How many questions are on a HESI test?

The number of questions on a HESI exam varies by test type (A2 Admission or Exit Exam) and your school's requirements, but typically ranges from ~150 to over 200 for the A2, with sections like Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, and sometimes a Critical Thinking section, while HESI Exit Exams (RN/LPN) usually have around 100-150 questions, mimicking NCLEX-style critical thinking.

What is a passing score for the HESI exam?

For the HESI E2, scores range from 0 to 1,500, with a recommended passing score of 900. Your final score isn't just based on how many questions you answer correctly — it also takes into account the difficulty level of the questions.

Is 70 a good HESI score?

HESI Entrance Exam

Direct Entry option into the Associate Degree in Nursing applicants require a cumulative score of 75% or higher. Practical Nursing program applicants must achieve a score of 70% or higher to successfully pass the exam.

How many questions are on the HESI A2 2025?

HESI A2 Question Types and Number of Questions. There are 326 questions on the HESI A2 exam. The HESI A2 Math exam contains 50 questions and is designed to take 50 minutes or less to complete. The math exam assesses a candidate's math skills as it relates to health care.

What is the HESI A2 pass rate?

HESI A2 Passing Scores

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%.

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

What 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. 

Is 50% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with around 50% correct answers because it's a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) that adjusts difficulty, aiming for questions you have a 50% chance of answering correctly, but a true passing score depends on demonstrating competency above the passing standard, not a fixed percentage, meaning you could pass with more difficult questions right or fail with easier ones right if your overall ability isn't high enough. The exam stops when the computer is 95% confident you've either passed or failed, potentially around 85 questions or longer, focusing on your ability to keep patients safe.
 

What is a failing HESI grade?

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.

Will a 3.0 get me into nursing school?

Some programs and schools will be more selective than others — many programs require a 3.0 GPA, while many two-year programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0. However, even if your GPA is below 2.0, there are programs where you can get the training you need to enter the nursing profession.

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.

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.

Is HESI all multiple choice?

The exam has: 170 Multiple-choice questions. 3-hour time limit. 2 exam attempts before the admission committee review.

What type of math is on the HESI?

What kind of math is on the HESI A2 test? The math questions on the HESI A2 test cover Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry. Make sure your math review only includes the topics that are covered on the test. The best HESI A2 test prep programs won't waste your time on lessons you don't need.

How long is HESI exam good for?

How long are my HESI A2 exam scores valid? Scores will be valid for 18 months from the time of exam completion. Scores must be taken from a single eligibility period.

How many biology questions are on HESI?

HESI A2 Biology Diagnostic Test (25 Questions)

Can you get into nursing school without passing the HESI?

Most nursing schools require applicants to take either the TEAS or HESI exam as part of the admissions process. These standardized tests help schools evaluate academic readiness. However, not every program follows this route, preferring approaches like holistic admissions instead.

Is 70 passing in nursing school?

A 70% can be passing in some nursing programs, but it's often not enough, as many schools require a C (75%) or even a B (80-83%) to pass, sometimes with specific higher thresholds for exams or clinicals, so you must check your specific school's nursing handbook. A 70% might be a passing grade but a failing requirement, especially with "70% rules" on major exams or if the overall passing standard is higher, like 75% or 80%. 

Does HESI reuse questions?

No, applicants choosing to retest will be testing on an alternate version of the HESI A2. It will include the same content but different test questions.

Is NCLEX shutting off at 85 good?

Yes, the NCLEX stopping at 85 questions is generally a good sign, indicating you likely passed because the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) algorithm found you consistently above the minimum passing standard for safe nursing practice; however, it can mean you failed if you were consistently below that standard, but statistics heavily favor passing at 85 questions, showing strong performance. 

What are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE "good pop-up" (inability to rebook), no new Authorization to Test (ATT) being issued, the Quick Results service showing a pass (if available), seeing your name added to your state board's license list, and a feeling of confidence with your test shutting off at the minimum question count (like 85 for RNs), though the only official sign is the nursing board's confirmation. 

Did I fail if I got 150 questions on NCLEX?

If you get all 150 questions and you're at or above the passing standard, you pass. If you're below the passing standard, you do not pass. The test ends after 5 hours. At that time, if you have not completed the minimum amount of items (85), then you do not pass.

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. 

Do most people pass the HESI?

According to a recent poll in our free HESI A2 Study Group, out of 1,500+ students polled, the average student scored between 60%-69% on their first HESI A2 entrance exam attempt. It is common for students to have to retake their HESI exam to get a competitive score, and many programs allow at least two retakes.

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.