admission test for nursing school

NEX Practice Test

Prepare for your test with realistic questions.

The Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) is used by nursing schools to determine if an applicant has the skills and aptitudes necessary to do well in a program of nursing education.

Take a free NEX practice test by clicking “Start Test” above!

NEX Exam Outline

The NEX contains 163 multiple-choice questions, 18 of which are unscored, and you will be given 3 hours to complete it (60 minutes per section).

The test is split into three sections.

I. Verbal (58 questions)

This section is divided into two subsections, and you will have 1 hour to complete all of the questions.

The passages will be either general or scientific in nature and will test your ability to fully grasp the information presented. The difficulty of the passages increases as you go through this subsection, starting at an 8th-9th-grade reading level and ending at a basic college reading level.

II. Mathematics (45 questions)

This section is divided into four subsections, and you will have 1 hour to complete all of the questions.

• Place value
• Percentages
• Ratios and proportions
• Order of operations (PEMDAS)

Measurement (14 scored questions) The questions in this subsection assess your ability to use and convert between different measurement systems. Some of the specifics include:

• The metric system
• The US standard system
• Dimensional analysis and conversions

Algebra (7 scored questions) The questions in this subsection assess your understanding of basic algebraic concepts and your ability to solve basic algebraic equations. Some of the specifics include:

• Solving linear equations for one variable
• Simplifying algebraic expressions
• Graphing linear equations

Data & Information (7 scored questions) The questions in this subsection assess your ability to interpret and analyze data presented in different formats. Some of the specifics include:

• Reading and interpreting tables and graphs
• Basic statistical measures
• Probability

III. Science (60 questions)

This section is divided into five subsections, and you will have 1 hour to complete all of the questions.

• Cellular structure and function
• Body systems
• Homeostasis and feedback mechanisms
• Scientific terminology

Chemistry (5 scored questions) The questions in this subsection focus on how matter behaves and interacts, with an emphasis on medication application. Some of the specific topics include:

• Elements, atoms, and molecules
• Chemical reactions
• Acids and bases
• Organic chemistry

Anatomy (11 scored questions) The questions in this subsection assess your understanding of the blueprint of the human body and the location of major organs. Some of the specifics include:

• Directional terms (superior, inferior, medial, lateral)
• Body planes and sections
• Organ systems
• Major organs and their functions

Physiology (11 scored questions) The questions in this subsection assess your knowledge of how the body’s systems work together to maintain health and applying that knowledge to patient care. Some of the specifics include:

• Function of body systems
• Homeostatic imbalances
• Cellular processes
• The immune system

Health (8 scored questions) The questions in this subsection assess your understanding of how to maintain health and prevent disease to optimize patient outcomes. Some of the specifics include:

• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Hygiene and infection control
• Environmental health
• Health promotion and disease prevention

NEX Registration

While the exam itself is the same no matter where you take it, it is going to be administered by the school that you are applying to. So you will register for your appointment through the school. The exam fee also depends on where you are taking it but will usually range from $60 to $100.

When you register, you will have a range of dates to choose from. It is offered several times each month. Many locations will also offer a range of start times on each date so that you can find something that fits best with your schedule.

NEX Online Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online NEX prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!

Here’s what you’ll find in the NEX course:

• 70+ Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
• Over 450 NEX Practice Questions
• 250+ Video Tutorials
• 650+ Digital Flashcards
• Money-back Guarantee
• Mobile Access

Everyone learns differently, so we’ve tailored the NEX online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the NEX exam.

Click below to check it out!

NEX Test Scores

When you receive your score report, you will see what percentage of questions you answered correctly in each section of the test, as well as a composite score and overall percentile rank. Since each nursing program has its own standard for acceptable scores, there is no standard passing or failing score.

How many questions are on the NEX exam?

There are 163 questions on the exam.

How long is the NEX exam?

The time limit for the exam is 3 hours.

What is the passing score for the NEX exam?

There is no set passing score for this exam. The nursing program of your choice will decide what scores they accept as passing.

How much does the NEX exam cost?

The fee for the exam will be different depending on where you take the test. Generally, it ranges from $60 to $100.

By Kate Nockunas

Kate has been Mometrix’s Nursing and Medical Editor for over four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Vanderbilt University, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Marymount University, and a master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins. Kate is a critical care registered nurse who still works occasionally in the ICU and PACU.

