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HESI A2 Exam Guide

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Nursing schools can use the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI A2) to assess an applicant’s abilities to perform successfully in nursing school. The exam tests candidates’ pre-admission knowledge of areas in their programs. It helps guide admission decisions that result in positive outcomes for nursing programs, such as student retention and graduation rates.

Many college and university nursing programs require the HESI A2 as part of the admissions process. Often, applicants must take the exam and provide scores by the application deadline date. At some schools, they must take the exam during the admissions interview.

While the HESI A2 assesses nursing school applicants , the HESI Exit Exam determines a student’s likelihood of passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

This guide offers information on what the HESI A2 covers, where to take it, how to register for the exam, and how much it costs. Keep reading for tips from a nursing professor on passing the examination and a list of study resources.

What Subjects are Covered on the HESI A2 Exam?

The table below lists the HESI A2’s components, topics, and recommended completion times. The exam’s three main academic areas consist of language, math, and science, which test prospective students’ readiness for nursing school academics.

The language section covers grammar, reading comprehension, and vocabulary and general knowledge. The math portion focuses on basic math skills including general math facts, decimals, fractions, household measures, and ratio and proportion. Science topics comprise biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology.

Personal assessment areas evaluate learning and personality styles and critical thinking abilities. Nursing programs select which examinations they require applicants to take and often list them on their admission requirements web pages. If not, candidates should contact the programs to which they plan to apply for subject matter guidance.

HESI A2 Exams

How to register for the hesi a2 exam.

Candidates can take the HESI A2 at designated testing sites and at colleges and universities. Prometric testing centers offer the exam on site or online. Test-takers create an Evolve account on the Elsevier site and register for a distance exam according to their school’s instructions. Students will need to enter a code specific to their school.

Registering for testing at a college or university requires calling the school to schedule or register online and creating an Evolve account. Test fees may vary by institution. Some schools offer online HESI A2 exams. Students take the test on their own computers or in a school’s computer lab and register according to their nursing program’s instructions.

The bottom line for HESI A2 registration and costs: check program admission requirements.

Tips for Passing the HESI A2 Exam

Phyllis Morgan, a member of the Walden University nursing school faculty and a certified family nurse practitioner, offers tips to help students prepare for and pass the HESI A2 exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a calculator on the hesi a2, how is the hesi a2 scored, how long should you study for the hesi a2 exam, can the hesi a2 be taken multiple times, how much does it cost to take the hesi a2 exam, hesi a2 study resources.

A number of resources exist to help with test preparation, including books, apps, websites, and flashcards. The list below features a sampling of the best HESI A2 study guides:

Admission Assessment Exam Review Book

This guide includes sample questions, practice tests, and step-by-step explanations. Pre-tests and post-tests enable quick identification of challenging areas to focus on.

HESI Admission Assessment Practice Test App

Users can download the app and take practice tests with 1,475 questions covering eight subjects. Students can tailor content to their study plans.

Free HESI A2 Practice Test

NurseHub offers eight free subject area tests on its website, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

HESI A2 Critical-Thinking Flashcards

Quizlets free online flashcards help prepare students for the critical thinking assessment.

HESI A2 Practice Test

Mometrix Test Preparation website offers free practice tests in five subject areas along with exam content and study tips.

Meet Our Contributors

Phyllis Morgan

Phyllis Morgan, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, faculty member for Walden University’s master of science in nursing (MSN) program, boasts more than 29 years of nursing experience. Dr. Morgan has been a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) for several years, and is senior core faculty and academic coordinator for the FNP specialty at Walden. She also works as an FNP for CVS Caremark Minute Clinic in northern Virginia.

Dr. Morgan’s research focuses on African American men’s and women’s health issues. She has published several research articles, presented at national and international conferences, and written grants focused on health disparity issues among African Americans.

Reviewed by:

Theresa Granger, Ph.D., MN, NP-C

With over two decades of teaching and clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner, Dr. Granger is an expert in nursing education and clinical practice at all levels of education (associate, baccalaureate, and graduate). She has published and lectured extensively on nursing education and clinical practice-related content. Her expertise ranges from student advising and mentoring to curricular and content design (both on ground and online) to teaching and formal course delivery. Dr. Granger is one of the founding faculty members of the University of Southern California’s first ever fully online graduate family nurse practitioner program .

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What is the HESI Exam and How Do You Prepare for it?

What is the hesi exam, hesi a2 vs. hesi exit exam, hesi exam faqs, how to register for the hesi exam, how to prepare for the hesi exam, hesi prep courses & practice tests, what to do after the hesi exam.

The HESI exam is an entrance exam required for many nursing programs. It's a predictor of nursing student success, and many schools use the exam as a part of the admissions criteria for acceptance. Not all colleges and universities use HESI. However, it is becoming more common to help students study and pass their licensure exams. 

There are two main HESI exams - the HESI Admissions (A2) and the HESI Exit Exam.

What Does HESI Stand For?

Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) is a company in the United States that helps nurses prepare for and pass their licensure exams. 

The HESI A2 is a 4-hour exam that some schools give to prospective nursing candidates. Schools may use this test to determine if the applicant qualifies for acceptance into their program. 

Schools may also customize the tests for their program and determine what a passing score is. If you are taking the HESI exam, contact your nursing program for more exam details. 

Sections of the HESI A2 Exam

There are 326 questions of the HESI A2. The test includes nine different sections in the following subjects:

• Measures the student’s ability to read about medical and health situations and make conclusions
• Comprehension: 47 questions
• Basic health-care vocabulary
• Grammar: 50 questions
• The HESI A2 covers many areas, including addition, subtraction, fractions, ratios, decimals, multiplication, household measures, and dosage calculations
• This section tests biology basics such as terminology, metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis
• Questions on anatomical structures, body systems, and terminology
• Physics: 25 questions
• May include questions on chemical equations, reactions, bonding, and the periodic table

Keep in mind that schools can change the test by excluding some information. The HESI A2 exam also aims to discover candidates' learning styles, giving schools more information about the student.

HESI Exit Exam

The HESI Exit Exam is a test given by nursing schools that helps determine if a student is prepared to pass the NCLEX exam as they approach graduation. Some schools even use the exam to determine if students will be allowed to graduate.

The company states that the HESI Exit exam predicts whether or not a student will pass the NCLEX exam with 98% accuracy.

HESI RN and LPN Exit Exams

There are 150 questions on the HESI RN EXIT exam. The HESI LPN Exit Exam has either 150 or 75 questions. Both exams aim to assess critical thinking and mimic the respective NCLEX Exams.

As a similar test to the NCLEX, the HESI Exit Exam includes the following types of questions:

• Multiple choice
• Multiple responses
• Fill in the blank

Nursing school graduates must take and pass the NCLEX to become certified and practice as a nurse. For this reason, schools want to make sure that students can pass their licensure exam following graduation. The subjects on the HESI Exit Exam are all subjects that are studied extensively in nursing schools.

HESI Exit Exam Topics 

The Nursing Process

• Nursing Diagnosis
• Implementation

Client Needs

• Safe and effective environment
• Management of care
• Infection control
• Health promotion 
• Psychosocial integrity
• Basic Care and comfort
• Pharmaceutical and parenteral treatments

Specialties

• Nursing fundamentals
• Medical-Surgical
• Critical Care
• Community health
• Mental Health

How Many Questions Are on the HESI?

There are 326 questions on the HESI A2. Students may have up to 4 hours to complete the exam depending on the nursing program.

The HESI RN Exit Exam has 150 questions, and the HESI LPN Exit Exam has either 150 or 75 questions.

How Many Times Can You Take the HESI Exam?

Students may take the HESI admission exam once every 60 days. However, there is a limit of 3 times per 12 months. Scores are valid for two years.

Can You Use a Calculator for the HESI Exam?

You may not bring your own calculator. You are only allowed to use the calculator provided on your computer screen at exam time. 

What is a Passing Score for the HESI Exam?

Passing scores for the HESI A2 are dependent on your nursing school program. Check with your program to see what passing requirements are. 

HESI Exit Exam scores provide the test taker with a prediction of how they will perform on the NCLEX. Nursing schools may also have their own passing score that students must achieve before graduation. In addition, some schools may only allow students to take the test a certain number of times, most commonly twice.

The HESI website states they can predict NCLEX passing scores with the following exam scoring:

• Above 950 - Outstanding pass probability 
• 900-940 - Excellent pass probability
• 850-899 - Average pass probability
• 800-849 - Below average pass probability
• 750-799 - Additional prep needed
• 700-749 - Serious prep needed
• 650-699 - Probability of failing
• Below 649 - Expected poor performance

How Much Does the HESI Exam Cost?

HESI exam costs depend on the institution offering the exam. However, they usually range between $40 to $100 or more.

Why Do You Need to Take the HESI Exam?

Many schools require applicants to take the HESI A2 exam as part of their admissions process. As students near graduation, the HESI Exit exam is a way to predict success on the NCLEX exam. The HESI exam also helps students find the areas where they need to improve before taking the NCLEX exam.

