NCLEX-RN for International Nurses: Pass Rates, Prep Strategy, and the Data Recruiters Won't Show You
The NCLEX-RN is the national nursing licensing exam administered by NCSBN. Since April 2023, it uses the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format. In 2024, Filipino nurses passed at 51.7% on their first attempt compared to 91.16% for US-educated nurses. The 39-point gap is closeable with NGN-specific preparation.
2024 NCLEX First-Time Pass Rates by Country
NCSBN publishes annual statistics for all NCLEX takers. The 2024 data covers 42,954 internationally educated nurses. Here is where each major source country stands.
All internationally educated nurses combined: 53.81% (42,954 takers). The US-educated baseline is 91.16%. That is a 37-point aggregate gap that has persisted year over year.
Source: NCSBN 2024 Annual Report on NCLEX Examination Statistics. See the full interactive chart by country.
Why the Gap Exists
Philippine nurses are fully trained clinicians graduating from rigorous nursing programs. The gap reflects test format and preparation access, not clinical ability.
1. The NGN format changed in April 2023
NCSBN replaced the old NCLEX format with the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), which uses six new question types built around the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. These items test clinical reasoning and decision-making, not rote knowledge recall. Any prep materials purchased before mid-2023 were built for a different exam.
2. Computer adaptive testing requires its own strategy
The exam difficulty adjusts after each answer. A string of correct answers raises difficulty; incorrect answers lower it. The exam stops when the software reaches 95% confidence in the outcome. Understanding this changes how you approach each question and manage test anxiety. It is a separate skill from clinical knowledge.
3. NGN prep materials were initially US-centric
When NGN launched in 2023, the major prep companies (Kaplan, UWorld, Hurst) updated their US-facing products first. International-facing prep materials and coaching followed months later. Nurses who tested in 2023 or early 2024 with pre-NGN materials faced the new format unprepared.
What Changed in April 2023: The NGN Format
The Next Generation NCLEX introduced six item types that did not exist in the previous format. If your prep course does not explicitly list NGN coverage, it may be outdated.
| New NGN Item Type | What it tests |
|---|---|
| Extended Multiple Response | Select all correct options with partial credit scoring |
| Extended Drag and Drop | Arrange or match clinical information into categories |
| Cloze (Drop-Down) | Fill in clinical sentences by selecting from dropdown menus |
| Enhanced Hot Spot | Identify relevant findings in a clinical document or chart |
| Matrix Grid | Evaluate multiple patient conditions or interventions in a grid |
| Trend Items | Interpret clinical changes over time from sequential data |
Before buying any prep course
Verify that the course lists all six NGN item types explicitly. A generic mention of "updated content" is not enough. Ask the vendor directly which NGN item types are covered in their question bank.
NCLEX Registration Fees
Fees are set by NCSBN and Pearson VUE. They do not vary by state.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCSBN registration | $200 | Required for all candidates |
| International testing surcharge | $150 | Only if testing outside the US |
| Total (domestic testing) | $200 | Testing at a US Pearson VUE site |
| Total (international testing) | $350 | Testing outside the US |
Source: NCSBN fee schedule 2026.
NCLEX Prep Course Comparison
All four courses below cover the NGN format. The differences are in question bank size, content depth, guarantee terms, and price.
| Course | Price Range | NGN-built? | Pass Guarantee? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaplan NCLEX-RN | $299-$449 | Yes | Conditional | International nurses; structured approach with guarantee |
| UWorld NCLEX-RN | $329-$449 | Yes | No | Question bank depth; strong answer rationales |
| Archer Review | $99-$199 | Yes | No | Budget option; best used as a supplement |
| Hurst Review | $349 | Yes | Conditional | Nurses who need deep content review before questions |
Prices as of June 2026. Verify current pricing directly with each vendor.
Study Strategy for the NGN
Filipino nurses who pass on the first attempt typically study 8-12 weeks with a structured course, averaging 4-6 hours per day. These six steps separate effective prep from time spent going through the motions.
- 1
Use only NGN-updated materials
Verify that your course explicitly covers all six NGN item types before starting. A question bank built pre-2023 will not reflect the current exam structure.
- 2
Start practice questions from day one
Do not wait until you have finished content review. Starting questions early builds clinical judgment and shows you which content areas need more attention.
- 3
Read rationales for correct answers too
Most nurses only read rationales when they get a question wrong. Reading why the correct answer is correct builds reasoning patterns faster.
- 4
Learn the adaptive testing format
Each correct answer raises the next question's difficulty. Each incorrect answer lowers it. The exam is not designed to trick you. Knowing the mechanics reduces test anxiety and improves pacing.
- 5
Study 60-90 days at 4-6 hours daily
Shorter timelines produce lower pass rates for internationally educated nurses. The 8-12 week range is well-documented in pass-rate data from coaching programs.
- 6
Use a structured course, not self-directed YouTube prep
Free content covers basic knowledge but does not replicate the adaptive testing environment or provide the clinical judgment case studies that NGN requires.
What the Exam Looks Like on Test Day
The exam stops when the software has 95% confidence in the pass or fail decision. You will not know how many questions you answered correctly. The exam does not display a score during testing.
Results are delivered through Pearson VUE within two business days. Most candidates see results sooner. The quick results service ($8) provides unofficial results within 48 hours for candidates testing in eligible jurisdictions.
Getting more questions is not a bad sign. The exam continues when confidence is below 95%, regardless of how you are performing.
Related Steps in the Process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Filipino nurses?
51.7% on the first attempt in 2024, across 28,112 takers. That is down from pre-NGN rates. The US-educated first-time pass rate for the same year was 91.16%. Source: NCSBN 2024 Annual Report.
How hard is NCLEX for international nurses?
Harder than for US-educated nurses. The 39-point gap between Filipino and US-educated first-time pass rates is real and has persisted across multiple years. It is driven by format familiarity and prep material access, not clinical competence. Nurses who prepare specifically for the NGN format close much of that gap.
What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?
The NGN is the current NCLEX format, launched in April 2023. It replaced the previous multiple-choice format with six new item types built around the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. Items test reasoning through patient scenarios, not isolated factual recall. Any prep materials from before mid-2023 may not cover the current format.
How long should I study for NCLEX?
8-12 weeks with a structured course is the range reported by coaching programs tracking internationally educated nurses who passed on the first attempt. Plan for 4-6 hours of focused study daily. Cramming into 4-6 weeks produces lower pass rates in this group.
Do I need to take NCLEX in the Philippines or in the US?
You can test at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. If you test outside the US, NCSBN adds a $150 international surcharge, bringing total registration to $350 instead of $200. Testing in the Philippines before your US visa is approved is an option many nurses use to complete this step early in the process.
Ready to choose a prep course?
Side-by-side breakdown of Kaplan, UWorld, Archer, and Hurst with NGN coverage details and price history.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: NCSBN 2024 Annual Report on NCLEX Examination Statistics; NCSBN fee schedule 2026.