The HESI A2 passing score is the first number every nursing applicant asks about, and the honest answer is that it depends on your program. Elsevier scores each section as a percentage, and each nursing school sets its own minimum.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the HESI A2 passing score works, what most schools expect, and 5 proven ways to raise your results.
What Is a Good HESI A2 Passing Score?
There is no single national HESI A2 passing score. Most programs ask for roughly 75–80% per section. Competitive programs often want 85% or higher.
The national average tends to fall between 75% and 80%. That means hitting the minimum may not be enough if many applicants are competing for a few seats.
Some schools also rank applicants section by section. Lone Star College, for example, uses Anatomy & Physiology, Math, Reading, Vocabulary and Grammar scores as tiebreakers. A strong result in the right section can beat a higher overall average.
How HESI A2 Scoring Works
Each section is scored as a percentage. Your report shows a score for every section you took, plus a cumulative average.
Some programs require a minimum in every section. Others use the cumulative score. Ask your admissions office which method applies to you.
The personality profile and learning style assessment are not scored. Some sections may also include unscored pilot questions, so treat every question as if it counts.
5 Proven Ways to Reach Your HESI A2 Passing Score
1. Learn Your Program’s Exact Minimum
Check your nursing program’s admissions page and write down the required sections and minimum scores. Your HESI A2 passing score is the number your school sets, not a number from a forum.
2. Take a Diagnostic Test First
A timed practice test shows your starting point. Our free practice tests are a good place to begin. Score it honestly, section by section.
3. Attack Your Weakest Sections First
Rank your sections from lowest to highest, and give the bottom two the most time. Math and Anatomy & Physiology often carry extra weight in admissions, so study them early. Our HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology study guide includes notes, diagrams and practice questions.
4. Practice Under Timed Conditions
Many students know the content but run out of time. Practice in blocks that match your real test conditions. Our reading comprehension study guide shows you how to pace long passages.
5. Review Every Mistake
Keep an error log. Write down why you missed each question, then redo similar questions two days later. This habit does more for your HESI A2 passing score than extra hours of passive reading.
HESI A2 Passing Score Validity and Retake Rules
Score validity varies by school. Lone Star College requires scores less than one year old, while South Texas College says scores are valid for two years.
Retake rules differ too. Lone Star College allows one retake every 60 days and requires all six sections again. Always check the policy before you book your test.
What If You Miss Your HESI A2 Passing Score?
A low result is fixable. Start by comparing your section scores to your program’s minimums. Then rebuild your schedule around the sections that fell short.
Don’t just repeat what you did before. Add structured notes with worked solutions so you understand why each answer is right. Our 9-in-1 HESI A2 study bundle covers every section with step-by-step explanations.
FAQ
Is 75% the HESI A2 passing score?
Many programs use 75% as a minimum, but not all do. Some ask for 80% or more, and competitive programs often want higher. Check your school’s admissions page for the exact figure.
Can I pass the HESI A2 with free resources?
Free practice tests help you find your gaps. Most students then add structured notes and worked solutions to close them.
Reach Your HESI A2 Passing Score Faster
Your HESI A2 passing score comes from a clear target, honest practice and steady review. Take a diagnostic test, fix your weakest sections first, and track every mistake.
Ready for everything in one place? Get our complete HESI A2 study bundle, and join our HESI A2 study group on Facebook for daily support.
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