What is the lowest passing score for NCLEX?

There's no single "lowest passing score" on the NCLEX because it uses a variable logit scoring system, not percentages, but the standard is set at 0.00 logits for NCLEX-RN and -0.18 logits for NCLEX-PN, meaning you must demonstrate an ability above these levels to pass, with the test stopping when the computer is 95% sure of your competency. The key isn't a raw score but consistently answering difficult questions correctly to meet that standard, with the exam adapting to your performance.

What score do you need to pass NCLEX?

So, what exactly is the NCLEX passing score? The NCLEX-RN passing standard is -0.18 logits, and the NCLEX-PN passing standard is -0.26 logits (NCSBN, 2023). That number isn't a percentage—it's a measurement of your ability compared to the difficulty of questions you answer correctly.

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.
 

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. 

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. 

NCLEX Passing Score: What You Need to Know!

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.
 

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).

What is the trick for NCLEX?

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.

How many people pass the NCLEX-RN first try?

First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates vary but have recently hovered around 87-91% nationally for U.S.-educated candidates, with figures showing an increase post-NGN (Next Generation NCLEX) implementation in April 2023, peaking around 91.2% in 2024 before seeing slight dips in 2025, highlighting the importance of strong program outcomes and preparedness. 

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.

What does it mean if NCLEX shuts off at 75?

This is how the NCLEX usually determines if someone passes or not. The computer will stop giving more questions when it's 95% certain you're above the passing standard. This could happen at any point in your exam, as long as you've answered a minimum of 75 questions.

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.

Is NCLEX hard to pass?

Yes, the NCLEX is widely considered a difficult, high-stakes exam because it tests critical thinking and application of knowledge to complex patient scenarios, not just memorization, but proper, focused preparation significantly increases your chances of passing, with high first-time pass rates for U.S.-educated candidates (around 87-90%). The adaptive nature of the test adjusts difficulty, meaning it can feel very hard for some and less so for others, depending on performance, but preparation, not cramming, is key to navigating its challenges. 

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.

What is near passing on NCLEX?

'Near the Passing Standard' means a particular candidate's ability estimate is not clearly above or clearly below the passing standard in a content area.

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 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. 

What percent is correct to pass NCLEX?

Because of how the NCLEX test is structured, your NCLEX passing score or failing grade will equal zero. A letter grade or percentage isn't the purpose of the NCLEX. The sole purpose is to determine whether or not you're ready to be a nurse based on how many questions you answer correctly.

What state is the hardest to become a nurse?

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.
 

Who has the highest NCLEX pass rate?

There isn't one single "highest" NCLEX pass rate as it changes yearly and by program, but top performers often see 100% rates, with schools like The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Cedar Crest College, and Bellingham Technical College (WA) hitting perfect scores recently, while states like New Hampshire and North Dakota consistently lead nationally for first-time pass rates in recent years. 

What is the failure rate for RN?

As of halfway through 2025, pass rates are at 88.6% for RN and 85.9% for PN. The pass rates for all test-takers, including repeat test-takers and internationally educated test-takers, have also increased.

What are good signs you passed your NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE trick (no rebook option, "good pop-up"), your test shutting off at the minimum questions (75 RN, 85 PN) after difficult ones, getting challenging SATA/priority questions, and eventually seeing "Pass" on your state's Board of Nursing (BON) website or getting an active license status, but only the official BON results are 100% certain.
 

Can you pass NCLEX with 50%?

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. 

What next after failing NCLEX?

Candidates who do not pass the NCLEX, will receive an NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which serves as a guide to prepare them to retake the exam.