Nursing School Entrance Exams – Home

by Mometrix Test Preparation | Last Updated: September 26, 2024

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Applying to Nursing School

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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Are you considering a nursing career or wondering how to apply to nursing school? Now is a great time to get started. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of registered nurse (RN) jobs is projected to grow 6% from 2023-2033. That means the workforce could add more than 197,000 RN positions during this timeframe.

Before beginning your nursing career, you must obtain the right diploma or degree. Earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is one common pathway to entering the nursing industry . Candidates interested in advanced positions should consider pursuing a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate.

Individuals can also enter the field through programs for nursing assistants, practical or vocational nurses, and two-year associate degrees. Some learners may choose to attend nursing school online, which offers the same education as traditional, on-campus programs.

Read on to learn how to apply to nursing school and choose a program that suits your professional interests.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What to Do Before Applying to Nursing School

Before applying to nursing schools, carefully examine each institution’s academic prerequisites . Prospective undergraduates should obtain their high school transcripts, while MSN applicants should contact their previous schools for their official undergraduate transcripts.

You should also take the appropriate entrance exam. These may include the ACT, SAT, and GRE, depending on the program. Many programs will require a specific nursing entrance exam , such as the HESI, ATI, TEAS, NLN Pre-Admission Exam (PAX), Nursing Entrance Test (NET), or Kaplan Admissions Test. In addition, you will likely need to submit one or more letters of recommendation with your nursing application.

Feeling overwhelmed? Check out our helpful breakdown of a nursing school application timeline .

Pick a Career Path

“Nurse” is a catch-all term that actually encapsulates several different roles: certified nursing assistant ( CNA ), licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN), registered nurse (RN), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Consider each type of job and decide your professional ambitions before heading to nursing school. Your educational requirements depend on which career path you want to pursue. Many nurses — especially APRNs — choose to pursue a specialty area or serve a particular patient demographic. You can read about more different nursing speciality options here .

As the next section demonstrates, educational requirements vary greatly according to position. Entry-level nurses do not necessarily need a full bachelors degree to earn certification or licensure. APRNs, however, must complete additional education before pursuing a master’s degree and a nursing license.

Choose a Nursing Degree Type

Defining your career goals can help you determine which degree you should pursue. While prospective CNAs and LPN/LVNs can enroll in educational programs specifically for those positions, aspiring RNs can either pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree. A graduate degree prepares candidates to become nurse practitioners or other nursing specialties such as nurse executive, informatics specialist, nurse educator, or public health.

Nursing School Admission Requirements

Requirements for applying to nursing school vary by program, and every institution maintains different admission guidelines. Be sure to double check your prospective school’s requirements before applying.

The list below includes some common requirements to get into nursing school:

• Admissions application
• Previous academic degree (a high school diploma for undergraduate programs, and bachelor’s degree for graduate school)
• Minimum GPA that meets your prospective program’s requirements
• Personal essay or statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Volunteer experience documentation
• Entrance exam scores
• Application fees
• Admissions interviews

Nursing Volunteer Work

Some programs include anywhere from 100 hours to several hundred volunteer hours among their nursing school requirements. Volunteer work can also help your nursing application stand out from others.

Search for volunteer opportunities at hospitals or senior care facilities in your community. You might find other volunteer positions with the Red Cross, at homeless shelters, or in community health organizations. If you feel a bit more adventurous and can dedicate the time, you might even consider spending your summer volunteering for an overseas healthcare organization.

Nursing School Interview Process

Some nursing schools require interviews with one or more faculty members as part of their admissions process. While applicants must sometimes travel to campus for this requirement, some programs conduct virtual interviews.

While an interview may seem intimidating, plenty of preparation can help you keep nerves at bay. Although it is impossible to know exactly what questions the interview will include, you can likely expect to answer questions like: “Why did you choose nursing?” or “How would you face a certain challenge?” You may also be asked to describe yourself and your professional goals.

There are other ways to ensure you are prepared for your interview. Arrive early, for example, and dress professionally. Do enough research to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about your prospective program and current trends in the nursing industry.

Nursing School Entrance Exams

Most colleges and universities expect all undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. While master’s and doctoral program applicants are generally required to provide GRE scores, some nursing program requirements allow prospective graduate students to apply without submitting test results.

