What score do you need to pass the HESI A2?
Elsevier does not set a HESI A2 passing score. Each nursing program chooses which subject exams you sit and what minimum it will accept, and it usually states that minimum as a cumulative percentage across the sections you took. Programs commonly publish a requirement in the mid seventies to low eighties, but the figures vary widely between schools, so the only number that counts is the one on your program's admission page.
Why there is no single number
The HESI A2 is not one fixed exam. It is a set of subject exams and the school decides which ones you take, so two applicants can both hold a HESI A2 result that means completely different things. That is also why a nationwide passing score does not exist.
Elsevier's own guidance notes that registered nursing programs commonly look for a cumulative score around 75%, while practical and vocational nursing programs may accept less. Individual schools publish anything from the low seventies to 80% and above, and some set a separate minimum for Math or Reading on top of the cumulative figure.
| Requirement style | What it looks like | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative minimum | One percentage across all sections taken | Which sections are averaged into it |
| Per section minimum | Each section must clear a line on its own | Whether a single weak section can fail you |
| Cumulative plus a gate | A cumulative minimum with a higher bar for Math or Reading | The gate is usually where applicants get caught |
The subject exams and their usual size
There are eight subject exams in the HESI A2. Most programs use four to six of them. Each is timed on its own, so your total sitting time depends entirely on the combination your school picks.
| Subject exam | Typical number of items |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 |
| Reading Comprehension | 47 to 55 |
| Vocabulary and General Knowledge | 50 |
| Grammar | 50 |
| Biology | 25 to 30 |
| Chemistry | 25 to 30 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 25 to 30 |
| Physics | 25 |
Section sizes and the time allowed differ slightly between administrations. The exam also includes a personality and learning style profile that is not scored as a pass or fail.
How to plan around a cumulative score
A cumulative requirement means a strong section can carry a weak one, which changes how you should study. Work out how many items each section contributes, then put your time where a point is cheapest to win. For most applicants that is Vocabulary and Grammar, because those sections are large, entirely learnable and rarely the ones people revise.
If your program applies a separate Math gate, reverse the order: clear the gate first, then optimise the cumulative figure. Timed section practice matters here because the HESI A2 times each subject exam separately.
Vocabulary and Grammar are large sections with predictable content.
Anatomy and Physiology rewards weeks of study, not days.
Check whether Math has its own minimum before you plan anything else.
Frequently asked questions
What is a passing score on the HESI A2?
There is no national passing score. Each nursing program sets its own minimum, usually as a cumulative percentage across the subject exams it requires.
What score do most RN programs want on the HESI A2?
Elsevier notes that registered nursing programs commonly expect a cumulative score around 75%, and many schools publish requirements between the low seventies and 80%. Practical and vocational nursing programs often accept less.
How many sections does the HESI A2 have?
There are eight subject exams in total. Your program chooses which ones you take, and many use four to six of them.
How long is the HESI A2?
Each subject exam is timed separately and most run 25 to 50 minutes, so the total depends on how many sections your school requires. Programs commonly allow up to about four hours in total.
Is there a penalty for guessing on the HESI A2?
No. Wrong answers do not subtract points, so answer every item.
Can I use a calculator on the HESI A2?
An on-screen calculator is provided for the Math section. You may not bring your own.
How many times can I take the HESI A2?
The retake rule belongs to your nursing program, not to Elsevier. Many programs allow a limited number of attempts per admission cycle and set a waiting period between them.
When do I get my HESI A2 results?
The exam is computer based and the score report is normally available as soon as you finish.
Does the HESI A2 include a personality profile?
Yes. Many administrations include a learning style and personality profile. It is not scored as a pass or fail and does not affect your cumulative score.
Which is harder, the Math or the Anatomy and Physiology section?
That depends on your background. Math is procedural and improves quickly with practice, while Anatomy and Physiology rewards sustained study. Applicants who are short on time usually gain more from Math and Vocabulary.
Practice with items that explain why
Original practice questions in the real four-option format, with an explanation on every item, timed section tests and a missed-questions pool that brings your mistakes back until they stick.
Sources
- HESI Admission Assessment Exam (Elsevier Evolve)
- HESI exam guide (Nurse.org)
- HESI Admission Assessment info and FAQs (South Texas College nursing)
- How is the HESI A2 nursing exam scored (Study.com nursing)
Test makers change their blueprints and every nursing program sets its own cut score. Confirm the current requirement with the test maker and with the school you are applying to before you rely on any number on this page. AdmitNurse is an independent practice service and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by ATI, Elsevier, NCSBN or any nursing school.
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