NCLEX Pass Rate 2026: 87% RN, Why It Dropped

NCLEX Pass Rates in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

If you are preparing for the NCLEX in 2026, understanding historical pass rate trends is not just interesting -- it is strategically valuable. Pass rates reveal how the exam has evolved, what the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) has changed, and where you stand relative to other test-takers.

This guide presents every major NCLEX pass rate data point from 2019 through 2026 (the latest NCSBN data), analyzes the NGN's measurable impact, breaks down what actually predicts success, and explains how the 2026 test plan affects results going forward.

All pass rate data referenced here is sourced from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) quarterly and annual examination statistics, including the official 2024 NCLEX Examination Statistics research brief.

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NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Year-by-Year (2019-2026)

The following table shows first-time, U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN pass rates -- the benchmark most nursing programs and candidates track -- alongside the all-candidate rate (which includes repeat takers and internationally educated nurses, so it runs much lower).

Sources: NCSBN 2024 Examination Statistics (verified annual figures); NCSBN data summarized by Kaplan (2025, as of Nov 1) and UWorld (2026, as of early April). First-time U.S.-educated figures for 2019-2022 are approximate.

Key Trends in This Data

The COVID dip (2020-2022) was the defining disruption. Nursing programs shifted to virtual instruction, clinical rotations were cancelled or replaced with simulation hours, and students graduated with fewer hands-on patient care hours. The effect was cumulative: 2022 produced the lowest all-candidate pass rate (63.4%) in over a decade.

The 2023-2024 recovery coincided with two factors: the return to full clinical rotations and the launch of NGN. The first-time U.S.-educated rate climbed from 88.6% in 2023 to a verified 91.2% in 2024 (170,256 of 186,760 candidates passed) -- the highest in over a decade. While some observers attributed rising rates to the new format being "easier," the NCSBN maintains that the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) provides a more valid assessment of nursing competence.

The 2025-2026 pullback marks the first decline since NGN launched. The first-time U.S.-educated rate eased to 87.1% through November 1, 2025, and 86.8% in Q1 2026 -- roughly the pre-pandemic norm. The likeliest explanation is a mix of an initial NGN "novelty" study surge fading, plus larger and more diverse candidate cohorts that include more repeat and internationally educated test-takers.

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Quarterly Breakdown: 2024 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

2024 was a standout year, but it was front-loaded. Here is how the first-time, U.S.-educated pass rate fell quarter by quarter, per the NCSBN 2024 Examination Statistics:

Why Q1 Had the Highest Rate

The quarterly slide from 94.2% to 82.2% is the strongest argument in the data for testing early. Q1 candidates are typically December and January graduates who completed strong fall clinical rotations and tested while content was fresh. Q4 candidates skew toward those who delayed -- by Oct-Dec the cohort is smaller (just 17,700 vs. 66,464 in Q2) and includes more knowledge decay and prior strugglers.

The same Q1 erosion shows across years: first-time U.S.-educated RN candidates passed at 94.2% in Q1 2024, 86.3% in Q1 2025, and 86.8% in Q1 2026 -- so the 2024 peak, not 2025-2026, was the outlier.

Takeaway: If you can schedule your NCLEX within 30-45 days of graduation, your probability of passing is statistically higher.

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Repeat Test-Taker Pass Rates

The gap between first-time and repeat candidates is stark and worth understanding. Here is the full NCLEX-RN breakdown by candidate type:

Repeat U.S.-educated test-takers pass at roughly 34 percentage points lower than first-time candidates (53.1% vs. 87.1% in 2025). This is not because the exam gets harder on subsequent attempts -- it is the same adaptive algorithm. Rather, candidates who fail often have fundamental content gaps or ineffective study strategies that persist without intervention. The all-candidate rate (about 69-73%) sits far below the first-time U.S. headline because it blends in these repeat takers and the much lower internationally educated rates.

If you have failed the NCLEX previously, a structured review course and targeted question bank practice are the strongest evidence-based interventions. Simply re-reading textbooks is not enough.

