Kaplan Admissions Test

All applicants to the clinical level of the nursing program must take the Kaplan Admissions Test. This test is a proctored, free, online, multiple-choice test used to determine if a student has the academic and critical thinking skills necessary to perform effectively in a nursing program. Applicants must score 50% or higher in the Science section and obtain an overall score of 66% or higher.

When should I take the test?

Students should take the test as soon as possible after completing A&P I and II.

Where do I take the test?

Transfer Students

You may take the test any day by reserving a spot at EMU Career Services. Please email careerservices@emu.edu to reserve a testing spot. Career Services is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 4:30pm. There is a $25 proctoring fee payable to EMU at the time of the test (cash, check and debit/credit cards accepted).

If a student tests elsewhere, please arrange with the testing center for scores to be sent to nursing-admiss@emu.edu.

Students with a documented testing disability should request accommodations at the time of reserving a testing spot.
Currently Enrolled EMU Students
Please email nursing-admiss@emu.edu to reserve a spot.
The following dates are for currently enrolled EMU students only. The test will be offered once every semester on the following dates:
- Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 9am in Campus Center 234 (for students applying for fall 2025)
- Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 9am in Campus Center 234 (for students applying for spring 2026)
- Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 9am in Campus Center 234 (for students applying for fall 2026)
If a student tests elsewhere, please arrange with the testing center for scores to be sent to nursing-admiss@emu.edu.

Students with a documented testing disability should request accommodations at the time of reserving a testing spot.
Hesston College Students (currently enrolled or graduates)

Please contact the nursing department for testing instructions (nursing-admiss@emu.edu).

If a student tests elsewhere, please arrange with the testing center for scores to be sent to
nursing-admiss@emu.edu.

Students with a documented testing disability should request accommodations at the time of reserving a testing spot.

Is there a cost for the test?

Currently there is no charge for the test. However, beginning in April 2025 Kaplan will begin charging $100 for the test. We anticipate that Kaplan will offer one retest free of charge.

How many times can I take the test?

Student scoring below 50% in the Science section and/or below a 66% in their overall score may retake the test until a passing score is achieved.

Taking the test

Bring your student ID or a photo ID. Allow 2 hours and 45 minutes for the test. No cell phones, watches, books, or electronic devices allowed in the testing room. A calculator is embedded in the test. Students will be provided with a whiteboard, marker, and eraser to use during the test.

How do I prepare for the test?

We suggest that all students prepare for the test. Students should use the preparatory text (which is available at local bookstores or on Amazon.com) Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exams Prep, 10th edition: Your All-in-One Guide to the Kaplan and HESI Exams (Kaplan Test Prep). This text covers all nursing entrance exams and includes more information than is on this specific Admissions Test.

What topics will be on the test?

The Admissions Test consists of 4 sections with a total of 91 multiple choice questions. The test is 165 minutes in length. The sections include reading, math, writing, and science. A student's score reflects their critical thinking skills in each of these areas.

Test Sections

Reading
Measures the following essential skills required for reading:
- Determining the logic of a passage
- Comprehending details
- Drawing basic inferences
- Identifying the purpose of a passage
Math
Measures a student's ability to apply mathematical principles in the following areas:
- Conversions
- Operations
- Ratios
- Word problems
Writing
Measures the following essential skills required for writing:
- Assessing passage development
- Assessing paragraph logic
- Assessing mechanics of writing
Science
Measures the student's knowledge of physiology in the following areas:
- Cardiovascular system
- Electrolytes
- Gastrointestinal system
- Immune system
- Neurology
- Renal system
- Hematological system
- Homeostatis
- Respiratory system
- Sensory system