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InsightHorizon Digest

What is the HESI PN exam

Author

John Thompson

Updated on April 15, 2026

HESI PN exam is a 4-hour timed computer based test designed to assess basic knowledge of practical nursing.

What is the HESI PN exit exam?

The HESI Exit Exam is an assessment exam used by various nursing programs to determine whether a student is ready to take and pass either the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.

Is HESI harder than NCLEX PN?

Yes, HESI probably is a little bit harder than NCLEX for most students…but it will also seem a little bit easier for other students.

How many questions is the HESI PN?

The HESI Exit Exams are designed to test a student’s understanding of the entire Nursing curriculum. The HESI RN Exit Exam contains 150 questions. The HESI LPN Exit Exam can consist of either 150 questions or 75 questions.

What grade is a 900 on HESI?

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.). Each school establishes their own standards or requirements for HESI scores. However, Reach suggests 900 as a recommended score and 850 as acceptable.

Is the HESI PN exam hard?

The HESI exam can be a tricky test, so it is important that you read carefully the entire question as well as all of the answers. Often times, the test writers will throw in a few tricks to distract you and to keep you from seeing the correct answer.

What happens if you fail the HESI exam?

You will retest with a different version (version 2) of the exam— no student will have the same exam items twice. If you fail the exam on the second attempt, you must wait until the next eligibility period to test. You can test for HESI A2 Exam six times per year, which is two times per eligibility period.

What happens if you don't pass the exit HESI?

If the program requires you pass the HESI as a condition of graduation and you haven’t passed it, your school won’t submit the necessary documentation to the BON to make you eligible for licensure.

How many times can I take the HESI exam?

Some schools break down the year into two admission periods, and HESI test-takers are only allowed two attempts per admission period. Other schools limit the number of times that any person can take the HESI test to two or three attempts total.

Can I take HESI exam online?

The remotely proctored exam can be taken at an internet enabled location of your choice. You must provide a computer with a camera, microphone and an internet connection. The computer must pass all compatibility tests.

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Can you use a calculator on the HESI?

You are allowed to use a calculator on the HESI exam. However, you cannot bring your own. There will be a digital calculator available on-screen.

Is the HESI exam timed?

ExamRecommended Test DurationNumber of QuestionsGrammar50 minutes55Learning Style15 minutes14Personality Profile15 minutes15Reading Comprehension60 minutes55

Does HESI help with NCLEX?

The HESI is a practice exam, intended on preparing nursing students to eventually take the NCLEX. … Instead, the HESI provides practice for students before taking the NCLEX, preparing them for the types of questions that they’ll see on their actual licensure exam.

Is the PN NCLEX easier than the RN NCLEX?

As you can see, the numbers are pretty close for both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN; although, they vary from year to year. If one test was easier than the other, you might expect a higher pass rate for the easier one.

How accurate is the HESI exam?

HESI will help you gauge how well you are predicted to perform on your board exams. There is solid science behind your HESI exams. Research shows that the HESI Exit Exam has a 96-99% estimated prediction of success on the NCLEX exam.

What is a good HESI score for nursing?

Most Nursing Schools require students to take and pass the HESI exit exam prior to graduation. The passing score required to graduate varies from program to program, but generally speaking a score of 850 or higher is considered a good score.

Is 90 a good HESI score?

90% to 100% Students with these scores have a comprehensive knowledge base of chemistry which provides an excellent science preparation for success in nursing or health professions school. 80% to 89% Students with these scores should be well prepared to enter nursing or health professions school.

Can I use my HESI scores to other schools?

Since HESI A2 is a standardized test, you can use the same score to apply to several different schools. But if you choose to go that route, you need to be careful to make sure that you still meet the requirements for each school.

Can you go back to a question on the HESI?

Can I go back to a question on the test? Yes, you can go back to a question on the HESI A2 and you can also flag a question to return to it. However you can only do this for the section you are in. Once you have completed a section you can not go back and change your answer.

How do I ace the HESI exam?

  1. Take a practice test. …
  2. Tailor your study plan. …
  3. Practice, practice, practice. …
  4. Manage your time. …
  5. Take a final practice test before the big day.

How long should you study for the HESI exam?

HESI Study Timeframe Most experts recommend studying for 5-6 weeks when preparing for this exam. This is a great time frame to avoid cramming and better learn and review information.

How long does it take to get HESI results?

It will take 24-48 hours for the result to show after the exam is Closed. For HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exams, results will show within 24 hours after completing sections of the test. Your results may be located in a different account with a different username or email address.

How much does the HESI exam cost?

Pre-Licensure Program applicants must complete the HESI Admission Assessment Examination for admission consideration. The cost of the HESI exam is the responsibility of the applicant and must be paid for each testing attempt. The current cost is $42.

Does your best grade help with HESI?

The Hesi is not like any regular test . You need your best grade because it prepares you and when the time comes you know what type of questions you will get .

Do all nursing schools require HESI?

All nursing schools do not require you take a nursing school entrance exam. But should you be required you’ll find an assortment of potentially required tests: … (HESI) exam.

Can you cheat on HESI exam?

The Office of Testing Services will NOT tolerate cheating by any test taker, including testers taking the exam through virtual online proctoring.

What is the lowest HESI score?

program, the student must attain a minimum score of 80 (750 for Critical Thinking) on EACH section of the HESI exam.

Do you have to pass HESI to take NCLEX?

In fact, some schools only allow students that passed the HESI Exit to take the NCLEX, and they receive an artificially inflated NCLEX pass rate by doing so. … And some schools have even taken this practice to the next level. Those schools only allow students that pass the HESI Exit to take the NCLEX.

What can you do if you fail out of nursing school?

You can talk with the dean or a counselor at the school to see if there is any way to get back into the program. Maybe you can retake a class over the break, file an academic appeal, or take some other action to get reinstated in the program. Many failed nursing students have done this successfully.

Where do I take HESI?

  • Postsecondary institutions that require the tests as part of the application process may host the exams on site.
  • Prometric testing sites also offer this test at locations throughout the United States.

What is the average score on the HESI?

So I would consider a 70-79% need some remediation, 80-85% a decent score (but could use some improvement), 85-90% great at the material (average), 90-100% excellent at the material (above average).