critical thinking score on hesi

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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?

HESI A2 Exam Guide

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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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 .

Feature Image: AJ_Watt / E+ / Getty Images

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

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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 Admission Assessment Policy

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RSSON utilizes the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) as a tool to assess the academic preparedness of prospective nursing students for the Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Exam Registration

The HESI A2 Admission Assessment is administered in the TMU Nix Student Center Testing Lab or at assigned location.  Dates are posted on HESI A2 Testing Schedule or students are notified by email.  Students must register through Elsevier and create a MyEvolve account.  Space for testing is limited, and students must register for a test date. No additional test dates will be added unless at the discretion of the faculty. Recommended testing for HESI A2 is fall; however, faculty and/or nursing advisor will determine the most appropriate testing time based on the individual’s plan of study.

Assessment Contents

The HESI A2 Admission Assessment consists of five computerized content areas including Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Science, and Critical Thinking.  A cumulative score of 75% is required for consideration of admission into the SON.

• Math: 55-item examination focused on math skills essential for health care professions including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, ratios and proportions, household and metric measurements and conversions, and general mathematical principles. Recommended time: 50 minutes.
• Reading Comprehension: 55-item examination focused on reading and comprehension of health-related scenarios.  Students will identify the main idea, determine meaning of words within the context of the scenario, reading passage comprehension, and develop logical inferences related to the scenario.   Recommended time: 60 minutes.
• Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 55-item examination focused on assessment of basic vocabulary that is often used in health professions.  Recommended time: 50 minutes.   
• Science: 30-item examination of each of the following, Anatomy and Physiology : focused on comprehension of general terminology, anatomical structures and functions of the human body systems.  Recommended time: 25 minutes.  Biology:   Covers biology basics, water, biological molecules, metabolism, cells, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, etc. Recommended time: 25 minutes .  Chemistry:   Contains test items that cover matter, chemical equations and reactions, the periodic table, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, etc.  Recommended time: 25 minutes 
• Critical Thinking: 30-item examination focused on assessment of critical thinking ability in situations encountered in healthcare settings. A total score is reflective of abilities including four categories: 1.  Problem Solving, 2. Biases and Ethical Dilemmas, 3. Argument Analysis, 4. Analysis of Data.  All answers are multiple choice; however, each item represents varying degrees of critical thinking ability.  The higher the score, the better the representation of the student’s ability to critically think which is essential within the nursing discipline.  This examination does not require a minimal score for admission criteria evaluation.

Scoring and Admission Guidelines

Students will receive a composite score for each content exam as well as a cumulative score.  Students must score a minimum of 75% on the cumulative score, including the math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, and science content examinations for consideration of admission into RSSON .  Each exam requires a grade of 75% or better on each individual examination to receive priority admission . The cumulative score and the student’s nursing core curriculum GPA will be utilized to determine admission into RSSON nursing program if ranking is needed.  The cumulative score and the nursing core curriculum GPA will each count at 50% to determine an admission score by which students will be ranked.

The HESI A2 Admission Assessment may be completed a maximum of three times within one calendar year.  The scores are valid for one year and a repeat examination may only be taken greater than 30 days from the previous examination unless otherwise deemed necessary per SON faculty.  Students failing to meet the minimum of 75% cumulative score will need to register to retake the examination on another available test date.  Students scoring the minimum of 75% cumulative score may choose to retake the examination on another available test date to improve scores.

If a student repeats the HESI A2 exam, a manually calculated score, utilizing the highest composite scores of each content area, will be calculated for an adjusted cumulative score. This score will be reviewed by faculty to determine if the adjusted cumulative score is 75% or greater and eligible for admission. An adjusted cumulative score will be calculated utilizing the highest scores from each of the content areas, the English-Language Composite Score (ELCS), the Science Composite Score (SCS), and the Math Composite Score (MA).

A student failing to meet the 75% cumulative score after two attempts will not be eligible to retake the exam until one year from the first examination date.

Faculty calculates the adjusted cumulative score manually by:

• Reading Comprehension (RC)
• Grammar (GRA)
• Vocabulary and General Knowledge (V/K)
• Biology (BIO)
• Chemistry (CHEM)
• Anatomy & Physiology (AP)
• Math (MA) Score which is a single exam score and counts as 14% of the overall HESI A2 cumulative grade.

