HESI scores are used by nursing schools as part of the admissions process to assess applications. The likelihood that a student will succeed in their nursing program is determined by schools using these scores. They want pupils to be able to successfully browse their course materials. How is the HESI A2 exam scored? Let’s read this post to find out more!
Our free HESI A2 practice exam will help you raise your test scores, so let’s get started.
How Is The HESI A2 Graded?
The HESI A2 is scored on a percentage system, in which 100% is the highest possible HESI score. The HESI exam results provide students a percentage score for each of the subtests they completed, as well as a cumulative score, which is the average HESI A2 score of all the subtests.
It’s crucial to know that no set passing or required score applies to all test takers. The HESI A2 score requirements are set by each school. Individuals planning to take the HESI A2 should check the admission requirements for the postsecondary school to which they intend to apply.
The HESI exam is scored on a percentage scale ranging from 0% to 100%. For example, on the HESI math exam, if a student answered 50 of the 55 questions correctly, they would get a 91% on that section of the exam. Students will receive a cumulative score in addition to individual scores for each section of the exam. This cumulative score is the average of all subtest scores.
For example, if a student got a 91% in math, 82% in reading comprehension, 85% in grammar, and a 88% in vocabulary, their cumulative score would be 86.5%.
Some schools may require that students have a cumulative score of at least a specific amount (usually above 70%). Other schools may require that students achieve a particular percentage on each subtest. The requirements will differ depending on the school and program.
If you’re applying to a competitive program, it is likely a more competitive score will be required. When compared to other candidates, a higher score will help you stand out.
HESI Score In Each Section
HESI scores will fall into one of the following categories in general. The percentages below may differ since each institution and program sets its own passing scores. Continue to read if you’d like to see the breakdowns for each HESI section.
HESI Math Scores
The HESI math section is used to assess a student’s basic mathematical abilities. A basic understanding of 8th/9th-grade math is sufficient. In the eyes of various schools and programs, HESI scores reflect a student’s skill level.
| Score Percentage | Notes | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 90% to 100% | Shows that a student can perform basic arithmetic calculations at the 8th or 9th-grade level. As a result, they can calculate medication supervision at all levels. | Excellent Score |
| 80% to 90% | Shows that a student can perform basic calculations and administer medication at a higher level than the average. There is, however, room for improvement. | Above Average Score |
| 75% to 80% | Shows that a student can only perform rudimentary mathematics and will need to be supervised when administering medication. | Average Score |
| Below 75% | This demonstrates that a student should study mathematics further before applying to nursing school. | Failure Score |
HESI Vocabulary & General Knowledges Scores
On a 10th-grade level, this exam assesses a student’s general knowledge and vocabulary. In the eyes of several schools and programs around the country, HESI scores reflect a student’s ability level.
| Score Percentage | Notes | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 90% to 100% | This score indicates a student's ability to read at a 10th-grade level. It demonstrates to nursing schools that a candidate can read and comprehend textbook material. | Excellent Score |
| 80% to 90% | Shows that a student will be able to succeed in nursing school, but that reading materials might need more time. They'll also require more time to memorize specific medical definitions. | Above Average Score |
| 75% to 80% | Students will find the advanced curriculum to be extremely difficult, and many schools will not admit students with a score lower than 80%. | Average Score |
| Below 75% | Before applying to nursing school, students should seek further vocabulary assistance. | Failure Score |
HESI Reading Comprehension Scores
This exam assesses a student’s ability to comprehend material at the 8th-grade level. Here’s how a student’s HESI scores reflect their skill level in the eyes of the programs to which they’re applying.
| Score Percentage | Notes | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 90% to 100% | Indicates whether or not a student can read and comprehend text from nursing school textbooks. | Excellent Score |
| 80% to 90% | This score indicates that a student can understand textbook text, but that they will need to dedicate more time to study. | Above Average Score |
| 75% to 80% | Students in this range are likely to struggle with some textbooks and will struggle to keep up with the curriculum. | Average Score |
| Below 75% | This score indicates that a student is still not ready for the complicated text found in some of the textbooks they will read. | Failure Score |
HESI Grammar Scores
The grammar exam assesses students’ basic high school grammar skills, ensuring that they will be able to navigate the learning resources that will be present in their program. In the eyes of their programs, HESI scores reflect a student’s skill level.
