NCLEX Pass Rates 2026: What You Need to Know
- The total 2025 pass rate for all NCLEX-RN candidates was 69.1%.
- The total 2025 pass rate for all NCLEX-PN candidates was 77.3%.
- The number of questions you will face on the NCLEX varies based on your performance.
- The NCLEX utilizes a polytomous scoring method to allow for partial credit on some question types.
- On April 1, 2026 a new NCLEX test plan will go into effect.
Discover what it takes to pass the NCLEX on your first attempt. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) frequently updates the latest pass rate data for the NCLEX. In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about the 2026 NCLEX pass rates and the current NCLEX scoring system so you understand how it works. Find out what’s changing for the NCLEX in April 2026 and how you can ensure you’re on the right side of the statistics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- 2026 NCLEX Pass Rates
- What’s changing for the NCLEX in April 2026?
- 2025 NCLEX Pass Rates
- Why did NCLEX pass rates drop in 2025?
- NCLEX Pass Rates by State
- How many questions are on the NCLEX?
- How is the NCLEX scored?
- Partial Credit on the NCLEX
- What is the passing standard for the NCLEX?
- How to Pass the NCLEX in 2026
- When should I expect my NCLEX results?
- Other Considerations for Passing the NCLEX
2026 NCLEX Pass Rates
The NCSBN has released the first few weeks of 2026 NCLEX pass rate data, which you can view on their official website for the most up-to-date information. The biggest risk factor for failing the NCLEX in 2026 remains repeat testing. NCLEX pass rates drop significantly for repeat test takers compared to first-time test takers. In April 2026, an updated NCLEX Test Plan will also go into effect which may impact pass rates.
What’s changing for the NCLEX in April 2026?
Every three years, the NCSBN reviews the NCLEX Test Plan. On April 1, 2026, a new test plan will go into effect, however, no significant changes to the NCLEX are planned. The passing standard, question types, and categories will remain the same through March 31, 2029.
The 2026 NCLEX Test Plan does include minor updates to activity statements to reflect modern nursing. You can expect to see increased emphasis on infection prevention, telehealth, and mental health integration within standard Med-Surg questions. The NCSBN is also currently piloting remote, at-home testing options. While unlikely to be the standard in 2026, we may see the first official rollout for specific regions or circumstances this year.
2025 NCLEX Pass Rates
The 2025 reporting year saw a normalization period. After the initial surge of high NCLEX pass rates following the Next Generation NCLEX launch in 2023, the pass rates have stabilized. See the total NCLEX pass rates for 2025 in the tables below.
2025 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Review the total 2025 pass rates for the NCLEX-RN, according to NCSBN data.
| Type of Candidate | 2025 Pass Rates |
| First-time, U.S.-educated | 86.7% |
| Repeat, U.S.-educated | 52.7% |
| First-time, internationally-educated | 47.3% |
| Repeat, internationally-educated | 30.5% |
| Total for all candidates: | 69.1% |
2025 NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Review the total 2025 pass rates for the NCLEX-PN, according to NCSBN data.
| Type of Candidate | 2025 Pass Rates |
| First-time, U.S.-educated | 86.6% |
| Repeat, U.S.-educated | 41.6% |
| First-time, internationally-educated | 53.7% |
| Repeat, internationally-educated | 27.6% |
| Total for all candidates: | 77.3% |
Why did NCLEX pass rates drop in 2025?
Educators and analysts point to three primary reasons for the recent decline in NCLEX pass rates:
- The False Security Effect: The high pass rates of 2024 led some nursing students to underestimate the updated NCLEX. The new exam is not easier; it’s more intuitive, but it requires much higher levels of clinical judgment than the previous version.
- The Pandemic Lag: 2025 and 2026 nursing graduates are often those who experienced significant disruptions in their early clinical rotations due to COVID-19, leading to clinical judgment gaps that the NCLEX is designed to catch.
- A Changing Candidate Pool: There has been a massive increase in internationally educated and repeat test-takers, two groups that historically face lower pass rates due to curriculum differences and test anxiety.
What percentage of NCLEX test-takers pass on the first attempt?
As you can see in the data listed above, first-time NCLEX test-takers consistently perform better than repeat test-takers. In 2025, first-time U.S.-educated test-takers had an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 86.7%, compared to their counterparts who repeated the test and passed at a rate of only 52.7%. Many factors contribute to the low pass rate for repeat test-takers, but the bottom line is that it’s critical that you prepare properly and aim to pass on your first attempt for your best chance at passing the NCLEX—period. You need to have a solid study plan in place that blends content review, test-taking strategies, and realistic practice with test-like questions.
