How hard is a HESI test?

The HESI test difficulty varies: the HESI A2 (Entrance) is manageable with prep, focusing on basics, but in-program HESI exams (like Exit exams) get much harder, testing in-depth nursing knowledge, though both can be passed with dedicated study using online resources, books, and practice tests. Difficulty depends on your current knowledge, study habits, and program requirements, with some schools needing 90%+ for competitive entry.

Is the HESI test hard to pass?

Yes, the HESI exam is generally considered challenging, especially the HESI A2 entrance exam and end-of-course exams, because it tests foundational knowledge (like A&P, math, vocabulary) and critical thinking, but its difficulty is subjective and manageable with focused preparation using study guides, practice tests, and resources like Quizlet or Mometrix. Many students find practice questions harder than the actual test, and success hinges on reviewing core concepts and understanding medical terminology. 

What is the pass rate of the HESI?

Passing scores for the HESI A2 will vary from one school program to another. Program admittance scores as low as 62% can be found at some schools, while others require 85-90%. The general passing range for the HESI A2 cumulative score is 75-80%.

What level of math is on the HESI?

The assessment indicates a student's basic math skills at the eighth to tenth grade levels and focuses on math skills needed for health care fields: basic addition, subtraction, multiplication. fractions, decimals, ratios and proportion.

Which is harder, NCLEX or HESI?

Yes, for most nursing students, the HESI exit exam feels harder than the NCLEX because HESI uses static questions designed to push you, while NCLEX is computer-adaptive, adjusting difficulty based on your answers, often feeling easier if you're performing well at the passing threshold. HESI questions can be more complex and cover broader material to predict your NCLEX readiness, sometimes including questions far above the NCLEX passing level, making the NCLEX seem simpler by comparison if you've done well on HESI. 

HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review | HESI Entrance Exam Math, Anatomy & Physiology, & more

What is a failing HESI score?

And a score below 75% on the HESI is a failure and shows that the candidate is unprepared to work with the complex reading material included in a healthcare program.

What is the most difficult exam for nurses?

The toughest nursing exams often cited are the NCLEX-RN (the gateway to becoming a registered nurse, testing critical thinking in high-pressure scenarios) and advanced certifications like the CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), which demands deep knowledge of complex, multi-system critical care, with many finding the intensive study and difficult concepts challenging. Other difficult areas include pharmacology and medical-surgical subjects within nursing school itself, which weed out many students. 

Do you get HESI results immediately?

Each section must be passed with a 75% or higher. Below is an example of the HESI Exam formula for the ADN Program application. When will I receive my exam scores? Exam scores are available immediately after completion of the exam.

Can I use a calculator during the HESI?

Online Calculator Only

No graphing, scientific, or other handheld calculators are allowed during the exam. The HESI platform has a built-in calculator that can be used.

Is HESI all multiple choice?

The HESI A2 exam consists of six multiple choice sections (Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Basic Math, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and a Learning Style Assessment). The exam is three hours long.

How many times can I fail HESI?

If the applicant does not achieve a passing score on the second attempt on the HESI exam, he/she must wait 30 daysfrom the date of the last attempt to take the HESI a third time. If applicant fails all three attempts, the applicant can begin the process after a minimum of 1 year from the first attempt.

What is the failure rate for RN?

As of halfway through 2025, pass rates are at 88.6% for RN and 85.9% for PN. The pass rates for all test-takers, including repeat test-takers and internationally educated test-takers, have also increased.

How long does the HESI exam take?

HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Review Preparation

The HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review guide has sections on mathematics, chemistry and physics. Will I have to take those exams? How long does it take to complete the HESI A2? Your total time allotted is three hours, including short breaks.

Can I study for the HESI in a week?

As a general rule of thumb, it's helpful to give yourself a minimum of one week for each of the four academic test sections. Some students benefit from longer and some can be successful even with less time to study.

What to know before taking the HESI?

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.

What happens if you fail one part of the HESI exam?

The nursing program will use the attempt with the highest overall score, providing all section scores are at least 60% or better. They will not pick and choose the highest section scores from different exam attempts. If you fail any section, you must retake the entire exam.

What kind of math is on the HESI exam?

Accurately perform calculations using decimals, fractions, percentages, ratios, and/or proportions. ✓ Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers. ✓ Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions. ✓ Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals.

What do I bring to my HESI exam?

You will need to bring a picture ID, driver's license, or passport. You will need to take the Complete HESI Exam – all parts. Students must score a 75 or higher on the following portions: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology. The composite (overall) score must also be at least 75.

How long is HESI good for?

HESI A2 Exam Information

Results of the exam are good for one (1) year. You are only allowed to take the test twice in any twelve month period. The second attempt must be a minimum of 45 days after the first attempt. The third attempt may be scheduled one year after the second attempt.

Is one month enough to study for HESI?

1-Month: Very intense. You will need to dedicate time each day to study and prepare. 3-Months: Perfect timeframe. We recommend 3-months when preparing for this exam.

How much does the HESI exam cost?

The HESI exam cost varies significantly by school, typically ranging from $35 to over $100, often around $45-$80 for the HESI A2, with potential extra proctoring fees if testing outside your institution (e.g., $35 extra). You pay fees directly to the school and sometimes Elsevier/HESI, so check your specific nursing program's requirements for exact costs and payment methods. 

Is 7 days enough to study for an exam?

In general, plan to start about 7-10 days in advance to make sure you maximize your study time. Remember, it is better to space your studying out over a period of days rather than clustering your studying just before the exam. Ten hours of studying over 5 days is better than 10 hours of studying over 2 days!

What class do most nursing students fail in?

While it varies, Pharmacology is widely considered the most failed or difficult class in nursing school due to its vast content on drug classifications, mechanisms, and side effects, requiring intensive memorization and critical thinking. Other challenging courses often cited include Pathophysiology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Health Assessment, and foundational science courses like Anatomy & Physiology.
 

Can I be a nurse even if I'm not smart?

There will be nursing students who ace every test and nursing students who struggle to make that passing grade, but once the tests are passed, and the scrubs are one, those grades don't matter any longer… all that matters then is how hard you work, how much you remember from your training, and how much you care for ...

Is 2 weeks enough to study for NCLEX RN?

Yes, two weeks can be enough time to pass the NCLEX-RN, especially if you've just graduated nursing school and focus intensely on high-volume practice questions, identifying and reviewing weak areas (like Pharmacology or OB/Peds), and mastering the computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format, rather than just reading content. While many recommend 4-6 weeks, two weeks allows for a highly focused review of question-based learning, but success depends heavily on your existing foundational knowledge and consistent practice with resources like UWorld, Archer, or Bootcamp.