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SimpleNursing vs UWorld

Head-to-head comparison of the NCLEX study materials from UWorld and SimpleNursing

Choosing the right NCLEX prep course might be what determines whether you pass the exam. SimpleNursing and UWorld both have a strong reputation in NCLEX prep, but they take two very different approaches that work for different kinds of people. In this comparison, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of SimpleNursing and UWorld to help you decide which is the best fit for your study needs.

  • Price
  • Video Instruction
  • Practice Questions
  • Practice Tests
  • Content Access Period
  • Books
  • Editor's Choice Editor's Choice SALE: 15% OFF Code: TPI15 (Link Required)
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    Claim Discount
    • $89/mo
    • 1,200+ Videos
    • 4,000+
    • Unlimited
    • 1 Month
    • Digital
  • Free Demo Check Current Offers
    Free Demo Check Current Offers
    Visit UWorld
    • $249
    • Bite-Sized Review Videos
    • 3,100+
    • 3
    • 90 Days
    • None

Table of Contents

Given this is a lengthy, detailed comparison, we’ve included helpful jump-to links above for easy navigation.

Video Review: Which Course Is Better?

In the above video, team member John discusses how the NCLEX review packages from UWorld and SimpleNursing stack up.

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simple nursing nclex

SimpleNursing

  • Three Course Options
  • Pass Guarantee
  • Three Course Options
  • Pass Guarantee
Our Score

9.3

  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
Pros
  • More affordable than UWorld
  • Large, customizable QBank (over 4,000 questions available)
  • Engaging video lessons with knowledgeable instructors
  • Helpful, visually-appealing digital study guides
  • Live cram sessions are incredibly helpful (Elite course only)
Cons
  • Pass guarnatee only included with Elite course
  • Hardcopy prep books must be purchased seperaterly
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Reasons to Choose SimpleNursing for NCLEX Prep

SimpleNursing is a comprehensive nursing education platform that helps with nursing school, NCLEX-RN prep, and NCLEX-PN prep. To kick this comparison off, let’s discuss the major advantages that SimpleNursing has over UWorld when it comes to NCLEX preparation.

Video Lessons

SimpleNursing’s video instruction is a standout feature, offering a vast library of over 1,200 highly engaging remediation lessons. These videos utilize on-screen instructors, paired with images, graphics, and animations, making complex concepts easier to understand and remember.

Simple nursing video lecture
Example video lesson from Nurse Mike

Additionally, the NCLEX review lecture series with Nurse Mike enhances the learning experience, delivering 26 lessons that feel personal, almost like having a private tutor.

Nurse Mike’s ability to simplify concepts and offer practical tips sets these videos apart, making them incredibly effective for learners who need content to “click.”

In contrast, UWorld’s video content is more limited, with only a handful of short, high-yield videos that lack the depth and engagement seen in SimpleNursing’s offerings.

Volume of Practice Questions & Tests

When it comes to practice questions and simulated exams, SimpleNursing outshines UWorld by offering a significantly larger question bank.

With over 4,000 practice questions, including 1,400 Next Gen NCLEX questions, SimpleNursing provides more questions UWorld, which only gives you about 3,000 questions. This abundance allows students to cover more ground and experience a wider variety of questions, which is crucial for preparing for the adaptive nature of the NCLEX.

simple nursing nclex quiz
Create your own quizzes with SimpleNursing

SimpleNursing also includes multiple simulated exams, giving students the chance to practice under realistic test conditions. Depending on the plan you choose, you can get up to six adaptive (CAT) practice tests plus six readiness assessments, whereas UWorld only offers four self-assessments even at the highest tier.

While UWorld’s questions are highly realistic and of excellent quality, its smaller question bank and fewer simulated exams don’t offer as much comprehensive practice as SimpleNursing’s extensive resources.

Live Cram Sessions

The live NCLEX cram sessions from SimpleNursing are an incredible asset for students enrolled in the Elite course. Led by top NCLEX instructors like Nurse Mike, these 90-minute sessions offer valuable last-minute tips and key strategies, helping students feel more prepared and confident before their exam.

The ability to ask questions and receive real-time feedback adds a personalized touch, making the sessions highly interactive and beneficial for those who thrive on live instruction.

With no equivalent offering from UWorld, these live cram sessions make SimpleNursing a standout choice for students seeking expert guidance and personalized support.

