[Chart: NCLEX First-Time Pass Rates 2020–2026 Trend Line]
What Happened to Pass Rates in 2023?
The introduction of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) in April 2023 changed the exam fundamentally. New question types — case studies, bow-tie questions, enhanced hot spots — require clinical judgment, not just knowledge recall.
Many candidates who prepared with older study materials found the new format unexpected. Pass rates dipped industry-wide as the market adapted. The candidates who passed were those who prepared specifically for clinical reasoning and NGN item types.
What the Data Actually Shows
What This Means for You in 2026
The market has adapted. NGN-specific study materials are now widely available. The candidates who prepare with NGN-aligned content, specifically clinical judgment and case study questions, are achieving strong pass rates. The gap between those who prepare well and those who do not has widened.
🎯 The Takeaway
Do not use pre-2023 study materials as your primary resource. Ensure your question bank includes NGN item types. Our course is built entirely for the 2026 NGN format.
Read our complete NGN guide → | See all 6 NGN question types →