You might have seen the headlines: the NCLEX pass rate is dropping in 2025. And if this has you feeling a little anxious, you’re not alone! After all, the only thing standing between you and becoming a real-deal RN is this one test. So what’s going on, and more importantly, what can you do to make sure you’re still walking out with a pass on the first try?
Let’s dig into what’s driving the change in pass rates, how this affects you, and how to study smarter (not harder) to meet the moment with confidence!
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So, what are the numbers?
Between 2018-2024, the average NCLEX pass rate was 86.58%. In 2024, we saw a high point, with a pass rate of 92.10% (NCSBN). This was the highest rate in over a decade and the first full year of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)!
But in 2025, the numbers are trending back down, with the current pass rate sitting at 88%.
That’s still solid overall, but it does mark a noticeable drop. And it raises the question: why the dip?
Why is the NCLEX pass rate decreasing in 2025?
Some educators believe 2024 success gave future test takers a false sense of security. The NGN format might look more intuitive, but it demands a deeper level of clinical judgement and critical thinking. Like we’ve seen with other major board exams, perceived “easier” formats can sometimes lead to lighter prep—and that can come back to bite.
The bottom line is that NCLEX is still a high-stakes, pass-or-fail test. You don’t need to panic, but you do need a smart, structured game plan. To get there, it helps to understand what’s influencing these pass rate trends. Let’s break down what’s changed, and how to make sure you’re ready.
What impacts the NCLEX pass rate?
1. The NGN and a new scoring system
With the introduction of the NGN in April 2023, a new scoring system was implemented. The NGN has moved away from the “recall and application” multiple-choice style questions in favor of questions that focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment. These changes were added to more accurately represent the types of scenarios real life nurses may encounter.
Additionally, various question formats have also been introduced, including hot spots (highlighting correct answers), drag and drop options, drop-down tables, and multiple response matrices.
💡 Check out this blog post for a detailed explanation (videos included) of the new NGN question formats!
Partial Credit
With these new question formats, changes to the scoring system have taken place. While questions were previously scored as purely right or wrong, partial credit is now available. For example, with the previous version of the NCLEX, select all that apply questions types required all correct answers and no incorrect answers be selected in order to receive a point.
Now with the NGN, select all that apply questions can now be scored using the +/- scoring model. This model adds one point for each correct answer and subtracts a point for each incorrect answer. This allows for incorrect answers to be selected while still maintaining the opportunity to earn points- great news! However, we still want to be successful with these new question types, so it is still so important to study!
0/1 Scoring
Another scoring model now used is the 0/1 scoring method which gives 1 point for a correct answer and 0 points for an incorrect answer. Additionally, with a focus now on critical thinking and clinical judgment abilities, the NGN uses rationale scoring when faced with question formats that require knowledge of the correct action and justification for choosing that action.
For these question types, both answers need to be correct to receive a point. This is why studying and understanding how to apply what you learn is crucial to being successful on the exam.
So, while the NGN offers great opportunities with a new partial credit scoring system, you still need to be highly prepared and able to critically think!
Check out Blueprint’s study resources for access to all the information you need to know AND how to apply that information on the NGN. 🧠
2. Repeat test-taking
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the pass rate for first-time NCLEX takers in 2024 was almost double that of second-time test takers (i.e., 92% for 1st time baccalaureate prepared nurses versus 52% for US-educated repeat test takers). This statistic holds true when looking at pass rates from 2018-2024.
💡 In other words, the pass rate of second-time test takers has remained fairly low compared to first-time test takers before and after the implementation of the NGN NCLEX.
Knowing this, you should continue to thoroughly prepare for the NCLEX to make sure you pass on the first attempt. Not only do you have a more favorable statistical chance of passing on the first time, but it also helps mitigate additional anxiety, extra fees, and waiting time associated with retaking the test.
How do I pass the NCLEX the first time around?
1) Use an organized study platform.
If you’re wondering how to pass the NCLEX the first time you take it, one thing we’d like to say right off the bat is you’ll want to avoid just doing it all yourself (aka, “DIY’ing” your exam prep).
This is where study platforms like Blueprint Nursing, can be your best friend. Trying to decipher all the information that needs to be studied, how much to study each day, while predicting the amount of time you’ll need to prepare for the exam can be overwhelming. I’m sweating just thinking about it, and I took my NCLEX seven years ago!
