How much does the HESI exam cost? The HESI (Health Education Systems Incorporated) exam, particularly the popular HESI A2 Admissions Assessment, does not have a universal fixed price—costs vary by testing location, institution, format (in-person vs. remote proctored), and whether additional sections like Critical Thinking are included. As of 2025, expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $120 per attempt, with most nursing programs charging $45–$85 for the standard A2 exam. This fee covers access through Elsevier’s Evolve platform and proctoring services. Always verify with your school, as they often set the rate and handle payments.
How much does the HESI exam cost: Breakdown of Typical Costs (2025 Data):
- Base HESI A2 Fee (Reading, Math, Grammar, etc.): $35–$65. For example, Lone Star College charges $65 directly to Elsevier, while Mesa Community College and Scottsdale Community College keep it at $45.
- With Critical Thinking Section: Add $5–$20, e.g., $89 at College of the Mainland or $103.50 at Houston Christian University.
- Remote/Proctored Options: Higher due to platforms like ProctorU—around $83 at Amarillo College or $115–$120 at East Carolina University for Prometric sessions.
- Additional Fees:
- Proctoring/Sitting: $10–$60 (e.g., $60 at Florida State College at Jacksonville).
- Transcripts to Other Schools: $15 via Evolve.
- Retake: Full fee again; limits apply (e.g., once every 60 days, max 3x/year at many schools).
How much does the HESI exam cost and Why the Variation? Nursing schools partner with Elsevier to administer HESI as an admissions tool, assessing skills in math, reading, science, and more to predict NCLEX success. Fees fund secure testing and scoring reports sent directly to programs. Public community colleges often have lower rates ($40–$60) than private universities ($80+). No financial aid covers it—pay via credit card during Evolve registration.
HESI Exit Exam Costs: For graduating students, the HESI Exit Exam (predicting licensure readiness) mirrors A2 pricing but is usually school-sponsored. Standalone practice versions on Evolve cost $20–$50 for remediation bundles.
Tips to Minimize Costs & Prepare:
- Schedule early via your school’s testing center—spots fill fast for fall 2025 cycles.
- Use free Elsevier practice tests on Evolve after registering.
- Study with the official HESI A2 Review book ($40–$60 on Amazon) for 75%+ scores.
- If retaking, focus on weak areas via personalized remediation reports.
Where to Register: Create an Evolve account at evolve.elsevier.com, select your institution, and pay online. Contact your nursing program’s admissions office for exact 2025 fees and deadlines—e.g., April 25 for Amarillo College fall entry. Budget $50–$100 total, including prep materials, for a strong shot at acceptance.