NCLEX exam pass rates rise with NextGen test

A greater number of registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses passed the Next Generation National Council Licensure Examination, compared with the prior exam. More than 95% of baccalaureate degree nurses passed the test from April 1 to June 30, compared with 83% of baccalaureate degree nurses who took the older test. Similarly, 93% of associate degree nurses passed the next generation test compared with 79% of associate degree nurses who took the older test. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which administers the test, attributed the jump in scores to a “reflection of how well the enhanced test mirrors actual nursing practice.” The next generation test went into effect on April 1. (NCSBN news release; 8/3/23)