HESI A2 scores from other testing sites will be considered by faculty for admission criteria.

Refer to RSSON HESI A2 Admission Assessment Preparation & Testing Guidelines and

RSSON’s HESI A2 Test Registration Instructions

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is expected of all students.  Breeches of academic integrity will not be tolerated and may result in denial of admission into RSSON or dismissal from the program.  Any student(s) found to be engaging in any type of academic dishonesty, forgery, or misrepresentation of identity will not be allowed to test.  Any breech of academic integrity discovered after testing may result in ineligibility to apply to the nursing program.

After Exam Completion

Students will receive scores within 24 hours after testing by accessing the myEvolve website.  Students are provided remediation information specific to their individual examination results through myEvolve.  Scores are provided to RSSON following the exam.  Students are not required to send scores to RSSON.  However, if the student tests at an alternative testing site, the student is responsible for providing a copy of the HESI A2 Admission Assessment score to RSSON.

If you have questions concerning the HESI A2 Admission Assessment requirements, please contact Rielin & Salmen School of Nursing at (706)865-2134, ext. 6001 or your nursing academic advisor.

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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

How Is the HESI Scored?

What is a good hesi score, what is a hesi passing score, what about hesi conversion scores, what if you’re not happy with your hesi exam score, how to improve your hesi scores, frequently asked questions, final thoughts, hesi exam score range and passing scores – ultimate guide for nursing students.

Updated November 18, 2023

There are two types of HESI Exam:

• The Admissions (A2) test
• The Exit exam

The minimum passing score for the Admissions test is usually between 75 and 80 for each section, although this varies between schools.

The composite score range for the Admissions (A2) test is 750 to 900, with 900 being the maximum possible score.

The HESI Exit Exam score ranges between 0 to 1,500. 850 is considered to be an acceptable score, although HESI recommends a minimum score of 900.

If you want to sit your NCLEX licensing exam, you will need to achieve a score of at least 850 on the HESI Exit Exam.

HESI is an acronym for Health Education Systems Incorporated .

As a company, HESI administers exams and provides study material to help prepare students for the NCLEX professional licensure exam.

If you want to work as a nurse in the US, many nursing and healthcare programs use HESI tests to screen prospective students and determine suitability and readiness for specific study routes.

In this article, you can learn more about the HESI score ranges and passing scores required for each of these tests and what impact your HESI results may have on acceptance into your preferred nursing program.

Prepare for the HESI Test with TestPrep-Online

The purpose of the HESI Admissions test is to determine whether a prospective student is suitable to join their preferred course of study.

The purpose of the HESI Exit exam is to establish the likelihood of a nursing student passing the NCLEX exam to achieve professional licensure.

In some schools, a student’s HESI Exit exam results will have a bearing on whether they will be allowed to graduate.

The HESI Admissions (A2) test covers the following topics:

• Mathematics (55 questions)
• Biology (30 questions)
• Chemistry (30 questions)
• Physics (25 questions)
• Anatomy and Physiology (30 questions)
• Grammar (50 questions)
• Vocabulary (50 questions)
• Reading Comprehension (50 questions)

Each section contains five ‘pilot’ questions, which do not have an impact on the student’s overall test results.

In many cases, students are not expected to complete all sections of the test. This will be determined by the program provider.

Students are allowed up to six hours to complete all parts of the test. Students are not penalised for giving an incorrect answer.

Some schools require students to sit the math, vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension tests. Others also require completion of the anatomy/physiology and biology tests.

In most cases, you will only be expected to sit three to five of the HESI subtests. It is unlikely you will be required to complete the Physics and Chemistry sub-tests.

If you are not sure which tests you need to revise for, you should check with the administrator at the school you are applying for.

On the HESI Admissions test, each section is scored individually on a scale between 0 and 100. This is calculated as a percentage.

For example, in the grammar section, there are 50 questions. If a student answers 45 questions correctly, their score for that sub-section will be 90(%).

Each school sets its own 'passing' score for the test. In most schools, the minimum passing score is between 75 and 80 for each section.

What Is the HESI Score Range?

Hesi a2 exam score range (known as the hesi exam).

HESI A2 is a multiple-choice exam. It is split into nine sections and covers three academic areas.