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NCLEX-PN Pass Rates

The NCLEX-PN (Practical/Vocational Nurse) exam has its own pass-rate trajectory. A common myth is that PN rates run far below RN rates -- that confuses the all-candidate PN rate with the first-time U.S.-educated figure. Here is the verified breakdown by candidate type:

In 2024, the first-time U.S.-educated PN rate was 88.4% (44,693 of 50,570 candidates passed) -- only about 3 points below RN's 91.2%, not the 8-12 points often cited. The frequently repeated "79.1%" figure is actually the all-candidate PN rate (63,150 candidates), which includes repeat takers who pass at just 41.9%. Among first-time U.S. graduates, RN and PN pass rates are now nearly identical (87.1% RN vs. 87.3% PN in 2025).

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The NGN Impact: Did the New Format Change Pass Rates?

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) launched on April 1, 2023, representing the most significant change to the exam in over a decade. Here is what the data shows about its impact.

What NGN Changed

The NGN introduced the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM), which evaluates six cognitive processes:

1. Recognize Cues -- Identify relevant information
2. Analyze Cues -- Connect data to conditions
3. Prioritize Hypotheses -- Rank likely explanations
4. Generate Solutions -- Identify interventions
5. Take Action -- Implement the plan
6. Evaluate Outcomes -- Assess effectiveness

Six New Question Types

The Scoring Difference

Traditional NCLEX questions are scored dichotomously -- right or wrong. Many NGN items use partial credit scoring (polytomous scoring), meaning you can receive credit for partially correct answers. This is a meaningful change for borderline candidates.

Did NGN Make the Exam Easier?

The data (first-time, U.S.-educated) suggests a nuanced answer:

• 2023 jumped to 88.6% from roughly 81% the year before
• 2024 climbed further to 91.2% -- the highest in over a decade
• 2025 pulled back to 87.1% -- the first decline since NGN launched
• 2026 held at 86.8% in Q1, near the pre-pandemic norm

The NCSBN's position is that NGN measures competence more accurately through clinical judgment, not that it lowered the bar. Some nursing educators argue that partial credit scoring helps candidates who "almost know" the right answer. Critics counter that the initial spike reflected intense preparation for a new format -- students studied harder because the unknown felt riskier.

The 2025-2026 settling near 87% supports the "preparation intensity" theory: as NGN became familiar, the extra effort diminished and pass rates normalized rather than collapsing.

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NCLEX-RN vs. NCLEX-PN: Side-by-Side Comparison

Under the Next Generation NCLEX, both exams run 85 to 150 items with a 5-hour limit -- the old 75-145 (RN) and 85-205 (PN) ranges were retired when NGN launched in April 2023. The NCLEX-PN has a slightly lower passing standard (-0.18 logits vs. 0.00 logits), reflecting the entry-level practical-nurse scope of practice rather than an "easier" test.

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How Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) Actually Works

Understanding the CAT algorithm helps demystify the exam experience and manage test-day anxiety.

The Mechanics

1. You start at the passing standard difficulty level
2. Answer correctly --> next question is harder
3. Answer incorrectly --> next question is easier
4. The algorithm continuously estimates your ability on a logit scale
5. The exam stops when the algorithm reaches 95% confidence that your ability is definitively above or below the passing standard

What the Question Count Means

Under NGN, both the RN and PN exams range from 85 to 150 items. In 2024, about 65% of first-time RN candidates finished at the 85-item minimum and only ~17% reached the 150-item maximum, with an average test length of 100 items.

The "Getting Harder Questions Is Good" Rule

This is generally true. If the exam keeps giving you increasingly difficult questions, it means you are answering correctly and the algorithm is testing whether your ability is above the passing standard. However, the difficulty fluctuates throughout -- do not try to gauge your performance during the exam. Focus entirely on the question in front of you.

Passing Standards

• NCLEX-RN: 0.00 logits (the ability scale midpoint)
• NCLEX-PN: -0.18 logits (slightly below midpoint)

These standards are set by the NCSBN through rigorous standard-setting panels that convene every three years.

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International Educated Nurses (IEN): Pass Rate Realities

International educated nurses face significantly different outcomes on the NCLEX:

Key Statistics

• First-time internationally educated NCLEX-RN candidates passed at 53.8% in 2024, 47.0% through Nov 1, 2025, and 51.6% in Q1 2026 -- roughly 35-40 points below the U.S.-educated rate
• Repeat internationally educated RN candidates pass at only about 30-36%
• The 2024 internationally educated RN cohort was large -- nearly 59,000 first-time candidates -- so it pulls the all-candidate average down sharply
• Pass rates vary widely by country of education; language barriers, curriculum differences, and unfamiliarity with U.S. healthcare systems all contribute

