Students using Archer Review to prepare for NCLEX have a 99 percent pass rate as overall pass rate falls

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has shared pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in Q1 of 2025, showing large scale falls in pass rates for first-time test takers and internationally educated students compared to Q1 2024.

Archer Review, a provider of nursing and medical exam preparation resources, says students using its resources continue to pass the NCLEX exam at a rate of more than 99 percent, despite the falling pass rates overall.

First time U.S.-educated test takers passed at a rate of 88.3 percent in the quarter, down from 94.15 percent in the previous year. First-time test takers who were internationally educated passed at a rate of 46.55 percent, down from 58.77 percent in the previous year.

The largest fall in the pass rate was seen in internationally educated repeat test takers, with a pass rate of just 30.15 percent in Q1 2025, down from 44.05 percent in the previous year.

Archer Review claims the statistics show that newer cohorts of students need additional assistance in preparing for the NCLEX, particularly those who are repeat test takers or those educated internationally.

While many students look for a large bank of previous questions to help prepare them for the NCLEX, Archer Review says other study tools are important in helping them prepare for the test.

“Every student deserves a fair shot at success, no matter where they start,” explains Rachel Taylor, Director of Nursing at Archer Review. “That’s why we’re committed to dismantling barriers in nursing education with accessible tools and inclusive strategies that meet learners where they are."

In addition to a comprehensive bank of questions, Archer Review also offers case studies, access to live webinars and a fully structured learning path, helping students to prepare for the test. 

Morgan Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer at Archer Review, adds: "Innovation in nursing education isn’t about flash but function. It’s about giving students what actually works when they need it most. Archer Review blends technology, mentorship, and strategy to deliver real outcomes, not just promises."

The news comes shortly after Archer Review acquired the technology behind micro-learning and social community platform PulsedIn. PulsedIn’s intuitive, mobile-first interface will be used alongside Archer’s education platform to create more personalized learning environments in a bid to create at the digital communities students need.