The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses (RN) and practical nurses (PN) is a standardized, national test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This means the exam’s content, format, and difficulty—whether the traditional or Next-Gen NCLEX with its clinical judgment items—are identical across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. There is no “easy” state for the nursing exam itself, as the computerized adaptive testing (CAT) adjusts questions based on your performance, not location. However, when people ask about the “easiest” state, they often mean the one with the highest NCLEX pass rates, reflecting stronger nursing program preparation, or the simplest application and licensure process, especially for international or foreign-educated nurses.
Which state has the easiest nursing exam: A State-Wise Analysis
Based on the latest NCSBN data for 2024 (the most recent full-year figures available as of October 2025), the national first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates is 92.1%, up slightly from 2023. States with the highest pass rates typically boast robust nursing education systems, high admission standards, and ample clinical training opportunities. Here are the top five states for NCLEX-RN pass rates in 2024:
- South Carolina: 94.7% pass rate (2,964 first-time takers). This ranks sixth nationally and exceeds the U.S. average by over 2.5 points, thanks to state-funded faculty incentives that boost program quality.
- North Dakota: Approximately 95% pass rate (570 takers). With a projected 10.4% RN job growth through 2032, the state’s small cohorts and focused rural training contribute to success.
- Tennessee: Around 94-95% (based on consistent trends from prior years). Strong community college networks ensure hands-on prep.
- Delaware: 93-94% (high performer in Mid-Atlantic region).
- Florida: 92-93% (large volume of 20,000+ takers, but solid due to diverse programs).
For NCLEX-PN, South Carolina leads again at 97.1% (651 takers), 9 points above the national 88.4%. These rates signal effective preparation, not an easier exam—states like California or New York often have lower rates (around 90-91%) due to higher applicant volumes and urban competition.
Which state has the easiest nursing exam: A Procedure-Wise Analysis
For foreign-educated nurses, “easiest” shifts to application hurdles. The NCLEX can be taken anywhere, but states like New York, Connecticut, and Montana streamline processes: no Social Security Number (SSN) required, no English proficiency tests (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS) for licensure, and faster processing (6-7 months in NY). New York is particularly foreigner-friendly with no fingerprinting or jurisprudence exam, plus low fees. Pennsylvania and Nevada also rank high for quick endorsements and high nurse demand in areas like Las Vegas.
Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), now in 41 states (including recent additions like Pennsylvania in 2025 implementation), passing in one compact state allows multistate practice. This makes “easy” states like Montana (simple apps) ideal for broad mobility.
To boost your odds: Choose accredited programs (e.g., BSN over ADN for 5-10% higher passes), use NCSBN practice exams, and target high-rate states for education. Check your state’s Board of Nursing for updates, as standards evolve every three years.
Official Resources:
- NCSBN.org for pass rates and exam details.
- NurseCompact.com for NLC info.