Common Challenges for IEN Candidates

1. Curriculum differences -- Many international programs emphasize different clinical competencies
2. Language and terminology -- Medical terminology in English may differ from home-country training
3. U.S. healthcare system knowledge -- Questions assume familiarity with HIPAA, Medicare/Medicaid, and U.S. nursing scope of practice
4. NGN format unfamiliarity -- International candidates may have less exposure to case-based testing formats
5. Credential evaluation delays -- CGFNS and state board processing times can create long gaps between study and testing

Recommendations for IEN Candidates

• Use a U.S.-based NCLEX prep program that addresses American healthcare system specifics
• Practice extensively with NGN-format questions
• Focus on pharmacology (brand names differ by country)
• Study delegation and prioritization frameworks used in U.S. nursing
• Review HIPAA regulations, informed consent requirements, and patient rights
• Practice English medical terminology with audio resources if English is a second language

IEN Success Stories

Despite the challenges, thousands of internationally educated nurses pass the NCLEX every year. The candidates who succeed typically:

1. Allow 3-6 months of dedicated U.S.-focused preparation beyond their home-country education
2. Complete 3,000+ practice questions (more than the typical U.S. graduate needs)
3. Join study groups with other IEN candidates for peer support and knowledge sharing
4. Use AI tutoring tools to get instant explanations of unfamiliar U.S. healthcare concepts

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What Predicts NCLEX Success: Evidence-Based Factors

Research consistently identifies several strong predictors of NCLEX performance. If you want to maximize your probability of passing, focus on these factors.

Academic Predictors

Study Behavior Predictors

The Question Bank Effect

Among all modifiable study behaviors, practicing with NCLEX-style question banks is the strongest predictor of success. This is because:

• Questions force active recall (more effective than passive reading)
• Rationales teach you why answers are correct or incorrect
• Repeated exposure builds pattern recognition for clinical scenarios
• Timed practice develops pacing discipline for the real exam
• Wrong-answer review reveals specific knowledge gaps you can target

A candidate who completes 2,000+ practice questions with thoughtful rationale review is statistically more likely to pass than one who reads textbooks for the same number of hours.

Self-Study vs. Structured Prep Course

Research from multiple nursing education studies shows that candidates using a structured course alongside a question bank have first-time pass rates 8-12 percentage points higher than those relying solely on self-study with textbooks. The structured approach ensures content coverage is comprehensive rather than driven by what the student assumes they need.

The Timing Factor

Data from the NCSBN and multiple state boards shows that candidates who take the NCLEX within 45 days of graduation pass at rates 10-15 percentage points higher than those who wait 90+ days. Knowledge decay is real and measurable. If possible:

• Register for your exam date before graduation
• Secure your ATT (Authorization to Test) promptly by submitting applications early
• Do not wait until you "feel ready" -- you will never feel 100% prepared, and delay costs you

Start Building Your Question Bank Practice -- FREE -- our comprehensive study guide shows you exactly how to structure your prep.

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Pass Rates by Nursing Program Type

Not all nursing programs produce equal NCLEX outcomes. Here is what the data shows:

BSN Programs (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

• Generally highest pass rates among program types
• Longer program duration (4 years) provides more clinical exposure
• Programs with university-affiliated hospitals often have the best outcomes

ADN Programs (Associate Degree in Nursing)

• Slightly lower pass rates than BSN programs on average
• 2-year programs provide solid clinical training
• Community college ADN programs vary widely in quality and outcomes

Diploma Programs

• Variable pass rates -- some diploma programs outperform BSN programs
• Historically hospital-based with strong clinical focus
• Declining in number nationally

State Board Requirements

Most state boards of nursing require that approved programs maintain NCLEX pass rates at or above 80% (some states set the threshold at 90% of the national average). Programs falling below this benchmark face:

• Probationary status
• Required improvement plans
• Potential loss of approval
• Restrictions on new student enrollment

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If Your Program's Pass Rate Is Dropping

For nursing program administrators and faculty, declining NCLEX pass rates require systematic intervention. Here are evidence-based strategies:

Immediate Actions

1. Implement standardized exit exams (HESI, ATI, Kaplan) with minimum score requirements
2. Identify at-risk students early using GPA and pre-nursing exam scores
3. Require structured NCLEX prep as part of the final semester curriculum
4. Analyze item-level data to identify content area weaknesses across cohorts

