What if I fail the HESI?

Failing the HESI exam usually means you get to retake it, but policies vary by school, often requiring remediation, a waiting period (e.g., 7-45 days), and limiting total attempts (usually 2-3 per year) before more serious steps like repeating a course or being dismissed from the program. The HESI Exit Exam is a predictor for the NCLEX, so failing it often triggers required review courses or repeating nursing classes, though passing the HESI doesn't guarantee NCLEX success, nor does failing it guarantee you'll fail the NCLEX.

What happens if you fail the HESI exam?

If you don't pass the HESI, most colleges and universities will allow students opportunities to retake the exam. It is important to consult a school's retake policy to learn more about any applicable waiting periods or limitations of testing attempts.

How many times can I retake the HESI?

Students may retake the HESI test once every 60 days based on the date of the first exam. The 60-day count will begin on the day following your most recent test date. If a student takes the HESI A2 a second time observing the 60 day window, the most recent score will be used for computing admission scores.

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 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. 

I Failed the HESI Exit Exam! Does it Matter? | Passing the NCLEX!

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%. 

How common is it to fail nursing school?

Around 15-20% of nursing students nationally withdraw or fail, with rates varying significantly by program, but many students actually stay, with retention rates often in the 80-90% range; key reasons for failure include poor study habits, time management, stress, and difficulty with complex NCLEX-style questions, though the perception of high failure can be scarier than the reality for most diligent students. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Can you get back into nursing school after failing?

If you're asking yourself, “Can I go back to nursing school after failing prerequisites?” —the answer is a confident yes. Nursing schools recognize that setbacks happen, and what matters most is your persistence, preparation, and passion for the profession.

Can you still be a nurse if you fail NCLEX?

It's important to note that the NCLEX exam is the standardized test required to become a registered nurse in the United States. So no, you cannot legally practice as a registered nurse without passing the NCLEX exam.

Can you get kicked out of nursing school for failing a class?

As a nursing professor, we rarely “kick” students out. They usually do not move on to the next semester as they did not meet the requirement, whether that was failing a class or not meeting enough clinical hours.

Will I fail the NCLEX if I fail the HESI exam?

The HESI exam is a very reliable predictor of NCLEX success. Research shows that if you can pass the HESI Exit, you are extremely likely to pass the NCLEX. But there is no research supporting the other way around is true as well...

What is a 75% on the HESI?

A 75% on the HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) exam is generally considered a satisfactory score, often meeting the minimum passing requirement for many nursing programs, falling into the "Average" or "Satisfactory" performance category, just above the "Needs Improvement" threshold (below 75%). While some schools set higher benchmarks, a 75% indicates competency, though scores in the 80-90%+ range are often seen as stronger or excellent, depending on the specific program's competitive admissions.
 

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 RN's make 6 figures?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $93,600 per year, $45.00 per hour as of May 2024. Depending on your location and nursing specialty, making 6 figures as a nurse is well within your reach!

What's the hardest subject in nursing school?

The hardest nursing school class varies, but Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing (Med-Surg), and Pathophysiology are consistently cited as the most challenging due to massive amounts of complex information on drugs, diseases, and critical thinking required for patient care. Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) is also a major hurdle, often as a prerequisite, because of its sheer volume of memorization about the human body.
 

How many times can you fail RN boards?

Candidates are permitted to take the NCLEX exam up to eight times within a calendar year, adhering to a mandatory waiting period of 45 days between attempts. It is crucial that candidates pass the exam within three years of their graduation from nursing school.

Is an 89.5 an A or B?

An 89.5 is usually a high B+ or a low A- (A minus), depending on the school's specific grading scale and whether they round up; some scales place 89.5 as the start of an A-, while others might make it a B+ that's very close to an A, or even round it up to an A if they round .5 or higher. Always check the course syllabus or school's official grading policy for certainty. 

Can I be a nurse if I'm bad at math?

You can become a nurse even if you struggle at math. Nursing does require some math skills, so commit to practicing and using resources that will help you.

Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate?

New Hampshire leads the nation with a 96.5% NCLEX pass rate, followed by North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Nationally, 91.2% of test-takers passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt.