What is the pass rate for the NCLEX-RN?

NCLEX-RN pass rates fluctuate but generally hover around 80-90% for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates, with recent data showing dips in 2025 (around 70-88%) after increases in 2024 (around 91%). Rates vary significantly by candidate type (first-time vs. repeat, U.S. vs. international) and are influenced by the NCLEX's new format (Next Gen NCLEX) introduced in April 2023, impacting preparedness and program effectiveness.

What is the NCLEX-RN passing rate?

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 it to pass the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-RN is widely considered a very difficult exam because it tests critical thinking and clinical judgment, not just memorization, using a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format that gets harder as you answer correctly, requiring high-stakes decision-making under pressure. While challenging due to its adaptive nature, vast content, and focus on applying knowledge in complex scenarios, it's designed to determine competency and is conquerable with thorough preparation, practice, and strong time management. 

What percentage of nursing students fail the NCLEX?

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. As of halfway through 2025, pass rates are at 88.6% for RN and 85.9% for PN.

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. 

NCLEX Passing Score: What You Need to Know!

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. 

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.
 

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.

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 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 is the minimum passing score for 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 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.

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.
 

Which state is best for 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%

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. 

How to pass NCLEX-RN easily?

Additional Study Tips 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.

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 it possible to 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. 

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.

How likely is it to fail 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.

How soon after you fail NCLEX can you retake it?

The NCSBN retake policy allows candidates to retake their exam 45 days after administration of the exam.

How to pass NCLEX on second try?

How to Pass NCLEX RN Second Time: 6 Steps for Success

1. Reflect on Your First Attempt. ...
2. Create a Personalized Study Plan. ...
3. Practice with NCLEX-Style Questions. ...
4. Master Test-Taking Strategies. ...
5. Focus on Self-Care and Mindset. ...
6. Take a NCLEX-RN Review Course. ...
7. Use Active Recall to Strengthen Your Memory for the NCLEX RN Second Time.