Digital Study Guides

SimpleNursing’s digital study guides are a fantastic resource, offering over 900 visually appealing, one-page summaries that can be easily downloaded and printed for on-the-go study sessions (similar to Archer).

Filled with colorful graphics, charts, and memory tricks, these guides are perfect for visual learners, and those who prefer a traditional pen-and-paper approach. The inclusion of notes sections allows for quick reminders or personalized key points, making the guides both engaging and practical.

simple nursing nclex study plan
Example study guide from SimpleNursing

In comparison, UWorld lacks this feature, offering only flashcards without any downloadable study guides, ebooks, or hardcopy materials, giving SimpleNursing a clear advantage in this category.

👉 Read our full SimpleNursing NCLEX review

UWorld NCLEX Prep Course

UWorld

  • Multiple Subscription Options
  • Free Trial
  • Multiple Subscription Options
  • Free Trial
Our Score

8.1

  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
Pros
  • Dynamic study planner to help guide your studies
  • Realistic practice questions
  • Adaptive practice tests mimic the real exam
  • Flashcards for studying on-the-go
Cons
  • More expensive than SimpleNursing
  • No live classes and limited video instruction
  • No prep books or ebooks
  • No pass guarantee
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Reasons to Choose UWorld for NCLEX Prep

Now that you have a better idea of what SimpleNursing has to offer, let’s turn the tables and discuss the strengths of the UWorld NCLEX prep packages.

Practice Problem Explanations

UWorld’s practice problem solutions are a standout feature, offering highly detailed explanations filled with graphics, diagrams, and visual aids that are especially beneficial for visual learners.

UWorld NCLEX RN Test Prep
Example practice question from UWorld

These graphic-heavy explanations break down not only why the correct answer is right but also help solidify key concepts through rich visual detail. However, while UWorld excels in this area, SimpleNursing also offers top-notch explanations for each practice question (similar to Kaplan).

SimpleNursing’s breakdowns not only explain the correct answer but also clarify why the other choices are incorrect, providing a deeper understanding of each question.

Additionally, SimpleNursing highlights overarching learning outcomes for each question, helping students connect individual problems to broader nursing concepts. Both platforms offer excellent explanations, but SimpleNursing’s emphasis on linking questions to broader topics adds an extra layer of comprehension.

Helpful Flashcards

UWorld’s flashcards are a valuable tool for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX, offering a convenient way to reinforce key concepts on-the-go.

These digital flashcards allow students to quickly review high-yield topics and challenging questions, helping to solidify their knowledge through repetition.

What makes UWorld’s flashcards particularly useful is the ability to create custom decks based on personal study needs, allowing students to focus on areas where they need the most improvement.

With their detailed content and flexibility, UWorld’s flashcards are an effective supplement for students aiming to retain critical nursing concepts for the NCLEX.

👉 See how UWorld compares to Nursing.com

simple nursing
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Verdict: Which NCLEX Prep Course Is Best?

So, which is the better NCLEX prep program, UWorld or SimpleNursing? If you’re looking for an all-inclusive NCLEX study option, SimpleNursing clearly stands out as the more comprehensive program that’s perfect for visual learners.

The one exception: people who learn best by simply doing lots of drilling will probably like UWorld’s high-quality practice questions, detailed explanations, and helpful flashcards.

Still, SimpleNursing offers more practice questions in their Qbank, and the engaging video instruction and live cram sessions make content mastery easy for anyone who learns best through video or real-time interactions with instructors. Plus, their printable study guides make the content easy to picture and include helpful memory tricks, making SimpleNursing an ideal option for anyone wanting an affordable yet in-depth NCLEX prep package.

👉 Read Next: NCLEX Bootcamp vs UWorld

FAQ

Which NCLEX prep course is better - SimpleNursing or UWorld?

SimpleNursing is the better NCLEX prep course due to its comprehensive offerings, including over 4,000 practice questions, personalized study plans, engaging video lessons, and live cram sessions. While UWorld provides high-quality explanations and flashcards, it lacks the depth and variety of resources that SimpleNursing offers.

Is the UWorld NCLEX Qbank better than SimpleNursing's?

While UWorld’s NCLEX Qbank is known for its high-quality questions and detailed explanations, SimpleNursing has more practice questions in their Qbank. Plus, SimpleNursing provides a more comprehensive learning experience with a wider variety of resources, including extensive practice questions and printable study guides, making them a great resource for visual learners and students wanting an all-in-one NCLEX prep provider.