Complete Guide to the HESI Exam: Everything You Need to Know
The HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) exam is a standardized test used by nursing schools to evaluate a candidate’s readiness for nursing programs. There are different types of HESI exams depending on the stage of your nursing education, each assessing specific skills and knowledge areas. This post, brought to you by GradeHustler.info—a platform offering past exam questions, resources, and test-taking services—covers why you should take the HESI, the different types of HESI exams, how to take it online, the scoring breakdown, and the software used to proctor the test.
Why Take the HESI?
- Nursing Program Admission: Many nursing schools require the HESI A2 (Admission Assessment) as part of the application process to assess your readiness for nursing coursework.
- Track Progress: During nursing school, you may be required to take HESI Specialty Exams to track your progress in specific subject areas like anatomy, pharmacology, or mental health.
- Prepare for the NCLEX: The HESI Exit Exam helps predict how well you’ll perform on the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) and prepares you for the final hurdle before becoming a licensed nurse.
- Remediation: If your HESI scores reveal gaps in knowledge, schools often provide targeted remediation to ensure you’re fully prepared for success in nursing school and beyond.
Types of HESI Exams
The HESI exams are designed for different stages of your nursing education journey. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
- HESI A2 (Admission Assessment):
This exam is used to assess whether you have the academic foundation needed for nursing school. The test covers:- Math: Basic math skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, and conversions.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages.
- Grammar: Basic English grammar and sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Understanding and defining common medical and general vocabulary.
- Biology: Basic principles of biology, including cell structure and function, genetics, and human body systems.
- Chemistry: Introductory chemistry concepts like the periodic table, atomic structure, and chemical reactions.
- Anatomy & Physiology: Knowledge of the structure and function of the human body.
- Learning Style and Personality Profiles: Not scored but help identify how you learn and your personality type.
- HESI Specialty Exams:
These exams assess your knowledge in specific areas of nursing education. Specialty exams include:- Pharmacology: Focuses on drug classifications, actions, and effects on the body.
- Fundamentals of Nursing: Covers basic nursing skills, ethics, and patient care.
- Pediatrics: Focuses on nursing care for children.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: Covers the care of adult patients with medical and surgical conditions.
- Mental Health: Tests knowledge of mental health disorders and patient care in psychiatric settings.
- HESI Exit Exam:
This comprehensive exam is taken at the end of nursing school and is used to assess your readiness for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. It simulates the NCLEX and helps predict your chances of passing. Schools use this exam to provide targeted remediation before the actual NCLEX.
How to Take the HESI Online. HESI Exam Complete Guide
If your institution allows remote testing, you can take the HESI exams online, providing flexibility and convenience. Here’s how:
- Eligibility:
You must be registered with a nursing program that offers the HESI. The school or testing center will provide registration instructions and guidelines for remote testing. - HESI Practice Tests:
GradeHustler.info provides access to past exam questions and practice tests to help you prepare for the HESI. These resources are valuable for improving your understanding of the subjects covered and familiarizing yourself with the test format. - Sections and Time Limits: The HESI A2 typically consists of 7 to 9 sections (depending on what the institution requires), with each section having a time limit. Here are the sections and their approximate time limits:
- Math: 50 questions; 50 minutes.
- Reading Comprehension: 47 questions; 60 minutes.
- Vocabulary & General Knowledge: 50 questions; 50 minutes.
- Grammar: 50 questions; 50 minutes.
- Biology: 25 questions; 25 minutes.
- Chemistry: 25 questions; 25 minutes.
- Anatomy & Physiology: 25 questions; 25 minutes.
- Scheduling the Test:
- Contact your nursing school or testing center to schedule your exam. Once registered, you’ll be given access to the online platform.
- How we help during the test? To take your online proctored exam, install our software on your device ahead of the exam date (a 10-minute process). Our expert will assist with the installation. On exam day, contact us 30 minutes before the test to ensure access and preparation. Once the exam begins, you’ll complete preliminary checks (face verification, ID, room survey, hardware setup). After the proctor’s approval, sit facing the webcam, with your hands on the mouse or keyboard, simulating the exam. Our exam takers will handle the rest, guaranteeing completion within the set time and an excellent score
HESI Score Breakdown
HESI scores are based on a scale of 0 to 100, with most schools requiring a minimum score to advance in their programs. Here’s how the scoring typically works:
- HESI A2: Most nursing programs require a minimum score of 75-80 in each subject area, though the exact requirements vary by institution.
- HESI Specialty Exams: These exams generally require a score of 850 or higher for passing, with schools setting their own benchmarks for success.
- HESI Exit Exam: A score of 850 or higher is considered a strong predictor of success on the NCLEX. Schools may require additional remediation for students who do not meet this benchmark. HESI Exam Complete Guide
Proctoring the HESI Exam
If you’re taking the HESI exam remotely, it will be proctored online using ProctorU, a widely used online proctoring service. Here’s how it works:
- ProctorU Platform: You’ll need to install ProctorU’s testing software, which monitors your computer’s webcam and microphone during the exam. This ensures test integrity and prevents cheating.
- Live Proctoring: A live proctor will oversee your exam in real-time. The proctor will pause or terminate the exam if any suspicious behavior is detected.
- Testing Environment: Before starting the exam, the proctor will verify that your environment is secure. You must ensure that there are no unauthorized materials or other people in the room.
Tips for Success
- Use Study Resources: Visit GradeHustler.info for HESI practice tests, past exam questions, and additional resources to help you prepare for the exam.
- Time Management: The HESI is a timed exam, so practice managing your time effectively by taking timed practice tests to get used to the pace of the questions.
- Take Breaks: Some sections of the HESI are long, so stay calm and take short breaks if allowed. This will help you stay focused and refreshed.
- Test Your Equipment: If you’re taking the exam online, ensure your computer, internet, webcam, and microphone are functioning correctly ahead of the test.
Conclusion
The HESI exam is an essential step in your nursing education, whether you’re applying to a program, assessing your progress, or preparing for the NCLEX. With multiple exam types like the HESI A2, Specialty Exams, and the Exit Exam, it’s important to understand what each test entails. By using GradeHustler.info for practice questions and test-taking resources, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed on the HESI exam and advance your nursing career. HESI Exam Complete Guide
For all your HESI preparation needs, including past exam questions and practice tests, visit HESI past exam questions sections today! OR CONTACT US
