How much does the HESI exam cost?
How much does the HESI exam cost?
$40 – $100 per exam
$50 – $75 average HESI A2
$30 – $65 per specialty exam
Average HESI Exam Price
The HESI exam costs $40 to $100 on average, depending on your school and the specific version of the test you take. Most nursing programs charge between $50 and $75 for the HESI A2 admissions assessment, while HESI exit exams taken during a nursing program may be included in tuition or billed separately. The exact price is set by each institution, not by Elsevier (the company that develops the exam), so costs vary widely from school to school.
| HESI Exam Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| HESI A2 admissions exam | $40 - $100 |
| HESI A2 retake | $40 - $100 |
| HESI exit exam (during program) | $0 - $75 |
| HESI specialty exams | $30 - $65 |
The HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) exam is one of the most common standardized tests used in nursing education. Whether you are applying to a nursing program or preparing to graduate, understanding the full cost, including retake fees, study materials, and related expenses, helps you budget accurately.
HESI A2 admissions exam cost
The HESI A2 (Admissions Assessment) is the version most prospective nursing students encounter. Schools use it to evaluate readiness in subjects like math, reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. The cost for this exam is $40 to $100 per attempt at most colleges and universities.
| Cost Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Community colleges | $40 - $65 |
| State universities | $50 - $80 |
| Private universities | $60 - $100 |
| Third-party testing centers (e.g., Prometric) | $55 - $100 |
Some schools bundle the HESI A2 fee into their nursing program application fee, while others list it as a separate charge. Always check directly with your school's testing center or admissions office for the exact amount.
What the HESI A2 fee covers
Your exam fee typically covers one full testing session, which may include anywhere from four to eight subject areas depending on what your program requires. It also includes the critical thinking and learning style assessments. Score reports are usually sent directly to the institution where you test.
If you need your scores sent to additional schools, some institutions charge a small fee of $5 to $25 per transcript. Others allow you to share your score report at no extra cost within a certain time window.
HESI retake fees
Retaking the HESI exam costs the same as the initial attempt in most cases, typically $40 to $100 per retake. Some schools offer a slightly reduced retake fee, while others charge the full price each time. Schools also set their own policies on how many times you can retake the exam, with most allowing two to three total attempts within a 12-month period.
| Retake Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Retake fee | $40 - $100 |
| Waiting period between attempts | 30 - 60 days (varies by school) |
| Maximum attempts allowed | 2 - 3 per year (varies by school) |
| Score validity period | 1 - 2 years |
If you need to retake the HESI A2 two or three times at $75 each, you could spend over $200 on the exam alone. Investing in preparation materials beforehand can save you money in the long run.
HESI exit exam cost
The HESI exit exam is taken near the end of a nursing program to assess readiness for the NCLEX licensing exam. Many programs include the exit exam cost in tuition or course fees, making it effectively $0 out of pocket. When billed separately, the HESI exit exam costs $30 to $75.
| Exit Exam Scenario | Cost |
|---|---|
| Included in tuition | $0 |
| Billed separately | $30 - $75 |
| Exit exam retake | $30 - $75 |
Some nursing programs require students to achieve a minimum score on the HESI exit exam (commonly 850 or higher on a scale of 0 to 1,000) before they can graduate. If you fall short, retakes may carry additional fees.
HESI specialty exam costs
In addition to the A2 and exit exams, Elsevier offers HESI specialty exams that test knowledge in specific nursing subjects. These are commonly administered throughout a nursing program to gauge mastery. Costs for specialty exams are $30 to $65 each, though many programs fold these into course fees.
| Specialty Exam | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| HESI Pharmacology | $30 - $55 |
| HESI Med-Surg | $30 - $55 |
| HESI Pediatrics | $30 - $55 |
| HESI Maternity | $30 - $55 |
| HESI Mental Health / Psych | $30 - $55 |
| HESI Fundamentals | $30 - $55 |
HESI study material and prep costs
Beyond the exam fee itself, most students invest in preparation materials. These range from free online resources to comprehensive paid courses. Spending $20 to $200 on study materials is common, and the investment often reduces the likelihood of needing costly retakes.
| Study Resource | Cost |
|---|---|
| Free online practice tests | $0 |
| HESI A2 study guide (book) | $20 - $45 |
| HESI A2 practice exam bundles (online) | $30 - $80 |
| Elsevier Adaptive Quizzing subscription | $35 - $60 |
| Comprehensive online prep course | $50 - $200 |
| Private tutoring (per hour) | $30 - $80 per hour |
Popular HESI A2 study guides
The most widely used study guides include the official Elsevier "HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review" book, McGraw-Hill's HESI A2 review, and Mometrix's HESI A2 prep book. Prices for these guides fall between $20 and $45. Most include practice questions, content review, and test-taking strategies.
Many websites offer free HESI A2 practice tests that cover math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and science. Starting with free resources lets you identify weak areas before spending money on paid prep materials.
