Why are NCLEX pass rates dropping?

NCLEX pass rates are dropping due to the new Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format focusing on clinical judgment, lingering COVID-19 disruptions affecting clinical hours, ongoing nursing faculty shortages, and increased student burnout, all creating gaps in practical readiness despite strong motivation. Students are adapting to more complex case-based questions and grappling with less hands-on training, leading to lower success rates as educators and programs adjust to these new demands.

Is the NCLEX pass rate going down?

Understanding the NCLEX Pass Rate Decline: What's Behind the Numbers? Q: Can you share your perspective on the recent drop in NCLEX pass rates? “The latest data shows that 88.37% of first-time U.S.-educated registered nurse candidates passed the NCLEX in the first quarter of 2025, down from nearly 94.2% in 2024.

What are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE "good pop-up" (inability to rebook), no new Authorization to Test (ATT) being issued, the Quick Results service showing a pass (if available), seeing your name added to your state board's license list, and a feeling of confidence with your test shutting off at the minimum question count (like 85 for RNs), though the only official sign is the nursing board's confirmation. 

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%.

What is the pass rate for the NCLEX-RN in 2025?

As you can see in the data listed above, first-time NCLEX test-takers consistently perform better than repeat test-takers. 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%.

NCLEX-RN Practice 2025: 75 Most Repeated & High-Yield Questions to Pass the NCLEX Exam Fast

Is the NCLEX going to change in 2025?

NCLEX changes for 2025 center around the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), focusing on enhanced clinical judgment with new item types (case studies, drag-and-drop), an expanded question range (70-135 scored items), and potential for remote/at-home testing, while maintaining core competencies, CAT format, and the April 1, 2023 launch of NGN (with 2025 being a key adaptation year for schools). Key updates include more complex scenarios, partial credit scoring, and an upcoming test plan revision for April 2026. 

Which state has the easiest NCLEX-RN exam?

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 is the #1 nursing school in the US?

There isn't one single #1 nursing school, as rankings vary by program (BSN, MSN, etc.) and source, but University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing), Duke University School of Nursing, and Emory University School of Nursing consistently rank at the top nationally, with Penn Nursing often #1 globally by QS, while Southern University School of Nursing was recently voted #1 by Nurse.org for its impact. Johns Hopkins also ranks highly, especially for graduate programs. 

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. 

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.

Is 50% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with around 50% correct answers because it's a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) that adjusts difficulty, aiming for questions you have a 50% chance of answering correctly, but a true passing score depends on demonstrating competency above the passing standard, not a fixed percentage, meaning you could pass with more difficult questions right or fail with easier ones right if your overall ability isn't high enough. The exam stops when the computer is 95% confident you've either passed or failed, potentially around 85 questions or longer, focusing on your ability to keep patients safe.
 

How do you know if you did bad on 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 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 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.

Does NCLEX get harder when you fail?

No, the NCLEX does not get harder the more times you take it. It is a computer-adaptive test that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your performance.

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.

Is NCLEX harder the second time you take it?

Is the NCLEX harder the second time? Technically, no. But emotionally, it can feel more intense. But so many have success stories after failing their first, second, and even fourth times.

How many people fail the 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 are good signs you passed your NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include getting the "good pop-up" on the Pearson VUE trick (inability to rebook), seeing your name on the state board of nursing (BON) website (sometimes with a temporary license), and the exam shutting off at a reasonable number of questions (like 85 for RN) with a challenging final question. However, the only definitive sign is official notification from your state's nursing board. 

Do hospitals prefer RN or BSN?

Hospitals increasingly prefer and often require nurses to have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) over just an RN license (which can come from an ADN or diploma), due to studies linking BSN-prepared nurses to better patient outcomes, critical thinking skills, and leadership abilities, with many facilities seeking Magnet status requiring advanced degrees. While ADN-prepared nurses (RNs) can get jobs, BSNs offer better career growth, higher pay, and are vital for Magnet hospitals and many leadership roles, with some states even mandating BSNs within a few years of licensure. 

What is the hardest nursing school to get into?

The hardest nursing schools to get into are generally top-ranked universities like Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, Duke, Columbia, UCLA, Yale, and Emory, known for low acceptance rates, high academic standards, intense clinicals, and strong competition for limited spots, often requiring exceptional grades, clinical experience, and leadership qualities. Programs at these elite institutions, especially BSN and direct-entry programs, demand more than just good grades, focusing on demonstrated clinical exposure, service, and a clear career vision, with UCLA's BSN program famously having an incredibly low acceptance rate. 

Which nursing specialty is in highest demand in the USA?

Here are the most popular nursing specialties that are expected to grow rapidly in coming years:

• Neonatal Nurse. Babies who are born prematurely commonly experience a variety of health issues early on, and this is where a neonatal nurse comes in. ...
• Clinical Nurse. ...
• Dialysis Nurse. ...
• Nurse Practitioner. ...
• Nurse Advocate.

Which state has unlimited NCLEX exams?

Each State Board of Nursing Can Have Separate Rules:

For example, you can take the NCLEX® in these states as follows: Texas: Every 45 days for 4 years . . . then you have to go back to school. California: Every 45 days as many times as you want.

How to pass NCLEX-RN on 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.

Which question bank is best for NCLEX-RN?

For medical board prep, the top-rated NCLEX question banks typically include: UWorld – Often considered the gold standard for NCLEX prep, UWorld provides more than 2,000 practice questions with in-depth rationales, medical illustrations and a user interface that closely mimics the actual exam.