The exam will include some or all of the following sections:

• Vocabulary and General Knowledge
• Comprehension
• Anatomy and Physiology

It also includes a separate learner profile section.

Students will receive a separate score for each section of the exam.

In addition to the individual subtest scores, students also receive a composite score for the entire exam, which is calculated using the average school for all the subtests.

Composite scores for the HESI exam usually range between 750 and 900, with 1,500 being the highest possible score.

Generally speaking, a score of 850 is considered to be the minimum acceptable score, and 900 is the passing score recommended by HESI. However, each school can set its own threshold for a passing score, so these scores are only recommendations.

If you want 12-month access to all the practice resources for this test, our partner TestPrep-Online.com offers a Family Membership . Family Membership gives you access to all the TestPrep-Online resources for the next 12 months. You will also get two separate accounts, which can be very helpful if you have two children preparing for their tests.

Get a Family Membership with 12-Month Access

HESI Exit Exam

The HESI Exit Exam for registered nurses (RN) comprises 150 questions.

The practical nursing (PN) version of the test comprises 75 questions. Candidates must answer various types of questions, including multiple-choice, data interpretation, drag-and-drop, and fill-in-the-blanks.

The HESI Exit Exam covers the following categories:

• Nursing process
• Client needs
• Specialty area

Each of the categories is split into further sub-categories.

Questions on the HESI Exit Exam are weighted, which means you will receive more ‘points’ if you give a correct answer on a more difficult question.

The scoring system used is similar to that used in the NCLEX exam.

The purpose of the HESI Exit Exam is to check whether a candidate is ready to pass the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX is the licensing exam that must be passed in order for someone to work as a nurse.

HESI Exit Exam scores fall between 0 and 1,500.

An acceptable HESI score is 850, and the recommended HESI passing score is 900.

To be considered ready to sit the NCLEX, you must achieve a score of at least 850 in the HESI Exit Exam.

Here is an overview of the HESI Exit Exam Score Ranges:

• 950 or over – Outstanding chance of passing the NCLEX
• 900–949 – Excellent chance of passing the NCLEX
• 850–899 – Average chance of performing well in the NCLEX
• 800–849 – Below average chance of performing well in the NCLEX
• 750–799 – Extra preparation required
• 700–749 – Extra preparation and study required
• 650–699 – High chance of failing the NCLEX
• 649 and below – Expected to perform poorly on the NCLEX

HESI passing scores depend on the school or college.

HESI is not a pass-or-fail test, which means educational institutions can set their own preferences on what constitutes a good score.

However, as outlined above, a 'good' score on the HESI A2 Admissions test is 900 or over .

A 'good' score on the HESI Exit exam is also 900 or over.

Schools and colleges use HESI conversion scores to interpret individual HESI test scores.

Conversion scores are calculated as a percentage. They are used by institutions to determine passing and 'good' scores.

Each school sets its own guidelines for converting raw scores into conversion scores. However, the more questions you answer correctly, the higher your overall score will be.

If you are unhappy with your HESI Exam Scores, you have the option to retake the test.

You might want to consider this option if your score does not meet the minimum requirement expected by your preferred school or college.

The rules on resitting the HESI Exam vary between schools, so it is important to check with the establishment you are applying for.

Generally speaking, you can sit the HESI Exam once per 60 days, with no more than three attempts during any 12-month period. However, some schools limit attempts to two within a two-year period.

You will need to wait at least two weeks from the date of your first test before you can sit any subsequent test.

Remember, you will need to pay the associated test fee each time you take the test. This can range from $30 to $110 or more.

To stand the best chance of passing the test the first time, it is important to dedicate sufficient time to preparation and revision for the HESI test.

Completing practice tests is a great way to get started with this preparation.

Step 1 . Completing Online Practice Tests

Working through online practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for any test. Doing so helps you to learn what to expect from the questions on the test and highlight any areas you need to revisit as part of your revision strategy.

Completing online practice aptitude tests also helps you to improve your time management skills.

The HESI is a time-limited test, so it is important that you practice working against the clock.

Keep track of your scores so that you can monitor your ongoing progress.

You can find a range of online resources to help you, including mock numerical reasoning , inductive reasoning , logical reasoning and cognitive ability practice papers on the Practice Reasoning Tests website .

