BSN HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam
Students applying to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at ECU are required to take the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) examination and submit their exam score report(s) as part of their application.
ECU’s traditional BSN program requires the following five sections of the HESI A2 exam:
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary & General Knowledge
- Basic Math Skills
- Biology
- Anatomy & Physiology
Students will earn points in the College of Nursing BSN Ranking Formula (PDF) for their highest average score on the HESI A2 exam.
To learn more about the HESI A2 exam please review our list of frequently asked questions and college exam policies (PDF).
Exam Attempts
Students are limited to two (2) exam attempts total. ECU requires a three month waiting period before completing a second and final attempt. Students should complete all five sections on each attempt of the exam. If two HESI A2 attempts are completed, the average will be super scored using the highest score for each of the five required sections to calculate the highest possible average score for the ranking formula.
Additional attempts for the HESI A2 exam do NOT reset with each BSN admission cycle. If re-applying to the program, you must use your previous HESI A2 scores from your first two attempts. HESI A2 scores do not expire.
Study Resources
The College of Nursing does not endorse any specific study resource for the HESI A2 exam. Students are encouraged to search the Internet, Amazon, and the app store on their phone for current editions of study guides, practice exams and other tools to help prepare for this exam.
Exam Dates
Typically, students complete the HESI A2 exam in the months leading up to the application deadline for their intended BSN admission cycle. Reference the chart below to confirm your HESI A2 exam registration and testing window:
| Application Deadline: | BSN Admission Cycle: | HESI Registration & Testing: |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 1st | Fall semester | Sept 2nd - Feb 1st |
| Sept 1st | Spring semester | Feb 2nd - Sept 1st |
Because of the three month waiting period required between exam attempts, the College of Nursing strongly advises students to complete their first exam attempt early in their assigned testing window to ensure a second attempt is possible if desired.
Registration Instructions for BSN Applicants
The HESI A2 exam is not administered by East Carolina University. The College of Nursing partners with Elsevier and Prometric Testing Centers to administer this exam to students. Prometric offers proctored in person and remote test options for students.
While scores completed through either mode of testing are acceptable in the BSN admission process, the College of Nursing strongly advises students to take this exam in person to reduce the possibility of technical issues occurring prior to or during an exam. Students who choose to test remotely do so at their own risk. Students are responsible for learning about the testing process for their desired exam format and following all instructions provided by Elsevier and Prometric. The College of Nursing is not obligated to offer exceptions or extensions to students who encounter difficulties in completing their exam attempts prior to their intended application deadline.
Step-by-step screenshot tutorials for in-person and remote HESI A2 exam registration along with additional test day preparation resources can be accessed below. Students should read all email communication received by Elsevier and Prometric thoroughly and follow guidance carefully to ensure a smooth testing experience.
TESTING CENTER EXAM (Recommended)
- BSN HESI A2 Registration Tutorial for Onsite Exams at Prometric Testing Centers
- WHAT TO EXPECT: Onsite Exam at Prometric Testing Center
- Prometric Frequently Asked Questions
REMOTE EXAM
- BSN HESI A2 Registration Tutorial for Remote Exams through ProProctor
- WHAT TO EXPECT: Remote Testing with ProProctor (includes remote specific FAQs)
- Prometric Frequently Asked Questions
- Remote HESI A2 exams are administered through ProProctor ONLY. Proctor U or other agencies are NOT approved/part of the HESI A2 remote exam administration for ECU.
DSS Accommodations
Students who are registered with ECU’s Disability Support Services (DSS) and want to request any accommodations for the HESI A2 exam should use this DSS registration tutorial (PDF). Approval from Elsevier for testing accommodations can take up to six weeks for processing so students should plan accordingly.
Questions?
Students interested in applying to ECU’s BSN program should continue to monitor the BSN Admission website for updates to eligibility and admission requirements as they are subject to change at any time with faculty approval.
Questions related to how the HESI A2 exam relates to the BSN admission and application processes should be directed to the College of Nursing’s Student Services office by calling 252-744-6477 or emailing CONAdvising@ecu.edu. Current ECU students should reach out to their assigned academic advisor.
Questions related to requesting exam registration access or issues should be directed to Elsevier customer support by calling 1-800-222-9570 or by starting an Elsevier customer service chat.
Questions related to exam date scheduling, rescheduling, cancellation, payment, etc. should be directed to Prometric Testing candidate care by calling 1-800-853-6769.