Passing nursing school HESI exams requires a clear understanding of what you’re facing and a disciplined, focused approach to preparation. The HESI A2 is typically taken for admission and covers core subjects like math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, anatomy and physiology, and sometimes chemistry or physics, while the specialty and exit HESI exams are more clinical and formatted like the NCLEX, with heavy emphasis on critical thinking, prioritization, pharmacology, and select-all-that-apply questions.
Success starts with using the most reliable and current resources. The official Elsevier HESI Comprehensive Review book, paired with Elsevier Adaptive Quizzing and HESI case studies, remains the gold standard because the questions come from the same test bank. Supplement this with reputable third-party platforms such as U World, Nurse Hub, Boost Prep, or Your Best Grade, which offer thousands of practice questions that closely mimic the actual exam style and difficulty.
Create a consistent study schedule that spans several weeks, ideally six to twelve, and devote the majority of your time to your weakest subjects. Most students struggle with anatomy and physiology, dosage calculations, and chemistry, so prioritize those early. Daily practice with a high volume of questions, especially in the final weeks, is essential because the HESI heavily tests application and analysis, not just memorization.
Focus intensely on mastering the unique HESI question formats. Practice treating select-all-that-apply questions as a series of true-or-false statements, and always use the nursing process, ABCs, and Maslow’s hierarchy when answering prioritization questions. For math, perfect conversions, ratios, and IV drip rates using the on-screen calculator.
In the week leading up to the exam, complete several full-length, timed practice tests. Consistently scoring in the mid-to-high eighties or higher on these predicts strong performance on the real exam. On test day, arrive early, stay calm, flag difficult questions, and trust your preparation. Students who combine official Elsevier materials with rigorous daily practice almost always pass on the first attempt. Stay consistent, review every rationale, and you will succeed.