You must register to take any HESI exam, receive test results, register for distance exams, and make payments. To do this, you will also need to create a student account.

• Step 1: Set up an account at https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/ 
• Step 2: Select “I’m a student.”
• Step 3: On the next screen, select “Register for Distance Testing” 
• Step 4: On the next screen, click “Register” and make the payment or provide a promotion code.

Keep in mind that your institution may have other instructions for you regarding making an Elsevier account registering for a HESI exam. Check with your instructors to see if they have any additional requirements for registration.

Studying for the HESI exam might seem like a monumental process now, but if you plan ahead and understand the details about the test, you can succeed! You will likely need to prepare for a HESI exam before being accepted to a nursing program again as you approach graduation.

Here are a few helpful HESI exam tips:

• Know what subjects will be on your exam. Each nursing program can decide which parts of the HESI exam they will give students. It is essential to know what they are so that you can focus on areas of importance.
• Know how many questions there will be on the test and how long you have to take it.
• Understand that you will not receive a traditional letter grade score, but a score from 100-1000. The higher the score, the better; however, each nursing program may have its own criteria for passing the test. Talk to administrators in your program for more details.
• Use a HESI study guide.
• Use HESI flashcards or make your own.
• Have a study schedule.
• If you are already in your nursing program, use the HESI practice tests as a way to find your weak spots. 

HESI offers its own “assignable and gradable” quizzes for self-practice. Self-quizzing throughout your nursing program will best prepare you for answering questions on your licensure exam. It also provides you with details into the subject areas you are underperforming in. 

Several other companies also offer HESI prep courses online. Some of the most popular courses include:

• Nursing.com *
• Pocket Prep

Prep courses are an excellent way to prepare yourself for the NCLEX throughout your program. You can also focus your energy on taking practice tests that align with the coursework you are currently studying.

Prep courses allow you to answer thousands of potential test questions in the same topics you will be tested on during HESI and NCLEX exams.

How Long Does it Take to Get Results?

You will receive your HESI score shortly after your exam. Your score and a remediation plan are sent to you within two weeks of completing the exam. 

What Happens if You Fail the HESI Exam? 

The HESI exam is not a traditional pass/fail exam. It gives you a numerical score between 100-1000. The higher the number, the better you performed on the exam. 

Your nursing institution may have a score that you must meet for program acceptance. You need to speak with your administrators to see what the minimum accepted score is. 

Most nursing schools require that students take the HESI before graduation to ensure they are ready to take the NCLEX. Many nursing programs require a score of 850 or higher because that indicates you will most likely pass the NCLEX.

If your score is too low, you will need to retake the exam. Before you do, make sure that you study with HESI prep courses that will help you perform better the next time. 

No matter what nursing program you go to, you will need to study to pass your courses and licensure exams. The HESI exams are a great tool to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge to earn licensure and perform as a nurse. The testing may seem daunting, but you will succeed if you study hard, focus, and use preparation courses.

Sarah Jividen , RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions , LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

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HESI A2 Test Review

Everything you need to know to ace the test.

Are you hoping to enroll in a nursing school? If so, you may very well be required to take the HESI A2 exam as part of the application process.

If you’ve just recently heard about this test, and would like to know more about it, you’re in the right place. On this page, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this important exam.

If you’re already familiar with the test, and you’re looking for HESI test prep help, you’re also in the right place. Just below, you’ll find links to a wide variety of free review videos and practice questions that can help you get a great score on the HESI A2 test.

What is the HESI?

What’s the test all about? Well, let’s start with the name. HESI stands for Health Education Systems, Inc., and A2 stands for Admission Assessment. The test is also known by a wide variety of other names, such as the Evolve Reach, the Evolve Reach A2, and the Evolve Reach HESI. However, most people just call it the HESI test. It’s not the name that’s so important about this exam, but what it does.

As part of their application process, many nursing schools across North America use the HESI A2 as an entrance examination. It’s a diagnostic tool, but it’s also a screening tool. Nursing schools have always received far more applications every year than they can possibly approve, and the problem has been getting increasingly worse for the past few decades. Because of the steadily rising population in the United States, the demand for healthcare workers in all fields is growing, including nursing.

The other factor is the HESI exam. A set of great HESI scores, in combination with an excellent academic record in high school, gives a person an excellent shot at getting into nursing school . In fact, excellent scores can help make up for a less than stellar high school GPA. That’s because the test is specifically designed to predict which test takers have what it takes to succeed in a nursing education program.

