NCLEX Prep Courses Compared

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Choosing the right NCLEX prep course matters. But with so many options claiming high pass rates, how do you know which one actually works for you?

We’ve analyzed the major NCLEX prep resources based on content, format, price, and what real test-takers report. Here’s the honest breakdown.

Quick Comparison

Course	Type	Questions	Price	Best For
UWorld	Question Bank	2,300+	$139-439	Brand recognition
Archer	QBank + Live Review	3,100+	$139-239	Best overall value
Kaplan	Full Course	3,000+	$399-699	Structured learners
ATI	Full Course	1,800+	$200-500	Students who used ATI in school
Hurst	Content Review	1,400+	$299-399	Those needing content foundation

UWorld NCLEX-RN

Type: Question bank with rationales

What you get:

• 2,300+ practice questions
• Detailed rationales for correct AND incorrect answers
• Performance tracking by category
• Two self-assessments with pass probability
• Mobile app access
• NGN-format questions included

Pricing (2026):

• 30-day access: $139
• 60-day access: $229
• 90-day access: $329
• 180-day access: $439

Strengths:

• Industry standard for NCLEX prep
• Question difficulty matches or exceeds real NCLEX
• Exceptional rationales teach reasoning, not just facts
• Self-assessments accurately predict pass likelihood
• Widely recommended by nursing programs

Weaknesses:

• Higher price point
• Less content review—assumes you know the material
• Can feel overwhelming for students with significant gaps

Who should use UWorld: Anyone who has a solid nursing foundation and needs to refine test-taking skills and clinical judgment. If your nursing program was rigorous, UWorld alone may be sufficient.

Verdict: The gold standard. Worth the investment for most students.

Archer Review Sure Pass

Type: Question bank + live review course

What you get:

• 3,100+ practice questions
• 1,100+ NGN-format questions
• 175+ standalone case studies
• 63+ unfolding case studies
• Comprehensive rationales with images and videos
• Multiple CAT-format practice exams
• Unlimited readiness assessments
• 110+ hours of on-demand video lectures
• 3-day live review intensive (24 hours of high-yield content—included at all tiers)
• Daily live topic reviews (Mon/Wed/Fri case studies, Tue/Thu system lectures)
• Mobile app access

Pricing (2026):

• 30-day access: $139
• 60-day access: $199
• 90-day access: $209
• 180-day access: $239

Key stat: 98.98% pass rate for students achieving “high” on 4 consecutive readiness assessments (compared to 71.6% national average).

Strengths:

• Best value: live review included at all price tiers (normally $59+ extra elsewhere)
• More questions than UWorld (3,100+ vs 2,300+)
• Extensive NGN coverage (1,100+ items)
• CAT format mimics actual test experience
• Quarterly content updates based on NCSBN communications
• Team attends yearly NCSBN conferences
• 873,000+ students served since 2019

Weaknesses:

• Less brand recognition than UWorld
• Interface not as polished

Who should use Archer: Anyone who wants comprehensive prep without paying $400+. Students who benefit from live instruction, retakers who need a fresh approach, and anyone who doesn’t want to sacrifice quality for price.

Verdict: Best overall value in NCLEX prep. You get live review + the largest question bank for less than UWorld’s question-only price.

Check out Archer Review’s Sure Pass Program

Kaplan NCLEX Prep

Type: Full course (content + questions)

What you get:

• 3,000+ practice questions
• Content review videos
• Decision Tree methodology
• Live or on-demand classes
• Qbank + practice tests
• AI study assistant (new)

Pricing (2026):

• Self-Paced: $399
• Live Online: $599
• In-Person: $699

Strengths:

• Structured approach with proven methodology
• “Decision Tree” teaches systematic question analysis
• Comprehensive content review included
• Good for students who struggle with test-taking
• Established brand with long track record

Weaknesses:

• More expensive than question-only options
• Some find Decision Tree approach rigid
• Time commitment for full course

Who should use Kaplan: Students who need structure, those who struggle with test anxiety, and anyone who benefits from formal instruction rather than self-study.

