| State | 1st-Time Pass Rate | Test Takers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 91% | 1,840 | 1 |
| Montana | 90% | 580 | 2 |
| Idaho | 89% | 1,120 | 3 |
| Wyoming | 89% | 410 | 4 |
| South Dakota | 88% | 890 | 5 |
| North Dakota | 88% | 720 | 6 |
| Minnesota | 87% | 4,200 | 7 |
| Wisconsin | 87% | 3,890 | 8 |
| Iowa | 86% | 2,310 | 9 |
| Nebraska | 86% | 1,740 | 10 |
| Kansas | 85% | 2,080 | 11 |
| Colorado | 85% | 3,640 | 12 |
| Oregon | 84% | 2,990 | 13 |
| Washington | 84% | 5,210 | 14 |
| Arizona | 83% | 5,480 | 15 |
| Tennessee | 83% | 5,670 | 16 |
| Virginia | 83% | 6,120 | 17 |
| North Carolina | 82% | 7,340 | 18 |
| Ohio | 82% | 9,680 | 19 |
| Indiana | 82% | 4,870 | 20 |
| Michigan | 81% | 7,120 | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | 81% | 9,340 | 22 |
| Illinois | 81% | 8,670 | 23 |
| Missouri | 81% | 4,210 | 24 |
| Georgia | 80% | 8,340 | 25 |
| Texas | 80% | 18,760 | 26 |
| Florida | 79% | 17,940 | 27 |
| New York | 79% | 15,890 | 28 |
| California | 78% | 21,340 | 29 |
| New Jersey | 78% | 7,560 | 30 |
| Maryland | 78% | 5,430 | 31 |
| South Carolina | 77% | 4,120 | 32 |
| Alabama | 77% | 4,340 | 33 |
| Mississippi | 76% | 2,870 | 34 |
| Louisiana | 76% | 3,450 | 35 |
| Nevada | 75% | 2,890 | 36 |
| New Mexico | 75% | 1,340 | 37 |
| Hawaii | 74% | 1,120 | 38 |
| Alaska | 73% | 390 | 39 |
| Puerto Rico | 62% | 3,210 | 40 |
Data represents first-time NCLEX-RN taker pass rates. Figures are approximate based on NCSBN summaries and state board annual reports. Pass rates fluctuate year-over-year; verify with your state board for current official data.
Why State Pass Rates Vary So Much
The 20+ percentage-point spread between top and bottom states reflects several structural factors. States with higher pass rates tend to have: (1) stricter nursing program accreditation requirements and more selective admission standards; (2) higher NCLEX prep investment by nursing schools (dedicated HESI/ATI review courses); (3) lower proportion of for-profit nursing programs, which historically underperform; (4) lower test-taker volume allowing for more individualized preparation. High-volume states like California, Texas, and Florida have more variable program quality due to the sheer number of accredited programs.
The NGN Transition and Its Impact on Pass Rates
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) launched in April 2023 introduced clinical judgment measurement tools (case studies, bowtie questions, trend items) that significantly changed the exam's character. The immediate effect: first-time pass rates dropped approximately 3–5 percentage points nationally in the first cohort post-transition, before recovering as test-prep materials and nursing curricula adapted. Students taking the exam in 2024 and beyond should prioritize clinical reasoning skill-building alongside knowledge acquisition — the NGN rewards applying knowledge to novel clinical scenarios, not rote memorization.
What to Do If Your State Has a Lower Pass Rate
A lower state pass rate does not mean individual failure is inevitable — it indicates your preparation environment may require more self-directed effort. Key compensating strategies: (1) complete at least one full HESI or ATI predictor exam before your NCLEX date; (2) use UWorld NCLEX QBank (consistently the highest-rated NCLEX prep resource) for 2,000+ practice questions; (3) focus on clinical judgment questions and case studies, as the NGN emphasizes these heavily; (4) use Progress Note for daily high-yield review to reinforce pharmacology, priority questions, and lab value interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current NCLEX-RN pass rate?
The overall US first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023 was approximately 78%, down from 82% in 2022 — reflecting the transition to the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format which launched in April 2023. Pass rates typically recover within 1–2 years as students and programs adapt to new exam formats. Historical rates have ranged from 80–88% over the past decade.
Which states have the highest NCLEX pass rates?
States with consistently high NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates include Utah (91%), Montana (90%), Idaho (89%), and Wyoming (89%). These states tend to have fewer but higher-quality nursing programs, stricter admission standards, and strong clinical training infrastructure. The correlation between program selectivity and NCLEX pass rates is well-documented in nursing education research.
How many times can you take the NCLEX?
As of 2023, NCSBN allows candidates to retake the NCLEX up to 8 times per year (increased from the previous limit), with a minimum 45-day waiting period between attempts. Most states follow NCSBN guidelines, but a few states impose additional restrictions — check your state board's specific rules. If you fail the first attempt, a targeted remediation plan focusing on your weak areas (identified in the NCLEX Candidate Performance Report) significantly improves second-attempt pass rates.
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