15+ Best NCLEX Practice Questions to Help You Ace the Exam in 2023!
Becoming a licensed nurse requires you to pass the NCLEX exam. To prepare yourself, be familiar with how the actual NCLEX exam works. Through the NCLEX practice questions, you will know the types of questions, pacing, and difficulty involved.
We understand the need so we’ve gathered 16 online resources of NCLEX practice tests that you can try for yourself. Find out which one helps you best.
#1 NCSBN NCLEX RN & PN Practice Exam
Of course, starting off on our list is the official NCLEX practice tests and practice questions from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (1). The two versions of the NCLEX are both available in practice test sets provided by the NCSBN. What contents are provided?
NCLEX-RN Practice Test Set:
- It contains 2 sets of practice tests with 125 questions per set.
- A time limit of 6 hours to finish each practice test.
- A tutorial that explains the different types of questions.
- A score report that shows the percentage of your correct answers.
NCLEX-PN Practice Test Set:
- It contains 2 sets of practice tests with 125 questions per set.
- A time limit of 5 hours to finish each practice test.
- A tutorial that explains the different types of questions.
- A score report that shows the percentage of your correct answers.
Both of the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN practice exams are good for one-time use only and must be used within 45 days from the date of purchase.
These practice exams from NCSBN are considered official because they are developed by the same entity that administers the NCLEX itself. The tests are also developed based on the rapidly evolving health care environment, so there’s a good reason why these practice exams come at a limited time and steep price.
#2 Saunders Comprehensive Review NCLEX Books
Saunders offers a comprehensive prep tool for you to ace the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations. They are one of the best resources for NCLEX practice questions and content review. Here are the most recent editions of these books:
Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination – 8th Edition (3):
- It contains an updated test plan.
- Includes 5,200 NCLEX examination-style questions.
- All answers include detailed rationales for you to learn from your answer choices.
- Includes test-taking strategies for you to explore the best approach in answering a question.
- Includes all alternate item format questions.
Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination – 7th Edition (4):
- It contains an updated test plan.
- Includes 4,500 NCLEX examination-style questions.
- All answers include detailed rationales for you to learn from your answer choices.
- It provides strategies for the best approach in answering a question.
These books are high-quality materials that you can use to prepare for the NCLEX. If you have money to spare, the steep price of these books is worth it!
#3 NCLEX Mastery
NCLEX Mastery is the perfect option if you want to study-on-the-go because you can access the materials from your smartphone and tablet. They’re accessible on your computer too. The apps are also optimized for both iOS and Android systems, which makes them a total convenient package.
Moreover, it also provides two mobile apps, one for the NCLEX-RN (5) and another one for the NCLEX-PN (6). Both of these apps have the following features:
- Over 1,600 NCLEX practice questions
- Mnemonics which help you recall relevant NCLEX concepts
- Detailed statistics to track your progress
- Terminology bank to help you master the definition of medical terms
- Quizzes with unique NCLEX questions across all categories
Take note that the two versions have different prices, but offer similar features with some differences in the content.
#4 Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus 2019
Kaplan has been a long-standing ed-tech company that specializes in various courses with a ton of supplemental materials, such as the Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus 2019 (7). If you find the online courses quite expensive, you can definitely go for the NCLEX-RN book.
Get an in-depth practice through this Kaplan book that has high-quality content patterned on the actual NCLEX exam. Other features of this book include the following:
- 2 sets of full-length practice tests (1 in the book and 1 online)
- 220 additional practice questions
- 60+ minutes of video tutorials
- Digital copy of the book
- 10 critical thinking pathways (to help you gauge what exam questions are asking)
- 8 end-of-chapter practice tests
- Detailed rationales of both correct and incorrect answer choices
Aside from these features, this Kaplan book also includes shares certain techniques for you to master the computer-adaptive test format. An in-depth content review also helps you assess what to expect on the real NCLEX test. Indeed, this book is one of the best resources for NCLEX practice questions.
#5 Nursing Academy Practice Questions
If you are looking for resource material with plenty of NCLEX practice questions, then the Nursing Academy is what you need. It gives you free access to over 200 practice questions when you get into its website. Sections are based on different nursing topics, some of which have more or less 10 practice questions.
