NCSBN reported an 86.7% pass rate for first-time, U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates in 2025. This is a dated group statistic, not a complete 2026 result or a prediction of your individual outcome.
The published figures and their scope
The 2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics, published in June 2026, reports the following NCLEX-RN results for U.S. licensure from January through December 2025:
- First-time, U.S.-educated candidates: 86.7%.
- Repeat, U.S.-educated candidates: 52.7%.
- First-time, internationally educated candidates: 47.3%.
These groups differ in preparation, education and testing history. Their results do not prove that a particular prep product caused a pass or fail. For newer quarterly figures, consult the NCSBN pass-rate dashboard and identify the year, exam and candidate group before making a comparison.
What changed in the 2026 test plan?
The 2026 plan retained the NGN format and client-needs percentage ranges. It renamed the safety category and updated activity statements. These facts do not establish that the update caused a pass-rate change. See our 2026 test-plan guide.
Use pass rates as context for your preparation
A national percentage cannot tell you whether you personally are ready. Review your performance across client-needs categories, the rationales for missed answers and your ability to explain a clinical decision. Practice both standalone items and unfolding cases.
Read program and product claims carefully
Ask which candidate group is counted, how many learners are included, which year the results cover and whether unsuccessful learners were excluded. Small cohorts can show large percentage swings. A product pass-rate claim needs evidence specific to that product.
If you need to retake
Use your Candidate Performance Report to identify areas needing attention. Review the retake guide and plan study sessions that allow time for rationale review. A group repeat-taker percentage does not determine your next result.
Exam length does not reveal the result
The current NCLEX-RN contains 85–150 items. The number of items alone does not determine whether you passed. Consult the official NCLEX FAQs for the adaptive testing rules.
Common questions
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2026?
This article cites NCSBN’s full-year 2025 rate: 86.7% for first-time, U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates. It does not label that figure as a 2026 result. Consult the NCSBN dashboard for available figures by year, exam and candidate group.
Did the April 2026 NCLEX test plan changes affect pass rates?
The 2026 plan retained the NGN format and category percentages. Those facts do not demonstrate a causal effect on pass rates. Any claim about a change needs comparable dated data and supporting analysis.
Why is the NCLEX repeat pass rate so much lower than the first-time rate?
NCSBN reported 52.7% for U.S.-educated repeat RN candidates and 86.7% for first-time candidates in 2025. These groups differ in testing history and preparation; aggregate rates alone do not explain the difference or predict an individual retake result. Use the Candidate Performance Report to guide remediation.
How many practice questions should I do to pass the NCLEX?
This article does not establish a practice-volume threshold that guarantees passing. Plan consistent sessions with rationale review, cover the client-needs categories and adjust practice to your weak areas and available time.
Plan your next practice session
Try 20 free NCLEX-style questions, review our study tips, or see $29 one-time for 30 days of access. Practice results identify study gaps; they are not an official pass prediction.
For a daily structure, use our 30-day NCLEX study plan. Our guide to why people fail the NCLEX offers additional preparation questions to consider.