NCLEX Pass Rates Are Dropping — Here’s How to Beat the Trend in 2025

The numbers are in from NCLEX test takers who tested between January to March of 2025, and they’re not encouraging.  

According to the latest data from the NCSBN, NCLEX-RN pass rates have dropped significantly in Q1 of 2025 from Q1 of 2024, affecting first-time test-takers, repeat testers, and especially internationally educated nurses.

2025 NCLEX Pass Rate Stats

First-time U.S.-educated test-takers: 

• 2024: 94.15% 

• 2025: 88.37% 

• Down 5.78 percentage points 

Internationally educated test-takers: 

• 2024: 58.77% 

• 2025: 46.55% 

• Down 12.22 percentage points 

Repeat international candidates: 

• 2024: 44.05% 

• 2025: 30.15% 
• Down 13.90 percentage points 

What’s Causing the Decline in NCLEX Pass Rates in 2025?

These drops reflect a larger challenge: many students are struggling to adapt to the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format, which demands higher-level clinical judgment, prioritization, and decision-making skills. With so many question types, it can be intimidating to feel completely prepared for the exam.

Even though this report can feel discouraging, it doesn’t mean your chances have to drop with these numbers!

The Solution? Sure PASS by Archer Review.

Students using Archer Review’s Sure PASS program are seeing extraordinary success with pass rates approaching 99%.

Why? Because we designed Sure PASS specifically for the Next Generation NCLEX.

What’s Inside: 

• 3,000+ high-yield NCLEX practice questions 

• 65 NGN-style unfolding case studies 

• 175+ standalone NGN items 

• 500+ SATA questions 

• 3-day Live NCLEX Review
• Monday-Friday live lectures and NGN case studies with NCLEX experts

• Fully structured study plans to keep you on track 

Whether you’re testing for the first time or trying again, Sure PASS gives you the clarity, content, and confidence to pass and takes the guesswork out of studying.

Don’t Leave NCLEX Success to Chance

The latest 2025 NCLEX pass rate data shows that guessing your way through NCLEX prep won’t cut it anymore. If you’re serious about passing, the first time or the next time, you need an NCLEX prep program that’s just as serious.

Still not sure if Sure PASS is right for you? 

While using just a Qbank can work for some students, we find that those scoring low or borderline on our readiness exams need the extra push to ensure they pass the NCLEX the first time around or on their next attempt.

Learn more and enroll in Sure PASS today to get Next Gen NCLEX-ready!

And remember: your journey to becoming a nurse is about more than just passing an exam; it’s about rising to your potential. Challenges like the Next Gen NCLEX are tough, but so are you.

You've made it this far, and that determination, resilience, and heart are what truly set you apart. You are capable. You are prepared. And with the right tools and support, you will succeed. This is your moment, own it, and let’s pass this test together.