More students recommend Kaplan for NCLEX prep than anyone else.* Why? Our personalized study plans and comprehensive tools cover everything you need to pass. In fact, 97% of Kaplan NCLEX students pass the first time.‡ We guarantee you’ll pass the first time, too—or get your money back.†
NCLEX Pass Rates by State
In the table below, you can see the NCLEX pass rates by state from 2023, the most recent year the data was available from the NCSBN. The NCLEX pass rates listed below are for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates who took the NCLEX-RN in 2023.
View NCLEX Pass Rates by State
| U.S. State | 2023 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
| Alabama | 91.8% |
| Alaska | 82.9% |
| Arizona | 90.4% |
| Arkansas | 88.7% |
| California | 90.4% |
| Colorado | 93.1% |
| Connecticut | 91.8% |
| Delaware | 93.0% |
| D.C. | 87.4% |
| Florida | 76.7% |
| Georgia | 90.3% |
| Hawaii | 82.4% |
| Idaho | 93.2% |
| Illinois | 85.2% |
| Indiana | 90.7% |
| Iowa | 90.6% |
| Kansas | 91.3% |
| Kentucky | 88.6% |
| Louisiana | 92.9% |
| Maine | 91.5% |
| Maryland | 90.5% |
| Massachusetts | 91.6% |
| Michigan | 88.5% |
| Minnesota | 85.7% |
| Mississippi | 92.1% |
| Missouri | 89.9% |
| Montana | 91.7% |
| Nebraska | 95.0% |
| Nevada | 91.5% |
| New Hampshire | 96.2% |
| New Jersey | 90.7% |
| New Mexico | 89.0% |
| New York | 84.4% |
| North Carolina | 93.8% |
| North Dakota | 95.5% |
| Ohio | 86.7% |
| Oklahoma | 87.5% |
| Oregon | 92.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 92.2% |
| Rhode Island | 84.8% |
| South Carolina | 94.0% |
| South Dakota | 91.3% |
| Tennessee | 93.2% |
| Texas | 91.1% |
| Utah | 87.2% |
| Vermont | 93.7% |
| Virginia | 90.0% |
| Washington | 89.2% |
| West Virginia | 92.2% |
| Wisconsin | 88.4% |
| Wyoming | 94.5% |
| Total: | 88.6% |
How many questions are on the NCLEX?
In addition to the 15 unscored, pre-test questions, test-takers can expect to see anywhere from a minimum of 70 to the maximum of 135 scored questions on the NCLEX format. The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) so that questions are customized to each individual test-taker. CAT uses an algorithm to deliver different questions with varying difficulty based on how the test-taker performed on the previous question, which means no two exams are exactly alike.
How is the NCLEX scored?
The NCLEX uses a polytomous scoring method to allow for partial credit on certain questions. This updated scoring system allows for more precise measurement and takes into consideration the complexity of the NCLEX item types. Having different ways to assign partial credit also reduces random guessing.
Partial Credit on the NCLEX
Using a polytomous scoring method, partial credit on the NCLEX can be assigned in three different ways:
- +/- Scoring: Test-takers receive one point for correct responses and lose a point for incorrect responses. If the total score is negative, the final score will be zero.
- 0/1 Scoring: Test-takers receive one point for correct responses but don’t lose points for incorrect responses.
- Rationale Scoring: Test-takers can receive 0, 1, or 2 points on an item. Test-takers are assessed on their ability to pair information that requires justification through a rationale.
How is each NCLEX item type scored?
The NCLEX features eighteen different item types. Each of these item types is scored in one of three ways. In the table below, we break down how each item type is scored.
| +/- Scoring Rule | 0/1 Scoring Rule | Rationale Scoring Rule |
| Multiple Response – Select All that Apply (SATA) | Multiple Choice | Drop-Down Cloze Dyad |
| Matrix Multiple Response (MR) | Matrix Multiple Choice | Drop-Down Cloze Triad |
| Multiple Response (MR) Grouping | Multiple Response Select N (SATA-N) | Drag-and-Drop Cloze Dyad |
| Highlight Text | Hot Spot | Drag-and-Drop Cloze Triad |
| Highlight Table | Drop-Down Cloze | |
| Drop-Down Table | ||
| Bow-tie | ||
| Ordered Response | ||
| Fill-in-the-Blank |
What is the passing standard for the NCLEX?
