Best NCLEX prep for the 2026 test plan
NCLEX prep is mostly about practice questions and readiness tests, with content review layered on top. Four providers cover most candidates: UWorld, Archer Review, Kaplan and SimpleNursing. They differ on how many questions you get, how much teaching comes with them and how much you pay for how long.
How this page was put together: it compares each provider’s published details. Prices are as reported by third-party sites, which disagree and change with promotions, so confirm them before you buy. The scores on the review pages are editorial research scores built from published details and third-party review consensus, for the RN products. They are not the result of our own testing.
A question bank known for detailed rationales and self-assessment exams that estimate readiness.
→A large question bank with a computer-adaptive simulator, at a lower reported price.
→A structured course with lessons, a question bank and optional live classes.
→Visual lessons and mnemonics, best as a content layer alongside a question bank.
→All four at a glance
| Provider | Reported price | Questions | Main strength | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UWorld | About $130 to $270 by access length | About 2,300 to 2,500+ | Detailed rationales, readiness exams | Sources disagree on how much content review it includes |
| Archer Review | About $40 to $140 | About 2,900 to 3,100+ | Volume, CAT simulator, readiness assessments | Price depends on access length and video add-ons |
| Kaplan | About $200 to $550 | About 3,500 to 4,000+ | Structured course, decision-tree strategy | Highest price band reported |
| SimpleNursing | About $40 to $100 a month | Varies | Visual content and mnemonics | Often paired with a dedicated question bank |
As reported by third-party sites. Prices and question counts vary between sources and change with promotions.
How to choose, in four situations
UWorld and Archer are two widely used question banks. UWorld leans on rationale depth, Archer on volume and price.
UWorld reviewArcher's reported prices are the lowest of the four, especially for shorter access windows.
Archer ReviewKaplan's course format gives you a schedule and lessons, at a higher price.
Kaplan reviewSimpleNursing explains concepts visually, and is commonly paired with a question bank for practice.
SimpleNursing reviewHead-to-head comparisons
Also worth knowing
- Check the test plan. The 2026 plan took effect on April 1, 2026. Content is largely unchanged, but check that your provider keeps its Next Generation question types.
- RN or PN. Most providers sell separate products for the RN and PN exams. Make sure you buy the right one.
- Other options exist. Hurst Review, Saunders and NCLEX Bootcamp are also widely used. We have not reviewed them yet.
Common questions
Do I need more than one resource?
Some candidates do. A question bank for practice and a separate source of content review is a common pairing, and reviewers often suggest it if your program left gaps.
Can I trust readiness scores?
Most readiness assessments estimate your chance of passing, and are a useful guide, but they are a provider’s estimate rather than anything official.