UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (2024)

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Our side-by-side comparison of the NCLEX prep materials from Kaplan and UWorld

As you wrap up nursing school and start looking ahead to the NCLEX, one decision every future nurse faces is what test prep company to study with. And commonly, the choice often comes down to Kaplan vs UWorld, two of the biggest and most popular NCLEX prep companies out there. So which one is better? We take a close look in this detailed comparison guide and provide our honest thoughts and analysis.

  • Price
  • Video Instruction
  • Practice Questions
  • Practice Tests
  • Content Access Period
  • Books
  • Money Back Guarantee
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    • $425
    • 300+ Lessons
    • 3,800+
    • 3
    • 6 Months
    • Digital
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    • $249
    • None
    • 2,300+
    • 3
    • 90 Days
    • None
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Outline: Kaplan vs UWorld

  • Reasons To Choose Kaplan For NCLEX Prep
  • Reasons To Choose UWorld For NCLEX Prep
  • Verdict: UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX

As this is a long and robust comparison, we’ve included helpful jump-to links above for easy navigation.

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (5)

Kaplan NCLEX Prep

  • Two Course Options
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Two Course Options
  • Money Back Guarantee
Our Score

9.4

  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (6)
  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (7)
  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (8)
  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (9)
  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (10)

See our full review process

Pros
  • Engaging on demand video lessons that offer fantastic testing insights
  • Highly realistic NCLEX practice questions and full-length exams
  • Really helpful live classes that provide broad coverage
  • Written study materials are to-the-point and super helpful
  • 24/7 access to the Kaplan NCLEX channel
Cons
  • The explanations that accompany the practice problems are just OK

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (11)

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Reasons To Choose Kaplan For NCLEX Prep

To provide you with the most helpful evaluation of these two NCLEX prep courses, we think it is best to see where each company excels, first starting with Kaplan.

Quality of Practice Materials

For most aspiring nurses, the best way of preparing for the NCLEX is hammering practice question after practice question. So the realism of a company’s practice problems in terms of content, difficulty and length is a huge factor.

And in our opinion, Kaplan provides more realistic practice material than UWorld.

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (13)

It’s a close call, and we generally like the problems both companies offer, but Kaplan’s are just a better fit for the real thing. They closely mimic what you’ll see on test day, and the adaptive nature of their CAT program seems to be a bit better than UWorld’s as well.

Video Lessons & Content Review

While the first two categories were close, this is where Kaplan starts to distance itself from UWorld. And that is because Kaplan provides a ton of content review in the form of live and pre-recorded lectures, content review sessions, and books, while UWorld provides nearly nothing of the sort (Princeton Review offers more study materials than UWorld too).

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (14)

As I mentioned, most of your content review and learning with UWorld comes through your problem explanations. With Kaplan though, practice and review are just one half of the equation.

The other half is high-quality live and pre-recorded video lessons, and content review sessions, all of which we found to be stellar in terms of effectiveness. Honestly, Kaplan’s videos are second only to those from Nursing.com.

Pricing & Course Options

At first glance, it would seem that UWorld wins this category with its approachably priced Qbanks.

However, upon a closer look, we actually think Kaplan provides the better value here. Yes, in terms of straight dollars, they cost more. But Kaplan also gives you access to video lessons, optional live sessions, a hardcopy book, and a few extras that UWorld does not.

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (15)

So for a couple hundred more dollars, we actually like the bang for your buck you get with Kaplan. Plus, when doing an apples-to-apples comparison of just Qbanks, we think Kaplan actually gets the edge with its $99 Qbank of 3,800 questions.

Supplemental NCLEX Study Materials

Again, Kaplan easily takes this category. While we were big fans of the customizable flashcards from UWorld (a very cool extra that we used often), it is simply hard to beat Kapan’s bonus resources.

These include access to their NCLEX channel, a prep book, content review guide, email support and more. The most notable resource by far is their NCLEX Channel, with near daily live lessons and recorded webcasts that take a deep dive into certain topics tested on the NCLEX.

Pass Guarantees

This one is a pretty open and shut case: Kaplan offers a money back guarantee in the event you don’t pass the NCLEX on your first attempt, while UWorld does not.

