Many nursing programs now offer the option to take the HESI A2 exam either online with remote proctoring or in-person at a testing center. Each format has distinct advantages, requirements, and potential challenges. Choosing the right one — and preparing specifically for it — can directly impact your testing experience and score.
This guide covers everything you need to know about both formats so you can make an informed decision and walk into test day (virtual or physical) fully prepared.
HESI A2 Testing Formats: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Online (Remote Proctored) | In-Person (Testing Center) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Your home or private room | Campus or Prometric/Pearson center |
| Scheduling | Often more flexible windows | Fixed dates, may be limited |
| Equipment Needed | Computer, webcam, microphone, stable internet | Nothing — provided by center |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator provided | On-screen calculator provided |
| Scratch Paper | Whiteboard or approved digital notepad | Scratch paper typically provided |
| Breaks | Varies by school policy (usually limited) | Varies by center (may need to sign out/in) |
| ID Verification | Photo ID via webcam + room scan | Photo ID at check-in desk |
| Monitoring | AI monitoring + live proctor via webcam | In-person proctor in room |
| Cost | $40–$100+ (varies by school) | $40–$100+ (varies by school) |
Online (Remote Proctored) HESI A2: Complete Guide
How Remote Proctoring Works
When you take the HESI A2 online, you'll use Elsevier's Evolve platform combined with a remote proctoring service (commonly Proctorio or ExamSoft). Here's what happens:
- Before the exam: You install the proctoring software/browser extension and run a system check
- Check-in (15–30 minutes before): You show your ID to the webcam, do a 360° room scan, and verify your identity
- During the exam: Your webcam, microphone, and screen are recorded. AI flags suspicious behavior (looking away, speaking, second person detected)
- After the exam: AI-flagged incidents are reviewed by a human proctor. Your school receives a report
Technical Requirements for Online Testing
Meeting these requirements is non-negotiable. Technical failure during the exam can result in a voided attempt.
Minimum System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10+ or macOS 10.13+ (Chromebooks and tablets are usually NOT supported)
- Browser: Google Chrome (latest version) — most proctoring services require it
- Webcam: Built-in or external, at least 720p resolution
- Microphone: Built-in or external, working and enabled
- Internet: Minimum 3 Mbps upload AND download (5+ Mbps recommended)
- RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
- Storage: 500 MB free space for proctoring software
⚠️ Critical: Do NOT use public WiFi, mobile hotspots, or VPNs. These can cause disconnections that may void your exam. Use a wired ethernet connection if possible, or sit near your WiFi router.
Environment Setup for Remote Testing
Your testing environment will be inspected during the room scan. Ensure:
- Private, quiet room — no other people can be present during the exam
- Clean desk — remove all books, notes, phones, tablets, smartwatches, and papers
- Blank walls — remove or cover any notes, whiteboards, or posters near your desk
- Closed door — the door must remain closed during the exam
- Adequate lighting — your face must be clearly visible on webcam at all times
- No headphones/earbuds — sound must come through your computer speakers
- Single monitor — dual-monitor setups are typically not allowed (disconnect the second)
What to Expect: Online Test Day Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| T-24 hours | Run the system check one final time. Close unnecessary apps and restart your computer. |
| T-30 minutes | Close ALL applications. Disable notifications. Open only Chrome. Plug in your charger. |
| T-15 minutes | Log into Evolve. Launch the proctoring software. Begin the check-in process. |
| Check-in | Show your photo ID. Perform a 360° room scan with your webcam. Verify your identity. |
| Exam begins | Stay centered in the webcam frame. Don't read questions aloud. Don't leave the frame. |
| Completion | Submit the exam through the platform. Wait for the confirmation screen before closing anything. |
Common Online Testing Issues (And Fixes)
- Webcam not detected: Restart Chrome, check system permissions, try a different USB port for external webcams
- Internet drops during exam: Most platforms give a reconnection window (typically 5–15 minutes). Don't panic — your answers are usually saved
- Proctoring software conflicts: Disable antivirus temporarily, close VPNs, and ensure no screen-sharing software is running
- Flagged for "suspicious behavior": Looking away to think, stretching, or talking to yourself can trigger flags. Stay conscious of the camera
In-Person HESI A2: Complete Guide
Where In-Person Testing Happens
In-person HESI A2 exams are typically administered at:
- Your nursing school campus — most common for enrolled applicants
- Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers — used by some schools
- Community college testing centers — for schools without their own facilities
Your school will provide the specific location when you register. It's worth visiting the location beforehand if possible, so you're not navigating a new building on test day.
