What is a Conversion 20?
The conversion score, used only on the HESI Exit Exam, is a standardized score that converts your raw scores into a scale that correlates to your chance of passing the NCLEX. This process does more than just tell you what percentage of questions you answered correctly. It converts your raw score into a standardized number that can be compared more consistently across exam forms and groups of test takers.
This is not the same as your HESI A2 scores, which are typically reported as simple percentages for each section.
HESI uses a conversion score, not a straight percentage.
- The reason we have a conversion score is that the Exit Exam is designed to predict NCLEX outcomes, not simply measure raw content knowledge in isolation.
- It also accounts for the variation in difficulty between different versions of the exam. This means that even though particular questions in the exam might vary from testing session to testing session, the comparison is fair.
- It more closely resembles NCLEX-style predictive modeling, as this scoring method is based on historical data comparing HESI performance to actual NCLEX outcomes.
- It is a more standardized measure than a percentage. Raw percentages do not take into account the fact that the particular set of questions can vary from one administration of the exam to the next.
What is a good conversion score?
- The exact benchmark may vary depending on the nursing program, but a commonly cited number is a conversion score of 850 or higher, which many programs correlate with a strong predicted likelihood of passing the NCLEX on the first attempt.
- Scores significantly higher than this benchmark generally indicate a very high-predicted probability of NCLEX success.
- Scores at or just below this cut-off may still represent adequate preparedness; however the passing score will be determined by your individual program’s policy.
- Scores well below this benchmark usually mean that the candidate needs to review and remediate before moving on to NCLEX preparation.
- However, remember that each nursing program has its own specific passing requirements, which may be different from this commonly referred to number.
How to Read Your Complete Score Report
- Most HESI Exit Exam reports include more detail in addition to the overall conversion score that should be reviewed carefully.
- Breakdowns by section, showing how you are doing compared to other nurses in major nursing specialties like medical-surgical, maternity, pediatric, and mental health nursing.
- What are the chances of passing the NCLEX? This is a projected chance of passing the NCLEX and is generally expressed as a percentage along with your total conversion score.
- Data for comparison in some reports that compare your score to performance benchmarks nationally or for a specific program.
- In addition, if you look at these details, rather than just your overall number, you get a much better idea of where your real strengths and weaknesses lie.
What Your Conversion Score Isn't Telling You
Knowing the value and the limits of this score will help you interpret your results accurately. It does reflect a true, data-driven prediction of your NCLEX readiness based on your performance on content areas that closely mirror actual licensure exam material. This does not guarantee what you will actually get on the NCLEX. There are differences in format and the time between the two exams has some variability. However, look beyond that one overall number and to your detailed section breakdown, and it does point out certain content areas that need more review. Even with a good conversion score, it does not substitute for ongoing NCLEX preparation, as continuous review helps to keep and reinforce what you know.
Using Your Conversion Score in the Future
Do not just look at the one overall number. Use your detailed breakdown of sections as a guide to where you should focus your extra study. You should meet with an academic advisor to discuss your results—especially if your score is below the cut-off for your program—and learn about the resources available for remediation.
Regardless of your score, continue to practice NCLEX-type questions, as a strong conversion score is indicative of likelihood, not certainty. When you retake the Exit Exam, you can compare your conversion score and the breakdown of each section between attempts to see how much you have improved and if you are really making progress.
Summary
The HESI Exit Exam conversion score may look different than just a percentage score, but once you know what it is – a standardized, NCLEX-aligned predictive measure – it is much easier to interpret correctly. Rather, think of this number as one actual diagnostic tool, along with your detailed section breakdown, to help guide your continued preparation as you move from your Exit Exam to your actual NCLEX licensure exam.
