What do you have to score on the HESI to pass?

To pass the HESI, you need to meet your specific nursing program's requirements, as passing scores vary, but a cumulative score of 75-80% is common for admission (HESI A2), while an 850+ (or 900+) on the Exit Exam is often expected for NCLEX readiness, with individual schools setting their own benchmarks. You must check your school's policy for exact minimums on sections like Math, Reading, or Anatomy, as they can differ.

What is a 75% on the HESI?

A 75% on the HESI exam is generally considered a satisfactory or average score, often meeting the minimum passing requirement for many nursing programs, though higher scores (80-90%+) are usually needed for more competitive entry or for higher grades within a program, with requirements varying by institution. It signifies competency but places you in a range needing potential improvement for top performance, with scores below 75% often requiring remediation, notes NursingExams.org and Smart Edition Nursing. 

What score do you need on the HESI to pass?

The only sections needed are Reading, Vocabulary, Math, and Biology. Eligible scores requires at least those 4 sections and 1 single testing attempt. Score is calculated as the average amongst the 4 required sections, with a minimum score required of 75% needed (though higher is recommended).

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.

Is 950 a good HESI score?

The HESI Exit Exam predicts passing the NCLEX, based on the following scores: >950 – OUTSTANDING probability of passing NCLEX. 900-940 – EXCELLENT probability of passing NCLEX. 850-899 – AVERAGE probability of passing NCLEX.

How I Studied for the Hesi Exit Exam and Passed on The First Try | Nursing School

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%. 

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. 

What score do I need on the NCLEX to pass?

The NCLEX uses a base logit score of 0.00 to determine whether you pass or not. You pass if you score above 0.00, meaning you answered enough questions correctly. If you score negative, you didn't answer enough questions correctly.

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 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 disqualifies you from being an RN?

You can be disqualified from becoming an RN due to serious criminal history (especially violent, sexual, or drug-related felonies), substance abuse issues, fraudulent application, or certain uncontrolled health conditions that impair safe practice, with specific rules varying by state board of nursing, though felony convictions, abuse, and fraud are common hurdles. While some crimes are automatic disqualifiers, others may be reviewed based on rehabilitation, time passed, and context. 

How do I know if I passed my HESI exam?

You can retrieve your HESI A2 results from your Evolve account. Step 1: Go to https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/store?role=student to access your Evolve account.

What is a good score on the nursing entrance exam?

TEAS Passing Score

Most nursing programs require at least a Proficient level (around 60–65%). However, some competitive programs expect 75% or higher. Always check with your target schools. As a safe strategy, aim about 10% above their stated minimum.

What HESI score is equivalent to passing NCLEX?

While it is possible, the research suggests that the odds are in your favor that passing the HESI Exit Exam with a 900 or higher is strongly associated with passing NCLEX.

What HESI score do you need to get into nursing school?

Pass the HESI admission test with a minimum score of 80% overall (scores 79.5% and higher will be rounded up to 80%); OR. Pass the HESI admission test with a score from* 75.5% to 79.4% with documented CGPA from all prior education at or above 2.5*; OR.

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. 

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.

What is a bad score on the HESI?

Each school has a different HESI passing score or minimum score requirement for their program. Most programs require at least a 75% on each section as a minimum score requirement. 74% or lower scores are considered below average and often indicate that the student needs remediation in that particular subject.

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.
 

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. 

How do you know if you passed the NCLEX right away in 2025?

If you have passed the NCLEX, you should expect to receive your official license in the mail within a few weeks. On the other hand, if you have failed the exam, you will be sent an ATT that will allow you to retake the exam. Therefore, the absence of a new ATT is a surefire sign that you have passed the NCLEX.

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.

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. 

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.