For many students applying to nursing programs, the HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) exam is an important step in the admissions process. It assesses your readiness for nursing school in areas like math, science, reading, and English, and achieving a competitive score is crucial. But what happens if you don’t get the score you want on your first attempt? How many times can you take the HESI A2 exam?
In this article, we’ll answer that question, explain the typical retake policies, and provide tips on how to approach the HESI A2 retake process.
1. HESI A2 Retake Policy: How Many Times Can You Take the Exam?
The number of times you can take the HESI A2 exam generally depends on the institution or nursing program you're applying to. Elsevier, the publisher of the HESI A2, doesn’t enforce a universal limit on how many times you can take the exam. Instead, it’s up to individual schools and programs to set their own retake policies. However, most schools do have guidelines in place to help students manage their attempts.
Here are the general guidelines followed by many nursing programs:
Three Attempts per Year: Many programs allow three attempts per year to take the HESI A2 exam. The timeframe typically resets after a year, meaning you can attempt the exam again the following year.
Minimum Waiting Period: After each attempt, most institutions require a waiting period between retakes, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. This waiting period allows you time to review your weak areas and better prepare for the next attempt.
Maximum Attempts: Some schools set a limit on the number of times you can take the exam in total (e.g., three attempts in total), or they may restrict the number of attempts to one or two per academic year.
2. Institutional Variations: Policies on HESI A2 Retakes
While HESI A2 retake policies generally follow these guidelines, every nursing program may have its own set of rules. Let’s look at how a few institutions handle retakes:
Florida State College at Jacksonville: Allows up to three attempts per year with a 90-day waiting period between each attempt. After the third attempt, you may be required to wait a year before retaking the exam. (Source: FSCJ)
Pensacola State College: Does not limit the number of retakes, but there is a minimum 30-day waiting period between each attempt. (Source: Pensacola State College)
Indian River State College: Permits one attempt per registration period, meaning you can take the exam once during the fall and once during the spring. (Source: IRSC)
It's always best to check with your specific nursing program to confirm their HESI A2 retake policy.
3. Tips for Preparing for a Retake
If you find yourself needing to retake the HESI A2 exam, it’s important to approach the retake process strategically. Here are a few tips to help you improve your score on the next attempt:
Review Your Results: After your first attempt, review the sections where you scored the lowest. Identify weak areas and focus your study time on improving those subjects.
Use Practice Tests: Regularly taking practice tests can help you become more comfortable with the TEAS or HESI A2 format and improve your pacing during the actual exam. Practice questions help solidify your understanding of key concepts and expose you to various question types.
Study Smart, Not Hard: Instead of studying everything at once, prioritize the areas where you need the most improvement. Create a study plan and tackle one section at a time (e.g., math one week, science the next).
Take Breaks: Don’t overwork yourself. Studying for long hours without breaks can cause burnout. Take regular breaks to refresh your mind and avoid fatigue.
Get Feedback: If possible, work with a mentor or tutor who can give you additional guidance on challenging topics. Joining a study group can also be beneficial for getting different perspectives on the material.
4. HESI A2 Retake Strategy: Making the Most of Your Attempts
If you’ve already attempted the HESI A2 and are preparing for a retake, it's important to stay organized and focused. Here’s a strategy for maximizing your chances of success:
Analyze Your Mistakes: After each attempt, review the areas where you scored poorly. Understanding where you went wrong can give you insight into what to focus on for your next attempt.
Use Comprehensive Resources: Focus on finding quality HESI A2 prep materials that cover all sections of the exam. At The Exam Hive, we offer detailed study guides, practice questions, and full-length practice tests to help you master the exam.
Create a Timetable: Set aside specific times each day for study, and stick to your schedule. This will help ensure you're consistently reviewing and improving your knowledge.
Stay Positive: Don’t be discouraged by your first attempt. Many successful nursing students have had to retake the HESI A2 and still went on to excel in their programs. Keep a positive attitude and remain determined to improve.
5. Conclusion: Retake with Confidence
If you need to retake the HESI A2 exam, remember that it’s not the end of the road—it’s an opportunity to fine-tune your knowledge and improve your performance. Many students who have to retake the exam still go on to get accepted into nursing school, as long as they stay committed to studying and improving.
At The Exam Hive, we provide all the resources you need to make your retake a success. Whether you're looking for practice tests, study guides, or expert advice, we're here to help you every step of the way. With the right preparation and a clear plan, you can improve your score and move closer to your nursing school goals!