The NCLEX RN pass rate is the first thing most nursing students look up when they start prepping for the exam—and for good reason. This exam stands between you and that RN license. It's not just another test.
It’s the one that decides if you’re ready to practice as a registered nurse. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), over 170,000 people took the NCLEX RN in 2023, and only about 87% of first-time U.S.-educated candidates passed. That number says a lot.
If you plan to pass on your first try—and you should—you need to understand what the pass rate means, what influences it, and how to study in a way that actually works. Let’s break it down in plain English, one part at a time.
What is the NCLEX RN Pass Rate?
The NCLEX RN pass rate is the percentage of candidates who pass the NCLEX RN exam on their first try within a calendar year. It’s not just a number on a chart. It’s a reflection of preparation, study habits, testing skills, and sometimes, plain test anxiety.
This pass rate gives you an idea of how tough the exam really is. First-time test-takers from accredited nursing programs tend to do better than those who retake the exam. The pass rate drops significantly for repeat testers or internationally educated candidates.
That drop doesn’t mean the test is unfair. It just means you need the right prep plan to get through it on the first go. And yes, we’ll get into that too.
NCLEX RN Pass Rate: A Closer Look at the Numbers
You don’t need to guess. The NCSBN publicly shares pass rate stats every year. Here’s a breakdown of the past few years for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates:
The average stays close to 87%. It’s steady. That consistency tells you one thing loud and clear: the test format works. It tests for minimum competency.
If you prepare well, you fall in that passing 87%. If you wing it or cram without strategy, you might end up part of the 13% who don't pass the first time.
But let’s not stop there.
The NCLEX RN pass rate for repeat testers? Much lower. Hovering around 43–45% in recent years. And for internationally educated nurses? Around 50–55% depending on the year.
These gaps show how much strategy and familiarity with the test format matter. Let’s figure out why.
What Affects the NCLEX RN Pass Rate?
A few things pull the strings behind the NCLEX RN pass rate. This section unpacks them.
1. School Quality and Support
Not all nursing programs teach the same way. Some schools put a strong focus on NCLEX-style thinking and integrate that into clinicals, exams, and review sessions. Others just move students through and leave them to figure out the NCLEX on their own.
The difference shows in the numbers. Top-performing schools often publish pass rates of 90% or higher. These programs usually include:If your school supports NCLEX prep from day one, your odds improve. If not, you'll need to take extra steps on your own.
2. Study Strategy
Study smarter, not longer. The students who pass don’t just reread notes—they work with practice questions, review rationales, and focus on critical thinking.
Some try to memorize every medication and every disease. That doesn’t work. The NCLEX tests how you make decisions, not how many drug names you can list.
Strong strategies often include:
3. Exam Format and Mental Stamina
The NCLEX RN is a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT). It adjusts question difficulty based on your answers. If you get a question right, the next one is harder. Get it wrong, and it eases up. This algorithm keeps going until it’s clear you’re above or below the passing standard.
This means:
That alone stresses out a lot of people. But those who understand the format stay calmer. And calm test-takers usually perform better.
NCLEX RN Pass Rate by State
Here’s something people often overlook: the NCLEX RN pass rate shifts by state. That’s because each state has different nursing programs, support systems, and even population differences.
Here are a few examples:
Why care about your state’s stats? It gives you a benchmark for how your school compares. Some states also publish school-specific pass rates, so you can see how grads from your program stack up.
How Do You Improve Your Chances of Passing the NCLEX RN?
Let’s talk strategy now. You know the stats. You know the obstacles. So how do you move your name into that passing percentage?
NCLEX RN Pass Rate Success Tip 1: Know the NCLEX Inside and Out
Don’t just skim the surface. Study the NCLEX-RN content outline. Know what categories appear on the test and how heavily they’re weighted.
Key sections include:
Safe care and physiological integrity make up the bulk of the questions. So if you don’t know your ABCs, vital signs, and safety interventions—you’ll have a rough time.
If you're retaking the NCLEX, you’ve got to subscribe to our NCLEX Daily Dose emails. You’ll get short, punchy tips, test-style questions, and reminders that help you build this daily study habit. It’s quick, focused, and made to boost your performance round two. Or round three. No judgment—just smart strategy.NCLEX RN Pass Rate Success Tip 2: Practice Like It’s Game Day
Do real practice. Sit in a quiet room, answer timed questions, and don't stop halfway. The more you simulate test conditions, the more natural it feels on the big day.
Great practice resources include:
Don’t just focus on getting the right answer. Read every rationale. Understand the why, not just the what.
Want these triggers already done for you? Download the free NCLEX Cheatsheets—they cover the key concepts the test repeats over and over. One glance, and you’re locked in.NCLEX RN Pass Rate Success Tip 3: Train Your Brain, Not Just Your Memory
The NCLEX doesn’t ask, “What’s the normal range of potassium?” It asks, “A patient has a potassium of 2.8. What do you do first?”
That’s a massive difference.
Shift your focus:
That’s how you learn to think like the NCLEX wants you to think.
NCLEX RN Pass Rate for Different Test-Taker Groups
Let’s go even deeper. The NCLEX RN pass rate isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how it varies:
First-Time, U.S.-Educated Test-Takers
Repeat Testers
Internationally Educated Nurses
For international nurses, studying U.S. practice standards is key. That means using NCLEX-style resources, understanding patient safety priorities, and focusing on critical thinking, not rote memory.
Strategies for Conquering the NCLEX RN Exam
This section lays out a checklist. These tips don’t just help—they change outcomes. They move your name into the passing side of that NCLEX RN pass rate stat.
1. Start Early
Don’t wait until graduation. Start prepping during your final semester. Use weekends for practice questions and start reviewing weak areas now—not later.
2. Use a Study Schedule
Pick specific topics each week. Combine question practice with content review. Stick to it. Even 60 minutes a day adds up fast.
3. Mix Practice Styles
Do questions from different resources. Some apps explain the why better than others. Some show alternate-style questions. The more variety, the better you adapt.
4. Focus on Test Endurance
You need brain stamina. If you only study in 15-minute chunks, test day will wipe you out. Schedule full-length practice sessions at least twice a week for your final month.
5. Review Performance Weekly
Track what you miss. Break it into topics (like endocrine, cardio, infection control). Then go back and master those areas.
Final Thoughts on NCLEX RN Pass Rate
The NCLEX RN pass rate shows how prepared people are—not how smart they are. Passing isn’t about luck or talent. It’s about prep. The average pass rate for U.S.-educated first-time test takers stays steady at around 87%. That means the majority make it—but a big chunk still don’t.
Your goal? Don’t just aim to pass. Aim to pass with confidence. Use practice tests that challenge you. Read every rationale. Understand safety, priority, and clinical judgment. And go in ready—not hopeful.
The number doesn’t define you, but how you prepare decides where you land. If you put in the work and train your brain to think like a nurse, that passing score won’t just be a possibility—it’ll be your reality.