Total cost of the HESI exam
When you factor in the exam fee, potential retakes, and study materials, the total cost of taking the HESI exam is $60 to $350 for most students. Students who pass on their first attempt and use affordable study materials spend the least.
| Expense | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| HESI A2 exam fee | $40 | $100 |
| Study materials | $0 | $200 |
| One retake | $0 | $100 |
| Score transcript fees | $0 | $25 |
| Total | $40 | $425 |
Factors that affect the HESI exam price
Several variables determine what you actually pay for the HESI exam. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate costs and avoid surprises.
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| School type (community college vs. university) | Community colleges tend to charge less |
| Testing location (on-campus vs. third-party) | Third-party centers may charge higher fees |
| Number of exam sections required | More sections can mean a higher fee at some schools |
| Retake policies | Some schools discount retakes; others charge full price |
| In-state vs. out-of-state status | Some public schools charge more for non-residents |
School type
Community colleges often charge the lowest HESI fees, typically $40 to $65. State universities tend to fall in the $50 to $80 range, while private institutions may charge up to $100.
Testing location
Most students take the HESI at their school's testing center. If your school uses a third-party testing service like Prometric or PSI, you may pay a slightly higher fee that covers both the exam and the facility's proctoring services.
Number of sections
Not all nursing programs require the same HESI A2 sections. Some require only math, reading, vocabulary, and grammar, while others add anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. In rare cases, schools with more required sections charge a modestly higher fee.
How to register and pay for the HESI exam
Registration and payment for the HESI exam happen through your school's testing center or a designated third-party provider. Here is the general process:
- Check your program's requirements. Confirm which HESI sections your school requires and any minimum score thresholds.
- Schedule your exam. Contact your school's testing or assessment center to reserve a testing date. Some schools use an online scheduling system.
- Create an Evolve account. Elsevier requires you to have an Evolve student account. Registration is free at evolve.elsevier.com.
- Pay the exam fee. Payment methods vary by school and may include credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier's check. Some schools accept financial aid or student account charges.
- Test day. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Most testing sessions last 4 to 5.5 hours depending on the number of sections.
Some schools offer fee waivers or allow students to use financial aid funds to cover HESI exam costs. Contact your school's financial aid office to ask about available options before paying out of pocket.
HESI vs. TEAS exam cost comparison
Many nursing programs accept either the HESI A2 or the ATI TEAS exam for admissions. If your school accepts both, cost may influence your decision. The TEAS exam costs $70 to $100 at most testing sites, making it slightly more expensive on average than the HESI A2.
| Feature | HESI A2 | ATI TEAS |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $40 - $100 | $70 - $100 |
| Retake fee | $40 - $100 | $70 - $100 |
| Number of questions | Varies (50 - 75+ per section) | 170 questions |
| Time allowed | Varies by sections (4 - 5.5 hours) | 3 hours 29 minutes |
| Score validity | 1 - 2 years | Varies by school |
| Study guide cost | $20 - $45 | $30 - $60 |
Both exams test similar academic skills. The HESI A2 allows schools to customize which sections students take, while the TEAS has a fixed format. Check with your prospective programs to see which exam they prefer or require.
Tips to reduce your HESI exam costs
A few practical strategies can help you minimize what you spend on the HESI exam:
- Prepare thoroughly before your first attempt. Retakes are the biggest unnecessary expense. Use practice tests to gauge your readiness before scheduling the real exam.
- Use free study resources first. Free practice tests and YouTube review videos can supplement or replace paid prep courses.
- Ask about fee waivers. Low-income students may qualify for testing fee assistance through their school's financial aid office.
- Borrow or buy used study guides. Used copies of HESI review books cost $10 to $20 on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or campus bookstores.
- Test at a community college. If your target university accepts HESI scores from other institutions, testing at a community college could save you $15 to $30.
- Study in groups. Splitting the cost of a prep course or sharing study materials with classmates reduces individual expenses.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the HESI A2 exam cost?
The HESI A2 exam costs $40 to $100 depending on the school or testing center. Community colleges tend to charge on the lower end, while private universities and third-party testing centers charge more.
Do you have to pay every time you retake the HESI?
Yes, most schools charge the full exam fee for each retake attempt. A few institutions offer a reduced retake fee, but this is uncommon. Expect to pay $40 to $100 per retake.
Can you use financial aid to pay for the HESI exam?
Some schools allow students to apply financial aid toward testing fees. Others offer separate fee waivers for qualifying students. Contact your school's financial aid office to confirm your options.
How long are HESI scores valid?
HESI A2 scores are valid for 1 to 2 years at most schools. The specific validity period is set by each nursing program. If your scores expire before you apply, you will need to retake the exam and pay the fee again.
Is the HESI exam cheaper than the TEAS?
Generally, yes. The HESI A2 starts at around $40 at some community colleges, while the TEAS exam typically starts at $70. However, prices overlap at many institutions, so the difference may be small depending on where you test.
Are HESI practice exams free?
Several websites offer free HESI A2 practice tests covering core subjects like math, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. Paid practice exam bundles with more comprehensive content cost $30 to $80.
Does the HESI exam fee cover all sections?
In most cases, yes. The single exam fee covers all the sections your school requires, whether that is four subjects or eight. However, a small number of institutions charge per section, so verify with your testing center.