Is Archer Review Worth It?
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You’ve probably seen Archer Review mentioned in nursing forums and study groups. But with so many NCLEX prep options out there, is Archer actually worth your money?
I’ve spent hours researching Archer’s Sure Pass program—analyzing features, comparing it to competitors, and reading what real test-takers say. Here’s my honest assessment.
The Short Answer
Yes, Archer Review is worth it for most nursing students. It offers more features than UWorld at a lower price, and students who follow their readiness protocol have a 98.98% pass rate.
But whether it’s right for you depends on your learning style, budget, and timeline. Let me break it down.
What You Get With Archer Sure Pass
Archer’s Sure Pass program includes:
Practice Questions:
- 3,100+ total practice questions
- 1,100+ NGN (Next Generation NCLEX) format items
- 175+ standalone case studies
- 63+ unfolding case studies
- Multiple CAT-format practice exams
Content & Learning:
- 110+ hours of on-demand video lectures
- Self-paced crash course videos
- 100+ cheat sheets and printable resources
- Detailed rationales with images and videos
Live Components:
- 3-day live review intensive (24 hours of high-yield content)
- Daily live topic reviews (Mon/Wed/Fri case studies, Tue/Thu system lectures)
- This is normally a $59+ add-on with other programs—it’s included here
Assessment Tools:
- Unlimited readiness assessments
- Baseline assessment tests
- Statistics dashboard for performance tracking
- Mobile app access
Archer Review Pricing (2026)
| Duration | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | $139 | Final push before exam |
| 60 days | $199 | Focused prep after graduation |
| 90 days | $209 | Comprehensive review |
| 180 days | $239 | Early starters, retakers |
Check current Archer Review pricing
The 98.98% Pass Rate: Is It Real?
Archer claims students who score “high” or “very high” on 4 consecutive readiness assessments have a 98.98% pass rate. That’s significantly above the 71.6% national average.
Is this believable? Yes, with context.
The key word is consecutive. Students who consistently demonstrate readiness across multiple assessments are, by definition, well-prepared. This isn’t cherry-picking—it’s telling you what benchmark to hit before scheduling your exam.
UWorld uses similar logic with their self-assessments. Students who score “High” or “Very High” pass probability on UWorld’s assessments also pass at rates well above average.
The takeaway: Don’t schedule your exam until you consistently score “high” on readiness assessments. This is the single best predictor of NCLEX success, regardless of which program you use.
Archer vs. UWorld: Honest Comparison
This is the comparison everyone wants.
| Feature | Archer Sure Pass | UWorld |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 3,100+ | 2,300+ |
| NGN items | 1,100+ | Yes (number not published) |
| Price range | $139-239 | $139-439 |
| Live review | Included | Not included |
| Readiness assessments | Unlimited | 2 self-assessments |
| Case studies | 238+ | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Brand recognition | Growing | Industry standard |
Where UWorld wins:
- More polished interface
- Longer track record
- More widely recognized by nursing programs
- Some students prefer their rationale style
Where Archer wins:
- More questions for less money
- Live review included at all tiers
- Unlimited readiness assessments
- Better NGN coverage (1,100+ items specifically)
- Quarterly content updates based on NCSBN communications
My take: If budget matters at all, Archer is the better value. You get more features for less money. If you want the “safe” choice that everyone recognizes, UWorld is still excellent—just pricier.
Who Should Use Archer Review?
Archer is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious students — More features than UWorld at a lower price
- Students who benefit from live instruction — The included live review is genuinely valuable
- Retakers — Different question style helps if you’ve already used UWorld
- NGN-anxious students — 1,100+ NGN items is extensive coverage
- Students who want clear readiness benchmarks — Unlimited assessments remove the guesswork
Archer might not be ideal for:
- Students whose programs require UWorld — Some schools mandate specific resources
- Students who’ve already purchased UWorld — Use what you have first
- Students who prioritize interface polish — UWorld’s UI is more refined
What Real Students Say
From nursing forums and study communities:
“I passed in 85 questions in 45 minutes…just very prepared due to doing so many questions.”
“The q banks were almost identical to the NCLEX setup; I felt very well prepared.”
“Truly gave me confidence to take the NCLEX.”
The consistent theme: Archer’s questions closely match actual NCLEX difficulty, and the readiness assessments accurately predict performance.
Common complaints:
- Interface isn’t as polished as UWorld
- Some rationales could be more detailed
- Less brand recognition (though this is changing)
How to Get the Most From Archer
If you decide Archer is right for you, here’s how to maximize it:
1. Take the baseline assessment first Know where you stand before diving into content.
2. Focus on weak areas Use the statistics dashboard to identify gaps, then target them.
3. Do questions daily Aim for 75-150 questions per day in your final weeks. Quality matters more than quantity—read every rationale.
4. Attend live sessions The live review is included. Use it. Many students skip this and miss valuable content.
5. Don’t schedule until you’re ready Hit “high” on 4 consecutive readiness assessments before booking your exam date. This is the benchmark that predicts 98.98% success.
The Bottom Line
Is Archer Review worth it? For most students, yes.
You get more questions, more NGN content, live review sessions, and unlimited readiness assessments for $139-239. Students who follow the readiness protocol have a 98.98% pass rate.
It’s not the most recognized brand (that’s still UWorld), but recognition doesn’t pass your NCLEX—preparation does.
If you’re on a budget, want live instruction, or need a different approach after failing with another resource, Archer is worth serious consideration.
Try Archer Review’s Sure Pass Program
Related resources:
- NCLEX Study Strategies — How to structure your prep
- NCLEX Readiness Assessments — How to know when you’re ready to test
About the Author
License Guide Team
Clinical Editorial Team
Our editorial team includes licensed nurses and healthcare professionals dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date nursing licensure information sourced directly from state boards of nursing.