What is the NCLEX exam pass rate?

NCLEX pass rates vary by year, exam type (RN/PN), and candidate education (U.S./International), but generally hover around 80-90% for first-time U.S.-educated candidates, with recent data showing first-time RN rates around 88-91% in 2024 and dipping slightly in 2025, while international/repeat candidates have lower rates, around 47-53%. The overall rate depends heavily on the specific group being measured, but the NCSBN NCLEX Pass Rates Page provides the most detailed official statistics.

What is the pass rate for NCLEX?

The Results

We can see that pass rates began to decline from 2020 through 2022. The year NGN was launched, the pass rate for 2023 increased to 88.56% for the NCLEX-RN and 86.67% for the NCLEX-PN. In 2024, there was a further increase in pass rates to 91.2% for NCLEX-RN and a decrease to 79.1% for NCLEX-PN.

How likely is it to pass the NCLEX?

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.

What is a passing score on 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 many nurses pass the NCLEX the first time?

In Q1 2025, just 71.6% of first-time U.S.-educated nursing candidates passed the NCLEX, down from 79.1% during the same period the year prior, according to Becker's Hospital Review's analysis of NCSBN data.

NCLEX Passing Score: What You Need to Know!

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. 

What if I fail the NCLEX 3 times?

Can I retake the NCLEX after failing three times? Answer: Yes, you can retake the NCLEX after failing three times. However, there are specific requirements and waiting periods between attempts for different states.

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.
 

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.
 

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.

How to pass NCLEX 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 is the hardest subject in nursing?

Pharmacology, the study of medications and their effects on patients is often considered one of the hardest classes in nursing.

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.

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 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 people fail NCLEX?

As of November 1, 2025, first-time U.S.-educated test-takers have an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.1%, compared to their counterparts who repeated the test and passed at a rate of only 53.1%.

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. 

Is it rare to fail NCLEX at 85?

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. But it's important to remember that if your exam does end after 85 questions, it doesn't necessarily mean you failed!

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 do you know 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.
 

How can I increase my chances of passing the NCLEX?

10 Tips to Pass the NCLEX in 2026

1. Tip #1: Know what is covered on the exam.
2. Tip #2: Understand the exam's format.
3. Tip #3: Build up your test endurance.
4. Tip #4: Create a study plan.
5. Tip #5: Assess yourself honestly during your studies.
6. Tip #6: Know what kind of learner you are.

How much does it cost to retake NCLEX?

How much does it cost to retake the NCLEX? The registration fee for NCLEX retesting is $200 with Pearson VUE, and there's a $75 reapplication fee. Before paying any registration fees, though, contact your local nursing board and determine your state guidelines and requirements for retesting.

How to see if you passed the NCLEX early?

How to Access

1. Sign into the Pearson website with username and password.
2. Under "My Account," select "Quick Results"
3. If results are available, Click "Purchase"
4. Fill in the payment information and click Next.
5. Confirm order by clicking the "Submit Order" button.
6. Result will appear on the receipt page.

Is the NCLEX harder than nursing school?

1 Is the NCLEX harder than nursing school exams? Yes, for most test-takers. See, nursing school tests often focus on memorization.