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (16)

UWorld NCLEX Prep

  • QBank
  • No Pass Guarantee
  • QBank
  • No Pass Guarantee
Our Score

8.1

  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (17)
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  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (19)
  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (20)
  • UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (21)

See our full review process

Pros
  • Solid practice material with accompanying explanations
  • Answer solutions filled with helpful visuals
Cons
  • More or less practice material only (very limited content review)
  • Poor job matching the style & difficulty of the NLCEX (Kaplan is much better)

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (22)

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Reasons To Choose UWorld For NCLEX Prep

Now that you have a good idea of what Kaplan has to offer, let’s talk about the advantages of using UWorld to help you prepare for the NCLEX.

Problem Explanations & Performance Metrics

Although Kaplan provides the better overall practice question quality, we actually think the UWorld problem explanations are better. Their answer explanations are filled with awesome graphics, vivid diagrams and tons of detail.

Now, this is largely true because UWorld’s explanations are meant to serve as content review in lieu of true lessons.

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (23)

To be clear, we really liked Kaplan’s problem explanations as well, and found them to be more than serviceable in breaking down problems, but UWorld’s solutions are just tough to beat here (being right up there with those from Hurst).

In addition, we also give the edge to UWorld’s progress trackers and performance metrics. Their data just goes a little deeper in analyzing your current skill level (similar to NCLEX Bootcamp and Archer).

User Experience & Interface

This one is a dead tie. Both companies offer really sharp, clean interfaces that we found to be easy to use. Their modern interface and navigability are equal in terms of aesthetics, and both had lightning fast load speeds and responses.

Content Access Period

Who wins this category is the classic “it depends.” (I know, I hate that too). Kaplan comes standard with 6 months of access to your NCLEX prep materials, while UWorld offers packages that range from 30 days of access up to 180 days (i.e. 6 months, for those of you that aren’t great at math).

If you purchase the premier package from UWorld with full access to all their features, this one’s a tie, but any lesser package and Kaplan gets the win here.

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (24)

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Verdict: UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX

In terms of straight practice material, the difference between Kaplan and UWorld is somewhat negligible, with perhaps Kaplan getting the slight advantage.

We found Kaplan’s practice questions to be more realistic of actual NCLEX questions, while also rating UWorld’s problems explanations out higher. But when it comes to full scale NCLEX prep, there is no denying that Kaplan is the superior choice here.

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (25)

With high-quality video lessons, optional live classes, a prep book, and bonus resources (most of which UWorld does not offer), Kaplan offers the better overall NCLEX prep option. This is especially true considering that their self-paced course with these features is less than $200 more.

FAQ

Which NCLEX prep is better, Kaplan or UWorld?

After our full review of both prep options, we give Kaplan the edge over UWorld when it comes to NCLEX prep. We rate Kaplan’s NCLEX prep material out higher in just about every category, with the exception of problem explanations.

Kaplan Qbank vs UWorld, who’s is better?

We prefer Kaplan’s NCLEX practice questions, finding them to be more realistic of actual NCLEX problems. However, we conversely like UWorld’s problem explanations to Kaplan’s, find them to be more detailed.

Which NCLEX prep package is cheaper, Kaplan or UWorld?

In terms of straight Qbank price, Kaplan is cheaper than UWorld. Kaplan’s self-paced prep course is more expensive than UWorld’s NCLEX prep options, but this is not an apples-to-apples comparison.

UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX (2024)

FAQs

Is UWorld better than Kaplan NCLEX? ›

Which NCLEX prep is better, Kaplan or UWorld? After our full review of both prep options, we give Kaplan the edge over UWorld when it comes to NCLEX prep. We rate Kaplan's NCLEX prep material out higher in just about every category, with the exception of problem explanations.

Is UWorld actually harder than NCLEX? ›

90% of users report that UWorld's questions are the same level of difficulty or more difficult than the questions they encountered on the NCLEX. How Do You Know You're Ready To Take the NCLEX? By first passing our Self-Assessment tests! Get Started Today!

Is UWorld enough to pass NCLEX? ›

UWorld's student survey data reveals a powerful success formula: the majority of students who attained high scores in our QBank practice tests and achieved a "High" or "Very High" rating on our Self-Assessment Tests successfully passed the NCLEX.

