What Is a Good HESI A2 Score?
A good HESI A2 score depends on your target program. Most programs require 70–75% composite minimum. A score of 77–80% is competitive at ADN programs. For BSN programs, aim for 82–85%. A 90+ is exceptional at any program.
Unlike the TEAS, the HESI A2 has no single composite score — your "score" is the average of the sections your program requires. Programs often set individual section minimums too, especially for Anatomy & Physiology. Always check both the composite requirement and any section-specific cutoffs.
Is my HESI score good enough?
Meets minimum
Clears most published minimums. Not competitive when seats are limited at higher-selectivity programs.
Good for ADN
Solid community college ADN score. Below competitive range for most BSN programs.
Competitive
Strong position at ADN and most BSN programs. Competitive at selective programs.
Exceptional
Top tier at every program. Signals strong readiness across all tested subjects.
HESI A2 score benchmarks
| Score | Level |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | Exceptional |
| 85–89% | Excellent |
| 78–84% | Strong |
| 70–77% | Meets minimums |
| Below 70% | Below most minimums |
How the HESI A2 is scored
Unlike the TEAS — which produces a single composite — the HESI A2 reports separate scores for each section. Your program specifies which sections it requires, and your "score" is the average of those sections. Common required sections:
Many programs also set individual section minimums — commonly 70–75% on A&P and Math regardless of composite. A strong composite with a weak A&P score can still disqualify your application at programs with section cutoffs.
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Target scores by program type
Community college ADN
Minimum
65–72%
Competitive
75–80%
Most use HESI as a ranking factor. Higher score = better position in applicant pool.
State university BSN
Minimum
70–78%
Competitive
80–85%
Section minimums common. Verify A&P and Math requirements separately.
Selective BSN programs
Minimum
78%+
Competitive
85–90%
Published minimums are lower than actual admitted averages at selective programs.
Related HESI resources
Frequently asked questions
What is a good HESI A2 score?
A good HESI A2 score depends on your target program. Most nursing programs require a composite of 70–75%. A score of 75–80% is competitive at most ADN programs. For BSN programs, 80–85% is the competitive range. A score of 75+ generally positions you well at the majority of HESI-requiring programs.
What is considered an excellent HESI A2 score?
A score of 90% or above on the HESI A2 composite is considered excellent and places you in the top tier of applicants at virtually any nursing program. Scores of 85–89% are very strong. Most programs classify 90%+ as the highest competency level. Reaching 90+ requires strong performance across all tested sections, particularly Anatomy & Physiology and Biology.
Is 77 a good HESI A2 score?
A 77 on the HESI A2 meets the minimum at most programs that require 70–75% and is a solid competitive score for community college ADN programs. It is below the competitive range for selective BSN programs, which typically see admitted cohorts averaging 80–85%. If your target is an ADN program, a 77 is a respectable score. If your target is a selective BSN, retake preparation targeting 82+ is advisable.
Is a 92 on the HESI A2 good?
A 92 is an exceptional HESI A2 score. It places you in the top tier of applicants at every HESI-requiring program, including highly selective BSN programs. A 92 is well above the competitive threshold at any program and signals strong readiness across all tested subject areas.
What is the pass rate for the HESI A2?
Elsevier does not publish national HESI A2 pass rate data. "Passing" is program-defined — there is no universal cutoff. Based on available program data, a significant portion of first-time test-takers do not meet their target program's minimum on the first attempt, particularly at programs requiring 75%+. Students who use structured prep and identify their weakest sections first pass at substantially higher rates.
What is the minimum HESI A2 score for nursing school?
Published minimums vary by program. Community college ADN programs typically require 65–75% composite. University BSN programs often require 70–80%. Some programs also set section-specific minimums — commonly 70–75% on Anatomy & Physiology and Math individually, regardless of composite. Always check your specific program's requirements for both composite and section minimums.
Is 80 a good HESI A2 score?
An 80 is a strong HESI A2 score. It exceeds the published minimum at most programs and is competitive at most ADN and many BSN programs. For selective BSN programs, 82–85+ is a stronger target. An 80 is a solid foundation — if you have time, pushing to 83–85 gives you a meaningful edge in competitive applicant pools.
How is the HESI A2 scored?
The HESI A2 reports individual section scores as percentages. There is no single composite — programs combine the sections they require. Common required sections include Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Grammar, and Anatomy & Physiology. Some programs also require Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Your overall "score" is the average or weighted average of the sections your program requires.
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