Nursing schools may also require specialized entrance exams that measure abilities like communication, critical thinking, and core healthcare related subjects. These exams include the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (NLN PAX) or the Nursing Entrance Test (NET), which focus on math and science. Some CNA and LPN/LVN programs require the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS), which evaluates students’ foundational knowledge in science, math, and reading.

Fortunately, test preparation materials are available to help you study for these exams. Educational companies provide books and online materials, including practice exams, so students can feel confident on test day. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to study.

Questions About Applyiing to Nursing School

What can i do to increase my chances of getting into nursing school.

Improve your chances of getting into nursing school by taking math and science courses — especially biology and human anatomy — and maintaining a high GPA. You can establish foundational skills in the field by first becoming a CNA or an LPN . You can also volunteer at a hospital to gain knowledge about nursing and the healthcare industry.

When should you apply for nursing school?

While deadlines differ by school, the earlier you apply, the better. If you are considering a program with a fall start date, try applying for nursing school the winter before. If the school requires recommendation letters, give your references at least one month’s notice before you plan to submit your nursing application.

Is nursing school hard to get into?

This depends on the school and your own perspective. Generally, CNA and LPN/LVN programs feature the least stringent admission requirements. Some nursing schools expect applicants to provide higher GPAs and entrance exam scores than others.

What should I know before applying to nursing school?

Writing essays, tracking down recommendations, and studying for entrance exams all demand a considerable amount of time and effort. In addition, nursing school costs can add up quickly. Check with your prospective school to see if financial aid is available.

Can you get a nursing degree online?

Yes. Many schools offer web-based nursing programs, which allow students to complete coursework online. However, distance learners must usually complete a supervised clinical component on location. Most schools let online students perform their clinical work at a healthcare facility in their own town or locality.

Paying for Nursing School

Paying for nursing school can be challenging for many candidates. While tuition costs remain relatively low for CNA and LPN/LVN students, tuition for undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers can cost tens of thousands of dollars .

Fortunately, there are different opportunities to help learners pay for nursing school. Look for scholarships from your school, professional associations, nonprofit foundations, special interest groups, and other organizations. While you can find scholarship information all over the internet, it may be helpful to start your search right here .

You might also apply for federal grants, or explore work-study options. In addition, many students take out loans from the government, which they must pay back after graduation. Get more information about your federal financial aid opportunities by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid .

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Requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Schools Admission

Be prepared to meet the degree and school requirements and you have a better chance of your nursing school application process running smoothly—no hitches. Find out what entrance exams are necessary, required components for an application, and tips for ensuring success.

What You Need to Get Into Undergraduate Nursing School

Undergraduate nursing school requirements are quite similar to any other college requirements:

• Complete your application and have it submitted by the deadline.
• Complete your application for federal student aid (FAFSA) by the deadline.
• If you have an option to visit the campus and participate in an admissions interview, do so. Some nursing schools don’t have the resources to interview every student so when you have the chance you should take it.
• Any applicable transcripts must be included.
• Know what exams you must have taken, ie. SAT, Nursing School Entrance Exam, and any others.
• Apply for any applicable scholarships or grants through the school or other sources
• You must have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Meet any GPA requirements.

Nursing School Applications

Applications for nursing school or any type of college degree for that matter demand the utmost attention. Incomplete applications are often not considered, especially for competitive nursing programs.

Tips when completing your application process for nursing school:

• Attend any nursing workshops, informational sessions, open houses and admissions seminars that become available at the schools in which you’re interested. Besides access to some insider tips and information on the program you might be able to meet admissions officers face-to-face.
• Write the application deadline on a calendar or date book and don’t miss it! Nursing schools take this date very seriously AND it’s an indication of your motivation and commitment to a degree in the first place. Miss it and you’re done before you even hit the pavement.
• Some nursing schools only accept students on the basis of their application and academics; which means you don’t have the opportunity to “wow” them in a face-to-face interview. Leave nothing blank on an application, get your head screwed on straight for all essay questions and get it postmarked on time.
• Most nursing schools prefer students with above average scores in the sciences and math.

Nursing School Entrance Exams

All nursing schools do not require you take a nursing school entrance exam. But should you be required you’ll find an assortment of potentially required tests:

• PAX-RN, or the Pre-Admission Exam for RN students, developed and delivered through the National League for Nursing (NLN). The exam is broken down into 3 major parts: verbal, science, and math skills.
• TEAS, Test of Essential Academic Skills, includes 4 major parts: reading, math, English, science.
• NET, Nurse Entrance Test, tests candidates in 6 areas: reading, math, stress, social interaction, testing abilities, learning skills.
• Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) exam

Requirements for Applying to Graduate Nursing School

Graduate level nursing has become more popular especially given the rise in distance education. More and more Masters nursing programs are available as online degree programs for working RNs and students located in areas not local to a nursing school.

