Many nursing students wonder how often they can fail HESI before facing serious consequences. The answer depends on your nursing program’s policies—not a national rule.
Most schools allow students to fail HESI up to two or three times total. After that, you may be dismissed from the program. Always check your school’s handbook for exact rules.
The HESI exam predicts success on the NCLEX licensing test. Programs use it to ensure students are ready to graduate. That’s why fail HESI limits exist—to protect student outcomes.
Retake Rules Vary by School
Some nursing programs let you retake the HESI after a waiting period. Others require remediation before another attempt. A few only allow one retake, meaning you get two total tries.
If you fail HESI the first time, don’t panic. Many students pass on their second try. Use the feedback report to guide your study plan. Focus on weak areas like pharmacology or mental health.
How to Avoid Repeated Failures
Prepare thoroughly before your first attempt. Use official HESI review materials and practice tests. Join study groups or seek tutoring if needed.
Remember: each time you fail , it may delay your graduation. Some programs tie HESI scores to clinical progression. So treating it seriously from the start is wise.
Your goal isn’t just to pass—but to score high enough to meet your program’s benchmark. That often means 75% to 80% or higher.
Final Tips After a HESI Failure
If you fail , review your score report immediately. Create a targeted study schedule. Ask advisors about school-specific retake rules.
Most importantly, don’t lose confidence. Many future nurses fail once but succeed later. Persistence and smart prep make the difference.
You can typically fail HESI up to two times, but policies differ. Always confirm with your nursing program. Treat every attempt as your last—and prepare like it.