Best NCLEX Review Courses of 2026

When it comes to preparing for the challenging NCLEX, countless review courses claim to be “the best,” offering money-back guarantees and highlighting thousands of five-star reviews. But each NCLEX prep course offers unique features better suited to different types of learners at vastly different prices, which means it’s worth taking the time to research courses before making a purchase. If that sounds daunting or completely overwhelming, don’t worry…we’ve done the research for you and taken all the guesswork out of choosing the best NCLEX review course for your particular learning needs. Below, we highlight the top six options for NCLEX preparation, and in addition to noting pros and cons, we also note the type of learner each course is likely to work best for. All prices listed were accurate at the time this article was written, but we encourage interested users to visit these companies’ websites themselves, as discounts are frequently offered.

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UWorld

UWorld is one of the most prominent names when it comes to NCLEX prep, and the company boasts a 98% pass rate with expert-created practice questions, detailed explanations and rationales, engaging videos, and practice tests that mirror the real exam. UWorld offers several prep options for the NCLEX based on how long a student wishes to access study materials:

  1. 30-Day Access (from $129): this option includes 2,700 practice questions, more than 580 NGN questions, high-yield content review videos, computer adaptive practice tests, digital flashcards, and 1 self-assessment.
  2. 60-Day Access ($169): this option includes everything in the 30-Day access package, plus a dynamic study planner and 2 self-assessments.
  3. 90-Day Access (from $229): this option includes everything in the 60-Day access package, plus 3 self-assessments.
  4. 180-Day Access ($329): this option includes everything in the 90-Day access package, plus 4 self-assessments and one 1 time reset option.

In reviews, students mentioned how much they enjoyed the option to create a personalized study plan based on the number of hours they could study per day. They also appreciated the company’s extensive question bank and while several users noted that the questions could be difficult, they ultimately believed this better prepared them for the actual exam. Similarly, learners appreciated that UWorld’s interface mimics that of the real exam, increasing their familiarity with the test ahead of time. Some users felt that this was better as a question bank than a comprehensive prep course and found the questions too difficult or the rationales too long.

Best for: students who prefer high-intensity, self-paced learning through challenging questions that replicate the test interface

Not the best for: students who want a comprehensive prep course led by content experts

Archer Review

Archer Review is known throughout the test prep industry for their supportive self-paced and live learning options featuring personalized study plans and comprehensive prep tools. While they offer standalone purchases of questions, computer adaptive tests, and video libraries, their most popular prep options are as follows:

  1. Rapid Response Combo QBank + On Demand (starts at $89 for 1 month access): this option includes more than 3,100 questions and rationales, over 1,100 NGN questions, 63+ unfolding case studies, self-paced crash course videos, pass prediction, a baseline assessment test, multiple mock tests, printable handouts, more than 100 cheat sheets, and a mobile app for access on the go.
  2. Sure Pass (starting at $139 for 1 month access): this option includes everything in the Rapid Response package, in addition to a 3-day live instruction reservation, daily live reviews on high-yield topics, and a full-length, timed exit exam with 150 questions.
  3. Intense Prep (starting at $399 for 3-month access): while this option does not include a full-length, timed final exam, it does contain everything else included in the Sure Pass course, plus personalized weekly video feedback, live lectures and case reviews three times per week, an interactive webinar e-book, and mentorship with a dedicated NCLEX coach.

Archer Review boasts a 98-99% pass rate and attributes much of this to their high-quality instructors. The company utilizes a rigorous instructor hiring process, conducting a thorough evaluation of each candidate’s academic skills, teaching methods, practical experience, and passion for mentoring. In reviews, users appreciated the affordability of the product, as well as the ease and functionality of the mobile app. Many students appreciated the self-paced and live study options and found instructors engaging and easy-to-understand. Some learners, however, found the question bank to be smaller than that offered by other companies. A few users did not find the rationales to be deep enough and wished they contained more details.

Best for: students on a budget who prefer to learn with both on-demand and live instruction videos

Not the best for: students who learn best through answering questions and reading rationales or those who want extensive question banks

Kaplan

Kaplan is an established figure in the test prep industry, and they offer several highly reviewed study options for the NCLEX:

  1. Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) + Qbank (from $99): this option includes more than 2,200 standard exam questions with answers and detailed explanations, 3 full-length tests, pharmaceutical flashcards for more than 300 drugs, and access to Kaplan’s AI tutor.
  2. Practice Pack (from $119): this option includes everything in the CAT + QBank package, plus 24/7 access to content review sessions on Kaplan’s NCLEX channel.
  3. Self-Paced Course (from $349): this option includes everything in the Practice Pack package, as well as 6 recorded NCLEX Strategy Review classes led by world-class nurse educators, a personalized study plan, and access to Kaplan’s proprietary “Decision Tree” problem-solving method.
  4. Live Online Prep Course ($549): this option includes everything in the self-paced course, in addition to 18 hours of interactive review over 3 days through a combination of nurse educators and recordings.

According to the website, 97% of students who prepare with Kaplan pass the NCLEX on their first try. When a student takes the Self-Paced or the Live Online prep course, Kaplan offers a money-back guarantee they will pass the exam on their first try. The company prides itself on teaching effective strategies for exam mastery and highlights the teaching skills of experienced nurse educators in thoroughly preparing students for this challenging exam.