Now, if you want to access the more than 6,000 practice questions, then you must enroll with any of the plans offered. Each one guarantees access to the same amount of question bank. However, keep in mind that there are no full-length practice tests. Therefore, we recommend that you make your own by mixing up questions from the question bank.
What else are you going to find in the widely-crafted question bank?
- Spaced repetition techniques for you to spend time on new questions and not the old ones you have already taken.
- Enhanced text rationales to help you understand why your answer is either right or wrong.
- Global ranking so you will see where you stand in comparison to other nursing students around the globe.
- Alternate-format questions and image-based questions that comprised 30% of the question bank.
- Custom quizzes that you can build based on 21 categories.
- Analysis of your performance on 21 categories so you will know your weak areas and enhance your strong areas.
All these features are in the question bank. You can access these from a mobile app too so you can study anytime and anywhere. However, please note that this extensive nursing practice questions come with a price. Make use of the risk-free trial for three days to determine if Nursing Academy is worth investing in.
#6 Free NCLEX Questions
As straightforward as it’s called, the Free NCLEX Questions gives you access to three sets of practice tests that are challenging enough to help you become ready for the NCLEX test. Each practice test has 75 questions for a total of 225 questions.
Going over the questions is like reviewing with a tutor by your side because you will be provided with a detailed explanation so you will learn from your mistakes. You’re also scored instantly so you will be able to assess your weaknesses quickly.
You may also go to the category listing directly and choose the category you want based on the following options:
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Physiological Adaptation
The questions are appropriate for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN given that these two NCLEX versions have overlapping topics. The question bank may not be as comprehensive as other resources of practice NCLEX questions but still worth using considering that it will cost you nothing.
#7 Nurse PLUS Academy
Like the Nursing Academy, the Nurse PLUS Academy also offers both free access and premium access for more NCLEX practice questions. Regardless of which one you choose, every NCLEX practice test is based on the authentic exam questions. Plus, you can study at your own pace since the questions will also be reshuffled every time you restart the practice test.
Here are the categories that they cover in the practice tests:
- Physiological Integrity
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial
The significant features we find appealing in Nurse PLUS Academy are as follows:
- No registration or login required for the free mode
- NCLEX simulator that mimics the actual exam with the same number of questions and format
- Tests can be taken as many times as you would like
- Multiple choice questions and answers are randomly shuffled so you are learning facts and not the order of questions
- Rationales for the correct answers are included
Each category has a different number of practice test sets with each set containing more or less 30 questions. The free mode has access to only a few sets while the premium has access to all sets, including the category marathons.
Lastly, there are hints available as you take the test, but the decision whether or not to use them lies on you. Plus, there’s an immediate feedback system that will make you aware of your progress after every question. This is the downside, however, because you won’t be able to practice based on the actual pacing in the NCLEX due to the immediate feedback system.
#8 RegisteredNursing.org
Another resource material for free NCLEX practice tests is found in the Registered Nursing Organization website which is managed by an organization based in Carlsbad, California, and managed by a team of registered nurses.
This organization website offers over 200 FREE practice questions that already cover the eight essential categories in the NCLEX test, including the Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control, and Health Promotion and Maintenance. You can practice either by category or as a whole and treat it like a full-length practice test.
Given that it’s an all-free website meant to support aspiring nurses, we appreciate the extensive number of questions. However, you cannot input your answer, which is a real bummer. Instead, you go through each question and write down your answer on a paper. After this, you can click on the option that says “show correct response.” This setup does not provide you the option to track your progress because there is no scoring provided.
#9 Nurseslabs Nursing Test Bank and Review
If you are looking for comprehensive yet FREE resource material for the best NCLEX practice tests, the Nurseslabs Test Bank and Review is a great option. This site has more than 3,500 questions about various nursing topics.
Here’s a breakdown of the categories and the range of the number of items per category:
- 26 sets of practice exams with random nursing topics that simulate the actual exams – The number of questions ranges from 20 to 50.
- 3 sets of practice quizzes about nursing research – The number of questions per set is 20.
- 5 sets of practice quizzes for the SATA format – The number of questions ranges from 15 to 30.
- 6 sets of practice tests about prioritization, delegation, and assignment. – The number of questions ranges from 15 to 20.
