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 2025, analyzes the NGN's measurable impact, breaks down what actually predicts success, and previews how the 2026 test plan may shift 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.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Year-by-Year (2019-2025)
The following table shows first-time, U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN pass rates. This is the benchmark most nursing programs and candidates track.
| Year | First-Time Pass Rate | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~88% | Pre-COVID baseline |
| 2020 | ~87% | COVID-19 disruptions begin |
| 2021 | ~82-84% | Clinical site closures, simulation substitutions |
| 2022 | ~80-82% | Lowest rates in recent history |
| 2023 | 88.6% | NGN launches April 2023; rates rebound |
| 2024 | 91.2% | Highest first-time pass rate in recent years |
| 2025 | 87.1% (as of Nov 1) | Decline from 2024 peak |
Source: NCSBN Examination Statistics, quarterly program reports.
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 represented the worst pass rates in over a decade.
The 2023-2024 recovery coincided with two factors: the return to full clinical rotations and the launch of NGN. 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 pullback to 87.1% suggests the initial NGN boost may have been partially driven by intensive preparation -- early test-takers studied harder because the format was new and unfamiliar. As familiarity normalized, so did pass rates.
Quarterly Breakdown: 2024 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
2024 was a standout year. Here is how pass rates varied by quarter for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates:
| Quarter | Candidates Tested | Candidates Passed | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 | ~55,200 | 51,946 | 94.15% |
| Q2 2024 | ~71,600 | 66,385 | 92.72% |
| Q3 2024 | 50,653 tested | ~45,200 | 89.19% |
| Q4 2024 | Data pending | Data pending | ~88-89% (est.) |
| Full Year | — | — | 91.2% |
Why Q1 Had the Highest Rate
Q1 candidates are typically December and January graduates -- students who completed strong fall clinical rotations and took the exam while content was fresh. Q3 candidates include summer test-takers who may have delayed their exam, allowing knowledge decay.
Takeaway: If you can schedule your NCLEX within 30-45 days of graduation, your probability of passing is statistically higher.
Repeat Test-Taker Pass Rates
The gap between first-time and repeat candidates is stark and worth understanding:
| Category | 2025 Pass Rate (as of Nov 1) |
|---|---|
| First-time, U.S.-educated | 87.1% |
| Repeat, U.S.-educated | 53.1% |
Repeat test-takers pass at nearly 34 percentage points lower than first-time candidates. 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.
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.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
The NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse) exam has its own distinct pass rate trajectory:
| Year | First-Time Pass Rate (U.S.-educated) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 79.1% |
| 2025 (mid-year) | 85.9% |
NCLEX-PN pass rates have historically run 8-12 percentage points lower than NCLEX-RN rates. This gap reflects differences in program structure, student preparation intensity, and the exam's own content distribution rather than candidate capability.
The jump from 79.1% in 2024 to 85.9% at mid-year 2025 is notable and may reflect improved PN program alignment with NGN question formats.
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:
- Recognize Cues -- Identify relevant information
- Analyze Cues -- Connect data to conditions
- Prioritize Hypotheses -- Rank likely explanations
- Generate Solutions -- Identify interventions
- Take Action -- Implement the plan
- Evaluate Outcomes -- Assess effectiveness
Six New Question Types
| NGN Item Type | What It Tests |
|---|---|
| Extended Multiple Response | Select N of N correct options |
| Highlight | Identify relevant text in a passage |
| Matrix/Grid | Multiple true/false decisions in table format |
| Cloze (Drop-down) | Complete statements from dropdown options |
| Drag and Drop | Order or categorize clinical information |
| Bow-tie | Map conditions to actions to parameters |
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 suggests a nuanced answer:
- 2023 pass rates jumped to 88.6% from 80-82% the year before
- 2024 climbed further to 91.2%
- 2025 has pulled back to 87.1%
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 decline supports the "preparation intensity" theory: as NGN became familiar, the extra effort diminished, and pass rates normalized.
NCLEX-RN vs. NCLEX-PN: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-PN |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Pass Rate (first-time) | 91.2% | 79.1% |
| 2025 Pass Rate (to date) | 87.1% | 85.9% |
| Minimum Questions | 75 | 85 |
| Maximum Questions | 145 | 205 |
| Time Limit | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Passing Standard (logits) | 0.00 | -0.18 |
| NGN Items | Yes | Yes |
| CAT Format | Yes | Yes |
The NCLEX-PN has a slightly lower passing standard (-0.18 logits vs. 0.00 logits), but PN candidates also face a longer maximum question count (205 vs. 145) and, on average, lower preparation intensity from shorter educational programs.
How Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) Actually Works
Understanding the CAT algorithm helps demystify the exam experience and manage test-day anxiety.
The Mechanics
- You start at the passing standard difficulty level
- Answer correctly --> next question is harder
- Answer incorrectly --> next question is easier
- The algorithm continuously estimates your ability on a logit scale
- 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
| Questions Received | What It Usually Indicates |
|---|---|
| 75 (RN minimum) | Clear pass OR clear fail -- the algorithm decided quickly |
| 76-100 | Performance was somewhat above or below the line |
| 100-130 | Borderline performance; algorithm needed more data |
| 145 (RN maximum) | Very close to the passing standard; final decision at last question |
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.