So when you sit down and finally take the HESI, you want to make sure you’re absolutely prepared to do well, because your results truly can make or break your chances of being accepted.

Check Out Mometrix's HESI A2 Study Guide

Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons

HESI Exam Outline

The HESI is different from many standardized admissions exams in its format. With most college admission exams, such as the SAT or ACT, every person takes the same basic test. There are different versions, to prevent cheating and for research purposes, but with most standardized exams each test taker will see the same kinds of questions, and will have the same time constraints.

With the HESI, though, colleges and universities have a lot more flexibility. There are eight main components that make up the full exam, and schools can choose which ones they want their applicants to take. Depending on your program, you may only need to take the Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar subtests. Some schools may ask you to take the Biology and Anatomy & Physiology subtests as well, but the Chemistry and Physics subtests are rarely ever required.

The schools can also set their own time limits for each part of the test, although many nursing schools use the time limits recommended by Elsevier, the company that develops the HESI.

These are the eight HESI A2 tests:

• Mathematics
• Reading Comprehension
• Anatomy and Physiology

On each of these sections, there will be five questions that don’t count toward your score. Elsevier uses these five experimental questions for research purposes, with the goal of improving future versions of the HESI. However, you should do your best to answer each question correctly, as you will have no way of knowing which ones are experimental and which ones aren’t.

Many nursing programs require applicants to take all eight HESI sub-tests, but not all do. You’ll want to check with the nursing school you’re applying to in order to find out which tests you’ll need to prepare for. In addition, to the academic subject tests, there are two additional components of the HESI A2 that most applicants will have to take: Learning Style and Personality Profile. These last two aren’t tests of your knowledge; they measure your aptitudes in certain areas deemed important for success in nursing school. (These two are almost always required.)

Finally, although it’s not a part of the HESI A2 itself, there is a companion test that more and more nursing programs are using in addition to the HESI. It’s called the HESI Critical Thinking Exam. You’ll want to check with the schools you’re applying to in order to find out if you’ll need to take this test.

Check Out Mometrix's HESI A2 Flashcards

Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts

HESI Exam Registration

In most cases, the nursing school or program you’re applying to will handle the actual administration of the HESI exam. It will be up to them to determine which of the various sub-tests you’ll take, what the time limits for the various tests are, and where you’ll take the exam. They’ll also determine the fees you’ll pay to take the HESI A2. In many cases, you’ll take the test right on the college campus.

All of this information should be available on the nursing program’s website. If it isn’t, call or email the nursing department of the school to get the information.

Retaking the HESI Exam

This is another matter that is up to each school to decide for itself. Most schools allow at least one re-take if a person isn’t satisfied with their score. However, there is often a waiting period that must be satisfied before attempting the exam again. Some schools allow more than one retake, but only so many within a calendar period. Ideally, you’ll do your very best on your first attempt and won’t need to worry about retaking the HESI .

HESI Scores

There are no official passing scores or failing scores on the HESI exam. Each nursing school or program sets its own standards for ranking scores on each subtest. Generally speaking, though, any score below 75% is considered to be an indication that the applicant is not academically ready for the challenges of nursing school in that area.

A score in the range of 75% to 79% is considered to be in the bottom range of acceptable, but an applicant whose score falls in this range will probably need quite a bit of help to succeed in nursing school. Scores from 80% to 89% indicate that the applicant should be able to graduate from nursing school with only minimal academic assistance. A score of 90% or higher is a sign that the test taker is very likely to do well in nursing school without any academic assistance.

HESI A2 Online Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers a comprehensive online HESI A2 prep course. This course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you may need while studying. The HESI A2 course includes:

• Review Lessons Covering all the Topics
• Over 3,250 HESI A2 Practice Questions
• 150+ Video Tutorials
• More than 550 Electronic Flashcards
• Money-back Guarantee
• Free Mobile Access

The HESI A2 prep course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their HESI A2 exam. Click below to check it out!

The Importance of a HESI Practice Test

Making great scores on the HESI A2 can make a huge difference in helping you secure admission into a nursing school program. Conversely, a poor or even so-so showing can ruin your chances of being accepted into a program. While it’s true that in most cases you’ll be able to retake the exam at least once if you do poorly, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll do any better the second or third time.

Generally, people who retake the HESI will have an entirely different version of the test on their retakes, and won’t see any questions that they’ve seen before. So trying to go home and review specific questions you’ve failed won’t work. So you’ll need to put in some serious study before taking it again, which can mean missing the start of a semester and being forced to delay the start of your nursing education by several months, or even longer.

