HESI Test Prep Guide

Detailed HESI Checklists are available HERE. 

Students must take the test in person at the OC Testing Center. Reservations can be made by phone and in person. Cost is $61 + $15 proctoring fee to be paid on the day of testing.  

Important testing information: 

• Students must register with an account on www.evolve.elsevier.com/cs/register before taking the exam.

• Only 2 attempts are allowed for the exam.

• Scores are given to students immediately after completing the exam.

• Students must wait 30 days to retake.

For questions or more information, contact the OC Testing Center. 

Location: Spur Building, Room 150

testing@odessa.edu

432.335.6620

Here are some general test-taking tips that can help you prepare for the HESI test:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: Understand the structure of the HESI test, including the number of sections, types of questions, and time limits for each section.

2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a study schedule that covers all sections of the HESI test. Allocate more time to areas where you need improvement.

3. Use Official Study Materials: Utilize official HESI study guides, practice tests, and resources provided by reputable publishers to familiarize yourself with the content and format of the exam.

4. Take Practice Tests: Regularly take practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas of weakness. Practice tests can help you get accustomed to the timing and types of questions you'll encounter.

5. Review Content Areas: Focus on reviewing key concepts in reading, mathematics, science, and English language usage. Prioritize understanding over memorization.

6. Practice Time Management: During practice tests, simulate real test conditions by timing yourself. Learn to pace yourself to ensure you can complete all sections within the allotted time.

7. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Analyze your performance on practice tests to identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. Adjust your study plan accordingly.

8. Utilize Test-Taking Strategies:

   • Read each question carefully and thoroughly before answering.
   • Eliminate obviously incorrect answer choices to increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
   • Guess if you're unsure of an answer, as unanswered questions receive no points.
   • Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices for multiple-choice questions.

9. Stay Calm and Focused: On test day, manage test anxiety by taking deep breaths and maintaining a positive attitude. Focus on each question and avoid getting stuck on difficult ones.

10. Review Before Test Day: Review key concepts and formulas the day before the test, but avoid cramming. Get plenty of rest and eat a balanced meal to ensure you're well-rested and focused on test day.

Effective time management is crucial for performing well on the HESI test. Here are some tips specifically for managing your time during the exam:

1. Know the Test Structure: Familiarize yourself with the number of sections, total time allowed, and time limits for each section of the HESI test.

2. Practice with Timed Tests: Take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual testing environment. This helps you get accustomed to the pace required for each section.

3. Read Instructions Carefully: Spend a few seconds reading the instructions for each section to understand what is expected. This prevents misunderstandings that can waste time.

4. Budget Time Wisely: Quickly assess the number of questions and time available for each section. Plan how much time you can afford to spend on each question while ensuring you complete the section within the time limit.

5. Flag Difficult Questions: If you encounter a particularly challenging question, flag it and move on to easier ones. Come back to flagged questions if you have time left at the end.

6. Use Breaks Wisely: If breaks are allowed during the test, use them strategically to stretch, relax, and clear your mind. Avoid spending too much time on breaks that could otherwise be used for completing sections.

7. Practice Skimming and Scanning: Develop the ability to skim passages and scan questions for keywords. This helps you locate relevant information quickly, especially in the Reading section.

8. Manage Your Pace: Monitor your progress throughout the test. Adjust your pace if you find yourself spending too much time on a particular question or section.

9. Stay Calm and Focused: Maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on the task at hand. If you find yourself feeling anxious or stuck, take a deep breath and move on to the next question.