What to Bring to the Testing Center
- Valid photo ID (government-issued: driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Registration confirmation (printed or on your phone — check your school's policy)
- Nothing else — most centers do not allow bags, phones, food, or drinks in the testing room
What to Expect: In-Person Test Day
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early — late arrivals may not be admitted
- Check in at the front desk — show your ID, sign in, and store personal items in a locker
- Receive your materials — you'll be assigned a computer station and given scratch paper (or a dry-erase board)
- Begin testing — the proctor will start your exam. The on-screen calculator is available within the test
- Breaks — raise your hand and sign out/in with the proctor. Note: break time may count toward your total test time
- Finish and submit — your scores are typically available immediately or within a few days through Evolve
Advantages of In-Person Testing
- No technical worries — the center provides all equipment, and IT staff handles issues
- Structured environment — fewer distractions compared to testing at home
- Familiar test-taking feel — similar to classroom exams you've already taken
- Immediate support — if something goes wrong, a proctor is physically present
Which Format Should You Choose?
If your school offers both options, consider these factors:
Choose Online If:
- You live far from the testing center
- You have a quiet, private space with reliable internet
- You're comfortable with technology and webcam monitoring
- Your schedule makes it difficult to attend a specific date/time
- You perform better in a familiar environment
Choose In-Person If:
- You're easily distracted at home (pets, roommates, family)
- Your internet connection is unreliable
- You don't have a computer that meets the requirements
- You feel anxious about being monitored by AI/webcam
- You want the reliability of a managed testing environment
💡 Bottom Line: Neither format is inherently easier or harder — the questions are the same. Choose the format where you'll be most comfortable and least distracted. Your preparation matters far more than the testing format.
Tips for Both Testing Formats
Universal Test Day Tips
- Practice with the on-screen calculator — it's different from a handheld calculator. Get used to clicking instead of pressing buttons
- Manage your time per section — don't spend more than 90 seconds on any single question. Flag it and come back
- Take practice exams under test conditions — timed, no notes, no phone. Simulate the real experience
- Get a full night's sleep — cognitive performance drops significantly with less than 7 hours
- Eat a balanced meal — protein and complex carbs, not sugar. Your brain needs sustained energy
🎯 Simulate Your Exam Experience
Our full-length HESI A2 practice exams are timed and formatted just like the real test — whether you take it online or in-person. Practice under realistic conditions so there are no surprises on test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose between online and in-person?
It depends on your nursing school. Some offer both options, while others only allow one format. Check with your school's admissions or testing office.
Is the online HESI A2 easier than in-person?
No. The question bank and scoring are identical regardless of format. The only differences are the testing environment and proctoring method.
What happens if my internet disconnects during the online exam?
Most proctoring platforms save your progress and provide a reconnection window. Contact your school's testing department immediately if you can't reconnect. They can often reschedule without penalty for documented technical issues.
Can I use my own calculator for the in-person exam?
No. An on-screen calculator is built into the HESI A2 exam platform. Personal calculators, phones, and other devices are not permitted in either format.
Do I get scratch paper for online testing?
It varies by school policy. Some allow a small dry-erase whiteboard that must be shown to the camera before and after the exam. Others provide a digital notepad within the proctoring software. Confirm with your school.
Key Takeaways
- The HESI A2 can be taken online or in-person depending on your nursing school's options
- Online testing requires a computer, webcam, microphone, and stable internet — run the system check days before
- In-person testing provides a structured, tech-worry-free environment but requires travel and fixed scheduling
- The exam content and scoring are identical in both formats
- Choose the format where you'll be most comfortable and least distracted
- Regardless of format, practice under timed, realistic conditions to be fully prepared