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What Is a Passing HESI A2 Score?
Most nursing programs require 75–80% on the HESI A2, and competitive programs often want 85% or higher. Elsevier does not set a pass mark — your school does.
What the score report shows
You get a percentage for each section you sat, plus a cumulative score averaged across them. Because your program chooses the sections, two applicants can have very different tests behind the same number.
| Score | How programs usually read it |
|---|---|
| Below 75% | Below most cut-offs |
| 75–79% | Meets the minimum at many programs |
| 80–89% | Solid; competitive at most programs |
| 90%+ | Top of the applicant pool |
Several programs also set a minimum per section. A 90% cumulative does not help if your Math section came in under the floor your school set.
The sections that move your score most
Vocabulary and Anatomy & Physiology are heavily memorization-driven, which means they are the two sections where focused study produces the fastest gain. Reading Comprehension is the hardest to move quickly, so start it early rather than cramming it.
a Passing HESI A2 Score
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Questions people ask
What is a good HESI A2 score?
75–80% meets most program minimums. 85% and above is competitive. Above 90% puts you at the top of the applicant pool.
Can you fail the HESI A2?
Elsevier does not issue a pass or fail. Your nursing program sets the score it accepts.
How many times can you take the HESI A2?
Programs set the retake policy — commonly two or three attempts within a year, often with a 30 to 60 day wait between sittings.
Is the HESI A2 or the TEAS easier?
Neither is easier overall. The HESI A2 goes deeper on vocabulary and anatomy; the TEAS 7 is a single timed sitting with more science reasoning.
How long is a HESI A2 score valid?
Most programs accept scores within two years, though some require one.