The HESI exam is a big milestone. It can feel overwhelming. With a simple plan, it becomes manageable. This guide explains what HESI is, why it matters, and how to prepare with Nurseclex.
Building toward NCLEX too? Read: 4-Week NCLEX Study Plan
What is the HESI exam?
The HESI exam is a standardized test that checks academic readiness and nursing knowledge. Schools use two common versions:
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HESI A2 (Admission Assessment): reading, math, grammar, vocabulary, anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry.
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HESI Exit Exam: end-of-program test that estimates readiness for the NCLEX-RN/PN with more clinical focus.
A score around 850+ is often viewed as a strong sign that you are on track. Schools may set different cutoffs.
Image (hero): “HESI Overview: A2 vs Exit”
Alt: “Diagram comparing HESI A2 and HESI Exit Exam sections and purposes”
Why the HESI exam matters
The HESI isn’t just another test. It helps you and your program answer key questions:
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Are you ready for patient care and clinical reasoning?
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Where are your knowledge gaps?
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What should you study next to improve?
Preparing for the HESI exam strengthens core subjects, test skills, and time management. With Nurseclex, you can target weak areas and reduce stress.
What’s on the HESI exam?
Most programs include some or all of these sections:
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Reading comprehension
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Math (dosage calc, conversions, basic arithmetic)
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Grammar & vocabulary
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Anatomy & physiology
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Biology & chemistry
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Critical thinking
If you are taking the HESI Exit, expect more clinical topics:
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Fundamentals of Nursing
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Pharmacology
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Pathophysiology
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Maternity, Pediatrics, Mental Health
Helpful deep-dives:
How to prepare for the HESI with Nurseclex
1) Follow a smart study plan
Use our 30-day study plan approach: small daily blocks, clear goals, weekly check-ins. Rotate topics for better retention.
2) Practice with real HESI-style questions
Drill questions that look and feel like the test. Read every rationale. Track errors by type: content, strategy, or careless.
3) Review core subjects with short guides
Use focused reads instead of long notes. Good places to start:
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Therapeutic Communication for NCLEX (create if not yet live)
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Pathophysiology Exam Guide (create if not yet live)
4) Log in for personalized learning
When you sign in to Nurseclex, you get:
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Custom HESI practice sets
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Topic-level progress reports
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Exam simulations that mirror the real test
5) Study small, study daily
Short, focused sessions beat cramming. Aim for 45–60 minutes with a 5–10 minute break. Repeat.
Image (inline): “HESI Study Loop”
Alt: “Plan → Practice → Review rationales → Track errors → Repeat for HESI exam prep”
HESI test-day tips
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Sleep well the night before.
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Eat a simple meal. Bring water.
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Arrive early with your ID.
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Read every stem slowly.
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Eliminate wrong options first.
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Choose the answer that protects patient safety.
After every practice set, review the rationales. Write one sentence about why the correct answer works. This is where learning sticks.
Sample 7-day micro-plan (repeat weekly)
Day 1: Diagnostic mini-test + review
Day 2: Reading + Grammar (practice 40–60 Qs)
Day 3: Math & Dosage Calc (practice 50–75 Qs)
Day 4: A&P + Biology (practice 40–60 Qs)
Day 5: Chemistry + Critical Thinking (practice 40–60 Qs)
Day 6: Mixed set (75–100 Qs) + weak spots
Day 7: Light review or full rest
Building critical-thinking skills? Try:
Why choose Nurseclex for HESI prep
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Realistic questions with clear rationales
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Smart feedback that points to your weak areas
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Visuals, mnemonics, and checklists that stick
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Progress tracking with adaptive suggestions
Prepare with Nurseclex, and you’ll walk into your HESI exam—and later your NCLEX—with more clarity and confidence.
Start your HESI exam prep today
Small steps every day win this race. Log in to Nurseclex to access study guides, practice quizzes, and simulations designed for nursing students like you.
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