Tried-and-true resources, like the ones offered by Blueprint, supply all the information you need, and you won’t stress about whether you’re studying efficiently.
Additionally, Blueprint’s test preparation courses are proven to work with a 99.7% pass rate on board exams. Having a reliable resource like Blueprint will make you confident you know how to pass the NCLEX the first time and you’ll go into the exam feeling ready!
As of April 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is the gold standard. With an increased emphasis on critical thinking and more interactive questions that measure clinical judgment, it can be challenging to properly prepare for these new question types. Luckily, Blueprint has studied these changes and offers resources that are up-to-date with the NGN so you can be confident that you know how to pass the NCLEX the first time you take it.
2) Have a reliable study plan.
If you want to know how to pass the NCLEX the first time, another key thing to do is have a well-mapped-out and organized study plan. A successful study plan will give you enough time to prepare without feeling rushed and burned out. With Blueprint’s study resources, a full study plan is included so you know exactly what, when, and how long to study for each day.
A well-planned study schedule should be realistic and recognize that exam and test-preparation anxiety is REAL. That means a study plan should include days off to recuperate and relax. And limiting the number of hours spent studying each day is crucial to ensure you retain information and don’t want to quit before you’ve even started!
3) Give yourself enough time to prepare.
There’s nothing worse than feeling overwhelmed and underprepared for a test, especially one as important as the NCLEX. Give yourself enough time to thoroughly prepare for the exam and avoid late-night cram sessions that cause exhaustion and stress.
We recommend allotting 2-3 months for exam prep. However, if you need more days off or extra preparation time, it’s OK to schedule the exam a little further out. The most important thing is ensuring you feel prepared to enter the exam confidently and with a good mindset. This will set you up wonderfully to pass on the first try!
4) Have an anxiety-intervention plan.
For some people, knowing how to pass the NCLEX the first time can come down to knowing how to manage exam anxiety. As mentioned before, test anxiety is REAL! Even if you’re overly prepared (if that’s even a thing), anxiety leading up to and on test day can interfere with your ability to perform your best.
It’s crucial to have an anxiety-intervention plan and work on reducing exam anxiety when you start studying for the NCLEX. In fact, it should be part of your overall study plan. If you’re new to anxiety-reducing strategies, ask yourself what gives you energy and helps you relax? This can include practicing deep breathing, making time for exercise each day, and ensuring you properly hydrate and eat. Just like we tell our clients to!
Another helpful intervention is to practice focusing on the day-to-day. Focusing on each day individually, rather than letting your mind wander to the next month of studying, can help ease stress and anxiety. Recognize that some days, we just need a mental break to decompress. Use the scheduled time in your study plan to do things that give you energy! For me, that’s being outdoors. For others it could be binging your favorite show, hanging with friends, or scrolling through TikTok. Reducing anxiety is different for everyone, but start paying attention to what works for you.
5) Keep this advice in mind!
Some additional tips on how to pass the NCLEX the first time include:
Practice tests, practice tests, practice tests!
Keep running through those practice questions and practice tests. (Blueprint’s Live Study Group and Comprehensive Self-Prep Package includes access to our 2,000+ NCLEX-style questions designed to help you practice!)
Try not to compare yourself to others.
While it’s great to have a supportive group while you study, recognize that everyone learns at different paces and in different ways.
Don’t forget about your go-to study method!
What got you through nursing school? Did you use flashcards? Rhymes? Write things out? Keep doing what works for you.
Be confident in your knowledge.
You’re completing nursing school! You have the knowledge you need to pass this exam.
Eat well, sleep well, and hydrate.
Give your body and brain the advantage it deserves.
Key Takeaways
- With a declining NCLEX pass rate in 2025, it’s more crucial than ever to take the exam seriously, despite previously high pass rates!
- Even with the new partial credit scoring system, you still need to know how to apply the information you’ve learned.
- It’s better to over prepare to make sure you pass on the first try, rather than having to take it again…and the statistics prove it!
Have more questions about the NGN and how to properly prepare? Let us be your study buddy! Here are some recommended resources to help you get started on your studying journey:
