Top NCLEX Study Guides for 2025 1. Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN

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Here’s a detailed overview of the best NCLEX study guides for 2025, tailored to the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format, which emphasizes clinical judgment and adaptive testing:

Top NCLEX Study Guides for 2025

1. Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN

  • Key Features:
    • Over 5,600+ practice questions with detailed rationales, including scenario-based and clinical judgment exercises 28.
    • Aligns with the NGN format, focusing on critical thinking and decision-making 2.
    • Includes online tools like adaptive tests and progress tracking 2.
  • Best For: Students who prefer structured, in-depth content review with extensive practice.

2. Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus

  • Key Features:
    • Focuses on test-taking strategies and breaks down NGN question types (e.g., drag-and-drop, matrix formats) 28.
    • Offers video tutorials and the “Decision Tree” method for tackling complex questions 2.
    • Includes two full-length practice exams and mobile-friendly resources 2.
  • Best For: Learners needing strategic guidance and familiarity with adaptive testing.

3. Davis’s NCLEX-RN Q&A Review

  • Key Features:
    • 2,800+ practice questions organized by the NCLEX “Client Needs” framework 2.
    • Detailed answer explanations and emphasis on clinical judgment scenarios 2.
    • Available in digital and print formats for flexible study 2.
  • Best For: Targeted question practice and mastering alternate item formats.

4. Nurse Cram NCLEX-RN Next Gen Success

  • Key Features:
    • Digital guide with NGN-aligned clinical judgment exercises and interactive tools 2.
    • Focuses on real-world scenarios and decision-making skills 2.
    • Portable and ideal for on-the-go study 2.
  • Best For: Students prioritizing digital resources and scenario-based learning.

5. Hurst NCLEX-RN Study Guide

  • Key Features:
    • Combines core content review with readiness exams and NGN case studies 2.
    • Includes a question-review simulator to track performance by category 2.
    • Offers a money-back guarantee for eligible students 2.
  • Best For: Visual learners and those needing performance analytics.

6. Complete Next Gen NCLEX Study Guide (Nursing Essentials Hub)

  • Key Features:
    • Covers 25+ nursing specialties, including pharmacology, med-surg, and pediatrics 5.
    • Simplifies complex topics with mnemonics, drug guides, and lab value cheat sheets 5.
    • Includes sections on cultural competence and digital health trends 11.
  • Best For: Comprehensive review across all NCLEX content areas.

Free Resources and Practice Tools

  1. Nurseslabs NCLEX Practice Bank
    • Offers 1,000+ free practice questions with rationales and simulated exams 7.
    • Includes case studies and explanations of the NGN scoring system 7.
  2. GoTestPrep Free NCLEX Study Guide (PDF)
    • Provides practice tests, content outlines, and test-taking strategies 3.
    • Covers all major categories like Safe Care Environment and Physiological Adaptation 3.
  3. UWorld NCLEX QBank
    • Highly recommended for adaptive question banks and detailed performance reports 811.

Key Study Strategies for 2025

  1. Focus on Clinical Judgment: Prioritize resources with unfolding case studies (e.g., Saunders, Nurse Cram) to align with NGN updates 27.
  2. Practice Alternate Item Formats: Master drag-and-drop, matrix, and “select-all-that-apply” questions using Kaplan or Davis’s guides 28.
  3. Target Weak Areas: Use tools like Hurst’s question simulator to identify gaps in Management of Care or Pharmacology 211.
  4. Leverage Digital Tools: Apps like NCLEX RN Mastery or Nursing.com offer flashcards and video tutorials 711.
  5. Simulate Exam Conditions: Take timed practice tests (e.g., Lippincott’s 6,000-question bank) to build stamina 8.

2025 NCLEX Updates to Note

  • New Emphasis Areas: Cultural competency, mental health nursing, and digital health integration 11.
  • Scoring Changes: Partial credit for NGN items (e.g., matrix questions) 7.
  • Test Length: 85–150 questions with three unfolding case studies 7.

Final Tips

  • Combine Resources: Pair a comprehensive guide (e.g., Saunders) with a question bank (e.g., UWorld) for balanced prep 28.
  • Track Progress: Use study schedules and self-assessment grids (e.g., Davis’s Q&A Review) 2.
  • Stay Updated: Follow NCSBN’s official guidelines for the latest exam changes

Published by Henry