HESI CPRA white paper: assessing nursing students’ practice readiness

About the White Paper 

This white paper outlines the development, validation, and implementation of HESI CPRA. Drawing on rigorous research and a two-day standard-setting workshop with expert nurse educators and clinical partners, CPRA categorizes students into four mastery levels — Emerging, Developing, Proficient, and Advanced — across critical competencies, including Assessment, Communication, Education, Safety, and Clinical Judgment. 

Key Highlights: 

• Evidence-Based Development: HESI CPRA adheres to established educational and psychological testing standards to ensure reliability and accuracy. 

• Standard-Setting Process: A panel of experienced educators and clinical partners utilized the criterion-referenced Bookmark method to define cut scores that reflect realistic expectations for new graduate nurses. 

• Reliable Performance Insights: Helps nursing programs identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement before students enter the workforce. 

HESI CPRA provides a reliable, standardized approach for assessing nursing students’ practice readiness. By identifying gaps early, educators can support students in developing critical skills — including clinical judgment, communication, and patient safety — while boosting confidence. This actionable insight empowers both faculty and students to enhance clinical competence and ensure new graduates are prepared for safe, effective practice.