Verdict: Best for students who need a complete, structured program.

ATI NCLEX Review

Type: Full course (content + questions)

What you get:

• 1,800+ practice questions
• Content mastery series
• Virtual-ATI coaching (paid version)
• Practice assessments
• Focus review based on weaknesses

Pricing (2026):

• Basic: $200-300
• With Virtual-ATI: $400-500

Strengths:

• Integrates with ATI testing from nursing school
• Virtual-ATI provides personalized coaching
• Familiar if you used ATI in school
• Good for identifying specific content gaps

Weaknesses:

• Question quality not as high as UWorld
• Can feel repetitive if you used ATI throughout school
• Interface feels dated
• Virtual-ATI has additional cost

Who should use ATI: Students whose nursing programs used ATI and who want continuity, or those who benefit from the coaching component.

Verdict: Best if your school used ATI and you want to stay in the same ecosystem.

Hurst Review

Type: Content review course

What you get:

• Comprehensive content review
• “Core Content” approach
• Video lectures
• 1,400+ practice questions
• Live review sessions available

Pricing (2026):

• Online course: $299
• Premium (with live classes): $399

Strengths:

• Excellent for rebuilding content foundation
• Makes complex topics understandable
• Good if you have significant content gaps
• “Why-based” teaching style

Weaknesses:

• Fewer practice questions
• Question difficulty lower than NCLEX
• Not sufficient alone for most students
• Content-focused rather than application-focused

Who should use Hurst: Students with significant content gaps, those who struggled in nursing school, or those who need a foundation before heavy question practice.

Verdict: Best as a supplement for content review, not as standalone prep.

Recommended Strategies

Best Overall Value

Archer Sure Pass: Complete the 3,100+ question bank, attend the live review sessions, and use the readiness assessments to know when you’re ready. You get everything UWorld offers plus live instruction for less money.

If Brand Recognition Matters to You

UWorld only: Complete the full question bank, take both self-assessments, scoring “High” or above before testing. Solid choice, just more expensive.

If You Need Structure

Kaplan + Archer: Start with Kaplan’s Decision Tree methodology, then switch to Archer questions in final 4 weeks for fresh practice and readiness assessment.

If You Have Content Gaps

Hurst + Archer: Complete Hurst’s content review first, then transition to Archer for application practice. Archer’s live review reinforces content while you practice.

For Retakers

Different resource than before: If you used UWorld first time, try Archer. If you used Kaplan, try UWorld. Changing approaches often helps—and Archer’s 98.98% pass rate for prepared students speaks for itself.

What About Free Resources?

Free resources can supplement paid courses:

• RegisteredNurseRN.com: Free videos and practice questions
• Nurse Sarah YouTube: Good content review
• NCSBN Learning Extension: $50 for 3-week course + questions
• Nursing textbooks: Review weak areas

However, free resources alone are risky. The structured format and quality control of paid courses are worth the investment.

Making Your Decision

Your Situation	Recommended Course
Want best value (quality + price)	Archer Sure Pass
Want most recognized brand	UWorld
Need structure and support	Kaplan
Used ATI in school	ATI
Significant content gaps	Hurst → Archer
Retaking after failure	Archer (if used UWorld before)
Have extra budget	UWorld + Archer

The Bottom Line

Best overall value: Archer’s Sure Pass program gives you more questions than UWorld (3,100+ vs 2,300+), plus live review sessions, for $139-239. Students who hit “high” on readiness assessments have a 98.98% pass rate.

If brand recognition matters most: UWorld is the most recognized name. Quality is excellent, just pricier.

If you need structure: Kaplan provides the most comprehensive structured program with their Decision Tree methodology.

Whichever you choose, the key is completing the questions and actually learning from the rationales—not just doing questions to hit a number.

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Related resources:

• Is Archer Review Worth It? — Deep dive into Archer’s Sure Pass program
• NCLEX Readiness Assessments — How to know when you’re ready to test
• NCLEX Study Strategies
• Failed NCLEX Recovery Guide
• NCLEX Exam Guide