What Score is Needed to Pass the HESI Exam?

Unlike some standardized tests, the HESI A2 exam doesn’t have a universal passing or failing score. Instead, each nursing program sets its own minimum score requirements based on how competitive their admissions process is.

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That said, here’s a general guide to understanding what your score means:

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• Below 75% – This suggests you may not be fully prepared for the academic demands of nursing school in that subject area. Most programs consider this below the acceptable range.

• 75%–79% – This is often considered the lower end of the acceptable range. You may be admitted, but some schools may require remediation or additional support.

• 80%–89% – A strong score that shows you’re likely to succeed in nursing school with minimal academic assistance.

• 90% and above – An excellent score that signals you're highly prepared and likely to do very well in your nursing program.

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So, what score should you aim for?

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To be competitive, most nursing schools recommend scoring at least 80% on each required section. Some top-tier programs may look for scores of 85–90% or higher, especially if space is limited.

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Pro tip:

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Check with your nursing program to find out their specific requirements. Some schools weigh certain sections more heavily, like Anatomy & Physiology or Math, depending on their curriculum.

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How do I register for the HESI exam?

In most cases, your nursing school or program will guide you through the HESI A2 registration process. Each school sets its own rules — including which sections of the test you’ll take, how much time you’ll have, where you’ll take the exam, and what fees are involved.

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You may be asked to take the exam:

• On-campus, in a supervised testing center

• Remotely, through an approved online proctoring service like ProctorU

• Or at an official Prometric testing center

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Step-by-Step Tips to Register:

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1. Check your nursing program’s website

Look for an admissions or testing page that mentions the HESI A2. They’ll usually list which sections are required, testing dates, and specific registration instructions.

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2. Contact the school directly if needed

If the info isn’t online, call or email the nursing department. They can give you details like:

• Which subtests you’ll be taking

• Whether it’s in-person or remote

• How to create your Evolve account and access the test

• What Department ID code you’ll need to register

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3. Follow their instructions to register through Elsevier Evolve

Most schools will provide a Department ID that you’ll use to sign up for the exam on evolve.elsevier.com.

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Start early. Some schools require you to register at least a week in advance, and testing slots can fill up quickly — especially around application deadlines.

What do I need to know before I register for the HESI exam?

Before registering for the HESI A2 exam, it’s important to get organized and understand what your nursing program expects. Each school has slightly different requirements, so knowing what to expect will save you time, stress, and even money.

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Here’s what you need to know before you register:

​1. Which Sections You’re Required to Take

2. How and Where You’ll Take the Test

3. How to Create an Elsevier Evolve Account

4. Department ID or Test ID Code

5. Registration Deadlines

6. Exam Fees

7. Technical Requirements (for Remote Exams)

When should I register for the HESI exam?

You should register for the HESI A2 exam as early as possible, ideally several weeks before your nursing program’s application deadline. Each school sets its own testing window, so check your program’s website for exact dates.

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Registering early gives you time to:

• Secure your preferred test date

• Retake the exam if needed (some schools allow multiple attempts)

• Prepare thoroughly without last-minute stress

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If your school requires a Department ID or specific test format (on-campus, remote, or at a Prometric center), be sure to confirm those details before registering.

Preparing for Your HESI A2 Test Day

Whether you're taking the HESI A2 exam online or at a testing center, being fully prepared on test day is key to staying calm and focused.​

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For both online and in-person exams

Make sure to bring the following:

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• Two valid forms of government-issued ID
  One must include your photo and signature, and both must be current and unexpired. Most testing providers also require that the name on your ID matches your Evolve account exactly.

• Your Evolve username
  You may be asked to log in to your Elsevier Evolve account at check-in, so have this info ready.

If You're Testing In Person (On Campus or at Prometric)

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in.

• Bring No. 2 pencils and a clean eraser, just in case they’re needed.

• Leave electronic devices, study materials, and personal items in a secure location — they’re not allowed in the testing room.

• Follow all instructions provided by the testing center or school, including health and safety protocols.

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If you’re taking the HESI A2 exam online

Preparing your technology and testing space in advance is crucial. Here's what you need:

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• A laptop or desktop with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection.

• A compatible browser and updated system software (check the requirements of your remote proctoring service, such as ProctorU or Examplify).

• A private, quiet room with no distractions. You must be alone during the exam.

• A clear workspace with no notes, books, or devices nearby.

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Before test day:

• Run a system check on your computer using the proctoring platform’s setup tool.

• Review all onboarding instructions provided by Elsevier or the testing company.

• Be ready to perform a 360° room scan using your webcam at the start of the test.

To avoid last-minute issues, read through the online exam’s onboarding process thoroughly. Familiarizing yourself with these procedures beforehand will help make your test day as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to focus on what matters most: doing your best on the HESI A2 exam.

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Are there any prerequisites for taking the HESI A2 exam?

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​There are no national prerequisites for taking the HESI A2 exam, but individual nursing schools may set their own requirements. These can vary slightly depending on the program and how the exam is administered. Below are the most common prerequisites and expectations:​

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1. Application to a Nursing Program

• Most schools require you to be an active applicant or a prospective student for their nursing program before allowing you to take the HESI A2. Some may ask you to complete an application or reach a certain academic standing before registering.

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2. Evolve Account Registration

• All test-takers must create an account on evolve.elsevier.com — the official platform for HESI exams.
  Your account name must exactly match your government-issued ID to avoid issues on test day.

3. Department ID Code

• Many programs require you to enter a unique Department ID code during registration. This connects your test results with the correct nursing school. You’ll usually receive this code from the school or find it on their admissions website.

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4. Age Requirement

• There is no official age minimum for the HESI A2, but you must meet your program’s admission age requirements — typically 17 or 18 years old.

