States with the Highest NCLEX Pass Rates
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire leads the nation with a 96.5% NCLEX pass rate, followed by North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
- Nationally, 91.2% of test-takers passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt.
- BSN graduates consistently outscore associate degree holders on the NCLEX, reinforcing the value of a four-year nursing degree.
Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Exam, better known as the NCLEX, to qualify for licensure. A high rate indicates that the state’s nursing schools prepare graduates for licensure and nursing careers. Our guide breaks down NCLEX pass rates and salary data by state.
What Is the NCLEX Exam?
The NCLEX exam is a standardized test that evaluates nursing school graduates’ clinical judgment and nursing skills. Prospective nurses must pass the NCLEX to receive a nursing license from their state board of nursing.
This critical nursing licensure exam has two formats: the NCLEX-PN for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses (RNs).
Passing the NCLEX is not easy. Both versions of the exam test candidates in four areas: safe and effective care environment; health promotion and maintenance; psychosocial integrity; and physiological integrity.
Nationally, 91.2% of test-takers passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). However, some states boast much higher first-time NCLEX pass rates.
Top 5 States with the Highest NCLEX Pass Rates
More than 186,000 test-takers attempted the NCLEX-RN for the first time in 2024. While nursing programs need to reach an 80% pass rate to maintain accreditation, some states stand out when it comes to passing scores on the exam.
In all five states on this list, graduates with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) report a higher pass rate than those with an associate degree in nursing (ADN). These states also benefit from above-average demand for RNs, making them great states to become a nurse.
1. New Hampshire
- NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 96.5%
- RN-Associate Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 95.2%
- RN-Bachelor Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 97.8%
- Total Number of Candidates (2024): 836
New Hampshire has the highest NCLEX pass rate average in the U.S., exceeding the national average by more than five percentage points. In fact, New Hampshire has achieved the highest overall NCLEX pass rate every year since 2018.
RNs in the Granite State benefit from a strong job outlook. The median annual salary for New Hampshire RNs is $94,620, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And nursing jobs are projected to grow 6.6% from 2022 to 2032, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.
2. North Dakota
- NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 96.4%
- RN-Associate Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 94.9%
- RN-Bachelor Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 97.0%
- Total Number of Candidates (2024): 591
North Dakota has the second-highest NCLEX pass rate in the country. In addition to its strong pass rate, North Dakota reports a high demand for nurses. The number of RN jobs in the state is projected to grow 10.4% from 2022 to 2032.
In 2024, 570 candidates passed the NCLEX-RN exam in North Dakota, yet 770 RN job openings are projected annually. The gap between newly licensed RNs and job openings means many opportunities for North Dakota RNs, who earn an average salary of $81,900 per year.
3. Nebraska
- NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 95.1%
- RN-Associate Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 93.4%
- RN-Bachelor Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 95.5%
- Total Number of Candidates (2024): 1,153
Nebraska has one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the country, exceeding 95% for first-time test takers and BSN graduates. RN jobs in the state are projected to grow 7.7% from 2022 to 2032. According to the Nebraska Center for Nursing, 12 of the state’s counties have one or fewer RNs, and the state offers competitive salaries for rural nursing jobs.
The Cornhusker State also reports strong salaries for RNs. Nebraska’s average RN salary is $82,890. RNs can also take advantage of the Nebraska Nurses Association, which offers networking opportunities, a job board, and continuing education resources.
4. Tennessee
- NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 94.9%
- RN-Associate Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 93.0%
- RN-Bachelor Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 96.8%
- Total Number of Candidates (2024): 3,866
Among the top five states with the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates, Tennessee also has the strongest forecasted job growth. RN jobs in the state are projected to grow 12.8% from 2022 to 2032, more than double the national job growth.
This equates to 4,200 RN job openings annually, higher than the number of first-time NCLEX test-takers. The state’s employers include world-class health facilities like the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, which performed more transplants than any other transplant center in the world in 2024.
Tennessee nurses also earn an average pay of over $82,000 in a state with a low cost of living.
5. Wyoming
- NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 94.9%
- RN-Associate Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 94.3%
- RN-Bachelor Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 98.1%
- Total Number of Candidates (2024): 326
Although Wyoming has fewer test-takers than many other states, it boasts a high NCLEX pass rate. Wyoming’s BSN-prepared nurses have the highest NCLEX pass rate of any state, at over 98%.
Wyoming nurses benefit from above-average demand and strong salaries. The number of RN jobs in the state is projected to grow 11.9% from 2022 to 2032, and RNs earn an average pay of $88,020. Wyoming is also a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, making it easier for out-of-state nurses to work in the Cowboy State.
Complete List of Average NCLEX Pass Rates by State
While the national NCLEX pass rate is 92.1% for RNs in 2024, pass rates vary by state. A high NCLEX pass rate often indicates that the state’s nursing programs provide a strong preparation for RNs. Nursing accreditation agencies and regulatory bodies use pass rates as a key performance measurement.
The table lists each state’s NCLEX-RN pass rate and average RN salary. Pass rates not only vary by state, but also by nursing programs within a state. Several factors contribute to salary differences across states, including projected demand, cost of living, and employment settings.
Average NCLEX Pass Rates by State (2024)
| State⇅ | Average NCLEX Pass Rate⇅ | Average RN Salary⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 93.4 | $74,970 |
| Alaska | 91.6 | $112,040 |
| Arizona | 93.8 | $95,230 |
| Arkansas | 91.1 | $77,720 |
| California | 92.7 | $148,330 |
| Colorado | 93.4 | $95,470 |
| Connecticut | 91.7 | $103,670 |
| Delaware | 93.3 | $95,450 |
| District of Columbia | 90.5 | $109,240 |
| Florida | 84.9 | $88,200 |
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