- 3 sets of practice quizzes about acid-base balance – The number of questions ranges from 10 to 20.
- 2 sets of practice tests about nursing leadership and management – The number of questions per set is 40.
- 25 sets of practice questions about administering medications safely – The number of questions ranges from 10 to 30.
- 9 sets of practice exams about dosage calculations – The number of questions ranges from 13 to 23.
- 14 sets of practice exams about the fundamentals of nursing – The number of questions ranges from 20 to 30.
- 16 sets of practice exams on various topics about the fundamentals of nursing – The number of questions ranges from 10 to 65 questions.
- 9 sets of practice questions about maternal and child health nursing – The number of questions ranges from 20 to 50.
- 3 sets of practice questions about obstetrical nursing – The number of questions ranges from 50 to 60.
- 10 sets of practice questions about pediatric nursing – The number of questions ranges from 15 to 50.
- 7 sets of practice questions about medical-surgical nursing – The number of questions ranges from 10 to 70.
- 4 sets of practice exams about the respiratory system – The number of questions ranges from 50 to 60.
- 5 sets of practice exams about the nervous system – The number of questions ranges from 10 to 50.
- 7 sets of practice questions about the digestive and gastrointestinal system – The number of questions ranges from 20 to 100.
- 4 sets of practice exams about the endocrine system – The number of questions ranges from 25 to 50.
- 4 sets of practice questions about the urinary system – The number of questions ranges from 45 to 60.
- 4 sets of practice exams about homeostasis, fluids, and electrolytes – The number of questions per set is 30.
- 5 sets of practice exams about cancer and oncology nursing – The number of questions ranges from 15 to 60.
- 4 sets of practice tests about burns and burn injury management – The number of questions ranges from 20 to 40.
- 2 sets of practice questions about emergency nursing – The number of questions per set is 20.
- 28 sets of practice questions about mental health and psychiatric nursing – The number of questions ranges from 15 to 50.
- 5 sets of practice exams about other topics like integumentary system, sleep disorders, and ear disorders – The number of questions ranges from 19 to 60.
This is a pretty extensive coverage, not to mention that the overall content review and test plan for the NCLEX are also provided. Certainly, it’s one of the best sites for NCLEX practice.
#10 Varsity Tutors
The previous free resource materials we have mentioned offer a wide plethora of NCLEX questions but they don’t have mobile apps. The Varsity Tutors, on the other hand, displays similar comprehensiveness of practice tests but also offer a mobile app (8) for you to use.
This online material covers different NCLEX resources, which are as follows:
- 5 diagnostic tests – These tests help you determine which concepts you need to understand more and which ones that need your ongoing attention. They also highlight how well you performed in each area, and the results will help you create your own study plan.
- 242 practice tests – These are sets of practice tests to help you brush up on your skills. They also offer a run-through of the frequently-asked questions on the NCLEX. The detailed results will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Question of the Day – If you are quite busy but would still like some quick reviews, then this feature is the perfect option for you.
- Flashcards – These flashcards allow you to study at your own pace without getting pressured on finishing a full-length test.
- Learn by Concept – This tool comes as an interactive syllabus that makes you choose a topic where you will be tested.
We also love the feature of each practice test set that shows the level of difficulty per section, so it gives you an idea of how much work you still need to improve your weak areas. Performance statistics also add value to this free NCLEX material.
#11 Union Test Prep
The Union Test Prep may not be as comprehensive as that of other free NCLEX resource materials, but we love the straightforwardness of the practice tests for the NCLEX-RN. Overall, there are eight sets of practice tests, with each set covering one of the essential categories found in the actual NCLEX exam.
You have the option to take the eight practice tests all at once, so you will get a feel of the real test. On the other hand, if you simply want to have a focused prep on a particular category, then you can select which practice test you want to take first. Here are the other aspects you can find in this humble online resource material:
- 160 free NCLEX questions (each test has 20 questions)
- Hint options are provided
- Detailed answer explanations for each item
- Guess or reveal feature if you get answered a question incorrectly
Like the Nurse Plus Academy, you won’t be able to simulate the actual test because of the hint and answer explanations after each question. You might have difficulty setting a pace as well.