Step 2 . Becoming Familiar with the Test Topics and Format

Knowing what to expect on the day of the test is vital. If you are sitting the HESI A2 Admissions test, it is important to find out what sections of the test you will be taking. After all, there is little point in revising for a subject that you will not be tested on during the exam.

Contact the administrator at your chosen school or college for more information on the test topics and format of the HESI test.

Once you know which sub-tests will be included in the test, you can focus your revision on the appropriate areas.

If you have identified weaker areas, be sure to dedicate plenty of time to them. The more you practice, the more confident you are likely to feel on the day of the test.

Step 3 . Setting up a Study Schedule

Putting together a study schedule is an excellent way to manage your time in the weeks leading up to your test.

Once you have a date for the exam, start thinking about what time you have available to dedicate to studying and revision.

Look at your overall schedule and highlight any windows that you could use for studying.

Think about what time of the day you work best - some people feel more switched on in the mornings, other people prefer to work late into the evenings.

If you know other people applying for the same course, see if you can team up with them for some joint study sessions, too.

What is a 75 on the HESI?

If you score 75 on a sub-test of the HESI A2 Admissions test, you have a good chance of passing that section of the test. However, this depends on your preferred school or college.

Individual educational establishments can set their own minimum requirements for HESI scores.

What is considered a passing HESI score?

A passing cumulative score on HESI A2 Admissions is 850 or over.

A good score on the HESI Exit exam is 900 or over.

Is 70 a good HESI score?

A score of 70 on an individual sub-test of the HESI Admissions test is considered to be below average.

75 is the average score on an individual sub-test of the HESI A2 test.

What is the average HESI a2 score?

On the HESI Exit exam, 800 to 849 is considered to be an average HESI score.

On the HESI A2 Admissions test, an average score would be between 70 and 75 for an individual sub-test.

What is the highest HESI score possible?

The highest HESI score possible is 1,500.

Is HESI harder than NCLEX?

It depends on the student. If you achieve a very high score on the HESI test, you may think that the NCLEX is a more challenging test overall.

If you score within a few hundred points of passing the HESI Exit exam, you will probably think that the NCLEX is easier.

HESI exams are a useful tool for nursing schools and healthcare college programs.

The HESI A2 Admissions exam helps educators decide whether a student is suitable for admission into a healthcare learning program, whereas the HESI Exit exam helps educational establishments determine how likely a student is to pass their NCLEX licensing exam following completion of their studies.

Each school or college sets its own requirements for the minimum HESI A2 score.

Each sub-section is scored separately, using a percentage scale between 0 and 100. These percentage scores are combined to create a cumulative score.

In most cases, you must achieve a percentage score between 70 and 75% (or a cumulative score of 850 or higher) to be accepted into the nursing program.

If you are sitting the HESI Exit Exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 850 to be considered ready to sit the NCLEX.

Whichever HESI test you are sitting, preparation is vital. This might include revising weaker topic areas, completing practice tests and working alongside your peers to boost your learning.

You might also be interested in these other PRT articles:

• Academic Services
• Nursing Admission Assessments (HESI A2 and TEAS)

Nursing Exams

NOTE: The Houston Christian University Nursing department will only accept one of the Two offered Nursing Exams (HESI A2, HESI A2 w/ Critical Thinking, or ATI TEAS) for Applications.

• Hesi A2 and Hesi A2 W/Critical Thinking
• Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Evolve Reach Admission Assessment – (HESI A2 or HESI A2 w/ Critical Thinking)

The Evolve Reach Admission Assessment, also known as (HESI A2 with Critical Thinking). Anyone may register to take the HESI A2 with Critical Thinking or HESI A2 at Houston Christian University, whether HCU student or not.

• The Hesi A2 with/without Critical Thinking is a 4 Hour timed exam (The timer does not start until the first section is started)
• HCU only offers the HESI-A2 and HESI-A2 with critical thinking as an in-person exam on campus and does not offer remote or distance proctoring.
• There is a calculator built into the Hesi A2 exam (You are welcome to bring your own non-programmable calculator)
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Reading Comprehension

Registration Instructions

• Click the Register Online button in the top right corner or click this  Register online  link.
• Click the link for HESI and choose which test you want to take. The HESI A2 costs $94.50, but paying for the HESI A2 with the additional Critical Thinking portion costs $103.50.
• Select a date to take the exam on the calendar.  A list of scheduled dates can be found below.
• Fill out your billing information and hit register when finished. You should receive an email containing your receipt and information about your exam date.
• Testing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Houston Christian University DOES NOT offer the HESI-A2 or the HESI-A2 with critical thinking in any distance or remote format.
• The HESI A2 or HESI A2 with Critical Thinking may also be taken at any Prometric Testing Center, which offers a four-hour test session.