The best plan is to review regularly and thoroughly, starting well before your HESI A2 test date, and then, with a few weeks left to go, take a practice test to find out where you stand. This way you’ll be able to discover which areas you need to brush up on while you still have time to make serious improvements. By doing so, you’ll be in excellent shape to make an outstanding score when you take the actual HESI A2.

By Kate Nockunas

Kate has been Mometrix’s Nursing and Medical Editor for over four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Vanderbilt University, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Marymount University, and a master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins. Kate is a critical care registered nurse who still works occasionally in the ICU and PACU.

Nursing School Entrance Exams – Home

*HESI is a registered trademark of the Health Education Systems Inc., which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

by Mometrix Test Preparation | This Page Last Updated: February 29, 2024

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All About the HESI Exam and Resources to Help Pass

May 27 2022

Nursing Degrees & Schools / HESI Exam

If you are in nursing school or considering nursing school, chances are you have heard about the HESI exam. The HESI exam is a standardized exam used by many nursing programs around the country. Many schools require you to take the HESI exam to be admitted into their nursing program or to be eligible to graduate.

This article will help you understand what is covered on the HESI exam and how to prepare for this part of your nursing journey.

Is the HESI mandatory?

How long is the hesi, hesi a2 vs. hesi exit exam, hesi vs. teas, what should i expect to be on the hesi exam.

• How should I prepare for the HESI?

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What is the HESI exam?

HESI stands for Health Education Systems Incorporated. This exam is used to help schools assess and improve student performance.

Many schools use the HESI exam as a part of the admission process. It’s also used in many nursing programs to help students prepare for the NCLEX. Studies have shown that students who perform well on the HESI exam have a high probability of passing the NCLEX.

The HESI exam is not mandatory to become a registered nurse. However, some schools require it. Many schools include the exam as a part of their application process and as a requirement to graduate.

It is important to be aware of your school’s requirements for the exam and when you will be expected to take it.

Your school will dictate when you need to take the HESI exam. You may be required to take the HESI Exit Exam before you can graduate.

The HESI Admissions Exam consists of 326 questions over 4 hours. The HESI Exit Exam consists of 150 questions.

Different schools may only require you to take certain parts of the exam. It is essential to talk with your school to understand which parts of the exam you need to prepare to take.

The HESI A2 exam consists of 9 sections:

• Reading Comprehension
• Basic Math Skills
• Anatomy and Physiology

Each section contains 25-50 questions. The exam also includes a learning style inventory so schools can understand how you learn best. This exam gives a comprehensive picture of your baseline knowledge and learning style.

At the end of your nursing program, you take the HESI Exit Exam to identify strengths and weaknesses before taking the NCLEX. This exam focuses specifically on nursing content and critical thinking. The exam consists of 150 questions and uses NCLEX style questions, including multiple-choice, select all that apply, fill in the blank, and drag/drop.

Your school may require a specific passing score on the HESI Exit Exam to be eligible to graduate.

Another standardized exam schools may use is the TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills). This exam is less specific than the HESI A2 exam and is also used for non-medical programs.

The main difference between the HESI and TEAS exams is the content. The TEAS exam consists of 4 sections:

• Language Usage

The TEAS exam consists of 170 questions over 3.5 hours compared to the 326 questions in 4 hours for the HESI A2 exam.

The HESI Exit Exam consists of 3 sections with 150 questions in total:

• Nursing Process : assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, evaluation
• Client Needs : safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, physiological adaptation
• Nursing Specialties : dosage calculation, fundamentals, health assessment, nutrition, pathophysiology and pharmacology, community health, critical care, gerontology, maternity, pediatrics, medical-surgical, psychiatric/mental health

It’s also important to note that you can not use a personal calculator. You can only use the calculator provided on the exam computer.

Once you have taken the exam, you can expect results within 2 weeks.

How should I prepare for the HESI exam?

It is important to know the subjects that will be covered by your school as you may only need to study specific content.

It is also important to develop study methods that cater to your learning style. Study groups, flashcards, practice tests, and study guides are just a few methods to help you prepare for the HESI exam.

HESI has many study tools and practice tests that you can access here .

Practice tests can help you identify weak areas and gauge your expected score.

A passing score for the HESI A2 exam is dependent on each school. For score requirements, you can check your school’s admissions requirements.