• BSN degree from an accredited nursing school, or Bachelors degree in a non-related field
• Complete application submitted by the deadline
• Attached transcripts
• Any required letters of recommendation included
• Any required exams completed, i.e. GRE
• Any required application fees included
• Statement of career goals and/or specialization

Nursing schools don’t really cut you breaks with the application process. The best advice is to read all the requirements of all the schools to which you’re applying and follow them to the letter. Combine a solid application with a good academic record and you have a fighting chance at breaking into a respectable nursing school program.

Explore Your Nursing Degree Options Today!

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What is the HESI Exam and How Do You Prepare for it?

What is the hesi exam, hesi a2 vs. hesi exit exam, hesi exam faqs, how to register for the hesi exam, how to prepare for the hesi exam, hesi prep courses & practice tests, what to do after the hesi exam.

The HESI exam is an entrance exam required for many nursing programs. It's a predictor of nursing student success, and many schools use the exam as a part of the admissions criteria for acceptance. Not all colleges and universities use HESI. However, it is becoming more common to help students study and pass their licensure exams. 

There are two main HESI exams - the HESI Admissions (A2) and the HESI Exit Exam.

What Does HESI Stand For?

Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) is a company in the United States that helps nurses prepare for and pass their licensure exams. 

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The HESI A2 is a 4-hour exam that some schools give to prospective nursing candidates. Schools may use this test to determine if the applicant qualifies for acceptance into their program. 

Schools may also customize the tests for their program and determine what a passing score is. If you are taking the HESI exam, contact your nursing program for more exam details. 

Sections of the HESI A2 Exam

There are 326 questions of the HESI A2. The test includes nine different sections in the following subjects:

• Measures the student’s ability to read about medical and health situations and make conclusions
• Comprehension: 47 questions
• Basic health-care vocabulary
• Grammar: 50 questions
• The HESI A2 covers many areas, including addition, subtraction, fractions, ratios, decimals, multiplication, household measures, and dosage calculations
• This section tests biology basics such as terminology, metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis
• Questions on anatomical structures, body systems, and terminology
• Physics: 25 questions
• May include questions on chemical equations, reactions, bonding, and the periodic table

Keep in mind that schools can change the test by excluding some information. The HESI A2 exam also aims to discover candidates' learning styles, giving schools more information about the student.

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HESI Exit Exam

The HESI Exit Exam is a test given by nursing schools that helps determine if a student is prepared to pass the NCLEX exam as they approach graduation. Some schools even use the exam to determine if students will be allowed to graduate.

The company states that the HESI Exit exam predicts whether or not a student will pass the NCLEX exam with 98% accuracy.

HESI RN and LPN Exit Exams

There are 150 questions on the HESI RN EXIT exam. The HESI LPN Exit Exam has either 150 or 75 questions. Both exams aim to assess critical thinking and mimic the respective NCLEX Exams.

As a similar test to the NCLEX, the HESI Exit Exam includes the following types of questions:

• Multiple choice
• Multiple responses
• Fill in the blank

Nursing school graduates must take and pass the NCLEX to become certified and practice as a nurse. For this reason, schools want to make sure that students can pass their licensure exam following graduation. The subjects on the HESI Exit Exam are all subjects that are studied extensively in nursing schools.

HESI Exit Exam Topics 

The Nursing Process

• Nursing Diagnosis
• Implementation

Client Needs

• Safe and effective environment
• Management of care
• Infection control
• Health promotion 
• Psychosocial integrity
• Basic Care and comfort
• Pharmaceutical and parenteral treatments

Specialties

• Nursing fundamentals
• Medical-Surgical
• Critical Care
• Community health
• Mental Health

How Many Questions Are on the HESI?

There are 326 questions on the HESI A2. Students may have up to 4 hours to complete the exam depending on the nursing program.

The HESI RN Exit Exam has 150 questions, and the HESI LPN Exit Exam has either 150 or 75 questions.

How Many Times Can You Take the HESI Exam?

Students may take the HESI admission exam once every 60 days. However, there is a limit of 3 times per 12 months. Scores are valid for two years.

