Passing the NCLEX is the final and most important step before becoming a licensed nurse. Unlike many academic exams, the NCLEX does not test how well you can memorize information. Instead, it evaluates clinical judgment, prioritization, safety, and decision-making in real-world nursing scenarios. Because of this, choosing the right NCLEX review book is critical.
What Is an NCLEX Review Book?
An NCLEX review book is a comprehensive study resource designed to prepare nursing graduates for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam. The best books focus on:
- Clinical judgment and prioritization
- NCLEX-style question logic
- Safety, delegation, and nursing actions
- Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) case studies
- Rationales explaining why answers are correct or incorrect
Modern NCLEX review books are aligned with the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, which is the foundation of the current NCLEX exam format.
How to Use NCLEX Review Books Effectively
Simply reading an NCLEX book cover to cover is rarely enough. Successful candidates use these books strategically.
Step 1: Build Core Understanding
Start by reviewing content areas where you feel weakest, such as pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, or prioritization.
Step 2: Practice Daily
NCLEX success depends on repeated exposure to NCLEX-style questions. Practice every day, even if only 25–50 questions.
Step 3: Study Rationales
The rationale is more important than the question itself. Understanding why answers are wrong trains your clinical judgment.
Step 4: Simulate Exam Conditions
Use full-length practice exams to build stamina and confidence for the adaptive testing format.
Step 5: Focus on NGN Question Types
Ensure your book includes case studies, bow-tie questions, and prioritization scenarios.
Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination
Overview
This book is widely considered the gold standard for NCLEX preparation. Written by Linda Anne Silvestri, it is one of the most comprehensive and trusted NCLEX review books available.
It covers every major nursing content area and places heavy emphasis on clinical judgment and NCLEX logic.
Key Features
- Over 5,700 NCLEX-style practice questions
- Extensive NGN case studies and alternate item formats
- Detailed rationales for correct and incorrect answers
- Pyramid Points highlighting high-yield content
- Priority Nursing Action boxes focused on safety and decision-making
Pricing
- Typically priced between $45 and $55, depending on format
Best For
- Students who want one all-in-one NCLEX resource
- Test-takers who need strong content review
- Those preparing specifically for NGN-style questions
This book is dense, but it builds confidence and clinical reasoning when used consistently.
NCLEX-RN Prep by Kaplan Test Prep
Overview
Kaplan’s NCLEX-RN Prep book focuses less on memorization and more on how to think like the NCLEX. It is especially known for its decision-tree approach to answering questions.
Key Features
- Kaplan’s critical thinking and decision tree strategies
- Realistic NCLEX-style questions
- Full-length practice exam
- Strong focus on prioritization and safety
- Clear explanations of NGN question types
Pricing
- Usually priced between $35 and $45
Best For
- Students who struggle with NCLEX logic
- Test-takers who already have nursing knowledge but need strategy
- Those who want a concise, test-focused book
Kaplan’s book pairs extremely well with Saunders for a balanced approach.
Next Generation NCLEX-RN Prep
Overview
This newer generation of NCLEX prep books focuses specifically on the Next Generation NCLEX. It emphasizes clinical judgment, case-based learning, and real-world nursing decisions.
Key Features
- NGN-style case studies and clinical scenarios
- Emphasis on the six clinical judgment skills
- Digital exam simulations
- Step-by-step breakdown of complex cases
- Stress-reduction and test-day mindset guidance
Pricing
- Typically priced around $30 to $40
Best For
- Students anxious about NGN changes
- Visual and case-based learners
- Test-takers who prefer scenario-driven learning
This book works well as a supplement rather than a standalone resource.
HESI Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination
Overview
HESI’s NCLEX review book is known for its clear structure and balanced coverage of nursing content. It is often recommended by nursing programs that use HESI exams.
Key Features
- Content review organized by body systems
- Practice questions aligned with NCLEX categories
- Strong focus on fundamentals and safety
- Clear summaries and learning objectives
- NGN-style questions included
Pricing
- Usually priced between $40 and $50
Best For
- Nursing students transitioning from HESI exams to NCLEX
- Those who want structured content summaries
- Learners who prefer organized, textbook-style explanations
Comparing the Best NCLEX Review Books (Without Tables)
Each NCLEX review book serves a slightly different purpose.
- Saunders Comprehensive Review offers the deepest and most complete content review with the largest question bank.
- Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep excels at teaching NCLEX strategy and decision-making.
- Next Generation NCLEX-RN Prep is ideal for mastering clinical judgment and case-based questions.
- HESI Comprehensive Review provides structured content reinforcement and fundamentals.
Many successful candidates combine Saunders for content and Kaplan for strategy to cover both knowledge and exam logic.
How to Choose the Best NCLEX Review Book
When selecting an NCLEX review book, consider:
- Whether you need content review or strategy
- Your comfort level with NGN question formats
- How much time you have before test day
- Whether you learn better through reading or practice
Students weak in content should start with Saunders or HESI. Those who know the material but struggle with questions often benefit most from Kaplan.
Final Thoughts
The NCLEX is not about being perfect — it’s about being safe, logical, and consistent. The best NCLEX review books teach you how to think like a nurse, not just how to answer questions.