What state has the lowest NCLEX pass rate?

Florida consistently ranks as the state with the lowest NCLEX pass rates for both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Practical Nurses (PNs), often significantly below the national average, with reports from 2024 and early 2025 highlighting this trend, though other states like New York and Wyoming have also seen lower rates in different years, according to data from the Florida Center for Nursing and Becker's Hospital Review.

What is the easiest state to pass the 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 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.
 

Why is Florida NCLEX pass rate so low?

Factors Contributing to Florida's Low Pass Rates

Educational Quality and Preparedness: The quality of nursing education programs and their ability to adequately prepare students for the rigors of the NCLEX may be a significant factor.

Is the NCLEX harder in different states?

Not true! The NCLEX is a national exam: which means it's used everywhere in the US (and it's also used in Canada). Whether you test in Florida, Idaho, New York, Wisconsin, or Hawaii, the NCLEX is used nationwide, and it's exactly the same exam wherever you go.

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

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.

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 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 state has the highest nursing shortage?

While different reports highlight various states, California consistently appears with the largest projected numerical shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs), followed by Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, and South Carolina, though some projections also point to significant percentage shortfalls in states like Washington, Georgia, and Oregon. The specific ranking can vary slightly by the year and source (like HRSA, AACN, Research.com, RegisteredNursing.org, Purdue Global, IntelyCare and NurseJournal.org), but these states are frequently cited for major deficits. 

Which state in the US is easiest to apply for NCLEX?

The Easiest State to Apply for NCLEX for Foreign Nurses: Why It Matters

1. 1. California: A Strong Option with Clear Guidelines. ...
2. New York: A Hub for Foreign Nurses. ...
3. Texas: A Growing Market with Simplified Steps. ...
4. Florida: A Nurse-Friendly State with a Quick Process.

What state pays RN the most money?

California consistently ranks as the highest-paying state for Registered Nurses (RNs), with average salaries often exceeding $130,000-$140,000 annually, followed by Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, though specific figures vary by source and year, with cost of living adjustments also influencing rankings.
 

What is the toughest degree in nursing?

BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing is considered the toughest degree in the world according to the Guinness book of World Records.

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.
 

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 type of RN is most in demand?

The most in-demand RN jobs currently include specialized roles like Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Nurse Midwives, alongside critical care positions in the ICU, ER, and Medical-Surgical units, driven by an aging population and increased healthcare needs, with high demand also for Psychiatric/Mental Health, Geriatric, and Oncology Nurses, and roles in Home Health, Informatics, and Dialysis. 

Can an RN make $200,000?

Yes, a Registered Nurse (RN) can make $200,000 or more, especially through travel nursing, high-demand specialties (ICU, OR, ER), working in high-cost-of-living areas, taking extensive overtime, and pursuing advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or leadership positions, though it's often a combination of these factors rather than a standard salary for most RNs. Factors like location, experience, and specialization are crucial, with travel nurses in high demand often reaching this income, while experienced NPs in niche areas or C-suite roles can also achieve it. 

What state has the happiest nurses?

Top Happiest 5 states for nurses in the US

• #5 Colorado. Quality of life ranking: #10. Average RN salary: $69,990.00. ...
• #4 Alaska. Quality of life ranking: #19. Average RN salary: $88,510.00. ...
• #3 Oregon. Quality of life ranking: #18. ...
• #2 Wisconsin. Quality of life ranking: #3. ...
• #1 Minnesota. Quality of life ranking: #2.

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. 

Which state is best for NCLEX?

While each state has its own requirements, New York, Connecticut, and Montana stand out as the easiest states to apply for NCLEX to obtain a nursing compact license. We highly recommend considering these options if you want to make your journey easier. Good luck!

What to do night before NCLEX?

The Day Before the NCLEX

1. Familiarize yourself with the testing site. ...
2. Familiarize yourself with the testing environment and conditions, and prepare accordingly. ...
3. Do something relaxing. ...
4. Plan to use a test-taking system that you've learned in nursing school. ...
5. Visualize your future as an RN. ...
6. Go to bed on time.

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.
 

What is the secret to passing the NCLEX?

Focus on your nursing school education, not what you might have learned on the job. Some facility practices may stray from the NCLEX rationale. Practice reading select-all-that-apply options as true or false to eliminate wrong answers. Don't spend more than one minute on any question.

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.