New Study Reveals NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Declines in 19 US Jurisdictions

What the Latest Study Reveals About NCLEX-RN Performance

The Florida Center for Nursing recently released its State of Nursing Education in Florida: 2026 Report, analyzing data from 2025 and highlighting concerning trends in nursing licensure exam outcomes. According to the report, the national first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN stood at 86.71 percent. However, across all jurisdictions, 19 out of 55 fell below this benchmark. This signals a notable shift, especially when compared to the higher rates seen in previous years, such as the 91.2 percent national average for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates in 2024.

This decline underscores broader challenges in nursing education amid ongoing workforce demands. The report emphasizes Florida's position as the top state for the sheer volume of NCLEX-RN test takers in 2025, yet its performance lags behind. For nursing students, educators, and healthcare leaders, these findings prompt a closer look at preparation strategies and program effectiveness.

Understanding the NCLEX-RN: The Gateway to Registered Nursing

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a standardized, computer-adaptive test developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It assesses the competency of entry-level nurses to ensure safe practice. Unlike traditional exams, the NCLEX-RN adjusts question difficulty based on responses, typically ranging from 75 to 145 questions, and focuses on areas like safe and effective care environment, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, physiological integrity, and clinical judgment.

Since the introduction of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) in April 2023, the exam incorporates innovative item types such as case studies, drag-and-drop, and matrix questions to better evaluate clinical decision-making—a critical skill in real-world settings. Passing requires demonstrating proficiency at or above a predetermined standard, set every three years by the NCSBN Board of Directors. For context, the current passing logit for NCLEX-RN is 0.00, reflecting entry-level competence.

Aspiring registered nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program, typically an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), before eligibility. With nursing shortages persisting, high pass rates are vital for bolstering the workforce.

📊 Analyzing National and Jurisdictional Trends in Pass Rates

NCLEX-RN pass rates have fluctuated in recent years. In 2024, first-time U.S.-educated candidates achieved 91.2 percent nationally, a rebound from pandemic lows around 74 percent in 2020. However, 2025 data shows a dip to 86.71 percent, with quarterly reports indicating drops like 88.37 percent in Q1 for first-time U.S.-educated RNs, down from 94.2 percent the prior year.

These trends reflect adaptation to NGN changes. While overall rates remain strong compared to pre-pandemic levels (around 88 percent in 2019), the 2025 slowdown affects multiple candidate groups, including repeat testers and internationally educated nurses.

• 2024 National First-Time U.S.-Educated: 91.2%
• 2025 National First-Time: 86.71%
• Q1 2025 All Candidates: ~72.5%

For detailed breakdowns, the NCSBN NCLEX Pass Rates dashboard offers interactive insights by candidate type and jurisdiction.

The 19 Jurisdictions Grappling with Below-Average Rates

The 2026 report identifies 19 jurisdictions where first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates trailed the 86.71 percent national mark in 2025. While a full list isn't detailed, Florida exemplifies the issue at 81.82 percent, ranking 47th out of 50 states. It outperformed only Oklahoma (80.47%), Utah (79.12%), Alaska (77.82%), Northern Mariana Islands (77.33%), and Virgin Islands (71.43%).

Other historically lower performers, like New York (87.1% in 2024) and Illinois (87.4% in 2024), likely contributed to the count as rates softened nationally. Territories often face unique hurdles, such as limited resources. This disparity highlights regional variations in program quality, faculty expertise, and student support.

View the full State of Nursing Education 2026 Report for more context.

Florida's Unique Challenges as the Top Test-Taker State

Florida led the nation in NCLEX-RN test volume in 2025, surpassing Texas and California. Yet, its 81.82 percent pass rate places it near the bottom, continuing a trend from 84.9 percent in 2024 (last nationally). Factors include rapid program expansion to meet demand, straining faculty and clinical placements. Public programs like those in the state university system often exceed averages, showing variability.

This high volume amplifies the impact: fewer passers mean delayed workforce entry amid retirements and burnout. Florida's context—aging population, tourism-driven healthcare surges—intensifies the need for robust education pipelines.

Unpacking the Reasons Behind the Pass Rate Declines

Several interconnected factors drive the 2025 downturn. The NGN's emphasis on clinical judgment via complex scenarios challenges candidates accustomed to rote memorization. Post-COVID disruptions lingered: virtual learning reduced hands-on experience, contributing to skill gaps.

• Faculty shortages and inexperience in NGN prep
• Student burnout from rigorous programs
• Increased test-taker volume without proportional resource growth
• Exam blueprint evolutions raising difficulty
• Limited clinical rotations in high-demand areas

Nurse leaders note this as a transitional phase, not a crisis, with programs adapting through targeted remediation.

Impacts on Healthcare and the Nursing Shortage

Lower pass rates exacerbate the U.S. nursing shortage, projected to need 200,000 new RNs annually. Hospitals face prolonged onboarding, higher turnover, and reliance on travel nurses. New grads arrive less confident, straining preceptors and risking patient safety. Economically, each unfilled position costs up to $100,000 yearly in overtime and agency fees.

In affected jurisdictions, rural areas suffer most, widening access disparities. Yet, this spurs innovation in education and recruitment.

🎓 Proven Strategies to Improve NCLEX Success

Nursing programs and students can reverse trends with evidence-based approaches. Educators should integrate NGN items early—case studies, simulations, bowtie matrices—across curricula. Frequent low-stakes assessments with remediation build resilience.

• Map courses to NCLEX blueprint for alignment
• Offer test-anxiety workshops and personalized coaching
• Expand high-fidelity simulations for clinical exposure
• Invest in faculty development via NCSBN resources
• Use analytics from tools like ATI or Kaplan for predictive insights

Students: Practice 75+ NGN questions daily, review weak areas, join study groups. Programs achieving 90%+ rates prioritize these, proving actionable change works.

Future Outlook and Career Opportunities in Nursing Education

Despite challenges, nursing remains a high-demand field. The 2026 report calls for quality over quantity in program growth. Innovations like AI-driven prep and hybrid simulations promise gains. For educators and administrators eyeing roles, platforms like higher-ed jobs list faculty positions nationwide.

Prospective students, rate my professor reviews can guide program choices. Explore university jobs or higher-ed career advice for advancement. Share your experiences in the comments below—what strategies boosted your NCLEX prep? Visit higher-ed jobs for nursing faculty openings, Rate My Professor for insights, and career advice to thrive.