A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Reporting NCLEX Pass Rates by Nursing Program in the United States

Abstract

While many metrics may be used to assess the quality of U.S. prelicensure nursing programs, one commonly accepted metric is the student pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). NCLEX pass rates are increasingly being used in research projects, and it is critical to have consistent and complete data for such projects. These data are also important to the public for informed decision-making. In the age of open science and data sharing, there is no reason that these data should not be readily available and consistently reported to the public. The aim of this study was to determine how many, and which, state boards of nursing (BONs) publicly report NCLEX pass rates by nursing program. A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used to examine each state BON website for NCELX pass rate data by program. Initial results indicated that 47 states and the District of Columbia reported NCLEX pass rate data by nursing program through their BON website. At the outset of this study, Alaska, Michigan, and Vermont did not report NCELX pass rate data by program. Michigan posted four years (2021–2024) of NCLEX pass rates by nursing program in February 2025. Amounts and types of data reported were reported inconsistently across states. NCLEX pass rate data by program should be transparently and consistently reported, in a standardized format by all states to facilitate nursing research, equitably inform the public, and increase trust.