How do I get started with the Next Generation of HESI? (2024)

Setting Up Your Initial Access (Student)

In order to access HESI securely, access is managed through Elsevier’s Evolve Portal. You may already use this system for access to other content. For HESI, the operation is similar. You need to set up your link to the course the first time, and then use that link any time you want to get to HESI for that course’s exam or remediation. Please follow the steps below to enroll into your Instructor-Led Course on Evolve. Before beginning, make sure you have been provided the Course ID by your faculty. Your course ID has is in the format of: 123456_xxxxxx_1234

1. Visit the Evolve student home page
2. Click "I am a Student"
3. Enter the Course ID provided by your instructor in the designated field under the section Redeem an Access Code or Enter an Evolve Course ID and click Submit.
4. If you are a returning user enter your Evolve username and password and click Sign In. If you are new to Evolve, click on Create account, enter the required information, and then click Submit.
5. After a short period, a confirmation of enrollment screen will appear. Your account information will then be emailed to you. Click Continue to see your My Content list.
6. Click My Evolve at the top of the page to go to your personal Content page. You will find your instructor’s course in your list of courses and resources. Click the title of your Instructor’s course to launch the HESI application.

Exam Registration

When HESI launches for the first time, you may be asked to log in again with your Elsevier Evolve account. This would be the same account you have just used to access the Evolve portal.

Note: You will need to be sure that your pop-up blocker in your web browser is turned off before accessing HESI

Note: if you are testing using your iPad, you must download the HESI Secure Browser app from the app store prior to taking the exam. Follow the steps above for registering, and the steps below for taking the exam. DO NOT open the app to take the exam but instead use Safari or Chrome to access HESI in the same fashion as if using a computer.

• Once you have entered the HESI application, you will need to select a cohort. Verify with your faculty if you do not know the name of the cohort you should be under.
• Once you have selected a cohort you should see a list of exams to register under.
• Once you connect to the HESI system, you can see your list of exams that are open for you to register, as well as any completed exams or exams registered but not yet taken. When registering there may be multiple sections or time periods from which to choose. Be sure you select the appropriate exam group and time slot. You can register at any point, even immediately before you start the exam. Click on the “Register” button.
• If you have registered for the wrong exam, or time slot for an exam, you may click Unregister for that exam, and you will be able to register for the correct exam.
• After you register for an exam you will see on the Home page that you have an exam coming up, and a link to View Details of the exam. Click View Details at the time of testing to access your exam with the assistance of your proctor.
• If you have registered for the wrong exam, or time slot for an exam, you may click Unregister for that exam, and you will be able to register for the correct exam.

Preparing your machine When it is time for the exam, the “Launch Exam” button will be enabled. Prior to launching, please run the compatibility check, and mock exam. Below are instructions on how to properly run the compatibility check, and mock exam.

• First, click the Compatibility Check link located on the left side panel of the page. This will launch an application to check your browser, machine, and connectivity settings. Note that you will need to disable any pop up blockers in order to use HESI. This compatibility checker can also be accessed from outside HESI by visiting the System Checker
• Next, click the Secure Exam Player link.
• This will bring you to a page with instructions and a link to download the exam player. Select the Click Here link to initiate the download.
• Save the file if prompted, and then use your browser to launch the file as instructed in step 4. If there are any warnings or security controls prompted, make sure you select the options that allow the application to run. This is not a harmful application, and will be very similar to what you will download at exam time. This process of downloading and launching the application will also be identical.
• If you are met with anything other than success in either check, please update whatever software is named as being needed. Even if you are not running Internet Explorer, a component of that is needed on Windows machines, as is Microsoft .Netframework. Without these applications at a new enough level, the exam will not load and until it is addressed, you will not be able to access the exam. For example; .netframework 4.5.2 or higher is needed to test.

Exam time!

• In order to connect to HESI at exam time, follow the same steps from the beginning of this document to get connected.
• We recommend running the Compatibility Check prior to the exam. This will ensure your machine is still compatible, and you have enough network bandwidth to operate the exam.
• If you are no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the posted start time, you can click Launch Exam, and then read and click through the instructions screen. (if you connect more than 15 minutes early, you may need to refresh your browser window when the time comes in order to enable the launch button)
• Read and scroll down the Exam Terms and Conditions and agree to these as well.
• You will be prompted to launch a secure exam browser from the next instruction screen. Click to download this and then run the downloaded file, just as you did during the compatibility checking.
• You will then wait for the proctor to start the exam. Once they do, your screen will change and the proctor will let you know the access code to type. If you exit the exam early by accident, the proctor will need to reconnect the student in order for the student to continue their exam. The access code is not case sensitive.
• Answer the questions, and view the rationales if desired and available when complete.
• For questions with tabs, or a video or audio, you must click all the tabs or at least play a portion of the media before you will be able to answer the question.
  • Please note, that HESI does allow the use of short cut keys. For example; If you use the Space or Enter key it will submit any answer you have highlighted or entered.
  • Please note, once a student starts the exam that had the clock set, once the student’s time has expired the student is no longer able to test. Pausing the exam by faculty or student does not stop the clock. In the event there is a technical issue that causes the student to become disconnected the clock will stop.

Reviewing your score and remediation

• Immediately after the exam, you can close the secure browser, cancel the non-disclosure screen and go back to the home page of HESI. If enabled by faculty, you can click to see your results, and begin your remediation packets as determined by the system based on your results. Depending on your faculty’s settings or processing time, you may need to wait some time to view this data.
• Begin some of your remediation. In each of your packets, you will start with a few knowledge check questions to help refine the material presented. After completing these questions, you will be presented with topical material. When you think you have improved your understanding, you can retake the knowledge check and see.

System requirements for secure test taking

• For secure test taking, only Desktops, Laptops running Windows or Mac, and iPad or Windows tablets are supported. Chromebooks, iPhones, and Android tablets are not supported.
  • Microsoft Windows 10,8,7 (administrator rights required)
  • Microsoft .NET Framework version 4.6 or higher
  • Internet Explorer 11.0 subsystem installed
  • Apple OS X 10.15 or below.
  • iOS (iPad only) 8s.0+
  • iPad testing requires the download of our app, available on the Apple app store. (search for HESI Secure) Supported models include the following or newer:
    • iPad Mini 2
    • iPad Air 2
• Memory (minimum)
  • Windows: 2 GB RAM
  • Mac: 512 MB RAM
• Browser support is current and current-1 level prior update. Pop-up blockers must be disabled.
  • Supported browsers include: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge

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