What Is the HSRT Exam?

The Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) is a standardized critical thinking assessment developed by Insight Assessment. It is used by nursing and allied health admissions programs to evaluate applicants' reasoning ability across five domains: analysis, inference, evaluation, inductive reasoning, and deductive reasoning. The exam is approximately 33 questions, untimed, and administered online. It tests no content knowledge — no science, math, or vocabulary. Programs in Minnesota, Texas, New Jersey, and Oregon currently require it.

Why do programs use the HSRT instead of the TEAS or HESI?

The TEAS and HESI measure academic preparation — the content knowledge a student brings into a nursing program. The HSRT measures something different: how well a student can reason through new problems they have never seen before.

Research in nursing education suggests that critical thinking ability — not content knowledge at admission — is the stronger predictor of clinical performance and NCLEX passage. Programs that have shifted to the HSRT cite this research as their rationale. The MANE consortium in Minnesota (which formerly coordinated nursing admissions across the state) dissolved, and many member schools independently adopted the HSRT as part of a holistic admissions model.

The five HSRT skill areas

Analysis

Analysis questions ask you to break down an argument or statement into its components. You might be asked to identify what an author is assuming, what evidence supports a claim, or whether two statements are consistent with each other. This skill tests precision of thought — the ability to read carefully and not read into the text more than is stated.

Inference

Inference questions ask you to draw conclusions from a given set of facts or observations. Unlike analysis (which looks at existing arguments), inference builds forward — what follows from this? The best inference is the one best supported by the evidence, not necessarily the one that feels most likely based on general knowledge.

Evaluation

Evaluation questions ask you to assess the quality of an argument. Is the evidence strong? Is the conclusion well-supported? Has the author committed a logical fallacy? This skill is most directly tied to evidence-based clinical decision-making, which is why nursing programs prize it.

Inductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to general conclusions. These questions often present data from a sample and ask whether a general claim is warranted. The key skill is distinguishing strong inductions (large, representative sample, modest conclusion) from weak ones (small or biased sample, sweeping conclusion).

Deductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning moves from general rules to specific cases. If all A are B, and this is an A, then this must be a B. These questions test whether you can correctly apply logical rules and recognize when a conclusion is (or is not) guaranteed by the premises. Validity — not likelihood — is what matters in deductive questions.

How the HSRT is scored

Your HSRT report includes an overall score and five subscale scores, one for each skill area. Most programs use the overall score as an admissions criterion, though some set minimums on specific subscales (particularly analysis and inference).

Scores are reported on a standardized scale. The exact range varies by test version. Each program sets its own cutoff — see the full score requirements page for verified minimums.

How to prepare for the HSRT

Because there is no content to memorize, preparation focuses on developing and practicing reasoning skills:

  1. Understand each skill area before practicing — knowing what "inference" means on this specific test is different from the everyday meaning of the word.
  2. Take a diagnostic test to identify your weakest subscale scores.
  3. Study argument structure — learn to identify claims, evidence, assumptions, and logical fallacies in short passages.
  4. Practice with HSRT-style questions — generic critical thinking practice is helpful, but HSRT-format questions with detailed explanations are more efficient.
  5. Take full-length mock exams before test day.

StudyBuddy offers the only dedicated HSRT prep course — 38 chapters, 463 practice questions, and 10 timed mock exams. Try a free practice test →

Questions about the HSRT

What does HSRT stand for?
HSRT stands for Health Sciences Reasoning Test. It is developed by Insight Assessment, an educational measurement company based in Millbrae, California.
Is the HSRT the same as the TEAS or HESI?
No. The TEAS and HESI test academic content knowledge (science, math, reading, English). The HSRT tests only critical thinking and reasoning skills — no content knowledge is required.
How many questions are on the HSRT?
The HSRT contains approximately 33 multiple-choice questions. Each question presents a scenario or argument, and the test-taker selects the answer that best demonstrates the targeted reasoning skill.
Is the HSRT timed?
The HSRT is not timed. Most students complete it in 45–90 minutes. Some programs may set a soft time window for when the test must be completed (e.g., by a deadline date), but the exam itself has no countdown timer.
What is a passing score on the HSRT?
There is no universal passing score — each program sets its own minimum. Confirmed minimums range from 60 (M State) to 74 (Anoka-Ramsey CC). Competitive applicants typically target 75 or above overall.
Who makes the HSRT?
The HSRT is developed and administered by Insight Assessment (formerly the California Academic Press). It is part of their suite of critical thinking tests for professional education programs.
Can I take the HSRT at home?
Yes. The HSRT is an online exam that can be taken remotely. However, your program may require it to be completed at a testing center or under supervised conditions. Check directly with your program.
How do I register for the HSRT?
Registration is coordinated through your program. Your admissions office will provide a direct link and access code to the Insight Assessment testing platform. You do not register independently.