Curriculum-Level Changes

1. Increase NGN-format questions in course exams throughout the program
2. Integrate clinical judgment into every clinical course, not just capstone
3. Add case-study-based assessments that mirror NGN unfolding case studies
4. Review pharmacology instruction -- drug-related questions remain a top failure area

Student Support Interventions

1. Mandatory remediation for students scoring below benchmarks on progression exams
2. Peer tutoring programs pairing high-performing students with at-risk peers
3. Test anxiety workshops addressing the psychological dimension of exam performance
4. NCLEX boot camps in the final weeks before graduation

Programs that implement these strategies comprehensively have documented improvements of 5-15 percentage points in first-time pass rates within 1-2 cohort cycles.

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2026 Test Plan Changes: What Actually Changed

New NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test plans took effect April 1, 2026. The good news for candidates: the changes are modest, not a structural overhaul.

Confirmed Changes

• Mostly category renaming -- the client-needs framework, NGN item types, and CAT structure are unchanged
• Standard-setting panels met in September 2025 to review the cut scores; the NCSBN Board of Directors reaffirmed the RN passing standard at 0.00 logits (PN at -0.18 logits) with no dramatic shift
• Exam length stays 85-150 items with a 5-hour limit

Likely Impact on Pass Rates

Historically, new test plans can cause a brief adjustment dip, but because the 2026 plan keeps content weightings, item types, and the passing standard essentially stable, a large swing is unlikely. Q1 2026 first-time U.S.-educated rates (86.8% RN, 86.0% PN) were already in line with late 2025, suggesting continuity rather than disruption.

Note: NCSBN is exploring at-home/remote NCLEX testing, but as of mid-2026 the exam remains in-person at Pearson VUE test centers until security and fairness can be fully ensured.

How to Prepare for the 2026 Test Plan

1. Study from the most current NCLEX test plan (available on the NCSBN website)
2. Focus on clinical judgment -- the CJMM is not going away
3. Use updated question banks that reflect 2026 content distribution
4. Do not panic -- the core nursing knowledge tested has not changed fundamentally

Read Our Complete NCLEX Study Guide for 2026 -- updated with the latest test plan information.

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How Hard Is the NCLEX Really?

The difficulty of the NCLEX is relative to your preparation. Here is a data-driven perspective:

• 87-91% of first-time, U.S.-educated candidates pass -- this means the exam is passable for the vast majority who prepare adequately
• 53.1% of repeat takers pass -- failing once does not mean you cannot pass, but you need to change your approach
• The CAT format means difficulty adjusts to YOU -- everyone gets a personalized exam

The NCLEX is not designed to trick you. It is designed to determine whether you can practice safely as an entry-level nurse. If you understand the content, can apply clinical judgment, and have practiced with enough questions, the odds are firmly in your favor.

Learn More: How Hard Is the NCLEX in 2026? -- a deep dive into difficulty, format, and what "hard" actually means.

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Preparing for NCLEX Success: Your Action Plan

Based on everything the pass rate data tells us, here is the highest-probability path to passing:

The 8-Week Framework

Non-Negotiable Prep Elements

1. Complete 2,000+ practice questions minimum with full rationale review
2. Take at least 3 full-length practice exams under timed conditions
3. Study pharmacology every single day -- it appears across all content areas
4. Practice NGN case studies until the format feels automatic
5. Schedule your exam within 45 days of graduation to minimize knowledge decay

When to Use AI for NCLEX Prep

AI tutoring is most effective when you:

• Get a question wrong and need the concept explained differently
• Cannot understand a rationale in your question bank
• Need a concept broken down into simpler components
• Want additional practice questions on a specific topic
• Need help creating a study schedule based on your timeline

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The Bottom Line on NCLEX Pass Rates

The data tells a clear story:

1. NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates for U.S.-educated candidates are between 87-91% in the NGN era
2. NGN initially boosted pass rates, but they are normalizing
3. The 2026 test plan may introduce another brief adjustment period
4. Question bank practice is the single most important study behavior
5. Repeat takers need fundamentally different strategies, not just more study time
6. Timing matters -- test within 45 days of graduation when possible
7. Program type matters less than study behavior -- ADN graduates who prepare well outperform BSN graduates who do not

Your pass rate is not predetermined by a national statistic. It is determined by what you do between now and test day.

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