Where can you take the HESI exam? Your nursing program will assign you to any of the three testing locations: a university testing center, an authorized Prometric site, or a remote environment through ProctorU.
Before you begin looking for local exam centers, review your Nursing School’s Department ID guidelines. Your school offers a unique code that unlocks the appropriate exam package in your Elsevier Evolve account. To grasp the entire breadth of this assessment, please see our extensive information on what is the HESI exam. Once you understand your school’s needs, you can choose which of the following situations is best for you.
HESI Testing Locations vs Remote Options
There are three official HESI testing locations approved by Elsevier. Every one of them has both benefits and drawbacks. We have made a simple comparison table for the three nursing entrance exam sites:
| Location | Best For | Scheduling Flexibility | Key Requirements |
| On-Campus Testing Center (school computer lab) | Students attending the university to which they are applying | Very low. Only offered on 2-4 specific dates per application cycle | School ID, no personal items allowed |
| Prometric Testing Center | Students who live far from campus or need a flexible date | Very high. Appointments available 6 days a week, year-round | Eligibility ID, government-issued photo ID |
| Remote Proctored | Students who prefer to test at home | Very flexible, available 24/7 | Private room, stable internet, functional webcam & microphone, reflective surface (mirror) for proctor verification |
It is important to note that you need to follow your school’s specific requirements. If you need more information about the application process, you can check our complete HESI admission guide.
Scheduling a Prometric HESI Exam (In-Person)
If your school permits or mandates testing at a third-party facility, you will take the Prometric HESI exam. Prometric is the world’s largest test provider, having multiple facilities in the United States and around the globe.
Booking a Prometric HESI exam requires two steps. First, you must register with Elsevier Evolve to receive an Eligibility ID. Without this ID, you will be unable to schedule the exam on the Prometric website.
Once you have the ID, go to Prometric’s website, select the HESI exam, and choose a convenient date and location. Appointments are normally available six days a week, from early in the morning to late afternoon.
Remember that Prometric testing may incur an extra sitting fee in addition to the cost of the HESI exam. This price varies by area, but it normally runs between $20 and $40. Check out our HESI exam cost breakdown for more information.
Requirements to Take the HESI Exam at Home
If your school has allowed remote testing, then you can “take HESI exam at home” using an online proctor. This is the most convenient option for students. However, there are a lot of requirements that students need to meet in order to be eligible for the test at home. The remote testing is usually done via ProctorU or Meazure Learning.
The non-negotiable prerequisites for HESI remote proctoring include:
- A private room with no other participants.
- A solid internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speed, either cable or wireless.
- A functioning webcam and microphone.
- A mirror or reflective surface to show the proctor the edges of your screen and desk.
- No headphones, earphones, or smartwatches.
- No papers, books, or notes within reach.
Many students believe that remote testing is easier, yet the proctoring guidelines are strict. Even small violations, such as glancing away from the screen for too long, talking to yourself, or having a poster on the wall behind you, might result in your exam being terminated. If you are concerned about remaining calm during a remote exam, you can read our recommendations on managing stress at home.
Creating Your Elsevier Evolve Account for Registration
Regardless of where you choose to take the HESI exam, there is one step that every student must complete: create an Elsevier Evolve account. This is the official platform for the HESI exam; without it, you will be unable to register, take the test, or receive your results.
Creating an Evolve account is free and takes only a few minutes, but most students overlook one important detail: the Department ID. This is a unique code provided by your nursing program, and it is the only method to access the correct version of the HESI exam for your application.
If you create an Evolve account without including your school’s ID, you will be unable to view or register for the exam. This is the single most common cause of registration delays. You should get this code from your nursing program’s admissions office.
After you’ve made your account and input your ID, you’ll be able to choose your testing location and book an appointment. Read our guide about when to register for the HESI and get more information about scheduling the exam.
Managing Time & Rules at Different Test Centers
The HESI exam is the same no matter where you take it, but the Test Center Rules and the experience of taking the test can vary drastically. Understanding these distinctions ahead of time might help you avoid unneeded stress and make the best use of your time.
Prometric centers have extremely standardized rules. You must leave all personal belongings, including your phone, wallet, and keys, in a locker outside the exam room. Your fingerprints will be scanned, and you will be required to present your photo ID each time you enter or exit the room. No jewelry, watches, or hats are permitted, with very few exceptions for religious reasons.
At home, the rules are even tighter. You may not speak to yourself, read questions aloud, or cover your mouth at any time. Your eyes must be fixed on the screen for nearly the entire duration of the exam, and you will be videotaped throughout. You are permitted one 10-minute break; however, you must alert the proctor before leaving your seat.
Regardless of where you test, the time limit is identical. For more suggestions on making the most of that time, read our HESI time management strategies.
Conclusion: Booking Your HESI Appointment
The answer to where can you take the HESI exam is nearly entirely controlled by your nursing program. The most important thing you can do is to attentively read and follow their directions.
When you know which testing options are available to you, schedule your appointment as soon as feasible. Prometric facilities fill up quickly during the peak application season, which runs from October to January, and students who wait too long may have to wait 4-6 weeks for an appointment.
Finally, keep in mind that the place you choose is much less significant than how well you prepare. The same study tactics will apply regardless of where you take the test. Check out our essential tips for success to learn everything you need to know to acquire the desired score.
