HESI RN validity study: evidence of a strong correlation between exit exam and NCLEX success

Study overview 

The HESI RN Validity Study analyzed outcomes of nursing students across the U.S. and Canada who completed the HESI Exit Exam between April and December 2023. The study examined the relationship between Exit Exam scores, program policies, and first-time NCLEX-RN success. 

Key findings 

NCLEX Success: The study confirmed that higher HESI Exit Exam scores strongly correlate to first-time NCLEX success: 

• Students averaging HESI acceptable benchmark achieved a 98% NCLEX pass rate. 

• Those averaging the recommended benchmark achieved even higher, with a 98.8% pass rate. 

• On average, students who passed the NCLEX had Exit Exam scores were about 140 points higher than those who did not. 

Impact of program policies: 

The research also examined how program policies and instructional practices shape student success. From retake options to remediation strategies, these factors play a critical role in NCLEX readiness. For a deeper look at which approaches are linked to higher outcomes, download the one-pager. 

Why this matters  

For faculty and administrators, this study highlights how evidence-based nursing assessments can guide both instruction and policy. By strategically leveraging the HESI Exit Exam, programs can: 

• Predict NCLEX outcomes with a high degree of accuracy. 

• Identify at-risk students early and target remediation. 

• Establish benchmarks aligned with demonstrated success thresholds. 

• Implement policies that maximize both learning and licensure readiness. 

For students, the data reinforces that performing well on the HESI RN Exit Exam is not just about “passing a school requirement”—it is a proven indicator of their ability to succeed on the NCLEX-RN.