Is the RN exam difficult?

Yes, the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse exam) is widely considered a difficult but conquerable exam that tests critical thinking and application of knowledge, not just memorization, using a challenging computer-adaptive format that adjusts question difficulty as you answer. While high pass rates (around 80-88% for first-time U.S. test-takers) show it's achievable, its difficulty stems from vast content, high stakes (licensure), and unique question formats (like SATA), requiring smart, strategic preparation focusing on nursing process and safety.

Is the RN exam hard?

NCLEX's difficulty can fluctuate among test-takers but is generally regarded as a formidable examination. It scrutinizes your aptitude for critical thinking, application of nursing acumen, and formulation of safe and efficacious decisions within a clinical context.

How hard is the test to become an RN?

Our internal studies show a wide array of different outcomes, but those that stick to a study program, tend to do better. Let's look at the statistics. The 2024 NCLEX pass rate worldwide is 79% out of the 81,824 nursing students that took the exam.

What is the pass rate for the RN exam?

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.

How hard is the nursing licensure exam?

The exam uses computerized adaptive testing, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on your performance. While the adaptive nature can make it challenging, adequate preparation and a strong understanding of nursing fundamentals can contribute to success. The NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023 was around 68%.

Is the NCLEX Exam Really That Hard? Tips to Make It Easier

What is the most difficult exam for nurses?

The toughest nursing exams often cited are the NCLEX-RN (the gateway to becoming a registered nurse, testing critical thinking in high-pressure scenarios) and advanced certifications like the CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), which demands deep knowledge of complex, multi-system critical care, with many finding the intensive study and difficult concepts challenging. Other difficult areas include pharmacology and medical-surgical subjects within nursing school itself, which weed out many students. 

Do nurses make $100,000 a year?

Yes, many nurses make $100,000 or more annually, especially those in advanced roles (like Nurse Practitioners or Anesthetists), specialized fields, travel nursing, or high-demand states (e.g., California, Hawaii, Alaska), though the national average for Registered Nurses (RNs) is slightly below that, around $98,430, with the top earners exceeding $100k. Earning potential increases significantly with advanced degrees (MSN, DNP), certifications, and experience, with roles like Nurse Anesthetists earning over $200k. 

How many times can you fail the RN exam?

Understand NCLEX Attempt Limits

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides information on how many times you can take NCLEX, permitting candidates to attempt the exam up to eight times within a calendar year.

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.
 

Which state is easiest to pass 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%

What disqualifies you from being an RN?

You can be disqualified from becoming an RN due to serious criminal history (especially violent, sexual, or drug-related felonies), substance abuse issues, fraudulent application, or certain uncontrolled health conditions that impair safe practice, with specific rules varying by state board of nursing, though felony convictions, abuse, and fraud are common hurdles. While some crimes are automatic disqualifiers, others may be reviewed based on rehabilitation, time passed, and context. 

Who do nurses mostly marry?

Nurses often marry other healthcare professionals, including fellow nurses, doctors, and those in management, but also people in diverse fields like engineering, law enforcement, or truck driving, with specific patterns varying by nursing specialty, though many marry individuals who understand their demanding careers. While nurses might marry other high-earners like doctors (especially nurse practitioners), they also find partners in similar roles (like other nurses) or completely different sectors, emphasizing shared values and mutual understanding of high-stress healthcare environments.
 

Is an 80 on a nursing exam good?

An eighty percent (80%) average is required to receive a passing grade of “C” for any course required in the Associate Degree Nursing program.

Is 2 weeks enough to study for NCLEX-RN?

Yes, two weeks can be enough time to pass the NCLEX-RN, especially if you've just graduated nursing school and focus intensely on high-volume practice questions, identifying and reviewing weak areas (like Pharmacology or OB/Peds), and mastering the computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format, rather than just reading content. While many recommend 4-6 weeks, two weeks allows for a highly focused review of question-based learning, but success depends heavily on your existing foundational knowledge and consistent practice with resources like UWorld, Archer, or Bootcamp. 

What is the easiest RN?

Examples of low-stress nursing positions include school nurse, nurse researcher, case management nurse, and more. Work-life balance benefits—such as no night shifts, weekends, or holidays—are a major factor in what makes these jobs less stressful compared to hospital bedside roles.

Can I be a nurse even if I'm not smart?

Even if you feel like you're not smart enough for nursing school, you can make it through with the right support. Achieve Test Prep helps you through your nursing education with test prep courses, on-demand tutoring, and more so that you can advance with confidence.

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. 

How to pass NCLEX-RN on first try?

How to Study for the NCLEX

1. Review an NCLEX prep book and other study aids.
2. Complete the NCLEX practice exams.
3. Participate in study groups.
4. Listen to recorded lectures or podcasts.
5. Join NCLEX Facebook groups.
6. Watch YouTube lectures.

What happens if I get 150 questions on NCLEX?

Your test will end at 85 questions if the software determines with a 95% confidence level that you're clearly above (or clearly below) the passing standard. If you get all 150 questions and you're at or above the passing standard, you pass. If you're below the passing standard, you do not pass.

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. 

How long is the RN exam?

There is no time limit for each individual question on the NCLEX-RN. You'll have a maximum of five hours to complete the exam, which includes a tutorial in the beginning. There are no mandatory breaks.

Can you still be a nurse if you fail NCLEX?

It's important to note that the NCLEX exam is the standardized test required to become a registered nurse in the United States. So no, you cannot legally practice as a registered nurse without passing the NCLEX exam.

Which state pays RN the most?

California consistently offers the highest average Registered Nurse (RN) salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually, followed closely by Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts, though figures vary slightly by source and date, with some showing Alaska high on the list too. Factors like the cost of living heavily influence these rankings, with California's high salaries offset by high living expenses.
 

Can an RN make $200,000?

Yes, Registered Nurses (RNs) can absolutely make $200,000 or more, especially through avenues like travel nursing, specializing in high-demand fields (ICU, OR, ER), working in high-cost-of-living areas (California, NYC), taking night shifts/overtime, or moving into advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). While not the average, experienced RNs and those in specialized or leadership positions, particularly in lucrative locations or travel contracts, can reach this income level.
 

Can a nurse make $100 an hour?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for registered nurses is $37.31. However, many factors can affect how much a nurse makes per hour, such as location, experience, and type of facility. So, the claims of making $100 an hour are quite a game changer.