Best Nursing Book for Exam (2026): 4 Study Guides Compared

Finding the best nursing book for exam prep depends on your target credential. We compared guides by length, dates, practice tests and tools to help you pick the right book.

ShelfAnswers earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	ATI TEAS 7 by Smart Edition	9.7/10	Buy
2	ATI TEAS Secrets by Bowling	9.6/10	Buy
3	Med Surg Prep by Ellsworth	9.5/10	Buy
4	ATI TEAS Prep by ConceptBridge	9.4/10	Buy

1

ATI TEAS 7 by Smart Edition

Smart Edition·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A full-color study guide for the ATI TEAS 7 with eight practice tests, video lessons and mobile app access.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Full-color printing with clear illustrations across all four exam sections
• Includes 8 online timed practice tests with detailed answer explanations
• Companion mobile app for on-the-go flashcards, quizzes and progress tracking
• Over 100 video lessons and a structured 30-day study planner

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• Free access to the online course and AI tutor chat lasts for one month
• Substantial 397-page volume requires steady study time
• Spec table names the publisher as Smart while the title credits Smart Edition

2

ATI TEAS Secrets by Bowling

Matthew Bowling·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 442-page manual covering all four TEAS sections with six practice tests and over 180 video tutorials.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Comprehensive 442-page subject review across all four TEAS sections
• Includes 6 practice tests, with 2 printed in the book for offline study
• Over 180 video tutorials with step-by-step math solutions
• End-of-chapter quizzes check comprehension throughout each section

Cons

• Publication date of March 6, 2022 is older than newer 2025 and 2026 guides
• Bullets list 6 practice tests but later note all 4 online practice tests
• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• Standard black-and-white printing without color diagrams

3

Med Surg Prep by Ellsworth

Tara Ellsworth·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A high-yield review guide for nurses preparing for the ANCC MEDSURG-BC certification exam.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Targeted review for registered nurses taking the ANCC MEDSURG-BC exam
• Online test simulator provides access to 15 full-length mock exams
• Contains over 2,000 practice questions with detailed rationales
• Efficient study schedule designed for completion in under 30 days

Cons

• Focuses on post-licensure certification rather than pre-nursing entrance exams
• At 187 pages, the 15 mock exams and 2,000 questions rely on online simulator access
• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• Independently published without major test-prep publisher backing

4

ATI TEAS Prep by ConceptBridge

ConceptBridge Publishing·9.4/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A compact guide outlining subject reviews and pacing strategies for the ATI TEAS exam.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Published recently on June 12, 2026 as an updated TEAS guide
• Reviews core subjects including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry and math
• Features diagnostic drills, common trap breakdowns and pacing strategies
• Includes flexible study plans from two-week to longer timelines

Cons

• Claims 40+ full-length practice tests and 4,000+ questions within only 182 pages
• Product title cuts off abruptly at the end with an incomplete author line
• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• Independently published without explanation of how practice tests are accessed

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• Kaplan Nursing School Entrance PrepNursing school applicants preparing for the HESI A2 or Kaplan entrance exam.Check on Amazon
• Saunders Clinical Judgment & NCLEXNursing students who want test-taking strategies and NCLEX practice questions.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 16 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents, edition currency, value and reading levels. None of the four listings state a reading age or grade level, so that factor scores zero. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best nursing book for exam

Match the book to your specific examination

Nursing exams target different career stages. Pre-nursing applicants need entrance prep like ATI TEAS 7 by Smart Edition or ATI TEAS Secrets by Bowling, while working nurses need credential guides like Med Surg Prep by Ellsworth. For other entrance exams, see our best study guide for HESI A2 entrance exam.

Check publication dates and edition updates

Test blueprints change over time, so check publication dates. ATI TEAS Prep by ConceptBridge was published June 12, 2026, while ATI TEAS Secrets by Bowling dates to March 6, 2022. For graduation exams, see our best NCLEX books for nursing students.

Verify digital access for practice tests

Page counts indicate whether exams are printed or online. ATI TEAS Secrets by Bowling prints two tests in 442 pages, while Med Surg Prep by Ellsworth relies on an online simulator for its 15 mock exams across 187 pages. Always verify access codes before buying.

Before you buy

• Check if practice exams are printed or online.
• Verify the edition date against current exam blueprints.
• Confirm included features like apps, videos or question banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which nursing exam does each study guide cover?

Smart Edition, Mometrix and ConceptBridge cover the ATI TEAS 7 entrance exam. Tara Ellsworth prepares registered nurses for the ANCC MEDSURG-BC exam.

Are the practice tests printed in the books or accessed online?

Mometrix prints two tests in 442 pages alongside four online tests. Smart Edition provides eight online tests, and Ellsworth hosts 15 online mock exams.

Does the ATI TEAS study guide come in full color?

Smart Edition is printed in full color across 397 pages. The other guides are printed in standard black and white.

Still deciding? Our top pickATI TEAS 7 by Smart Edition

Check price on Amazon

Related lists

See every certification exam prep list and all test prep lists.

More lists: browse graduate test prep, college admission test prep and ASVAB study guides.