| Score Percentage | Notes | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 90% to 100% | Indicates that a student is capable of producing grammatically correct written text. Furthermore, they are capable of doing this without difficulty. | Excellent Score |
| 80% to 90% | Shows that a student can write grammatically correct text, but it will take longer for them to do this. | Above Average Score |
| 75% to 80% | Written assignments and verbal communication will be difficult for students who score in this range. | Average Score |
| Below 75% | This score indicates that before applying to nursing school, a student should take more grammar lessons. | Failure Score |
HESI Subject Test Scores
Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physics exams are all tested and used to determine if a student is capable of keeping up with the curriculum found in nursing school. Here’s how HESI scores are used by various programs around the country to determine a student’s skill level.
| Score Percentage | Notes | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 90% to 100% | Indicates that a student has exceptional knowledge in all of these essential sciences and will be able to keep up with their studies. | Excellent Score |
| 80% to 90% | Students who score in this range will be able to keep up with the curriculum but they still have some room for improvement. | Above Average Score |
| 75% to 80% | This indicates that a student should learn more about the subject before applying to the program. | Average Score |
| Below 75% | Shows that a student should seek further lessons in the subject before applying to the program. | Failure Score |
Each school chooses which subtests to use in the scoring deter. One college, for example, might only require Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, tests. Another school might also require the Chemistry, Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology tests.
Read more >> HESI Assessment Next Generation
What Are Some Typical HESI Score Program Requirements?
Schools, in some cases, establish expectations for individual HESI A2 test scores. Schools may, for example, require students to score at least 85% on the Reading Comprehension test or 75% on the Basic Math Skills Test. These schools may require minimum scores on all of the subtests they require, or they may only require minimum scores on some of the required tests. Students concerned about scoring requirements on individual subtests should consult with their schools before taking the exam.
To apply to some nursing programs, you may need to have a high cumulative score. According to Elsevier, the creator of the HESI A2, registered nursing programs normally require applicants to have a cumulative score of 75% on the HESI A2, whereas students applying to licensed practical or licensed vocational nursing programs may only need to have a cumulative score of 70%. Keep in mind that any college or university that uses the HESI A2 might set its own minimum scoring requirements for candidates. A cumulative score of 80% is required for admission to Louisiana State University, whereas a minimum cumulative score of 73% is required for admission to Chamberlain University.
What Impact Will the HESI Exam Have on My Application?
Some schools use test results to establish priority seating when there are more applicants than openings in a program, in addition to using HESI exam scores to determine a nursing program applicant’s eligibility. For example, a school might use a HESI score conversion to award a set amount of application points to students with a cumulative HESI exam score between 90% and 100%. These points would then be added to those obtained for other admission considerations, such as GPA.
FAQs – How is the HESI A2 Exam Scored?
How to calculate HESI A2 score?
The HESI exam is graded on a percentage scale that ranges from 0% to 100%. For example, on the HESI math exam, if a student answered 50 of the 55 questions right, they would score a 91% on that section of the exam. Students will earn a cumulative score in addition to individual results for each section of the exam.
When are HESI exam scores available?
After completing the HESI A2 test, test takers can get their HESI exam score on the computer. Within seven days of testing, test-takers will receive a more detailed score result via their Evolve account.
What is a good score on the HESI A2 exam?
850 scores or more
Before graduating, most nursing schools require students to take and pass the HESI exit exam. The minimum passing score to graduate varies by program, but in general, a score of 850 or more is considered a good score.
How do I find my HESI A2 scores?
- Go to the Welcome to Students page
- After logging into your Evolve account, go to ‘HESI Assessment – Student Access’
- Locate your exam under the ‘My Exams’ tab
- Click ‘View Results’
- Click ‘Results Report’
How long does it take to get your HESI A2 results?
24-48 hours
After the exam is completed, the results will take 24-48 hours to show. After completing sections of the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam, results will be accessible within 24 hours. Your results could be in another account with a different username or email address.
How long are HESI scores good for?
The HESI A2 results are valid for one year from the date of completion, and the admission committee will review them for academic eligibility within that time frame.
What if I don’t score well on the HESI test?
Many colleges and universities enable students to retake the HESI A2 if their scores don’t meet the minimum requirements. Some colleges have waiting periods, while others limit the number of times a student can take a test during an application period. It’s necessary to look into the retake policy at the college you’re considering to see what your options are.
How long should I study for HESI A2?
How much time should I spend studying before the test? It is recommended that students spend a month or two months studying for the exam.
As previously said, each program and school will have its unique set of requirements. However, most schools require a score of at least 70% to be eligible for their program. In order to stand out among their peers, students should strive for the highest possible score.
Read more>>> HESI conversion score
The answer to the question “How is the HESI A2 exam scored?” couldn’t be clearer to you after reading this post. So good luck and don’t hesitate to come to us for help!
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