Register Online

Exam Descriptions

HESI A2 consists of seven academic exams and two personality style assessments listed below. Individual exams are not timed, but the test session is timed. Examinees may choose to take as many of the exams offered as they wish durin4-hour session. Most students easily complete the required exams (first) and spend any extra time on the exams that other schools may require. Examinees have access to all exams listed below and are responsible for taking the correct exam(s) and adhering to the requirements established by the schools to which they are applying. [HCU requires only exams marked with an asterisk.] Only exams that are started are scored.

Note: HESI A2 with Critical Thinking license is also available (only difference is critical thinking component and it cost $5 more than A2 license).

Examinees testing at HCU will receive directions on how to obtain a copy of their scores at the conclusion of their test session and a copy of their scores will automatically be sent to the HCU Linda Dunham School of Nursing.

After exam license is closed, Elsevier emails examinee scores to the email address associated with the established Evolve account. Examinees may contact Elsevier Evolve at 1-800-950-272 to make arrangements for score report to be sent another university; Elsevier assesses a  fee for each test score report.

Test Preparation

Review related class notes and/or nursing entrance exam review books by HESI and other publishers.  Elsevier website . A limited number of the HESI A2 Study Guides are available for check out in Testing Services and in Moody Library. This link also has some study materials for you for free:

• Study materials
• More Study materials

Review of content related to missed items is available at  evolve.elsevier.com  for those retaking the exam (Examinee will receive an email notification from Elsevier after exam license is closed).

Testing Schedule

Deadline to register: 48 hours before exam or when available seats are filled

When you register for a test through Registration Blast, you will be able to select a date and time that the exam is offered.

4-hour test session

• BEFORE you arrive , create your Evolve account
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to exam start time for check-in.
• Testing Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
• No one admitted after the start of the test.
• Non-expired, government issued photo ID is REQUIRED
• Be sure you have read and understood the Test Center Policies found on the HCU Testing website: HC.edu/testing
• Prohibited items in Testing Room: Cell phones, all watches, recording devices, flash/thumb drives, backpacks, bags
• No food or drink are allowed, except water in a clear bottle with the label removed.
• Go to  evolve.elsevier.com
• Click on “Login,” then select, “Create an account,” and submit the requested personal information.
• Take care to remember your username and password to use each time you take HESI nursing exams.

Bring the following:

• Pencil  (Scratch paper will be provided)
• Calculator – optional.  There is a drop down calculator in the math exam that can be used. No scientific or programmable calculator are allowed. A simple four-function calculator may be used.
• All Examinees testing at Houston Christian University are responsible for knowing and following all the  Testing Center Policies .

Examinees are checked in one at a time.  EXAMINEES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TEST WITHOUT APPROPRIATE IDENTIFICATION.

HCU is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen items. You will not be allowed to keep any personal or prohibited items with you while testing. These items must be left in front of room unattended or placed in assigned locker.

No communication is permitted with anyone other than testing staff after the test is begun.

Examinees remain in their assigned seats and raise a hand if assistance is needed.

Examinees are dismissed when they receive a copy of their score report.

Any unclaimed personal items left in the testing room are sent to lost and found, in Brown 281 (Call 281-649-3238  for assistance.)

Other Policies

• retesting occurs less than 14 days, OR
• the student has taken the exam more than 2 times, regardless of where, OR
• scores are older than 3 years

If applying to HCU Linda Dunham School of Nursing: Be aware that taking this exam more than two times or taking this exam less than 14 days after initial exam will violate HCU Linda Dunham School of Nursing’s retest policy.

HCU Testing Services will allow students to register and retake the HESI A2 multiple times because many examinees are applying to other schools with different parameters. It is examinee’s responsibility to know requirements for the schools to which they are applying.

: No refunds are given, so ensure you select the correct test you want to take before you register and pay.

