NCLEX-RN Study Guide
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: What the Numbers Really Mean
By the NCLEX Up Team
6 min read · Reviewed for accuracy · Updated June 9, 2026
One of the first things candidates look up is the NCLEX pass rate. The headline number is reassuring on its own — but it hides the thing that matters most: the gap between first-time and repeat takers.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate?
In recent years, first-time pass rates for US-educated RN candidates have generally sat in the mid-to-high 80% range. Internationally-educated candidates and repeat takers pass at noticeably lower rates. The NCSBN publishes official pass-rate statistics every quarter — check their site for the current numbers.
| Group | Typical first-time pass rate (recent years) |
|---|---|
| US-educated RN candidates | ~85–88% |
| Internationally-educated RN candidates | ~45–55% |
| Repeat takers | Substantially lower (~40–50%) |
These are approximate ranges from recent reporting, not guarantees. The NCSBN publishes the official quarterly figures — use these as context, not a target.
Why the first attempt matters most
The steep drop-off is between first-time and repeat takers. Passing on your first try is far more likely than passing on a retake — so the smartest strategy is to make your first attempt count rather than treating it as a practice run.
Why do people fail the NCLEX?
- They scheduled the exam before they were actually ready.
- They studied by re-reading notes instead of practicing questions.
- They were weak in one or two content areas they avoided.
- They never practiced under timed, mixed, full-length conditions.
- They struggled with the question style — SATA, prioritization, NGN case studies — more than the content itself.
How to be in the group that passes
- 1Study while your content is fresh — soon after graduation.
- 2Practice questions across ALL content areas, not just your strong ones.
- 3Review the rationale for every question, right or wrong.
- 4Track your accuracy per topic and drill your weakest area until it's solid.
- 5Take full, timed, mixed practice exams before you schedule the real thing.
Track your readiness across every content area
Get the NCLEX Pass Pack — $44.99 →One-time · 30-day money-back guarantee
This article is for study purposes only and is not medical advice. NCLEX Up is not affiliated with the NCSBN or the NCLEX. Always verify exam details with the official NCSBN candidate bulletin and confirm clinical values with your nursing program.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time takers?
In recent years it has generally been in the mid-to-high 80% range for US-educated candidates. The NCSBN publishes official quarterly statistics — check their site for current figures.
What happens if you fail the NCLEX?
You can retake it after a waiting period (commonly 45 days) by re-registering and paying the fee again. Repeat pass rates are lower, so use the time to target the areas that tripped you up. Confirm retake rules on the NCSBN site.