NCSBN
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate 2026
Complete analysis of NCLEX-PN exam difficulty, pass rates, and strategies to pass on your first attempt.
Pass Rate Overview
~85%
Pass Rate
85% Pass
15% Fail
Difficulty Verdict
Relatively Accessible
Recommended Study Time
2-4 weeks
Typical Attempts
Most pass on first try
Why is the NCLEX-PN Pass Rate ~85%?
NCLEX-PN has a ~85% pass rate — higher than average for medical exams. This doesn't mean you can skip preparation. The 15% who fail typically underestimate the exam or rush their study. At $200 per attempt, failing is costly. The certification is valid for One-time (license renewal varies), so investing in solid prep pays off long-term.
Top Reasons Candidates Fail NCLEX-PN:
30%
Difficulty applying clinical knowledge to vignette-style questions
25%
Inadequate spaced repetition for the vast amount of material
18%
Weak areas in pharmacology or pathophysiology
15%
Test anxiety from high-stakes nature of the exam
12%
Not using question banks (UWorld, Amboss) effectively
How to Beat the ~85% Pass Rate
Do This for NCLEX-PN
- Similar format to NCLEX-RN
- Focus on practical nursing scope
- Saunders or ATI for review
- Study safe and effective care
Avoid This
- Passive re-reading of textbooks instead of active question practice
- Ignoring First Aid, Pathoma, or Sketchy (proven high-yield resources)
- Studying 16-hour days and burning out before exam day
- Skipping practice question banks like UWorld or Amboss
Ready to Beat the Odds?
Get our complete NCLEX-PN study guide with practice questions.
Other Exam Pass Rates
USMLE Step 1~93% (now Pass/Fail)MCATN/A (score-based)NCLEX-RN~87% (first-time)PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)~93%NAPLEX (Pharmacy Licensing Exam)~85%PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification)~70%CPC (Certified Professional Coder)~70%USMLE Step 2 CK~96%COMLEX (DO Medical Licensing)~92%