What to bring to the HESI A2 and what to expect on test day
Written and reviewed by Brittany Scott, BSN, RN, CCM · 3 min read · Updated November 2026
Short answer
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID whose name matches your Evolve account exactly. Do not bring a calculator, because the exam has a built-in on-screen one and personal calculators and phones are not allowed. Scratch paper depends on the setting, and remote tests through ProctorU use a whiteboard instead of paper.
Test day checklist
| Item | Bring it? | What the source says |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued photo ID | Yes | Must show your photo and signature, and the name must match your Evolve account |
| Evolve username and password | Yes, for remote testing | You log in to Evolve before the proctor enters the access code |
| Calculator | No | A basic calculator is built into the math section |
| Phone | No | ECU says you cannot use your phone as a calculator |
| Scratch paper | Ask your site | May or may not be provided at Prometric centers; not allowed remotely through ProctorU |
| Drinks and snacks | Not at a remote desk | ProctorU requires a clear desk with no drinks or snacks |
The ID rule causes the most avoidable problems. South Texas College warns that you will not be admitted if the first and last name on your Evolve account differ from your ID, and that the photo must resemble your current appearance. Fix any mismatch with Elsevier before test day, not at check-in.
Scratch paper and the calculator
East Carolina University tells applicants that scratch paper may or may not be provided at a Prometric center and to contact their chosen center before the exam. For remote exams proctored through ProctorU, ProctorU's HESI guide from October 2023 says scratch paper is not allowed; you use a whiteboard or one sheet in a transparency sleeve with a dry-erase marker, erased before you disconnect.
The calculator is part of the exam, and Elsevier's A2 faculty guide shows that schools can switch it on or off when they set up the test. Expect a basic on-screen calculator, so practice with a plain calculator and learn conversions by heart.
Extra rules if you test remotely
The ProctorU HESI guide lists the room rules: a clear desk, a hard surface rather than a bed or couch, no one else in the room, one monitor, no talking, and no headphones, earbuds, watches, hats, hoodies or sunglasses. Religious head coverings are permitted, and approved accommodations can allow other items.
Your setup needs a Windows or Mac computer, high-speed internet, a webcam and a microphone, and the guide recommends testing that equipment one to two days before your session. Not every school uses ProctorU; ECU's remote option runs through Prometric's ProProctor, so follow the instructions your own confirmation gives.
What happens once you start
Elsevier says a live proctor verifies your identity before you get a single-use access code, and the secure browser blocks screen sharing, extra monitors, the clipboard and navigation away from the exam. Remotely, you photograph your face and hold up your ID, then log in to Evolve and the proctor enters the code.
The rest of the day depends on your school's settings. Schools choose which sections you take, which changes the total time; South Texas College's version runs 4.25 hours. Schools also choose whether you see scores after each section, after all sections, or not at all, so do not be surprised either way.
Sources
South Texas College: HESI Admission Assessment Info and FAQs. Government photo ID with signature; Evolve name must match; 4.25 hour total time
Meazure Learning ProctorU: HESI Remote Proctoring Guide for Live+ and Review+ (October 2023). Remote rules: clear desk, ID, online calculator only, whiteboard only, no wearables, equipment and check-in steps
East Carolina University College of Nursing: BSN HESI A2 Exam FAQs (updated January 2026). No personal calculator or phone; scratch paper at Prometric varies; ProProctor remote option
Elsevier: HESI exam security. Live proctor identity check, single-use access code, secure browser restrictions
Elsevier: HESI NG A2 Onsite Testing Faculty Guide (July 2025). Schools choose sections, calculator toggle and when scores are shown
Common questions
What ID do I need for the HESI A2?
A valid government-issued photo ID with your signature, such as a driver's license or passport. The first and last name must match your Evolve account exactly; a middle name is not required, per South Texas College.
Can I bring a calculator or scratch paper to the HESI A2?
No personal calculator; use the on-screen one. Scratch paper varies: ask your Prometric center, and expect only a whiteboard or a sheet in a transparency sleeve for remote ProctorU exams.
What should I expect on the HESI A2?
An ID check, a secure browser and the sections your school chose, back to back. Whether you see scores between sections is also your school's setting.