Is the NCLEX Becoming Harder to Pass in 2026?

(Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes)

Many nursing graduates are asking the same question in 2026: Is the NCLEX becoming harder to pass?

For Filipino nurses and other internationally educated nurses, this question is especially important. Passing the NCLEX is one of the biggest steps toward working as a registered nurse in the United States.

The NCLEX is not just another exam, it is the final step that determines whether a nurse is ready to provide safe and effective patient care.

In recent years, pass rates have changed due to the introduction of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). While some students found the new format easier to understand, others struggled because the exam now focuses more on clinical judgment, decision-making, and case analysis.

The good news? Thousands of nurses still pass the NCLEX every year. However, the latest data shows a consistent trend: internationally educated nurses continue to have lower pass rates compared to U.S.-educated candidates.

This article explores the latest 2026 NCLEX data, what it means, and how future nurses can better prepare.

NCLEX Pass Rate Trends (2022–2025)

Over the past few years, NCLEX pass rates have gone through noticeable changes.

One major factor was the launch of the Next Generation NCLEX in April 2023, which was designed to better measure real-world nursing skills. The exam introduced more case-based questions, prioritization scenarios, and patient-centered decision-making.

At first, pass rates improved as schools adapted and students used updated review materials. However, by 2025, pass rates began to decline again possibly because some students relied too heavily on memorization instead of applying knowledge.

• 2022 – 82%
• 2023 – 89%
• 2024 – 91%
• 2025 – 87%

For internationally educated nurses, pass rates remained lower during the same period, showing the ongoing challenge of adapting to the NGN format.

To better understand current trends, it’s helpful to compare the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates.

 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates (2026)

The NCLEX-RN has an overall pass rate of around 72.0%.

First-time U.S.-educated candidates performed strongly, with pass rates reaching 86.6%. This reflects solid preparation from nursing programs aligned with U.S. standards.

However, internationally educated nurses had a much lower pass rate of 51.6%, showing the gap in preparation and exam familiarity.

Repeat test takers, especially international candidates, had the lowest performance, with pass rates dropping to around 32%.

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates (2026)

The NCLEX-PN shows a slightly higher overall pass rate of 76.8%.

First-time U.S.-educated candidates again performed well at 85.8%, similar to RN results.

For internationally educated candidates, the pass rate drops to 48.4%, slightly lower than the RN exam.

Repeat test takers had the most difficulty, with international repeaters reaching only about 22%.

What Explains the Difference?

At first glance, the NCLEX-PN appears easier because of its higher pass rate. However, this difference reflects exam complexity and scope of practice.

The NCLEX-RN requires more advanced critical thinking, leadership, and clinical decision-making skills. Meanwhile, the NCLEX-PN focuses more on basic nursing care and routine procedures.Despite these differences, one pattern is clear across both exams:
👉 International candidates consistently have lower pass rates.

Why Are Pass Rates Lower for International Nurses?

Internationally educated nurses often face additional challenges when preparing for the NCLEX.

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Differences in nursing education systems
• Greater focus on memorization rather than application
• Limited exposure to case-based learning
• Language barriers
• Difficulty with long, complex question formats
• Less familiarity with prioritization and delegation

Many nursing programs outside the U.S. emphasize theoretical knowledge, while the NCLEX focuses on clinical judgment and patient safety.

This mismatch can make the exam feel unfamiliar even for knowledgeable nurses.

Filipino Nurses and the NCLEX

The Philippines remains one of the top sources of internationally educated nurses.

Filipino nurses are known worldwide for their skills, compassion, and dedication. However, many still find the NCLEX challenging because it differs significantly from the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination.

While local board exams often focus on content recall, the NCLEX emphasizes questions like:

• Which patient should be prioritized?
• What is the safest action?
• Which task can be delegated?
• What should the nurse do next?

To succeed, Filipino nurses need more than content review, they need to develop strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills.

What This Means for Future Nurses

The data does not mean the NCLEX is impossible to pass. Instead, it highlights one key message:

👉 Success depends on how you prepare.

Students who rely only on memorization may struggle. Those who focus on application, analysis, and test strategies tend to perform better.

To improve your chances of passing:

• Practice clinical judgment daily
• Focus on patient safety and prioritization
• Use updated NGN review materials
• Answer practice questions consistently
• Learn from rationales, not just scores

How to Improve Your Chances in 2026

Preparation is more important than ever.

