING.com

Best For: Visual, video-first learners
Price: Free


NURSING.com is one of the highest-performing platforms in the market despite its relatively low monthly price.

Highlights:

  • Adaptive NCLEX simulator with personalized study suggestions
  • 2,100+ concise, visual video lessons across all nursing subject areas
  • Full-color nursing cheat sheets, concept maps, and picmonics
  • 99.42% NCLEX pass rate among students who complete the curriculum


Visit: NURSING.com

5. Princeton Review NCLEX

Best For: Max question volume
Price: Free


The Princeton Review offers the largest question bank in the NCLEX prep market; its online flashcards and structured score reports make it a versatile resource whether you’re studying independently or supplementing another course.

Highlights:

  • 4,000+ practice questions
  • All Next Gen NCLEX question types fully covered
  • Online flashcards for mobile study between sessions
  • Up to 1-year access on the $349 plan


Visit: Princeton Review NCLEX

6. SimpleNursing

Best For: Diagnostics-first weak spots
Price: Free


SimpleNursing ensures you focus on what matters most from day one. Its top-tier question rationales and visual content delivery have earned it a loyal following among nursing students who find traditional textbooks overwhelming or ineffective.

Highlights:

  • Diagnostic readiness assessment
  • Highly-rated question rationales
  • NGN-included content across all clinical areas
  • NCLEX-style questions


Visit: SimpleNursing

7. NursesLabs

Best For: Free topic practice
Price: Free


Nurseslabs is the most comprehensive free NCLEX practice question resource available, with over 1,000 questions across all major nursing topics and detailed rationales, organized by clinical area.

Highlights:

  • 1,000+ free NCLEX practice questions across all major clinical areas
  • Detailed rationales explaining correct and incorrect answer choices
  • Topic-organized: Pharmacology, Med-Surg, Psych, Maternity, Peds, and more


Visit: Nurses Labs

8. Mometrix NCLEX

Best For: Free daily drills
Price: Free


Mometrix NCLEX question sets cover all four client needs categories and provide detailed explanations.

Highlights:

  • Free NCLEX practice question sets across all four client needs categories
  • Video tutorials for key nursing concepts and clinical reasoning skills
  • Flashcards covering pharmacology, lab values, and core NCLEX content
  • No sign-up required; access begins immediately


Visit: Mometrix NCLEX

NCLEX Practice Tests FAQs

Is UWorld alone enough to pass the NCLEX?

For many students, yes. UWorld’s question bank covers all content areas and NGN formats, and students who score above the 60th percentile consistently pass the NCLEX.

How many NCLEX practice questions should I do before test day?

Most NCLEX prep experts recommend that you complete between 1,500 and 3,000 or more practice questions before your exam date.

What is the NCLEX pass rate in 2026, and what happens if I fail?

The 2024 first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rate was 73.26%, meaning roughly 1 in 4 candidates failed. If you fail, you’ll receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) identifying your weak areas by category. You You must wait 45 days before retaking the exam and pay the registration fee again, which is $200 or more.

What’s the difference between NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN?

The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurses and tests management of care, complex clinical judgment, and a broader scope of nursing practice (85–150 questions). The NCLEX-PN is for licensed practical/vocational nurses and focuses on coordination of care and practical nursing tasks within a more defined scope (85–150 questions).

Final verdict

UWorld is the most recommended NCLEX practice test for a reason; its question quality, illustrated rationales, and NGN coverage are unmatched. For most nursing graduates, completing UWorld’s full QBank above the 60th percentile is the single most reliable path to passing the NCLEX. Start with the 7-day free trial before committing.

If you have content knowledge gaps from nursing school, don’t jump straight into drilling questions. Start with Hurst Review to build clinical understanding, then move to UWorld for application. For students who want live instruction and a systematic strategy framework, Kaplan delivers the best-structured course experience, and its Decision Tree method is worth the price.

On a tight budget? Archer Review, at $69+, with unlimited CAT tests and live sessions, is the best value paid option. Regardless of the amount you pay, every student should always supplement their preparation with NCSBN’s free official resources, including the NCLEX test plan, CJMM framework, and candidate tutorial, before test day.

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