February 2026 NLE: Lowest First-Semester Passing Rate Since 2021 Amid Schedule Changes

Overview of the February 2026 NLE Results

On March 6, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results of the February 2026 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), revealing a notable shift in trends compared to previous years.

This year’s first-semester exam recorded 8,162 takers, of whom 3,611 passed, resulting in a 44.24% passing rate. This reflects both a decline in the number of examinees and a significant drop in overall performance compared to the previous first-semester cycle.

Appendix 1:  First-semester passing rates (last 5 years).

The February 2026 passing rate declined by 20.15 percentage points from the previous first-semester exam, marking the lowest first-semester performance since 2021.

Possible Factors Behind the Decline

1. Earlier Exam Schedule

While official explanations remain limited, one major factor that may have influenced this year’s results is the change in exam schedule.

Traditionally, the NLE is conducted in May (first semester) and November (second semester). Beginning in 2026, this was adjusted to February and August, respectively. The updated schedule was announced in late November 2025, leaving examinees with significantly less time to prepare.

Although the revised calendar may offer long-term benefits in streamlining licensure processes, the transition period appears to have posed challenges. Examinees preparing for the February 2026 exam had shortened review window, compressing what is typically several months of preparation into a limited timeframe.

Discussions within online nursing communities also suggest that some candidates had not yet begun formal review programs or enrolled in review centers when the new schedule was announced, which may have contributed to the lower passing rate.

2.Changes in Exam Structure

Another contributing factor may be the recent shift in the NLE's structure.

Effective November 2025, the PRC Board of Nursing introduced reforms to transition the exam toward a competency-based, practice-oriented assessment. This change emphasizes not only knowledge recall but also how candidates apply knowledge in clinical situations and make sound decisions in practice.

The updated framework includes:

• An enhanced Table of Specifications (TOS)

• Greater use of higher-order thinking skills, guided by Bloom's Taxonomy

Compared to the previous format, which placed greater emphasis on memorization, the revised exam assesses how candidates apply their knowledge in real-world clinical scenarios.

This shift aligns the NLE with global competency standards, ensuring that Filipino nurses are prepared for both local and international practice. However, it also requires adjustments in how examinees prepare, particularly for those accustomed to more traditional review methods.

Given these changes, nursing schools and review centers may need to strengthen their preparation strategies, while future examinees may benefit from focusing on application-based review methods and practice tests.

3. Historical Pattern in First-Semester Exams

Appendix 2:  Number of Takers since 1996

Historical data show that first-semester NLE exams typically have fewer takers and lower pass rates than second-semester exams. As observed, nursing graduates choose to delay taking the exam to allow more time for preparation, resulting in a larger, potentially better-prepared pool of examinees in later cycles.

Considering this pattern, there may be a more positive outlook for the August NLE. The strong performance observed in the November exam, where examinees were among the first to take the updated format, suggests that results may improve as both examinees and institutions continue to adapt.

Appendix 3: Raw Data of NLE Passers and Takers from 1996 - 2024 (per semester)

Looking Ahead

As the nursing community reflects on the February 2026 results, attention is now shifting to the next examination cycle.

The lower passing rate may point to a transition period, influenced by both the new exam schedule and the move toward competency-based assessment. As nursing schools, review centers, and examinees continue to adjust, the next set of results may give a clearer picture of longer-term trends.

With better preparation and closer alignment between training and exam requirements, future examinees will be in a stronger position to meet the profession's standards.

Despite the overall results, the February 2026 NLE remains an important milestone for those who passed. Congratulations to all newly licensed nurses!