The HESI Exit Exam scores indicate NCLEX pass probability:

• Above 950: outstanding pass probability
• 900-949: excellent pass probability
• 850-899: average
• 800-849: below average
• 750-799: additional preparation needed
• 700-749: serious preparation needed
• 650-699: probability of failing
• Below 649: expected poor performance

Your school may require a certain passing score to be eligible to graduate. Most schools allow two attempts to pass the exam.

You are allowed to take the HESI A2 exam once every 60 days. If you do not meet your school’s passing score, you have another 3 attempts over the course of 12 months.

The cost of the HESI exams is dependent on each school, but it typically ranges from $40-100 per test. Some schools will incorporate the cost of the exams into tuition. You can also inquire with your school for more information on payment for the exam.

To begin preparing for the HESI exam, there are many practice tests, study guides, and resources available here .

You may also want to begin preparing to take the NCLEX exam. Most schools offer free or discounted NCLEX test prep to their students.

There are many test prep companies that also offer NCLEX practice tests and study resources. Kaplan and UWorld are great places to find different study tools.

Finding the right test prep for you can be overwhelming. Sometimes it helps to hear from firsthand experience. Check out Incredible Health’s nurse forum where you can get firsthand advice for your specific questions. This is a great option to connect with other nurses and nursing students.

Now that you have learned more about the HESI exams, what are your next steps? 

Your first step is to determine what your school requires and when to expect to take the HESI exam. You can find this information on your school’s application website or by reaching out to your academic advisor.

Exams can seem overwhelming at first. But remember, it is a tool to help you practice for the NCLEX so you can continue your career as a registered nurse.

With the proper preparation, you can be confident you will pass the HESI exam.

There are so many tools to help you prepare for these exams, and all your hard work and preparation will pay off as you begin your nursing career!

“ HESI Review & Testing Solutions ”. Evolve.elsevier.com. Accessed May 24, 2022.

“ About the ATI TEAS ”. Atitesting.com. Accessed May 24, 2022.

“ Free NCLEX-RN Practice Questions and Tests ”. Kaptest.com. Accessed May 24, 2022.

“ NCLEX RN Test Prep ”. Nursing.uworld.com. Accessed May 24, 2022.

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HESI A2 Pre-Admission Assessment for Nursing

What is the hesi a2 examination.

The HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam is a standardized and proctored entrance exam completed by Nursing program applicants.

What is the content of the exam? 

The HESI A2 consists of eight (8) exam areas, five (5) of which will be used to calculate the cumulative score.

The learner profile and critical thinking sections are necessary but will NOT contribute to your cumulative score results. The faculty will use this information to prepare for your first semester in Nursing and to aid in your success.

Reading Comprehension: Provides reading scenarios to measure reading comprehension, identifying the main idea, finding meaning of words in context, passage comprehension, making logical inferences, etc. Allotted time: 60 minutes; 55 test questions

Vocabulary and General Knowledge: Contains vocabulary terms that are commonly used in both general English-speaking settings and in healthcare fields. Allotted time: 50 minutes; 55 test questions

Basic Math Skills: Focuses on math skills needed for health care fields, including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measures, general math facts, etc. Allotted time: 50 minutes; 55 test questions

Biology: Covers biology basics, water, biological molecules, metabolism, cells, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, etc. Allotted time: 25 minutes; 30 test questions

Anatomy and Physiology: Provides coverage of general terminology and anatomical structures and systems. Allotted time: 25 minutes; 30 test questions

Learning Style: Assesses preferred learning style.

Personality Profile: Assesses personality related to preferred learning style.

Assesses a brief snapshot of critical thinking abilities in situations encountered in healthcare settings, including problem-solving, biases and ethical dilemmas, argument analysis, and analysis of data.

What is the cost?

The cost of the HESI A2 Exam is $70 at Gateway’s Assessment Center and must be paid at the time of scheduling. When registering for the exam, be prepared with a debit/credit card. The fee is the same if you re-test on a section or all sections. Exam purchase is not refundable or transferrable to another test date.

Do I have to take HESI A2 if I have a degree already?

Students who have obtained a doctoral, master, bachelors, and/or a certificate are still required to take the HESI A2. All students applying to the Associate Degree Nursing Program through the traditional route are required to take the HESI, no exceptions.

How Can I Prepare?

HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review Study Guide (Elsevier, 5th Edition ISBN: 9780323582261) is available through the Gateway bookstore .  This study guide provides content review and sample test questions.

There are eBooks on the same topic (different titles) available on the Nursing Library Guide .

How do I register for the A2 @ Gateway?

