What is an average HESI score?

There's no single "average HESI score" as it varies by program, but generally, a score of 75%-80% (or 800-850 on the 0-950 scale) is often the minimum to pass for admission or graduation, with 85% and above considered strong, while scores below 70-75% usually need remediation, though some schools might accept lower scores for entrance. For the HESI Exit Exam, averages hover around 850-859, indicating good NCLEX readiness.

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.

Is a 91 on the HESI good?

Generally, a score of 90% to 100% on any of the HESI sub-tests is regarded as excellent. A score between 80% and 89% is regarded as very good. Typically, a score of 75% to 79% is regarded as satisfactory, although some schools consider scores as low as 70% to be satisfactory.

What does an 850 HESI score mean?

The HESI exam is scored on a scale of 0-950. The following scores demonstrate how the HESI Exit Exam scores correlate to probability of passing the NCLEX. >950 – OUTSTANDING probability of passing NCLEX. 900-940 – EXCELLENT probability of passing NCLEX. 850-899 – AVERAGE probability of passing NCLEX.

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.

How to Score HIGH! HESI A2 MATH SECTION 2023 | Study Tips & Resources

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.

Which is harder, NCLEX or HESI?

Yes, the HESI (or ATI) exit exams are often designed to feel harder than the NCLEX because they use static questions and include more challenging content to predict if you'll pass the NCLEX, which uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to adjust difficulty based on your performance, meaning the NCLEX might get easier if you're struggling or harder if you're excelling. Most students find HESI more difficult due to its comprehensive, fixed nature, but some find the NCLEX harder because of its high-stakes, adaptive format and real-world application focus. 

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 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%.

What disqualifies you from being an RN?

You can be disqualified from becoming an RN due to certain criminal convictions (especially violent, sexual, or drug-related felonies), substance abuse issues, fraudulent application, or past disciplinary actions in other states, with specific rules varying by state, though serious offenses often lead to automatic denial or intense review by the Board of Nursing (BON). Factors like dishonesty, child/elder abuse, theft, fraud, and crimes against vulnerable populations are major red flags, requiring review of the offense's nature, time passed, and evidence of rehabilitation. 

Is nursing harder than med school?

If you wonder, “Is nursing school harder than med school?” we have the truth. Both paths are challenging, but they differ in focus and demands. Nursing school emphasizes practical skills and patient care, while med school dives deep into medical theory and research. Each has its unique stressors and rewards.

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%. 

Is 50% enough to pass NCLEX?

Yes, you can pass the NCLEX with around 50% of questions right because it's not about a simple percentage; the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) adjusts difficulty, aiming for you to get roughly half the harder questions correct to prove competency above the passing standard. You pass by demonstrating consistent ability, not by hitting a specific score, with the test stopping when it's 95% sure you've met or missed the passing line, which often happens at the minimum 75-85 questions. 

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.

How much do you need to pass 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.

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.

What was Bill Clinton's SAT score?

Bill Clinton

The 42nd president of the United States scored a 1032—12 points above average—on his SAT. Still, Clinton excelled at Georgetown University, where he majored in Foreign Service and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Later, Clinton attended Yale Law School and earned a Juris Doctor in 1973.

What is the highest HESI score?

Your HESI scores range from 0 to over 1,000, and can be as high as 1,500 (depending on the difficulty level of the exam). An acceptable level of performance is 850.

Is 70% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with a 70% on practice tests, as it indicates good readiness by showing consistent performance above the typical 60-70% target, but the actual NCLEX is adaptive and doesn't use percentages; you pass by consistently demonstrating nursing competency above a set standard (0.00 logits), so a 70% score on a practice question bank (QBank) is a strong sign you're ready for the real exam's variable difficulty.
 

What is the most difficult exam for nurses?

There isn't one single "toughest" nursing exam, but the NCLEX-RN (for new grads) and the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification (for experienced nurses) are widely considered among the most challenging due to their breadth and depth, testing critical thinking, complex scenarios, and extensive knowledge beyond simple memorization, with the NCLEX being the essential gateway to licensure and the CCRN a significant step for critical care specialists.
 

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 are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE trick (getting the "good pop-up" saying you can't re-register), your Pearson VUE account showing "exam complete" and no ATT, seeing your name on the State Board of Nursing's license verification site (often with an RN/LPN number), and feeling confident after the exam with tough questions appearing at the minimum question count (like 85) before it shuts off. The only official confirmation is the State Board of Nursing, but these indicators provide strong clues.
 

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. 

Which NCLEX Prep has the highest pass rate?

While reported pass rates vary, NURSING.com, Archer Review, UWorld, and Kaplan/Hurst consistently show very high success, often claiming over 98% first-time pass rates for students who fully utilize their programs, with some sources even listing NURSING.com as high as 99.86% for their users. The "best" often depends on learning style, but these platforms are recognized for their extensive question banks and focus on critical thinking needed for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN).