Before taking the exam, students must register with the testing center. Students can either register online or at an onsite location. Students will receive a login ID and password by which they can access their account. Online enrollment saves time and allows for more applicants. A limited number of spaces remain on each test page, so students should request an application in no time.
Students may take the first part of the HESI exam online. In this part, students will be asked to complete two versions of the Essay on Fundamentals of Nursing Practice. One version of the Essay contains clinical practice questions, while the other contains written concepts. Both versions must be submitted on the same day. Failure to submit both versions on the same day will result in a failing grade.
In order to take the second part of the exam, students seeking readmission will need to fulfill the prerequisites. These requirements vary depending on the country where the exam is taken. In Canada, for example, all students applying to take the exam must first complete 60 units of university courses. After this requirement has been met, then students may take the basic hesi fundamentals exam. This exam will not count towards total credits for either the basic nursing degree or the Master’s degree.
Students who successfully complete the aforementioned requirements will be accepted to take the third and final part of the HESI exam for nursing program. The third and final part covers written and analytical skills. Upon successfully passing the third part, students will be accepted into the program. Students are encouraged to attend a review session prior to enrollment in order to receive additional help with preparing for the exam. Review sessions are usually held about a month before the start date of the spring readmission examination.
Students who pass the first part of the exam are required to take a second HESI exam to fulfill their requirements for enrollment. This exam is for those who failed in their first attempt. The second exam is often tougher and is intended as a last chance effort. Unlike the first exam, those who pass this portion may take the basics test again in order to refresh their memory on the essentials of nursing. However, this time around, students may take the second fundamental’s test as a prerequisite for passing the main test.
Once accepted into the program, students must complete the third and final part of the exam. This exam is administered by the National Board of Nursing Examiners (NBNE). Students must take the exam on a single test page at one time. There are no breaks between the multiple-choice questions. Those taking the test must complete all of the questions within one minute.
In order to prepare for the test admission assessment, students may opt to purchase a practice test or review books. The test includes both a written and a hands-on simulation of the exam format. Students may also purchase review guides that include tips for answering questions, strategies for handling the multiple-choice portion of the exam, and sample questions that have already been given. While these guide books are helpful, it is advisable for students to also seek a copy of the official test format from the University of Washington. This will allow them to see how the questions are answered along with correct answers.