Schedule Your Exam

Please select:

• Choose a Group: HESI
• Choose an Exam: HESI A2 Admissions with Critical Thinking ($70.00)
• Read and fill out the rest of the categories as necessary. You will be able to choose your test date/time here. Please be sure to read all items carefully.
• Add to cart when finished, and complete payment.

All candidates will need to have an Evolve account before testing.

Now that I am registered, where do I go? What do I need?

Where do i go.

Gateway’s Testing Center Boone Campus Center for Advanced Manufacturing 500 Technology Way Florence, KY 41042

What Do I Need?

• Arrive 15 minutes before appointment time
• One form of valid, non-expired, government-issued identification (driver’s license, state identification, or passport).
• Evolve account

How is the test scored, and what is the recommended score?

Performance on each of the five (5) tests (reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, math, biology, and anatomy & physiology) is reported as both an individual composite score and as a combined cumulative score. The cumulative score will be used for nursing admissions.

Each section must be passed with a 75% or higher to be competitive for admission to the ADN program. Below is an example of the HESI Exam formula for the application process.

Add each section score and divide by 3 to determine average score and points on the application.

If you do not achieve the recommended score, you may still apply to the nursing program. However, no points will be awarded, and the committee will review all applications. Without the recommended score, your chances for admission are limited.

When will I receive my exam scores?

Exam scores are immediately available after completion of the exam. Your scores are also available on your HESI account with information for remediation. If you are unhappy with your score, please make sure you review the remediation provided from Elsevier before retesting.

Can I retest?

You may retake the HESI A2 after a 2-week waiting period, this will allow you time to complete remediation provided by Elsevier in your HESI account. You will retest with a different version (version 2) of the exam – no student will have the same exam items twice.

If you do not achieve the recommended score, you may still apply to the nursing program. However, no points will be awarded, and the committee will review all applications. Without the recommended score, your chances for admission are limited. You must wait until the next eligibility period to test. You can take the test for HESI A2 up to six times per year, which is two times per eligibility period.

Eligibility Periods:

• January 15 to May 31
• June 1 to August 15
• August 16 to December 15

Note: These dates are not application deadline dates. There are no testing dates available from December 16 to January 15 – this is dependent also on the campus closure schedule.

You could repeat the exam if you scored under 75% on a required section, within the same eligibility period. If a student decides or wishes to improve their score with version 2 of the test, the highest score will be taken into consideration within the exam eligibility period. Students may not submit scores from two different eligibility periods.

How long are my HESI A2 exam scores valid?

Scores will be valid for 18 months from the time of exam completion.

How do I create my Evolve Account?

• Go to Evolve , and go to the "Catalog" home screen.
• Select "I am a student".
• Click "Sign In" in the upper right corner.
• If creating a new account , set your account up with your KCTCS email address and associate your account with your institution in the “Institution” tab.
• If signing into an existing account , please go to “Account” then “Account Settings” to update your email to your KCTCS email address and associate your account with your institution in the “Institution” tab.

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HESI A2 with Critical Thinking

Nursing Students HESI

Published Apr 9, 2012

Before taking this test I searched everywhere to try and find out what the critical thinking section would be like. I really couldn't find anything useful in easing my unease about that part of the test, so I thought I might post something to help others who take the HESI with the CT section.

The information I received with my CT scores follows:

This exam is a four-choice, multiple-choice test. All answers are correct. However, each choice reflects a different degree of critical thinking skills.

Scores range from 0-1000. The higher your score is, the better your ability to think critically within the discipline of nursing.

In addition to a total score on this exam you will receive scores on five sub-categories of critical thinking:

Problem Solving: These questions refer to the process of inquiry in which the nurse seeks multiple facts to remove obstacles or resolve patient care problems.

Biases and Ethical Dilemmas: These questions address ethical, legal, and moral issues, as well as biases nurses may have about patients and others.

Argument Analysis: These questions refer to situations in which the nurse seeks to resolve conflicts or disagreements by considering multiple points of view.

Analysis of Data: These questions address the need to interpret patient data correctly, and decide if further nursing action is required.

It says five sub-categories, but it only details four. Prioritization of patient care is not listed, but I think the title is very descriptive. Someone on another post suggested a practical nursing book, but I didn't have a chance to find one and study it. I scored 870 overall on the CT section. Can a nurse accept muffins as a thank you? I know that I myself would want to say thank you with baked goods, but I don't know if that's something that should be done. I also am not certain to what extent an off duty nurse should diagnose a stranger. It's obvious from my scores that I needed more knowledge regarding Analysis of Data and Argument Analysis.

