NCLEX Pass Rates 2024: What You Need to Know
Every quarter, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) releases the latest pass rate data for the NCLEX®. NCLEX pass rates are constantly changing and can vary dramatically depending on a variety of factors. Last year, the NCLEX was enhanced and rebranded as the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). This new NCLEX features brand-new item types, an updated scoring system, and more. With all of these recent test changes, reviewing how the new NCLEX is scored is important so you understand how to maximize your score on Test Day. In this guide, we break down what you need to know about the 2024 NCLEX pass rates and the current NCLEX scoring system.
[ LEARN MORE: All About the New Next Gen NCLEX ]
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- 2024 NCLEX Pass Rates
- NCLEX Pass Rates by State
- Is the Next Gen NCLEX easier than the old NCLEX exam?
- How many questions are on the NCLEX?
- How is the NCLEX scored?
- Partial Credit on the Next Gen NCLEX
- What is the passing standard for the NCLEX?
- When should I expect my NCLEX results?
- Other Considerations for Passing the NCLEX
2024 NCLEX Pass Rates
The NCSBN has recently released the pass rates for the second quarter of 2024, so we are able to see how examinees are performing in the first half of the year. In the tables below, we list 2024 NCLEX pass rate data for the RN and PN exams broken down by first-time test-takers and repeat test-takers educated in the U.S. and abroad.
2024 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Review the 2024 YTD (January-June) pass rates for the Next Gen NCLEX-RN, according to data from the NCSBN.
| Type of Candidate | YTD Total Pass Percentages |
| First-time, U.S.-educated | 93.35% |
| Repeat, U.S.-educated | 47.84% |
| First-time, internationally-educated | 56.35% |
| Repeat, internationally-educated | 40.60% |
| All candidates: | 78.35% |
2024 NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Review the 2024 YTD (January-June) pass rate data for the Next Gen NCLEX-PN, according to data from the NCSBN.
| Type of Candidate | YTD Total Pass Percentages |
| First-time, U.S.-educated | 89.82% |
| Repeat, U.S.-educated | 44.04% |
| First-time, internationally-educated | 51.37% |
| Repeat, internationally-educated | 24.12% |
| All candidates: | 80.27% |
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 2024, first-time U.S.-educated test-takers currently have an NCLEX pass rate of 93.35%, compared to their counterparts who repeated the test and passed at a rate of only 47.84%. 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 between January 1-March 31, 2023.
View NCLEX Pass Rates by State
| U.S. State | 2023 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
| Alabama | 83.1% |
| Alaska | 78.7% |
| Arizona | 85.5% |
| Arkansas | 79.8% |
| California | 84.2% |
| Colorado | 90.9% |
| Connecticut | 79.5% |
| Delaware | 88.7% |
| D.C. | 65.9% |
| Florida | 70.5% |
| Georgia | 84.4% |
| Hawaii | 81.4% |
| Idaho | 89.2% |
| Illinois | 77.9% |
| Indiana | 83.1% |
| Iowa | 83.6% |
| Kansas | 81.8% |
| Kentucky | 81.4% |
| Louisiana | 88.9% |
| Maine | 82.2% |
| Maryland | 84.7% |
| Massachusetts | 85.9% |
| Michigan | 81.0% |
| Minnesota | 76.5% |
| Mississippi | 86.6% |
| Missouri | 82.3% |
| Montana | 86.3% |
| Nebraska | 91.3% |
| Nevada | 87.8% |
| New Hampshire | 97.6% |
| New Jersey | 83.2% |
| New Mexico | 77.3% |
| New York | 75.0% |
| North Carolina | 88.1% |
| North Dakota | 90.5% |
| Ohio | 75.4% |
| Oklahoma | 75.7% |
| Oregon | 85.0% |
| Pennsylvania | 84.8% |
| Rhode Island | 80.0% |
| South Carolina | 89.5% |
| South Dakota | 87.4% |
| Tennessee | 86.7% |
| Texas | 84.8% |
| Utah | 79.2% |
| Vermont | 86.4% |
| Virginia | 83.8% |
| Washington | 81.5% |
| West Virginia | 83.4% |
| Wisconsin | 79.9% |
| Wyoming | 89.4% |
Is the Next Gen NCLEX easier to pass than the old NCLEX exam?
A common question nursing students ask about the Next Gen NCLEX is whether or not the exam is easier than the old NCLEX. The short answer is no; the Next Gen NCLEX is not easier. The NGN is an enhanced version of its predecessor, with new item types and a new scoring system designed to better measure test-takers’ clinical judgment skills. While you can now receive partial credit for questions, the exam’s content is just as challenging as it has always been. This is why NCLEX test prep is critical, as is familiarizing yourself with the new NGN item types.
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 in the new next gen format. The NGN 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 NGN exams are exactly alike.
How is the NCLEX scored?
One of the major changes on the Next Gen NCLEX is how the new exam is scored. The old NCLEX used a dichotomous scoring method, meaning NCLEX items were scored as either correct or incorrect. Now, the new NCLEX uses a polytomous scoring method to allow for partial credit on certain questions. The new scoring system allows for more precise measurement and takes into consideration the complexity of the new NGN item types. Having different ways to assign partial credit also reduces random guessing.
Partial Credit on the Next Gen NCLEX
Using a polytomous scoring method, partial credit on the Next Gen 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 Next Gen NCLEX item type scored?
The Next Gen 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 NGN item type is scored. The current exam features 13 unique NGN item types in addition to the previous 5 item types used on the old NCLEX.
| +/- 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. Every three years, the NCSBN Board of Directors reevaluates the NCLEX passing standard to ensure it is aligned with current competencies. In December 2022, the board voted to uphold the current passing standard of 0.00 logits for the NCLEX-RN Examination and -0.18 logits for the NCLEX-PN through March 31, 2026. This means that while the Next Gen NCLEX has a new scoring system, the NCLEX passing standard will remain the same for the next three years.
When should I expect my NCLEX results?
You can expect to receive your Next Gen 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?
The NCSBN allows test-takers up to eight NCLEX retakes each year as long as they have applied for licensure with a participating NRB. However, you have to wait 45 days in between each attempt. Some jurisdictions may have stricter limits on repeat testing than others. As previously discussed, pass rates for first-time NCLEX test-takers have historically been higher than repeat test-takers, which is why we recommend waiting to take the NCLEX until you feel confident you can earn a passing score.
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 finish 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 Ryan Goble, Senior Content & Curriculum Manager. Ryan has collaborated with Kaplan as an NCLEX Prep instructor and currently as a content manager. He is a registered nurse with over 15 years experience, ranging from the clinical setting to exam development. He holds an MSN degree with emphasis on nursing administration and nursing education.
