Multiple steps must be completed before a nurse can safely enter the profession. These steps typically include:
- Graduating from a recognized nursing program,
- Meeting the specific requirements of the state board of nursing, and
- Passing the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX examination for registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs).
Because passing the NCLEX is usually the final step in the nurse licensure process, the number of people passing the NCLEX (“pass rate”) is a good indicator of how many new nurses are entering the profession in the U.S.
These tables provide the most recent data on the NCLEX testing volume and the associated pass rate.