International Educated Nurses (IEN): Pass Rate Realities
International educated nurses face significantly different outcomes on the NCLEX:
Key Statistics
- IEN first-time pass rates are substantially lower than U.S.-educated rates
- Pass rates vary widely by country of education
- Language barriers, differences in nursing curricula, and unfamiliarity with U.S. healthcare systems all contribute
Common Challenges for IEN Candidates
- Curriculum differences -- Many international programs emphasize different clinical competencies
- Language and terminology -- Medical terminology in English may differ from home-country training
- U.S. healthcare system knowledge -- Questions assume familiarity with HIPAA, Medicare/Medicaid, and U.S. nursing scope of practice
- NGN format unfamiliarity -- International candidates may have less exposure to case-based testing formats
- 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:
- Allow 3-6 months of dedicated U.S.-focused preparation beyond their home-country education
- Complete 3,000+ practice questions (more than the typical U.S. graduate needs)
- Join study groups with other IEN candidates for peer support and knowledge sharing
- Use AI tutoring tools to get instant explanations of unfamiliar U.S. healthcare concepts
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
| Predictor | Threshold | Impact on Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| GPA | 3.0+ | Significantly higher pass probability |
| TEAS Score | 70%+ | Strong predictor of first-time pass |
| HESI Exit Exam | 900+ | Strong predictor (programs use as benchmark) |
Study Behavior Predictors
| Factor | Finding |
|---|---|
| 40+ hours with question banks | Highest single predictor of success |
| Structured prep course | Outperforms self-study in multiple studies |
| Days between graduation and exam | Shorter gap = higher pass rate |
| Number of practice questions completed | 2,000+ correlates with higher pass rates |
| Consistent daily study | Better than cramming the same total hours |
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
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Self-study only | Flexible schedule, lower cost | No accountability, may miss key areas |
| Structured prep course | Guided curriculum, proven frameworks | Cost, fixed schedule |
| Hybrid (course + question bank) | Best of both worlds | Requires time management |
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.
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
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
- Implement standardized exit exams (HESI, ATI, Kaplan) with minimum score requirements
- Identify at-risk students early using GPA and pre-nursing exam scores
- Require structured NCLEX prep as part of the final semester curriculum
- Analyze item-level data to identify content area weaknesses across cohorts
Curriculum-Level Changes
- Increase NGN-format questions in course exams throughout the program
- Integrate clinical judgment into every clinical course, not just capstone
- Add case-study-based assessments that mirror NGN unfolding case studies
- Review pharmacology instruction -- drug-related questions remain a top failure area
Student Support Interventions
- Mandatory remediation for students scoring below benchmarks on progression exams
- Peer tutoring programs pairing high-performing students with at-risk peers
- Test anxiety workshops addressing the psychological dimension of exam performance
- 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.
2026 Test Plan Changes: What to Expect
The NCSBN has announced a new NCLEX-RN test plan effective April 1, 2026. Here is what we know and what it may mean for pass rates.
Confirmed Changes
- Standard-setting panels met in September 2025 to establish new cut scores
- New content distribution reflecting current nursing practice
- Updated passing standard based on practice analysis data
Potential Impact on Pass Rates
Historically, new test plans create a temporary dip in pass rates as candidates and programs adjust to updated content weightings. The 2023 NGN launch bucked this trend (pass rates rose), but that coincided with the recovery from COVID disruptions.
For 2026, the combined effect of:
- A new test plan with updated content priorities
- New cut scores from the September 2025 standard-setting panels
- The ongoing normalization of NGN familiarity
...could push pass rates slightly downward in the second and third quarters of 2026 before stabilizing. Candidates taking the exam before April 1, 2026, will test under the current plan. Those testing on or after April 1 will face the new version.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Test Plan
- Study from the most current NCLEX test plan (available on the NCSBN website)
- Focus on clinical judgment -- the CJMM is not going away
- Use updated question banks that reflect 2026 content distribution
- 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.
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.
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
| Week | Focus | Daily Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Content review (all systems) | 3-4 hours |
| 3-4 | Question bank practice (100 Qs/day) | 4-5 hours |
| 5-6 | Weak area deep dives + more questions | 4-5 hours |
| 7 | Full-length practice exams under timed conditions | 5-6 hours |
| 8 | Light review + confidence building | 2-3 hours |
Non-Negotiable Prep Elements
- Complete 2,000+ practice questions minimum with full rationale review
- Take at least 3 full-length practice exams under timed conditions
- Study pharmacology every single day -- it appears across all content areas
- Practice NGN case studies until the format feels automatic
- 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
The Bottom Line on NCLEX Pass Rates
The data tells a clear story:
- NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates for U.S.-educated candidates are between 87-91% in the NGN era
- NGN initially boosted pass rates, but they are normalizing
- The 2026 test plan may introduce another brief adjustment period
- Question bank practice is the single most important study behavior
- Repeat takers need fundamentally different strategies, not just more study time
- Timing matters -- test within 45 days of graduation when possible
- 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.