Updated October 23, 2026, using NCSBN data through June 2026
Good news for nursing graduates: NCLEX-RN pass rates have risen in 2026. In the first half of the year, 88.6% of first-time US-educated candidates passed, up from 86.7% in 2025. The overall RN pass rate across all candidates reached 74.4%, already above the full-year 2025 figure.
NCLEX pass rates at a glance
| Candidate group | Jan–Jun 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN, US-educated, first time | 88.6% | 86.7% | 91.2% |
| NCLEX-RN, US-educated, repeat | 51.6% | About the same | About the same |
| NCLEX-RN, internationally educated, first time | 51.0% | 47.3% | — |
| NCLEX-RN, internationally educated, repeat | 31.7% | 30.5% | — |
| NCLEX-RN, all candidates | 74.4% | 69.1% | 73.3% |
| NCLEX-PN, all candidates | 76.2% | 77.3% | 79.1% |
What the numbers tell you
- Your first attempt matters most. US-educated candidates pass at nearly 89% on their first try, but only about 52% on a retake. Prepare properly the first time rather than “testing to see.”
- Internationally educated nurses face a much harder path. About half pass on the first attempt. Unfamiliarity with US practice, Next Generation question types and test strategy all play a part. A structured, NGN-focused review course makes a big difference.
- NCLEX-PN rates are slipping. PN candidates should pay extra attention to clinical judgment case studies.
How the Next Generation NCLEX works
- Computer adaptive: between 85 and 150 questions, with a time limit of up to 5 hours.
- Clinical judgment case studies and question types such as matrix, highlight, drag-and-drop and bow-tie, many with partial credit.
- Pass or fail against a fixed standard, not a curve.
- Retakes: most states require a wait of at least 45 days, and you must pay the $200 registration fee again.
7 ways to pass the NCLEX the first time
- Test within 45–60 days of graduating, while content is fresh.
- Use a question bank with NGN case studies, and read every rationale, including for answers you got right.
- Take timed practice exams to build the stamina for a possible five-hour test.
- Learn the clinical judgment model: recognize cues, analyze cues, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action, evaluate outcomes.
- Master priority frameworks: ABCs, Maslow, safety first, and acute versus chronic.
- Know your weak areas from practice scores, and focus there (pharmacology and management of care are common gaps).
- Protect sleep and nerves in the final week. Don’t cram the night before.
International nurse? Our US licensure guide explains state boards, credentials evaluation, fees and VisaScreen.
FAQ
What is a good NCLEX pass rate for a nursing school? Most state boards expect programs to stay at or above about 80% for first-time takers. Programs below that can face review or probation. Ask any school for its last three years of first-time pass rates.
Does the test shutting off at 85 questions mean I passed? Not necessarily. The exam stops once the computer is confident you are clearly above or below the passing standard. Many candidates who pass go beyond 85 questions.
How much does the NCLEX cost? $200 to register with Pearson VUE, plus your state board’s application fee, which is usually $75–$400.
Sources: Becker’s Hospital Review, “NCLEX-RN pass rates climb to 74.4% in first half of 2026” (NCSBN data); NCSBN; UWorld NCLEX cost breakdown (2026).
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