The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the gateway to nursing licensure in the U.S., testing essential knowledge and critical thinking for safe practice. While most candidates succeed, a notable portion faces challenges on their first attempt. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the body that administers the exam, approximately 13-18% of first-time U.S.-educated nursing graduates fail the NCLEX-RN on their initial try. This translates to a first-time pass rate of 82-87% for U.S.-educated candidates in recent years. For the NCLEX-PN (practical nurses), the failure rate is slightly lower, around 9-12%, with pass rates hovering at 88-91%.
These figures reflect 2024-2025 data, showing a slight uptick from pandemic-era lows (e.g., 82.5% pass rate in 2021) due to improved preparation resources and the Next Gen NCLEX format’s emphasis on clinical judgment. Internationally educated nurses face steeper odds, with first-time failure rates exceeding 40%, often due to curriculum differences and language barriers. Overall, including repeats, the failure rate climbs to 20-30%, as repeat takers pass at just 40-53%.
Failing doesn’t end your nursing journey—over 80% of repeaters eventually pass with targeted remediation. Common pitfalls include test anxiety, weak critical thinking, or inadequate practice with adaptive questions. To boost success:
- Study smart: Use NCSBN-approved resources like UWorld or Kaplan for 1,000+ practice questions, focusing on high-yield topics (e.g., pharmacology, patient safety).
- Build skills: Hone clinical judgment via case studies and simulations.
- Manage stress: Practice mindfulness and simulate exam conditions.
- Retest wisely: Wait 45 days, review your diagnostic report, and consider a prep course—many programs guarantee refunds for passers.
Remember, the NCLEX is designed to ensure competency, not weed out dreamers. With persistence, that 13-18% failure stat becomes just a stepping stone. You’ve got this—your patients need skilled nurses like you.