NCLEX Pass Rates by School (2025)

The national NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate is approximately 87.5% (NCSBN 2025). Programs consistently above 90% are considered strong performers. Programs below 80% warrant scrutiny — ask why and what the school is doing to improve.

NCLEX pass rates reflect the percentage of first-time test-takers from a program who pass the exam within a given year. Schools with fewer than 25 candidates are often excluded from published reports to protect student privacy. Multi-year averages are more reliable than single-year snapshots.

NCLEX-RN is the licensure exam for Registered Nurses (RN) — required after completing an ADN or BSN program. NCLEX-PN is the exam for Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN) — required after completing an LPN/LVN diploma or certificate program. The national NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate is 87.5%; the NCLEX-PN rate is 83.4%.

Pass rate data is sourced from state boards of nursing, which are required to publish institutional NCLEX pass rates annually. Data is compiled from the most recent available reporting year. Sources include the NCSBN annual report and individual state board publications.

Yes — use the state filter links below the table, or browse any state-specific page. Each state board of nursing publishes pass rates for programs within their jurisdiction.

Pass rates are influenced by admissions selectivity, curriculum quality, NCLEX preparation resources, student support services, and the mix of full-time vs. part-time students. Smaller programs can show high variance year-to-year due to small cohort sizes. Always look at 3–5 year averages when evaluating a school.