Can You Use a Calculator for the HESI Exam?

You may not bring your own calculator. You are only allowed to use the calculator provided on your computer screen at exam time. 

What is a Passing Score for the HESI Exam?

Passing scores for the HESI A2 are dependent on your nursing school program. Check with your program to see what passing requirements are. 

HESI Exit Exam scores provide the test taker with a prediction of how they will perform on the NCLEX. Nursing schools may also have their own passing score that students must achieve before graduation. In addition, some schools may only allow students to take the test a certain number of times, most commonly twice.

The HESI website states they can predict NCLEX passing scores with the following exam scoring:

• Above 950 - Outstanding pass probability 
• 900-940 - Excellent pass probability
• 850-899 - Average pass probability
• 800-849 - Below average pass probability
• 750-799 - Additional prep needed
• 700-749 - Serious prep needed
• 650-699 - Probability of failing
• Below 649 - Expected poor performance

How Much Does the HESI Exam Cost?

HESI exam costs depend on the institution offering the exam. However, they usually range between $40 to $100 or more.

Why Do You Need to Take the HESI Exam?

Many schools require applicants to take the HESI A2 exam as part of their admissions process. As students near graduation, the HESI Exit exam is a way to predict success on the NCLEX exam. The HESI exam also helps students find the areas where they need to improve before taking the NCLEX exam.

You must register to take any HESI exam, receive test results, register for distance exams, and make payments. To do this, you will also need to create a student account.

• Step 1: Set up an account at https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/ 
• Step 2: Select “I’m a student.”
• Step 3: On the next screen, select “Register for Distance Testing” 
• Step 4: On the next screen, click “Register” and make the payment or provide a promotion code.

Keep in mind that your institution may have other instructions for you regarding making an Elsevier account registering for a HESI exam. Check with your instructors to see if they have any additional requirements for registration.

Studying for the HESI exam might seem like a monumental process now, but if you plan ahead and understand the details about the test, you can succeed! You will likely need to prepare for a HESI exam before being accepted to a nursing program again as you approach graduation.

Here are a few helpful HESI exam tips:

• Know what subjects will be on your exam. Each nursing program can decide which parts of the HESI exam they will give students. It is essential to know what they are so that you can focus on areas of importance.
• Know how many questions there will be on the test and how long you have to take it.
• Understand that you will not receive a traditional letter grade score, but a score from 100-1000. The higher the score, the better; however, each nursing program may have its own criteria for passing the test. Talk to administrators in your program for more details.
• Use a HESI study guide.
• Use HESI flashcards or make your own.
• Have a study schedule.
• If you are already in your nursing program, use the HESI practice tests as a way to find your weak spots. 

HESI offers its own “assignable and gradable” quizzes for self-practice. Self-quizzing throughout your nursing program will best prepare you for answering questions on your licensure exam. It also provides you with details into the subject areas you are underperforming in. 

Several other companies also offer HESI prep courses online. Some of the most popular courses include:

• Nursing.com *
• Pocket Prep

Prep courses are an excellent way to prepare yourself for the NCLEX throughout your program. You can also focus your energy on taking practice tests that align with the coursework you are currently studying.

Prep courses allow you to answer thousands of potential test questions in the same topics you will be tested on during HESI and NCLEX exams.

How Long Does it Take to Get Results?

You will receive your HESI score shortly after your exam. Your score and a remediation plan are sent to you within two weeks of completing the exam. 

What Happens if You Fail the HESI Exam? 

The HESI exam is not a traditional pass/fail exam. It gives you a numerical score between 100-1000. The higher the number, the better you performed on the exam. 

Your nursing institution may have a score that you must meet for program acceptance. You need to speak with your administrators to see what the minimum accepted score is. 

Most nursing schools require that students take the HESI before graduation to ensure they are ready to take the NCLEX. Many nursing programs require a score of 850 or higher because that indicates you will most likely pass the NCLEX.

If your score is too low, you will need to retake the exam. Before you do, make sure that you study with HESI prep courses that will help you perform better the next time. 

No matter what nursing program you go to, you will need to study to pass your courses and licensure exams. The HESI exams are a great tool to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge to earn licensure and perform as a nurse. The testing may seem daunting, but you will succeed if you study hard, focus, and use preparation courses.

Sarah Jividen , RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions , LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), National University - Los Angeles Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in Journalism, California State University - Chico

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