Most reviews of Kaplan’s NCLEX prep options are focused on the comprehensive nature of the course, with learners appreciating the structure and pacing. Many students praised Kaplan’s “Decision Tree” problem-solving method, although some students found it more time-intensive and laborious than helpful. Compared to other companies, Kaplan’s NCLEX study options are on the more expensive side, but the majority of learners felt that it was worth the expense to pass the exam on their first try.

Best for: students seeking structure who have plenty of time to study and prefer comprehensive content

Not the best for: students with limited study time or learners who prefer straightforward or predominantly high yield content

SimpleNursing

While SimpleNursing is newer to the NCLEX prep industry than some other companies on this list, they have quickly become a beloved favorite and currently offer three exam study options:

  1. Essentials: this course can be purchased for $89 for 1 month, $53/month for 3 months ($159 total), or $32/month for 6 months ($192 total). Regardless of the length of time a student chooses, this course includes 1,200 animated videos, more than 1,000 digital study guides, 4,000 questions and rationales, 1,400 NGN questions, computer adaptive practice tests, and 2 readiness assessments with pass prediction.
  2. Premium: this course can be purchased for $99 for 1 month, $56/month for 3 months ($168 total), or $35/month for 6 months ($210 total). Regardless of the length of time chosen, this course includes everything in the Essentials course, plus 6 readiness assessments with pass prediction, access to NGN video rationales with a nurse educator, and access to the NCLEX Review Lecture Series with a nurse educator.
  3. Elite: this course can be purchased for $252, which breaks down to $21/month, and provides access to study materials for an entire year. This option includes everything in the Premium course, in addition to an NCLEX pass guarantee, an adaptive study plan, live NCLEX cram sessions, and 6 readiness assessments with pass prediction.

SimpleNursing boasts a 99% pass rate and notes that using their proven system results in a 60% study time reduction. They also offer a pass guarantee for students who purchase their Elite plan. Users praised the engaging videos that break down complex subjects into understandable components and appreciated being taught memory tricks that improved their retention. Students highlighted the informative performance analytics and consistently mentioned the affordability and great value offered by the course. Some learners felt that the course was more comprehensive than they needed and offered more content than they would be tested on, while other users noted occasional technical glitches when answering questions.

Best for: visual learners looking for comprehensive prep who learn best through video lessons and memory aids

Not the best for: users seeking flashcard-style reviews or courses with a greater focus on testing skills rather than improving foundational knowledge

NCLEX Bootcamp

NCLEX Bootcamp focuses on helping real students achieve real results, and they have grown in popularity over the last few years with three prep options:

  1. 1 Month of Access ($59)
  2. 2 Months of Access ($99)
  3. 3 Months of Access ($129)

Regardless of how many months are purchased, students receive access to more than 2,600 questions, 50 cases, crash course videos, 4 readiness exams, over 140 printable cheat sheets, a study schedule creator, Ask Bootcamp AI, pass targets tracker, and a mobile app.

NCLEX Bootcamp users shared that the questions and case studies closely mimicked those encountered on the real exam, and they appreciated the focus on high-yield questions. The intuitive interface was reportedly easy to use, both on a computer and the mobile app, and most learners found the readiness exams extremely helpful. Some students expressed frustration that the practice tests were not computer adaptive, and others noted that this is less a comprehensive prep course than a review course focused on high-yield questions and content. Users noted how much they appreciated the colorful and informative cheat sheets, as well as the budget-friendly pricing.

Best for: learners who want to review high-yield questions and topics without breaking their budget

Not the best for: learners seeking comprehensive or in-depth prep with computer adaptive practice exams

Nursing.com

Nursing.com offers NCLEX prep that is created by nurses for nurses with three different review options:

  1. Monthly Survival Package: $59/month, can be cancelled any time.
  2. 2 Year Package: $82/month for 6 months ($492 total), then 18 months of additional access with no extra charge.
  3. Lifetime Package: $55/month for 9 months ($495 total), then lifetime access.

Regardless of the number of months purchased, each package includes access to more than 6,500 questions and rationales, video lectures no longer than 10-15 minutes, adaptive exams, targeted lessons, a study calendar, hundreds of 2-minute cheat sheets, AI support, and opportunities to practice simulated exams (SIMCLEX) that directly mimic the NCLEX.

Nursing.com boasts a 99% pass rate and offers a “200% guarantee,” such that if a student passes the SIMCLEX but fails to pass the actual NCLEX, they will receive a full refund, plus a matched amount. Users repeatedly raved about the SIMCLEX and how prepared and confident it helped them feel while navigating the real exam. Students appreciated the extensive question and rationale library and found the bite-sized, visually based lessons both informative and engaging. A few users reported occasional technical glitches on questions, while other learners disliked the self-paced nature of the course and expressed a desire for live instruction and feedback.

Best for: self-motivated, visual learners seeking to strengthen their foundational knowledge

Not the best for: learners who prefer live instruction options or courses that depend more on structure and less on internal motivation

Conclusion

Preparing for the NCLEX is a task to be taken seriously, and review options abound when it comes to preparing for this difficult exam. Many of the companies mentioned here offer free trial periods, which can give users a feel for the course and whether it matches their goals, learning style, available study time, and budget. The good news is that there are numerous reputable, high-quality, and effective review options available so that every future registered nurse can face the NCLEX with confidence in their knowledge and test-taking skills.