Short answer: most nursing programs want at least 75–80% on the HESI A2, and 85% or higher makes you a strong applicant. But there is no official passing score. Every school sets its own cutoff, so the score that matters most is the one your program asks for.
If you just got your results, or you're planning your study schedule, this guide breaks down how the HESI A2 is scored, what each score range really means, and how to raise yours.
How the HESI A2 is scored
The HESI A2 is scored as a percentage, from 0% to 100%, for each section you take. You also get a cumulative score, which is the average of your section scores.
Your school decides which sections you take. Common sections include Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, and Anatomy and Physiology. Some programs add Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Many tests also include a learning style and personality profile, but those parts are not scored. For example, Northwestern Michigan College scores only A&P, Math, Reading, Grammar, and Vocabulary (NMC).
That means two students at different schools can take a different mix of sections and get cumulative scores that are calculated differently.
What counts as a good score
A cumulative score of 80% or higher is a good score for most programs, and 90% or higher is excellent. Elsevier, the company behind the HESI, does not set a passing score, but these ranges match what most schools look for:
| Cumulative score | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | Excellent. Competitive almost anywhere. |
| 85–89% | Strong. A good target for competitive programs. |
| 80–84% | Good. Meets the cutoff at many schools. |
| 75–79% | Borderline. Meets the minimum at some schools, but you may be outranked. |
| Below 75% | Below most cutoffs. Plan to study and retake. |
These ranges are a rule of thumb, not an official scale. Your program's published cutoff always wins.
Why it depends on your school
Each nursing program picks its own cutoffs, and some add rules on top of the cumulative score. Here is how three real programs set their requirements:
| School | What it requires |
|---|---|
| Alvin Community College (ADN) | At least 78 in Reading Comprehension and 78 cumulative. These are hard cutoffs and are not rounded up. |
| Northwestern Michigan College | Goal of 75 on each scored section and 75% cumulative. |
| Arizona College of Nursing | A weighted score of at least 60% with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, or at least 75% with a lower GPA. |
Notice the differences. One school cares most about Reading. Another wants every section above 75. A third ties your required score to your GPA. Meeting the minimum also doesn't guarantee a seat: at competitive schools, applicants are ranked, and higher scores move you up the list.
Section-by-section targets
Aim for at least 80% in every section you take, and 85% or higher in the sections your school weighs most. Pay special attention to these:
- Reading Comprehension: some schools set a separate cutoff for this section alone, like Alvin's 78. Nursing school is reading-heavy, so programs watch this score closely.
- Math: dosage calculations are a big part of nursing, so a high math score helps. Alvin's LVN program, for example, ranks applicants higher if they score 85 or more in Math.
- Anatomy and Physiology: this is the science section most schools require, and it previews your first nursing courses.
- Vocabulary and Grammar: these are often the easiest sections to raise quickly with practice, which lifts your cumulative score.
A low section pulls your average down more than you might think. Raising one section from 70% to 85% adds 3 points to a five-section cumulative score.
Retakes and how to raise your score
Most schools let you retake the HESI A2, but the rules vary a lot. Alvin requires 90 days between attempts and allows 2 attempts a year (Alvin). Arizona College allows up to 3 attempts in 12 months (Arizona College). Some schools let you retake only the sections you need and keep your best score for each. Check your school's policy before you schedule.
To raise your score:
- Start with your weakest section. It has the most room to grow and moves your average the most.
- Take timed practice tests. Practicing under real time limits builds speed and shows which question types slow you down.
- Review every wrong answer. Figure out why the right answer is right, not just which letter it was.
- Study a little every day. Thirty to sixty minutes a day for several weeks works better than cramming the night before.
- Learn the high-value topics. Know your dosage math, fractions and conversions, and the major body systems for A&P.
NewGenRN's HESI A2 practice questions cover math, grammar, reading, vocabulary, and A&P, with an explanation for every answer.
FAQ
Is 75% a good HESI A2 score?
It meets the minimum at some schools, but it is borderline. At competitive programs, a 75% may not be enough to earn a seat.
Is 85% a good HESI A2 score?
Yes. An 85% cumulative score is strong and competitive at most programs.
What is the highest HESI A2 score?
100% in each section and 100% cumulative.
Is there an official passing score?
No. Elsevier does not set one. Each school chooses its own cutoffs.
How long are HESI A2 scores good for?
It depends on the school. Many accept scores from the last 1 to 2 years, and Northwestern Michigan College accepts scores up to 5 years old.
The bottom line
A good HESI A2 score is whatever beats your school's cutoff, and the higher above it you land, the better your chances. As a general target, aim for 80% or more in every section and 85% or more cumulative. Look up your program's exact requirements first, then build your study plan around your weakest sections.
Ready to start? Try NewGenRN's HESI A2 practice questions and see where you stand today.
Sources
- Alvin Community College: HESI A2 requirements (2024)
- Northwestern Michigan College: HESI exam information
- Arizona College of Nursing: HESI Admission Assessment