(1) Analysis of Data 821

(2) Argument Analysis 800

(3) Prioritization of Care 916

(4) Problem Solving 868

(5) Resolution Biases/Ethical Dilemma 916

• + Add a Comment

Thank you for this! I take mine tomorrow and I am super nervous about everything but especially the CT part! I have been searching high and low to find something about that portion! So thank you very much!

Hi. Thanks for posting this :)How many questions is the critical thinking section only? I read that's it is 25 questions... Was that true when you took it?If every choice is correct, do you get partial points for answers that would have been the "next best answer"? (hope that makes sense)I'm studying out of the Fundamentals book... For those who studied out of that book, are there sections I should focus on more?Do I need to know lab ranges?Thank you in advance...

I completed the hesi not sure where the critical score is i saw I made an 800 but now showing on my paper profile page is this separate . I dont see it listed only the personality ect which was listed last please help and ty :)

wow that was on my test too. i said direct to pharamacy about the diagnosing and share the muffins with the rest of the staff lol but im not sure. i received an 840 on that section

did u use any books to study for the critical thinking section katrinad and jshanice11

no i didn't use any books. the questions they ask you have to basically think if you was in that situation as a nurse and choose the best solution or action to take. it was kind of easy if you know the guidelines and do's and dont's of being a nurse.

I will be taking the Hesi exam next week. I just a had a quick question of any of y'all happen to know. Since all answers are correct and places you in a category of CT does this help or affect your final score? Thank you

Wow, I just took the CT exam, and I'm surprised that the questions (5 years after the original post) seem almost the same. I took the "muffins" (a box of chocolates on my exam) from a patients son, and shared them with the staff because it was a nice gesture, and to refuse seemed offensive. Regarding the question in the pharmacy (while off-duty), I chose to refuse to offer medical advice because I'm not a doctor. I also got the question about the patient defecating on themselves in the bed (chose to clean the patient first, and use towels underneath him until I could find clean sheets).

Honestly, there is no magical way to approach the questions. I just really tried to imagine myself in the situation, and decide what action I would take. For example, if I need to change bed linens for a patient, and the floor was out of linens, I would take them off of an unused bed. If I was in the middle of changing a dressing for a home health patient, and another patient called, I'd silence the call until I was done; however, if I was at dinner with friends, and I was on-call, I'd leave the table to take a call. If a patient just got a cast on their lower leg, and it became very painful, the first thing I'd check is their their toes to make sure there is adequate circulation. Really, all you need to do is think about what you'd do as a professional, and perhaps also think what you'd like a nurse to do for you if you were the patient. However, for the question about the guy who wanted to meet the nurse for coffee to discuss the physician, I chose to "explain professional boundries"--not everything the patient wants is acceptable :-). Overall, I scored 940, not the highest, but good enough. Good luck to all future HESI testers!

GOOD ANN27, CAN YOU LEAVE ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS I THINK I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS I THINK YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP ME

anyone has any recommendation or source for critical thinking section?

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HESI Exam Information

Passing the HESI exam is one of the critical components to be accepted into the nursing or surgical technology program at TCAT Hohenwald.  We hold regular testing sessions as well as prep courses.

Some of the specifics about the HESI test are as follows:

Time Allowed for testing - 2 ½ hours

Test Consists of - 55 Math questions, 55 Reading Questions, and a Critical Thinking section

Basic Math Skills - Focuses on math skills needed for health care fields, including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measures, general math facts, etc.

Reading Comprehension - Provides reading scenarios in order to measure reading comprehension, identifying the main idea, finding meaning of words in context, passage comprehension, making logical inferences, etc.

Critical Thinking Ability - This exam is intended to provide a brief “snapshot” of critical thinking ability in situations encountered in healthcare settings. A total score is reflective of abilities in four categories:

• Problem Solving Refers to the process of inquiry in which the nurse seeks multiple facts to remove obstacles or resolve patient care problems
• Biases and Ethical Dilemmas Addresses ethical, legal, and moral issues, as well as biases nurses may have about patients and others
• Argument Analysis Refers to situations in which the nurse seeks to resolve conflicts or disagreements by considering multiple points of view
• Analysis of Data Addresses the need to interpret patient data correctly, and decide if further nursing action is required

HESI Scores Required for Practical Nursing:

70% is the score required to pass the Math portion of the test 70% is the score required to pass the Reading portion of the test

HESI Scores Required for Surgical Technology:

HESI Prep Course - $15

HESI Test Fee - $47

The dates and times of our upcoming sessions can be found on our academic calendar.

To reserve your space, please call 931-796-5351