The NCLEX passing standards reflect the amount of ability required for nurses to practice competently at an entry level. The passing standard for the NCLEX is not a percentage or a raw number of correct answers. Instead, it is measured using a unit called a logit, which compares your ability to the difficulty of the questions. The current NCLEX passing standard is 0.00 logits for the NCLEX-RN Examination and -0.18 logits for the NCLEX-PN through March 31, 2026.
How to Pass the NCLEX in 2026
NCLEX success in 2026 requires moving beyond simple memorization. Since the NCLEX focuses on the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, your NCLEX prep should include the following:
- Master the Case Studies: Case studies now make up a significant portion of your NCLEX score. You must be able to recognize and analyze cues and prioritize hypotheses.
- Leverage NCLEX Partial Credit: Unlike the all-or-nothing days, the current NCLEX offers partial credit on select questions. Make sure you understand and take advantage of partial credit on the NCLEX to maximize your points.
- Don’t Delay Your Test Date: Data shows that nursing students who wait more than three months after graduation to test have significantly lower NCLEX pass rates. Aim to test while the content is fresh.
[ KEEP STUDYING: 10 Tips to Pass the NCLEX in 2026 ]
When should I expect my NCLEX results?
You can expect to receive your NCLEX results in about six weeks. While the computer scores your exam as you take it, your official results will not be released until they are graded a second time. You might be able to see your unofficial test results after two business days, if your state participates in the Quick Results program. However, please note that your Quick Results score is not your official score, which will be sent to you by the nursing regulatory body (NRB) six weeks after your exam date.
How many times can I retake the NCLEX?
After receiving their results, candidates who need to retake the NCLEX exam can immediately begin the reregistration process. They must inform their nursing regulatory body (NRB) of their intent to retest, meet any required criteria, and reregister with Pearson VUE. According to NCSBN’s recently updated retake policy, candidates may take the NCLEX up to eight times per year, with a mandatory 45-day test-free period between each attempt. However, some jurisdictions may impose more stringent limits on the number of annual NCLEX exam attempts. Candidates should contact the NRB in the jurisdiction where they are seeking licensure for specific NCLEX retake policies.
Other Considerations for Passing the NCLEX
In order to pass the NCLEX, it’s not just the number of questions you see; you’ll also be working within a time constraint. You will have five hours to complete the NCLEX (both RN & PN exams). As you are testing, remember that each question is as important as the next–despite the new scoring system for the different item types. Sometimes test-takers try to self-evaluate and guess how they are doing as they go along, but the exam doesn’t work that way. Because of the adaptive nature of the NCLEX, the exam feels difficult for both high and low-performing test-takers. It is best to simply focus on the questions at hand and answer to the best of your ability.
* More Students Recommend Kaplan: These are the findings of two quantitative surveys conducted by Kaplan conducted August 26, 2022, through September 30, 2022, and September 5, 2022, through October 9, 2023. A sample of 368 NCLEX test prep customers was interviewed online, of which 118 customers prepped with Kaplan and 250 customers prepped with any other market competitor (selected from a closed ended list representing the majority of the NCLEX prep market with the option to write in a competitor). The distribution of competitors selected in the survey is not necessarily reflective of true market share. The results showed that Kaplan has a net promoter score that is statistically higher than the competition at a 95% confidence level with a 10% margin of error.
† Passing Guarantee: Conditions and restrictions apply. For complete guarantee eligibility requirements, visit kaplannursing.com/guarantee.
‡ NCLEX Exam Pass Rate: Results based on a Kaplan post-exam survey of first-time, NCLEX-RN exam test-takers who graduated from their nursing program during the first 6 months of 2023. Respondents had access to a Kaplan Self Paced or Live Online NCLEX-RN exam prep retail product on or after January 1, 2023, and reported they had passed the NCLEX-RN exam in the first 6 months of 2023 (n = 115). Survey responses were responses received August 17, 2023, to September 25, 2023. The study is based on students who have provided their pass/fail status. While the study focused on students who took the NGN exam, data may include some respondents who purchased and sat for the NCLEX-RN exam prior to the current Next Generation NCLEX-RN exam.
Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Dr. Christi Doherty DNP, RNC-OB, CNE, CHSE, CDP. Dr. Doherty is the Executive Director of Nursing & i-Human Patients at Kaplan North America. She is a skilled researcher, valued professor of nursing, experienced clinical nurse, and designer of virtual simulations. Dr. Doherty has earned certifications in nursing education, healthcare simulation education, diversity, and inpatient obstetrics.
