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.
The HESI exit exam is typically given in the last quarter or semester of a school’s nursing program. The test is built to mirror the content of the NCLEX exam.
The exam is delivered via computer similar to the NCLEX exams, with one crucial difference – it is not a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) like the NCLEX.
The purpose of the HESI exit exam is to predict a student’s success in passing their NCLEX. Recent studies have found that the HESI exit exam has a 96%-99% prediction of success on the NCLEX exam (source).
What is on the HESI Exit Exam?
The HESI exit exam is designed to match the NCLEX test blueprint. Students can expect to be tested in 3 main subject areas when taking their HESI nursing exit exam:
- Nursing Process
- Client Needs
- Specialties
Nursing Process
Some of the subtopics you can expect to find in this content area include:
- Assessment
- Analysis
- Planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation
Client Needs
Some of the subtopics you can expect to find in this content area include:
- Safe Environments
- Management of Care
- Safety Control
- Health Promotion
- Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmaceutical and Parenteral Treatments
Specialties
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Geriatrics
- Critical Care
- Community Health
- Pediatrics
- OBGYN
- Medical-Surgical
How Many Questions are on the HESI Exit Exam?
There are 150 questions on the HESI RN exit exam and either 150 or 75 questions on the HESI LPN exit exam.
- HESI RN Exit Exam: 150 questions
- HESI LPN Exit Exam: 150 or 75 questions
Question Format
The format of the questions are intended to simulate the types of questions a student will see on their NCLEX board exams.
The questions are more critically thinking based, versus a standard information/fact level like students see in their standard nursing courses.
The exam questions will be in one of the following four formats:
- Multiple Choice: These are the majority of the questions. Students will select an answer from one of four choices.
- Multiple Response: Students can choose one or more answers from five to seven choices.
- Fill in the Blank: Students calculate an answer and submit. An on-screen calculator is provided.
- Drop and Drag: Students will rank or sequence items.
HESI Exit Exam Scores
The HESI exit exam is scored from 0-950. Review the table below for more information.
| Score | Probability of Passing the NCLEX |
|---|---|
| Greater Than 950 | Outstanding probability |
| 900-940 | Excellent probability |
| 850-899 | Average probability |
| 800-849 | Below average probability |
| 750-799 | Additional prep needed |
| 700-749 | Serious prep needed |
| 650-699 | Danger of failing |
| Less Than 649 | Poor performance can be expected |
HESI Exit Exam Practice Questions
Since the exam is used to predict success for the NCLEX and so closely mirrors the NCLEX exam, you can use NCLEX resource.
| Resource | Provider |
|---|---|
| HESI RN Exit Questions | StudyLast |
| NCLEX-RN Questions | J&B Learning |
| NCLEX-RN Questions | Exam Cram |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every RN program have a HESI exit exam?
No, every program does not have this exam. Each program can decide if they want to give the exam to their students.
How many HESI exit exams are there?
There are 2 exit exam. They are the HESI RN exit exam and the HESI LPN exit exam.
Why is the HESI exit exam given?
Nursing programs give this exam to help determine if their students are ready to pass the NCLEX.
