The HESI A2 exam is a pre-nursing exam for Southern Arkansas University. Students wishing to apply to the nursing program at SAU are required to take and pass the HESI A2 exam. The exam must be taken through SAU for students to qualify for the nursing program at SAU. (The test cannot be taken through another school to qualify for SAU’s nursing program.) There is a test attempt limit of 3 times per calendar year.
The HESI A2 exam at SAU costs $80.00, and payment can be made in the Testing Center when the student arrives to take the exam. Before scheduling their test, students must create an account on the HESI website at http://evolve.elsevier.com. Once students register with Evolve, they must call the Testing Center at Southern Arkansas University to schedule the test. Students who fail the HESI test must complete the remediation modules within their registered HESI account before attempting the test again. Each time a student tests, there is an $80.00 fee to test.
The current dates available to take the HESI A2 exam are listed below. Students must register for and make an appointment to take the exam at least 2 weeks in advance. (Test registration online, appointment to take test made by calling the SAU Testing Center) Students can NOT be scheduled for more than one appointment to take the HESI exam at one time. Limited testing slots are available, so be sure to register and test as early as possible so there is time to retest if needed.
Students should bring their $80.00 fee payment and a current photo ID on the test day. For questions, to schedule an exam, or for more information, call the Testing Center at (870) 235-4145 or visit https://web.saumag.edu/nursing/bsn-program-application/hesi-a2/.
Click the link below to see the Spring 2025 HESI A2 Exam Dates. (Students MUST register by 4 p.m. at least two weeks before the scheduled test.)
Registration: Students must go to the HESI website at http://evolve.elsevier.com to create their account.
To schedule a test date, call (870) 235-4145 or come to the University Testing Center, Reynolds 216.
Students must register for and make an appointment to take the exam at least a week in advance no later than 4:00 p.m. of the registration deadline.
Testing Center Hours of Operation:
8:00 am – 5:00 p.m. Monday –Friday (fall/spring)
7:00 am – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday (summer hours)
Test Fees: Initial Test Fee $80.00 Retest Fee $80.00
Report Location: Southern Arkansas University
University Testing Center
100 Village Drive
University Village Clubhouse (Building Panda Express is located in)
Magnolia, AR 71753
Retest Policy Note: A comprehensive score of less than 75% indicates a need to retest. Examinees are allowed two (2) retest attempts after the initial test. First-time testers will be given priority spots before re-testers.
Required Score: Students entering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must take the HESI test. Our Testing Center will submit all scores to the Chair of the Nursing department. Contact the Department of Nursing regarding the required score.
Questions: All questions regarding the admissions policy, admission deadlines, retesting, etc., should be directed to the Department of Nursing at 870-235-4331. Questions regarding test administration should be directed to the Office of Testing/Disability Support Services at 870-235-4145.