Is Kaplan accurate for NCLEX? ›

More students recommend Kaplan for NCLEX prep than anyone else. Why? Our personalized study plans and comprehensive tools cover everything you need to pass. In fact, 97% of Kaplan students pass the NCLEX exam the first time.

Is 60% on Kaplan NCLEX good? ›

65 is passing, over 60 is passing, and so forth. I got 62 percent on both Trainer 6 and 7. The Kaplan book says aim for over 60.

What is the passing rate for the NCLEX using UWorld? ›

*Median QBank score ranges will be recalibrated throughout the year. Traditionally, an average UWorld NCLEX QBank score correlated to a 90+% pass rate. Pass the Next Generation NCLEX® the First Time! High-yield videos, thousands of practice questions, multiple self-assessment tests, and more.

Which NCLEX prep is best? ›

The Best NCLEX Prep Courses
  • Kaplan — Top Pick.
  • NurseAchieve — Most Advanced Practice Exam Technology.
  • Hurst Review — Best First-Attempt Pass Rate.
  • NCLEX Mastery — Most Affordable.
  • Mometrix University — Best Free Resources.
  • ATI — Best Product Offerings.
  • Achieve Test Prep — Best In-Person Experience.
May 3, 2023

Which state NCLEX is the hardest? ›

None. The NCLEX RN exam is the same regardless of what state you take it in. The exam is downloaded to the testing center every morning. What changes and is “easier” or “harder” is the license for the state.

What is better than UWorld? ›

Though we like UWorld's Qbank, especially their rationales, we found Nursing.com to offer the more complete NCLEX review package from top to bottom. Nursing.com provides more practice material, as well as rock solid content review.

Can I study for NCLEX in 2 weeks? ›

If you feel prepared and do well on the practice tests, then two weeks may be enough time to study and refresh your knowledge. If you do study for the next gen NCLEX in two weeks, aim to spend four to six hours a day studying. We don't necessarily recommend doing all your studying in two weeks.

How much does UWorld for NCLEX cost? ›

The UWorld NCLEX-RN software's introductory rate starts at $49 a month. Nursing students can also pay $169 for three months access to give them more time to prepare. This is significantly less than a Kaplan course usually costs students.

What scores do I need on Kaplan to pass NCLEX? ›

Kaplan Conversion Chart NCLEX-RN
Kaplan Diagnostic Test ScoreProbability of Passing the NCLEX- RN ® ExamProbability of Passing the NCLEX- RN ® Exam
6097.6%92.8%
5997.2%91.3%
5896.7%89.4%
5796.2%87.2%
38 more rows

Is Kaplan harder than actual test? ›

Some find Kaplan's practice tests to be more challenging than the actual exam, particularly in terms of question complexity and depth of content.

What is the best predictor of NCLEX success? ›

Studies looking at predictors to NCLEX success tend to find aptitude measures such as GPA and SAT and school entrance requirements exams to be the best predictors.

Are Kaplan Qbank questions harder than NCLEX? ›

Note that most students find Kaplan CAT is harder than real NCLEX. Note that this also helps you breeze through real NCLEX as it feels easier. You should not get discouraged by one bad score in full length Kaplan test.

What is the best program to pass the NCLEX? ›

Resource Overview: UWorld Nursing touts a 99% NCLEX pass rate among learners who performed well on UWorld's self-assessment. UWorld's practice tests mirror the NGN experience to prepare test takers for exam day. Individuals receive access to virtual flashcards, a digital notebook and performance-tracking metrics.

What Nclex review has the highest pass rate? ›

Only Hurst Review has a first-attempt pass rate of 98%, the highest of any NCLEX®-preparation provider.

Is Kaplan questions harder than NCLEX? ›

However, the Kaplan CAT is generally considered to be more difficult than the NCLEX. This is because the Kaplan CAT covers a wider range of topics and has more challenging questions than the NCLEX. Therefore, if you are looking to prepare for the NCLEX, you may want to consider taking the Kaplan CAT first.

What percentage on Kaplan to pass NCLEX? ›

Kaplan strongly recommends review for essential nursing content organized by client needs for all areas on the exam that have a score of <65% correct. At Kaplan, 65% correct corresponds to passing on the NCLEX exam.

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