Do all 50 states have the same criteria for passing the NCLEX exam?

No, the NCLEX exam content is the same nationwide, but the licensing requirements set by each state's Board of Nursing (BON) have different criteria, including application processes, fees, background check rules, and sometimes retesting policies, so passing the same test doesn't guarantee immediate licensure in every state without meeting their specific demands.

Is NCLEX the same in every state?

Each state's nursing board's requirements vary, but the NCLEX exam is the same regardless of which state you intend to become licensed within. Be sure to research the specific requirements of the board of nursing in the state you wish to work.

Which US state has the easiest NCLEX requirements?

The Bottom Line

While each state has its own requirements, New York, Connecticut, and Montana stand out as the easiest states to apply for NCLEX to obtain a nursing compact license. We highly recommend considering these options if you want to make your journey easier.

Does it matter in what state you take the NCLEX?

Can I take the NCLEX in a different state? Yes, the NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the board of nursing (BON) where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure.

Is the NCLEX harder in some states?

NCLEX Myths Unveiled: Myth: The NCLEX is easier in different states Another extremely popular and extremely wrong idea people have about the NCLEX is that it varies in difficulty from state to state. Not true! The NCLEX is a national exam: which means it's used everywhere in the US (and it's also used in Canada).

Best US States to Process Nclex Exam for Foreign Educated Nurses (2024)

What state has the lowest NCLEX pass rate?

Florida's NCLEX Performance

The Florida Center for Nursing reported that Florida's first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 84.9% in 2024, 6.3 percentage points below the national average of 91.2%. For NCLEX-PN test-takers, Florida's first-time pass rate was 80.8% versus the national average of 88.4%.

What are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE "good pop-up" (inability to rebook), no new Authorization to Test (ATT) being issued, the Quick Results service showing a pass (if available), seeing your name added to your state board's license list, and a feeling of confidence with your test shutting off at the minimum question count (like 85 for RNs), though the only official sign is the nursing board's confirmation. 

Which state is best for NCLEX?

Top 5 States with the Highest NCLEX Pass Rates

1. New Hampshire. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 96.5% ...
2. North Dakota. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 96.4% ...
3. Nebraska. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 95.1% ...
4. Tennessee. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 94.9% ...
5. Wyoming. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 94.9%

Which state is easiest to get an RN license?

There's no single "easiest" state, but Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee are often cited for their quick, streamlined online processes, NLC membership (Nurse Licensure Compact for multi-state practice), and supportive resources, while Missouri and South Carolina are known for same-day temporary licenses via in-person endorsement if you're already licensed, with Hawaii also noted for fast processing. The easiest state depends on whether you're a new grad or transferring, but generally, NLC states with clear online systems and minimal extra requirements (like specific Controlled Substance Registrations) offer the smoothest path.
 

Which state has the strictest nursing board?

Hardest States to Obtain an RN License

• California. Compact State: No. Challenges: Requires individual state licensure—no reciprocity or compact privileges. ...
• New York. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Massachusetts. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Hawaii. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Nevada.

Which state has unlimited NCLEX exams?

Each State Board of Nursing Can Have Separate Rules:

For example, you can take the NCLEX® in these states as follows: Texas: Every 45 days for 4 years . . . then you have to go back to school. California: Every 45 days as many times as you want.

Who has the highest NCLEX pass rate?

There isn't one single "highest" entity, as NCLEX pass rates vary by state and institution, but top performers often include states like New Hampshire and North Dakota, and universities like the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Emory, and smaller colleges achieving 100% for certain cohorts, with strong first-time pass rates generally exceeding 90% nationally and at top programs. For instance, in recent reports, some individual nursing programs reported perfect 100% pass rates, while states like New Hampshire led with rates over 96%. 

Can you be an RN in two states?

Nurses who live in a compact state can apply for a multistate license if they meet the licensure requirements.

What percent of nurses pass NCLEX first time?

However, through most of 2025, overall first-time pass rates3 have dipped to 87.5% — prompting reflection about what these trends mean for student preparedness and program effectiveness.

Can I transfer my NCLEX to another state?

If you're planning on taking a job in a state that isn't part of the eNLC, the process is still pretty simple. Usually, you won't have to take the NCLEX again. You'll just need to follow a pretty basic procedure to let your new state know that you're a licensed nurse in good standing.

Is NCLEX shutting off at 85 good?

Yes, the NCLEX stopping at 85 questions is generally a good sign, indicating you likely passed because the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) algorithm found you consistently above the minimum passing standard for safe nursing practice; however, it can mean you failed if you were consistently below that standard, but statistics heavily favor passing at 85 questions, showing strong performance. 

What is the trick to check NCLEX results?

The Pearson VUE NCLEX trick is an unofficial method to check your NCLEX results by attempting to re-register for the exam on the Pearson VUE website. If you get a message stating that you can't register because you have an open registration, it may indicate a passing result.

Does it matter what state I take the NCLEX in?

The NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the nursing regulatory body (NRB) where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure.

How do you know if you passed the NCLEX right away in 2025?

If you have passed the NCLEX, you should expect to receive your official license in the mail within a few weeks. On the other hand, if you have failed the exam, you will be sent an ATT that will allow you to retake the exam. Therefore, the absence of a new ATT is a surefire sign that you have passed the NCLEX.

What state is in high demand for nurses?

California will add the newest positions by 2030 – more than 110,000 – but is still estimated to be more than 40,000 nurses short. Likewise, Texas, New Jersey, South Carolina, Alaska, Georgia, and South Dakota are all projected to experience shortages in registered nurses.

Is 50% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with around 50% correct answers because it's a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) that adjusts difficulty, aiming for questions you have a 50% chance of answering correctly, but a true passing score depends on demonstrating competency above the passing standard, not a fixed percentage, meaning you could pass with more difficult questions right or fail with easier ones right if your overall ability isn't high enough. The exam stops when the computer is 95% confident you've either passed or failed, potentially around 85 questions or longer, focusing on your ability to keep patients safe.
 

What words should you avoid on the NCLEX?

Never choose an answer that contains the following words: always, never, all, and only. These words do not allow for the possibility of an exception, and therefore the answers that contain these words can be automatically eliminated.

How do you know if you did bad on NCLEX?

Signs you might have failed the NCLEX include the test shutting off at the minimum questions (75/85) while you felt you were answering basic/easy questions or didn't know the content, questions becoming consistently easier (indicating you're not meeting the passing standard), and not receiving your license or a new Authorization to Test (ATT) soon after, which would be needed to re-register. However, the only sure way to know is official results, as feelings are unreliable; many pass even if the test ends early or seems hard.