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5. Educational Background

• While a high school diploma or GED is not required to take the HESI A2 itself, it is often required to apply to a nursing program. Many schools recommend completing high school-level courses in biology, chemistry, and algebra before testing.

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6. English Proficiency

• The HESI A2 is administered in English, so you should have a solid understanding of written and spoken English. There are no official language tests required, but strong language skills are needed for the Reading, Grammar, and Vocabulary sections.

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What happens if I don’t pass the exam?

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If you don’t pass the HESI A2 exam, there are several important steps you can take to move forward and prepare for a retake.

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Understand the Results
First, you will receive a score report detailing your performance on the exam. This report typically includes your overall score, a breakdown by section (if applicable), and specific areas where you may have struggled. Understanding these results is crucial as it allows you to pinpoint the subjects or skills that need more focus.
Next, familiarize yourself with the retake policy in your state. Most states require a waiting period before you can retake the exam, which can range from a few days to several months. Additionally, some states may limit the number of attempts you can make within a certain timeframe, so once you have your results, take the time to analyze your performance. Look closely at the score report to identify the areas where you struggled. Common weak points often include clinical skills, patient care procedures, or communication techniques. Recognizing these gaps will help you create a targeted study plan.

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Prepare for the Retake
With a clear understanding of your weak areas, it’s time to prepare for your next attempt. Develop a comprehensive study plan that focuses on those specific subjects. Consider utilizing a mix of study guides and online resources, as well as joining a review course or study group. Practicing hands-on skills with peers or in a clinical setting can also enhance your confidence and competence.
Additionally, taking practice tests can be beneficial. These will familiarize you with the format of the exam and help you identify any lingering areas of confusion.

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Reschedule the Exam
Once you feel adequately prepared, you can reschedule the exam. Check the registration process and be mindful of any associated fees, as many states require payment for each attempt.
If you find that you are still struggling with certain content, you might want to consider enrolling in a refresher course. These courses can provide additional training and reinforce your knowledge and skills, making you more confident going into your retake.

​How long are HESI A2 exam scores valid, and can the exam be retaken?​

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​Validity of HESI A2 Scores

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The validity period of HESI A2 scores varies by institution:

• 12 months: Some schools, such as the University of Arizona and UTRGV, consider HESI A2 scores valid for one year from the test date.

• 18 months: Institutions like Gateway Community & Technical College accept scores for up to 18 months.

• 24 months: Others, including Estrella Mountain Community College and Glendale Community College, recognize scores as valid for two years.

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Retaking the HESI A2 Exam

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If your HESI A2 scores have expired or you wish to improve them, you may retake the exam. Retake policies differ among institutions:

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Waiting periods: Some schools require a minimum waiting period between attempts, ranging from 15 days to 90 days.

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Attempt limits: Institutions may limit the number of retakes within a specific timeframe, such as two attempts per application cycle or three attempts per year.

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Always consult your prospective program's guidelines to understand their specific retake policies.

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What career opportunities are available after taking the HESI A2 Exam?

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The HESI A2 exam is not a certification, but rather a critical first step on your journey into the nursing profession. Passing this entrance exam opens the door to nursing school — and ultimately, a wide range of rewarding career paths in healthcare.

Here’s what you can look forward to after passing the HESI A2 and beginning your nursing education:

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1. Entry into Nursing Programs

​Successfully passing the HESI A2 exam makes you eligible to apply to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) programs, depending on your school’s offerings. These programs are the foundation for launching a professional nursing career.

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2. Nursing Career Paths After Graduation

​Once you’ve completed nursing school and earned your license (through the NCLEX-PN for LPNs or NCLEX-RN for RNs), you’ll find diverse opportunities across healthcare settings:

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Hospitals

• Work in emergency rooms, ICUs, med-surg units, pediatrics, or labor & delivery

• Collaborate with physicians and healthcare teams on direct patient care

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Home Health & Community Nursing

• Provide one-on-one care for patients in their homes

• Support elderly or chronically ill individuals with daily living activities and medical needs

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Mental Health Facilities

• Support patients dealing with psychiatric disorders or emotional challenges

• Administer medications and coordinate care plans in behavioral health settings

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Pediatric or Neonatal Units

• Specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents

• Monitor growth, administer medications, and support families through care plans

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3. Advanced Specializations and Education

​Taking the HESI A2 is often just the beginning. Many nursing students use it as a stepping stone to long-term growth in the field:

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Further Education

• Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Pursue graduate-level degrees to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Educator

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Specialty Certifications

• Gain credentials in areas like critical care, geriatrics, oncology, pediatrics, or surgical nursing

• These can increase both job satisfaction and earning potential

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4. Leadership and Administrative Roles

With experience and continued education, nurses can move into:

• Nurse Management

• Hospital Administration

• Policy-making or Public Health positions

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What is the exam fee for the HESI A2?

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The HESI A2 exam fee varies depending on the institution and testing method. Here's a breakdown of typical costs:

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• Phoenix College: $45 for the HESI A2 Entrance Exam.

• Indian River State College (IRSC): $55 paid online to Elsevier, plus a $60 Nursing Program Application and Test Proctoring Fee.

• South Texas College: $70 when taken through the college; approximately $107 when taken at a Prometric testing center.

• Central Texas College: $65, payable through an Evolve account prior to testing.

• College of the Mainland: $79 for the HESI A2 exam; $89 if including the Critical Thinking section.

• Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ): $60 sitting fee, with additional fees payable to Elsevier.

• Northeast Texas Community College: $55 testing fee to Elsevier, plus a $30 nonrefundable administration fee to the college.

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It's essential to check with your specific nursing program or testing center for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.