What is a good NCLEX pass rate?

A good NCLEX pass rate is generally considered 85-90% or higher for first-time test-takers, especially when it exceeds the national average (around 91% for RNs in 2024) and state averages, with top-performing states reaching over 95%. For nursing programs, look for consistent performance above 80% to meet accreditation, but aim for programs consistently showing strong results above 90%.

What's a good NCLEX pass rate?

I would agree on at least 90%. 95% or more ideal. It's sad when someone fails out, but better to have more NCLEX prepared graduates who are safe to practice. Retaking the NCLEX is hundreds of dollars plus delaying your job which also costs you.

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 percent is correct to pass NCLEX?

Unlike most exams, the NCLEX does not provide a numerical score or percentage. It is a pass/fail exam determined by how consistently you demonstrate minimum competency compared to the passing standard.

Is it good if NCLEX shuts off at 85?

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. 

NCLEX Passing Score: What You Need to Know!

What are signs you failed 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.
 

Is 50% enough to pass NCLEX?

Yes, you can pass the NCLEX with around 50% of questions right because it's not about a simple percentage; the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) adjusts difficulty, aiming for you to get roughly half the harder questions correct to prove competency above the passing standard. You pass by demonstrating consistent ability, not by hitting a specific score, with the test stopping when it's 95% sure you've met or missed the passing line, which often happens at the minimum 75-85 questions. 

Did I fail if I got 150 questions on NCLEX?

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. The test ends after 5 hours. At that time, if you have not completed the minimum amount of items (85), then you do not pass.

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.

How many people fail NCLEX at 85 questions?

Do most people pass NCLEX in 85 questions? The current NCLEX pass rate for first time test takers is 80%. This means that most students who sit for NCLEX will pass it. Based on my experience, plenty of students pass the test in 85 questions (I know of at least 5 people in my graduating class alone who all did).

How do you know if you passed the NCLEX right away trick?

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.

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.

Does NCLEX get harder when you fail?

The NCLEX uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format that gets harder as you do better.

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.

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.
 

Is it harder to pass the NCLEX the second time?

Is the NCLEX harder the second time? Technically, no. But emotionally, it can feel more intense. But so many have success stories after failing their first, second, and even fourth times.

What are good signs you passed your NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE "good pop-up," no new Authorization to Test (ATT) being issued, seeing your name on your State Board of Nursing's license verification with an active RN/LPN status, and getting a "Nurse of the Future" title. While the only definitive proof is official notification from your board, these indicators, along with feeling confident and getting difficult questions, suggest a positive outcome.
 

Can you get NCLEX results in 24 hours?

You can get unofficial NCLEX results within 48 business hours through the Quick Results Service if your Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) participates, but getting them in exactly 24 hours is rare and depends on the NRB's processing speed, with some states sometimes showing results much faster on their application status pages, although the official 48-hour window is standard for the paid quick results. Official results always take longer, often up to six weeks, as they are sent directly by your NRB. 

Is the NCLEX hard in 2025?

Between 2018-2024, the average NCLEX pass rate was 86.58%. In 2024, we saw a high point, with a pass rate of 92.10% (NCSBN). This was the highest rate in over a decade and the first full year of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)! But in 2025, the numbers are trending back down, with the current pass rate sitting at 88%.

Is 70% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with a 70% on practice tests, as it indicates good readiness by showing consistent performance above the typical 60-70% target, but the actual NCLEX is adaptive and doesn't use percentages; you pass by consistently demonstrating nursing competency above a set standard (0.00 logits), so a 70% score on a practice question bank (QBank) is a strong sign you're ready for the real exam's variable difficulty.
 

Can you still be a nurse if you fail NCLEX?

So no, you cannot legally practice as a registered nurse without passing the NCLEX exam. However, alternative career options are available to nursing postgrads while they prepare for and retake the NCLEX.

Has anyone failed NCLEX at 85 questions on Reddit?

I took my NCLEX November 22nd 2024 and got shut off at 85 questions . I was so sure I passed , seeing that I failed really put me in a depressive state . I used Mark K lectures with notes and Archer . I used the entire question bank and got over 60 percent on all my exams .

What's the lowest score you can get on the NCLEX?

The NCLEX uses a base logit score of 0.00 to determine whether you pass or not. You pass if you score above 0.00, meaning you answered enough questions correctly. If you score negative, you didn't answer enough questions correctly.

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.

How likely is it to fail the NCLEX in 85 questions?

In other words, if after 85 questions there's a 95% chance you'll remain below the passing standard, you'll fail the exam. So yes, it's possible to have failed the NCLEX at 85 questions.