#12 Kaplan Free NCLEX Questions and Review
We have already covered Kaplan as a great resource material for NCLEX practice tests, but the first one we have mentioned in the premium book is paid. Kaplan also offers free practice tests, however. Some of the following options you can choose from are:
- On-demand practice test – It’s a realistic practice test that you can take whenever you are ready, so there is no pressure as to when you should take it. You will also be able to see your score and report of your strengths and weaknesses.
- Question of the day – This feature is perfect for those who are in a rush. If you would still like to learn a thing or two about the NCLEX style questions on a daily basis, then this one’s for you.
- Four-question quizzes – This is the type of practice quizzes that you can try for you to get the hang of the major topics and, at the same time, learn Kaplan strategies in dealing with various question types.
Even better, the Kaplan free NCLEX review also allows you to build off your baseline score as you will receive a detailed score report of your performance for each major topic. Plus, there are answers and explanations for each question.
#13 Khan Academy Free Practice Questions
Khan Academy is another big name in the ed-tech industry along with Kaplan, and they provide free access to its practice NCLEX questions.
The Khan NCLEX questions vary according to sets of topics, with the number of questions ranging from 4 to 15. Topics include tachycardias, acyanotic heart diseases, vasculitis, pulmonary, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, anemia, leukemia, bronchiolitis, shock, stroke, asthma, heart-valve disease, iron deficiency, tuberculosis, and many others.
Lastly, you’re given the option to take their unit test that is comprised of 86 questions.
#14 Tests.com
This site only gives you an NCLEX-RN practice test with 36 questions. However, these questions already cover the eight major categories in the actual exam, including Preventing Risks and Complications, Pharmacology, and Basic Nursing Care.
In addition, you’ll get the NCLEX-RN practice exam with 24 questions that you can take for free.
Both of these sets are the 2020 edition of Tests.com, which aims to let you experience what it feels like to answer the actual NCLEX test. Overall, they have a total of free 60 NCLEX practice questions with an option to either grade as you go or view one question at a time.
Finally, Tests.com offers you the option to purchase its comprehensive practice exam kit (9) that comes as a book with around 800 questions.
#15 Nursing UWorld
The free practice questions in Nursing UWorld are considered as part of their demo offer. This is good for those who want to be familiar with the NCLEX test without spending anything yet.
The practice tests come in eight subjects which are as follows:
- Adult health
- Child health
- Critical care
- Fundamentals
- Leadership and management
- Maternal and newborn health
- Mental health
- Pharmacology
Basically, you have the option to create your test by choosing among the subjects provided. You may also customize it according to test mode, question mode, and body systems. Keep in mind that the maximum questions per block is limited if you are taking the demo. If you want to access more practice questions, then you can proceed with your purchase.
#16 PracticalNursing.org
This online resource is only for NCLEX-PN, but can still be an amazing NCLEX-RN’s supplementary material. Like the RegisteredNursing.org, the PracticalNursing.org gives you access to a ton of questions in a format that would require to write your answers on a sheet of paper.
There are 150 questions on various nursing topics that may also be found in an NCLEX-RN exam. To know the correct answer, you simply have to click “show correct response” where a detailed explanation is provided.
This site may be lacking since you can’t type in your answer directly but it is still considered one of the best sites for NCLEX practice with no charge.
In Conclusion
We’re hoping that this comprehensive list has expanded your bank of resource materials for NCLEX prep. Always remember that the NCLEX questions you work on will have a huge impact on your test performance, so choose your resources wisely.
We’ve given you the information. Now, it’s time for you to choose which one to use.
References
- https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm
- https://www.nclex.com/french.htm
- https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN-Examination/dp/0323358411/?tag=ps-ge5-20
- https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-PN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Pn/dp/0323484883/?tag=ps-ge5-20
- https://nclexmastery.com/nursing/nclex-rn-mastery
- https://nclexmastery.com/nursing/nclex-pn-mastery
- https://www.amazon.com/NCLEX-RN-Prep-Plus-2019-Strategies/dp/1506245358/?tag=ps-ge5-20
- https://www.varsitytutors.com/mobile-tutoring
- https://www.tests.com/NCLEX-RN-Practice-Exam