Which states accept NCLEX?

All U.S. states and territories accept the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for nursing licensure, as it's a national exam, but you must apply to the specific state board of nursing where you wish to be licensed, and requirements like background checks or English proficiency vary by state, with many participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for multi-state privileges.

Is NCLEX accepted in all states?

Yes, the NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the board of nursing (BON) where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure. You should apply for a license in the state where you intend to legally reside and/or practice.

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 is easy to apply for NCLEX from the Philippines?

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.

What states are RN compact states?

NurseCompact.com

• NurseCompact.com.
• NH.
• GUAM. MARIANA. ISLANDS (MP) AMERICAN. SAMOA (AS) HAWAII.
• VIRGIN. ISLANDS.
• ID. AZ. SD. TN. VA. MO.
• DC.
• FL. OK. WY. AR. MS. KY. ND. NE. WV. GA. SC. MT.
• MD.

Best States for NCLEX Foreign Nurse | Top NCLEX States

Which state is easiest to get an RN license?

The "easiest" state to get a nursing license often means quick processing and streamlined requirements, with Arizona, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida frequently cited for their efficient online systems, Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) membership, and good support for new nurses, while states like Hawaii and those with on-the-spot temp licenses like South Carolina are known for speed, though California is notoriously slower. 

What is the highest paying compact state for nurses?

For highest-paying compact nursing states, focus on Washington, Colorado, California (though not compact, it pays highest), Texas, Florida, and Arizona, balancing high salaries with cost of living, with states like WA and CO often leading for travel nurses due to high demand and pay, while others like TX, FL, and AZ offer strong compact benefits and good rates.
 

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%

Which country is best for Filipino nurses?

Best Countries for Filipino Nurses in 2025: Salaries, Benefits, and Career Growth / Annual Salary 🧑‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ 1. 🇺🇸 USA - $75,000-$100,000 (₱4.3M-5.8M) 2. 🇬🇧 UK - £25,000-£40,000 (₱1.95M-3.2M) 3. 🇨🇦 Canada - CAD 70,000-95,000 (₱2.9M-3.9M) 4.

Is 70% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with a 70% on practice tests, as it's not about a fixed percentage but consistently demonstrating competency above the passing standard, though scores above 70% often indicate readiness, with some aiming for 70%+ in practice questions. The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) that adapts difficulty, so a high practice score means you're likely answering harder questions correctly, putting you above the passing threshold.
 

What state has the lowest NCLEX pass rate?

Florida's NCLEX Performance

The Florida Center for Nursing reported that Florida's first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 84.9% in 2024, 6.3 percentage points below the national average of 91.2%. For NCLEX-PN test-takers, Florida's first-time pass rate was 80.8% versus the national average of 88.4%.

Does it matter what state I take my NCLEX in?

The good news is that you don't have to complete your education in the state where you intend to practice. You can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standardized nursing exam required for licensure in all states, after completing a nursing degree at any accredited nursing school.

Which state has the strictest nursing board?

Hardest States to Obtain an RN License

• California. Compact State: No. Challenges: Requires individual state licensure—no reciprocity or compact privileges. ...
• New York. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Massachusetts. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Hawaii. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Nevada.

Can I transfer my NCLEX to another state?

If you passed your NCLEX in a compact state, then you may already have a compact license (or “multi-state license”). That means you can already work in another compact state without getting another license. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

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.

Can you be an RN without passing NCLEX?

Hearing about the stress caused by the NCLEX might lead some aspiring nursing students to wonder if there's any path into a nursing career without needing to pass the exam. The short answer is no. If you want to become a nurse, you simply must pass one of the NCLEX examinations.

Which country is best for Indian nurses?

Salary & Benefits in Top Countries

• United Kingdom (UK) The UK remains a favorite destination for Indian nurses, particularly because of the NHS (National Health Service). ...
• United States (USA) ...
• United States (USA) ...
• Australia. ...
• Germany. ...
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Is the USA still hiring Filipino nurses?

Yes, the USA is still actively hiring Filipino nurses due to persistent nationwide shortages, with high demand in states like Texas, California, and New York, offering competitive salaries and opportunities, though the process requires meeting specific licensing (NCLEX-RN) and credentialing requirements, often facilitated by staffing agencies. 

What is the salary of an entry level RN in California?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $87,641 and as low as $44,555, the majority of Entry Level Rn salaries currently range between $55,816 (25th percentile) to $64,139 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $87,151 annually in California.

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 is the minimum score for NCLEX?

The Board of Directors then votes to set the passing standard. The NCLEX test plans outline the knowledge, skills, abilities, and clinical judgment expected of entry-level nurses. As of 2024, the passing standards are 0.00 logits (RN) and –0.18 logits (PN), in effect through March 31, 2026.

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 are the disadvantages of a compact license?

Challenges and Drawbacks

While compacts aim to harmonize these differences, achieving complete uniformity is difficult. Some states may have higher or lower standards for education, training, and practice, leading to discrepancies in the quality of professionals.

What state has the lowest RN salary?

Alabama reports the lowest annual median salary for RNs at $65,900 in 2023.