Reschedules:

are not allowed, except with permission from Testing Center Director. Contact  [email protected]  to request a reschedule at least two business days prior to your exam.

Standby testing:

 Standby testing is allowed, but standbys are not guaranteed a seat.  IF there is a seat available at the start time, standbys MAY be allowed to test. Standbys:

• Must sign in.
• Bring payment (credit card only) and appropriate ID.
• Must follow published policies for this exam.
• Will be admitted at the discretion of the test administrator.

HCU Nursing School FAQs

Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

General: The ATI TEAS, is the pre-requisite for the HCU nursing program . No other exam scores can be substituted to meet this requirement. Anyone may register to take the ATI TEAS at Houston Christian University, whether HCU student or not.

• The ATI TEAS is a 209 minute 170 question timed exam
• Anyone may register for and take the ATI TEAS (including non-HCU students/candidates)
• There is a calculator build into the ATI TEAS (You are restricted from bringing your personal calculator)
• Reading (64 minutes)
• Math (54 minutes)
• Science (63 minutes)
• English (28 minutes)
• Reading:  75% or above
• Math: 75% or above
• English and Language Usage: 75% or above
• Science “Proficient”: 58.7% or above
• The second attempt must be taken more than 14 days after the first attempt.
• The exams were taken less than 14 days apart.
• The exams were taken more than 2 times, regardless of the scores or the testing location.
• Scores are more than 3 years old.
• HCU only offers the TEAS as an in-person exam on campus and does not offer it for remote or distance proctoring.

HCU Linda Dunham School of Nursing has selected the ATI TEAS exam because it is specifically written as a nursing school entrance exam and has research which correlates performance on this exam with nursing school success. It is our desire to select students who have the most potential for success with nursing school content areas.

• Click the link for Nursing Exams and choose which test you want to take.
• HCU charges a $48.50 proctoring fee and ATI Charges $65.00 for the exam coming to a total cost of $113.50
• You will need your ATI account to purchase the TEAS on the date of testing.
• Select a date to take the exam on the calendar.  A list of scheduled dates can be found during the registration process.
• BEFORE you arrive , create your ATI  account
• Go to atitesting.com
• Take care to remember your username and password to use each time you take ATI TEAS nursing exams.

Bring the following

• Valid Credit Card

NOTE: Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, CCC will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a documented disability.  It is recommended that students request accommodations at least two weeks in advance with Disability Services.  Disability Services requires documentation to support the need for specific accommodations.

• Majors and Programs
• New Degrees
• Moody Library
• Academic Records
• Accommodation Services
• Academic Advising
• Academic Support and Resources
• Writing Center
• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Admissions Placement Exams
• Spanish Heritage Exam
• Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) Internet-Based Test
• Individually Proctored Exam
• Test Center Policies
• Contact Testing Services
• Testing Services: Faculty/Staff Survey
• Testing Services: Student Satisfaction Survey
• Spahr-Tan Center for International Education
• University Store
• University Catalog and Academic Calendar
• Technology on campus
• Academic Technology Support
• Colleges and Schools
• Academic Centers and Institutes
• Faculty Focus
• Online Learning
• Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• University Catalog
• Global Partners

Evolve Support Center

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How do I locate my HESI exam reports

To locate your HESI exam reports, you are required to:

• Have created an Evolve account .
• Have added HESI Assessment Student Access to your account.

Follow these steps to locate your HESI exam reports:

• Sign in to Evolve .
• Go to HESI Assessment – Student Access, in your My Evolve account.
• For In-Campus Exams, the test result may not have been uploaded by the school or the exam is not yet Closed. Contact your Instructor to ensure that the Exam results have been returned to HESI Assessment. It will take 24-48 hours for the result to show after the exam is Closed. For HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exams, results will show within 24 hours after completing sections of the test. 
• Your results may be located in a different account with a different username or email address. 
• Click ‘View Results’.
• Click ‘Results Report’.

After completing these steps you should be able to see your exam report.If you are looking for your HESI Next Generation (HESI NG) exam results and remediation, please check Where can I find my exam results and remediation?

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Related Articles:

• How do I request a copy of my HESI transcript?
• Why can’t I access my HESI account?
• Where can I find my HESI exam scoring information?
• How do I add HESI Student Access to my Evolve account?
• How do I register for my HESI Distance Testing exam with my department ID?

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