The main focus of the HESIC is the National Assessment for Student Mental Health and Wellness, which measure students’ basic comprehension and ability to learn. Your composite score is based on both the reading section and the reasoning section of the exam. You should make sure that you review the material thoroughly before taking any practice tests.
The four topics that are tested in the HESIC exam are: (a) English communication skills; (b) Problem solving skills; (c) Understanding concepts; (d) Analysis skills. If you need assistance with a specific topic, your instructor will probably be able to help you decide what the correct answer is. It is important to remember that if you select an incorrect answer, you may not receive a passing score. Students who take the test and receive a failing grade do not have to attend the program if they notify the testing office early enough and arrange to take a re-examination with a qualified tutor.
Students who pass the first time around may not need re-exams, but must study hard to show their improvements so that they can score highly when the next test day rolls around. There are three objectives in every test and they include: answering questions correctly; developing critical thinking skills; and understanding concepts. Each of these three areas is the focus of different practice exams and the objectives are varied depending on the type of HESIC exam you are taking. For instance, if you are taking the exam in connection with nursing practices, you will probably move through the following topics: basic nursing skills; introduction to clinical basics; and infection management. You may also find areas that cover topics such as nutrition or anatomy.
Students who complete the entire HESIC course are awarded a National Cleansing Certification by the National Council for Nursing Examiners or the NCLEX. The certification is typically given after taking the final exam, which is typically given in about 25-minute time limit. Once you have completed your nursing program, you can take the NCLEX and get your official certificate. Although not required, it is an added bonus and will increase your chances of landing a job.
In order to keep your a status, you must pass all three assessments administered during the course of study. This includes the written portion, the clinical section, and the knowledge section. If you do not pass these sections on the first try, you must take additional practice exams until you master them. Taking too many practice exams will only serve to confuse you and decrease your chance of earning the a2 status.
Just as the name implies, the HESI exam covers all the topics in nursing. The pre-requisites for taking the exam are that you must already have a foundation in medical terminology, math, biology, and chemistry. Once you meet these pre-requisites, you can enroll in the exam online. Remember, however, that even if you pass the first examination, you must pass the second in order to maintain your a2 status.