HESI A2 Passing Scores: What Score Do You Actually Need in 2026?

There's No Universal "Passing" Score — Here's Why That Matters

Unlike the SAT or ACT, the HESI A2 doesn't have a single passing score set by the test maker. Instead, each nursing program sets its own minimum score requirements. This means a score of 75% might be passing for one school and failing for another.

This is both good news and bad news:

• Good news: You don't need a "perfect" score. You need to meet your specific program's requirements.
• Bad news: You need to research your target school's requirements carefully, because scoring above one school's minimum might still fall below another's.

Let's break down everything you need to know about HESI A2 scoring so you can set a realistic target and build a study plan to hit it.

How HESI A2 Scoring Works

Individual Section Scores

Each section of the HESI A2 is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 100 (essentially a percentage). If you answer 42 out of 50 questions correctly in the Math section, your score is approximately 84%.

The sections you'll receive scores for depend on what your program requires, but typically include:

• Mathematics
• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Physics (less commonly required)

Composite Score

Your composite score is the average of all your individual section scores. This is the number most nursing programs use for admissions decisions. For example, if you score:

• Math: 88%
• Reading: 92%
• Vocabulary: 78%
• Grammar: 85%

Your composite score would be: (88 + 92 + 78 + 85) ÷ 4 = 85.75%

Important: Some programs look at composite scores while others focus on individual section minimums (or both). Make sure you know which approach your target school uses.

The HESI Scoring Categories

Elsevier (the HESI A2 test maker) provides general performance categories:

• 90-100%: Excellent — Exceptional performance, exceeds most program requirements
• 80-89%: Very Good — Strong performance, meets most competitive programs
• 75-79%: Satisfactory — Meets minimum requirements for many programs
• Below 75%: Needs Improvement — May not meet minimum requirements at many schools

Score Requirements by Program Type

While every school is different, here are the general ranges we see across different program types:

ADN Programs (Associate Degree in Nursing)

Typical minimum: 70-75% composite

Community college ADN programs tend to have the most accessible score requirements. However, many are also highly competitive due to limited seats and high application volumes. Meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee admission — it just qualifies you to be considered.

BSN Programs (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Typical minimum: 75-80% composite

Four-year BSN programs generally require higher scores. Competitive state university programs often see averages well above the minimum, meaning you'll want to score 80-85%+ to be a strong candidate.

Accelerated BSN Programs (ABSN)

Typical minimum: 80-85% composite

These programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. They're fast-paced and selective, which translates to higher score requirements. Some top ABSN programs want 85%+ on every individual section.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Typical minimum: 80-90% composite

The most competitive option. These programs expect candidates who demonstrate strong academic readiness across all tested areas. A composite below 85% makes admission unlikely at most direct-entry MSN programs.

What Score Should YOU Aim For?

Here's our practical advice based on your situation:

Minimum Target: Your Program's Required Score + 5%

If your program requires a 75% composite, aim for 80%. This buffer protects you against a bad day, unexpected hard questions, or a weak section pulling down your composite. It also makes you a more competitive applicant.

Competitive Target: 85%+

If you're applying to competitive programs or want scholarship consideration, set your sights on 85% or higher. This score puts you comfortably above the minimum at nearly all programs and signals to admissions committees that you're well-prepared for nursing school rigor.

Top-Tier Target: 90%+

Aiming for the most competitive programs? An accelerated BSN? Scholarship opportunities? Push for 90%+. This requires more intensive preparation, but it's achievable with the right strategy. Check out our guide on how to score 90+ on the HESI A2 for advanced techniques.

The Composite Score Trap: Don't Ignore Individual Sections

Many students fixate on their composite score and ignore individual section scores. This is a mistake because:

1. Many programs require minimums for EACH section, not just the composite. A 90% composite doesn't help if your chemistry score is 65% and the program requires 75% per section.
2. One weak section can tank your composite. If you score 90% on five sections but 55% on one, your composite drops to 84%. Bringing that weak section from 55% to 75% would boost your composite to 87.5% — a bigger improvement than raising any strong section by a few points.
3. Section scores reveal your readiness. Admissions committees sometimes look at individual scores to gauge whether you'll succeed in specific nursing courses. A low biology score might raise concerns about your ability to handle microbiology or pathophysiology.

Strategy: After taking a diagnostic practice test, identify any sections below your target and focus your study time there. Raising your weakest section is always the fastest way to improve your composite.

What Happens If You Don't Meet the Required Score?

Retaking the HESI A2

Most schools allow retakes, but policies vary significantly:

• Waiting periods: Many programs require 30-60 days between attempts
• Attempt limits: Common limits range from 2-3 attempts per year
• Score policies: Some programs accept your highest score, while others average all attempts or accept only the most recent

Check your program's specific retake policy before scheduling. For a comprehensive guide on improving your score after a first attempt, read our HESI A2 retake guide.

Applying to Programs with Lower Requirements

If your score falls short of your top-choice program, consider applying to programs with lower minimums while you prepare for a retake. Getting into any accredited nursing program is better than waiting another year — you'll earn the same license regardless of which school you attend.

Identifying and Fixing Weak Areas

A score below your target isn't a failure — it's diagnostic information. Use your score report to pinpoint exactly which sections and topics need more work. Then create a targeted study plan:

• Score below 70% in a section → You need comprehensive content review + heavy practice
• Score 70-79% → Focus on practice questions and identifying specific knowledge gaps
• Score 80-89% → Fine-tune with advanced practice and eliminate careless errors

Score Improvement: What's Realistic?

Based on student data, here's what typical score improvements look like with focused studying:

• 2 weeks of studying: 5-10 point improvement (e.g., 72% → 80%)
• 4 weeks of studying: 10-15 point improvement (e.g., 70% → 82%)
• 6-8 weeks of studying: 15-20+ point improvement (e.g., 68% → 85%+)

These ranges assume you're using effective study methods — practice tests, flashcards, and targeted study guides — not just passive reading.

The students who see the biggest improvements are those who:

1. Start with a diagnostic test to identify specific weaknesses
2. Focus study time on their weakest 2-3 sections
3. Use active study methods (practice questions, flashcards, teach-back)
4. Take regular practice tests to measure progress
5. Adjust their study plan based on results

How to Check Your School's Score Requirements

Don't rely on internet lists — requirements change regularly. Here's how to find the most current information:

1. Visit the nursing program's official website. Look for "Admissions Requirements" or "Entrance Exam Requirements."
2. Call the admissions office directly. Ask specifically: "What is the minimum HESI A2 composite score and are there individual section minimums?"
3. Ask about competitive scores. The minimum is the floor — ask what the average admitted student scores to set a realistic target.
4. Check the retake policy. While you're asking, find out how many attempts you get and what the waiting period is.
5. Ask which sections are required. This determines how you allocate your study time.

For a detailed breakdown of score requirements at specific schools, check our school-by-school score requirements guide.

Quick Reference: Score Targets by Goal

Start Building Your Score Today

Now that you know what score you need, it's time to find out where you currently stand. Take a diagnostic practice test to get your baseline scores across all sections. Then use the gap between your current score and your target to create a focused study plan.

With 1,098+ practice questions, 400+ flashcards, comprehensive study guides, and full-length simulated exams, HESI A2 Prep gives you everything you need to hit your target score — all for a one-time $47 payment with lifetime access.

Your nursing career starts with a score. Make it count.