Successful candidates often:

• Study 2–4 hours daily with a structured plan
• Practice 50–100 questions per day
• Focus on weak areas
• Manage stress and avoid burnout

Joining a structured review program can also make a big difference by providing guidance, updated materials, and consistent practice.

Prepare Smarter with IPASS NCLEX Review

The IPASS NCLEX Online Review is designed to help nurses strengthen their knowledge, improve their test taking strategies, and build the confidence they need to pass the NCLEX exam. With a focused review program, mentoring from experienced instructors, and a supportive learning community, many nurses have already taken a step closer to their dream of working abroad.

Now, the 21st Cycle of the IPASS NCLEX Online Review is ready to welcome new students who want to start their NCLEX preparation the right way. Whether you are planning to take the exam soon or still preparing for your NCLEX journey, this program provides the guidance and training you need to stay on track.If you are ready to begin your path toward becoming a USRN, this could be the perfect time to join the IPASS NCLEX Online Review 21st Cycle and move one step closer to achieving your goal.

IPASS 21st NCLEX Review Cycle

The IPASS NCLEX Online Review 21st Cycle provides nurses with a structured and supportive program to prepare for the Next Gen NCLEX. The course includes 316 hours of high yield NCLEX classes designed to strengthen nursing knowledge and clinical reasoning.

Students will also gain access to 2,471 Next Gen NCLEX practice questions, along with three assessment exams and two mock exams that simulate the real testing experience. These help learners track their progress and improve their test taking skills.

To support effective learning, the program includes exclusive study materials, such as the Roadmap to NCLEX eBook and downloadable handouts. Students will also receive one on one coaching with a Success Coach, helping them stay guided and focused throughout their review journey.

With its combination of expert instruction, practice tools, and personalized support, the IPASS NCLEX Online Review 21st Cycle helps nurses prepare with confidence for the Next Gen NCLEX and their future career as a US Registered Nurse (USRN).

Additional Benefits for the 21st Cycle

Students enrolled in the IPASS NCLEX Online Review 21st Cycle will also receive several exclusive benefits to strengthen their Next Gen NCLEX preparation.

These include Trending Topics Classes and High Yield Next Gen NCLEX Booster Classes, which focus on important concepts and commonly tested topics before the exam. Students will also have a study plan discussion with a Success Coach to help them stay organized and prepared.

To help reduce exam day stress, the program includes an Anxiety Management Workshop and exam orientation for Pearson VUE testing.

In addition, students will have four assessments and access to 2,471 practice questions, along with a discounted layaway option for UWorld subscriptions.

Overall, the program offers an estimated total value of Php 47,000, while students can enroll through an installment package with savings of up to Php 20,000.

Added Bonus: IPASS Next Gen NCLEX Booster Class

To further support students in the IPASS NCLEX Online Review 21st Cycle, participants will also receive access to the IPASS Next Gen NCLEX Booster Class.

This bonus includes expert led live sessions on high yield and trending NCLEX topics, helping students strengthen their knowledge before the exam. Students will also benefit from mock exams, exclusive NCLEX question banks, and downloadable study materials for better practice and review.

For added convenience, learners will have 24/7 access to class recordings, allowing them to revisit lessons anytime as they prepare for the Next Gen NCLEX.

Rise with the Next Generation of NCLEX Takers

With the global demand for nurses continuously increasing, opportunities in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom remain stronger than ever. Preparing for the NCLEX today can open doors to life changing opportunities and a rewarding international nursing career.

By joining the IPASS 21st Cycle, you are not just enrolling in a review program. You are becoming part of a community that supports, mentors, and celebrates every step of your journey toward passing the NCLEX.

Enrollment for the 21st Cycle Next Gen NCLEX Online Review is now ongoing, and slots are limited.

Take this chance to ride the wave, rise to the challenge, and start your NCLEX journey with IPASS today.

Experience the quality of our NCLEX review before you enroll. Join our FREE Trial Session for the 21st Cycle and see how IPASS helps nurses prepare with structured lectures, expert mentors, and NCLEX focused strategies.

Enroll now and begin your path toward a global nursing career.

Frequently Asked Questions about 21th Cycle NCLEX Review of IPASS

1. What is the NCLEX pass rate for IPASS passers?