Does it matter what state I take my NCLEX in?

Yes, you can take the NCLEX in any state that's convenient, as it's a national exam, but your results go to the Board of Nursing (BON) where you applied for licensure, so you must apply in the state where you plan to work or reside, with the key consideration being if that state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for easier multi-state practice later. The test itself is the same everywhere, but you must fulfill that specific state's licensing requirements.

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.

Which state is best to take 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%

Does the NCLEX vary by 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.

Do you have to take another NCLEX for each state?

Can I take the NCLEX® in a different state? The NCLEX® is a national exam and can be taken in any state convenient to you. It is not a state exam.

Does It Matter Where You Take the NCLEX? | Taking the NCLEX in a Different State

Which state is hardest to get an RN license?

California, New York, and Hawaii are often cited as having the hardest nursing license processes due to long processing times, extensive documentation (like fingerprints/background checks), and being non-compact states, meaning no license portability; other states like Maryland and Ohio also present challenges with stringent requirements and delays, while Florida has lower NCLEX pass rates, indicating educational preparedness issues rather than application hurdles.
 

What is the easiest state to apply for NCLEX?

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.

Which state is NCLEX the hardest in?

There were some regional differences between the 50 states in the NCLEX RN pass rate for U.S. educated candidates. Florida had the lowest overall state pass in 2020 with a percentage of 68.8. New Hampshire placed highest with a percentage of 96.2.

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%.

Do you have to retake the NCLEX if you move states?

If you're moving to a non-compact state, you'll need to learn how to get an RN license in another state via a single-state license. Don't worry — you won't have to take another NCLEX exam or complete that state's nursing program to meet licensing requirements.

Can an RN make $200,000?

Yes, a Registered Nurse (RN) can make $200,000 or more, especially through travel nursing, high-demand specialties (ICU, OR, ER), working in high-cost-of-living areas, taking extensive overtime, and pursuing advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or leadership positions, though it's often a combination of these factors rather than a standard salary for most RNs. Factors like location, experience, and specialization are crucial, with travel nurses in high demand often reaching this income, while experienced NPs in niche areas or C-suite roles can also achieve it. 

Which state pays nurses the most?

In a Glance: Top States for Registered Nurses (RNs)

States like California, Hawaii, and Oregon offer some of the highest salaries for Registered Nurses, but it's important to balance salary with the cost of living and specific state requirements.

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.

Is the NCLEX easier in certain states?

The NCLEX is a standardized exam that is the same throughout the U.S. Whether you find the questions easy or difficult is hit or miss with what you study and what your own personal areas of strength and weaknesses are.

Can I change my NCLEX location?

Once an NCLEX registration has been created, candidates who want to change the nursing regulatory body where licensure/registration was requested or the type of examination requested must contact Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services and will be required to pay a change fee.

Is my RN license good in all states?

With the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses can practice in multiple states with a single license. As of October 2023, 41 jurisdictions have enacted NLC legislation or have pending legislation open_in_new, which recognizes the multi-state license.

What are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE trick (getting the "good pop-up" saying you can't re-register), your Pearson VUE account showing "exam complete" and no ATT, seeing your name on the State Board of Nursing's license verification site (often with an RN/LPN number), and feeling confident after the exam with tough questions appearing at the minimum question count (like 85) before it shuts off. The only official confirmation is the State Board of Nursing, but these indicators provide strong clues.
 

What is the #1 nursing school in the US?

There isn't one single "#1" nursing school, as rankings vary by source and focus (BSN, MSN, etc.), but University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing) and Duke University consistently rank at or near the top in major lists, with Penn Nursing often cited as #1 globally by QS World Rankings and Duke #1 for BSN by U.S. News & World Report (2026 data). Other top contenders include Emory University and Johns Hopkins University, while Southern University was recently recognized as the best by Nurse.org.
 

How many nurses pass NCLEX on first try?

Overall first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates surged after the test change in April 2023, climbing from 88.6% in 2023 to 91.2% in 2024. 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.

Is 2 weeks enough to study for NCLEX-RN?

Yes, two weeks can be enough for the NCLEX-RN for some graduates with strong fundamentals, focusing intensely on weak areas with practice questions and test strategies, but many experts recommend 4-6 weeks for less confident students to avoid stress and ensure mastery, with some suggesting longer periods for comprehensive prep. A short timeline requires a very structured, intense plan (6+ hours daily) focused on high-yield topics, practice exams, and self-care. 

Which state is best for NCLEX?

If you are looking for the best state for NCLEX or easiest state to pass NCLEX, here are the top 5:

• #1 Connecticut. ...
• #2 Montana. ...
• #3 New York. ...
• #4 Northern Mariana Islands. ...
• #5 South Dakota.

What is the #1 nursing school in the world?

There isn't one single "number 1" nursing school, as rankings vary, but King's College London and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing) consistently rank at the very top globally in the QS World University Rankings, with KCL taking the #1 spot in the 2025 rankings, while Penn held the top spot for years prior. Other leading global institutions often include the University of Toronto, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Washington. 

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.

Is 70% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with a 70% on practice tests, as it's not about a fixed percentage but consistently demonstrating competency above the passing standard, though scores above 70% often indicate readiness, with some aiming for 70%+ in practice questions. The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) that adapts difficulty, so a high practice score means you're likely answering harder questions correctly, putting you above the passing threshold.