Kaplan Nursing Admission Assessment

As of 2021, the standardized nursing admission assessment was changed for all nursing programs from the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) to the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test. The Kaplan Admissions Test evaluates the necessary academic skills essential to students’ success in our nursing programs. Skill areas covered on the assessment are reading, math, writing, and science. Also, the Kaplan exam will include testing of each candidate’s current level of knowledge of physiology.

To prepare for the Kaplan Admissions Test, students may consider purchasing the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exams Prep: Your All-in-One Guide to the Kaplan and HESI Exams (Kaplan Test Prep). The study guide is available for purchase online, in the Jackson College Bookstore and will be available for use in the Library.

Kaplan Test Dates – 2024

Kaplan Admissions Testing dates for the May 31 (AAS-N program) Fall Admission cycle.

NOTE: Students must plan 30 days between testing dates if a re-test is necessary. The testing sessions listed are the only opportunities for testing available for the May 31, 2024 application deadline. Please plan accordingly.

Sessions are limited to 24 spaces per session.

Day Date Time
Thursday February 1, 2024 10 a.m.
Monday February 12, 2024 1 p.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2024 9 a.m.
Thursday March 14, 2024 1 p.m.
Tuesday March 26, 2024 10 a.m.
Wednesday April 10, 2024 1 p.m.
Thursday April 25, 2024 9 a.m.
Monday May 6, 2024 12 p.m.
Wednesday May 15, 2024 11 a.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024 1 p.m.

  • What should I expect when taking the Assessment?

    The Kaplan Nursing Admission Test is a secured assessment and will be administered on a computer in a  proctored online environment. Prior to the beginning of the assessment, students must agree with the terms and conditions of the posted Confidentiality Agreement. This agreement means that students will access the assessment in a responsible, ethical, secure and civil manner. No books, backpacks, cell phones or other items will be allowed in the assessment area. A calculator is available on the screen which is to be used for math calculations. Scrap paper and pencils are provided.

    Students are required to bring with them to their scheduled assessment a picture ID, copy of the receipt of purchase, Kaptest Login and Password, and their JC e-mail address. Students will not be allowed to sit for the exam without a picture ID and receipt of purchase.

    Each section of the assessment is a separate exam with an allotted time frame for questions and each item is separate from other items. Once an answer is submitted, it cannot be changed or viewed again. Likewise, once the exam is completed, it cannot be accessed again.

    Each individual exam section requires 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on the content. Students will have 4 hours to complete the required Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test from the sign in process to a 9-question non-timed testing tutorial through the academic sections.

  • What is the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test?

    The Kaplan Nursing Assessment is a 91-question online multiple-choice test that evaluates basic reading, math, writing, and science skills of students seeking entry into the nursing program.

    The required modules in the Academic Section are:

    • Math – 28 questions
    • Reading – 22 questions
    • Writing – 21 questions
    • Science – 20 questions

    The Kaplan Nursing Assessment is not an assessment of nursing knowledge; however, for the Science Section, the candidate’s knowledge of physiology will be assessed in numerous body systems.

  • Why do I have to take the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test?

    The Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test is designed to assess an applicant’s academic readiness and aids in predicting performance success in the nursing program. Students who do not meet standard scores in math and reading comprehension are more likely to have difficulty with the rigors of the nursing curriculum. Conversely, students who have high scores tend to do well. Kaplan results are utilized, along with other program admission requirements, to determine a student’s eligibility to be accepted into a nursing program. There is no guarantee of admission regardless of completion of minimum course requirements or point rubric total. Admission is competitive. You must be, or become, a Jackson College student to take the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test.

  • What score do I need to achieve and what does that score mean?

    The cumulative Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test score is considered as a direct percentage of the points available on the application for program entry. Candidates who score a cumulative percentage score of 62.00% (AAS-N, TNUR.AAS-N) or 52.00% (PN-C) higher will be eligible for additional points to be calculated into their overall score on the application. Candidates who score 61.99% (AAS-N, TNUR.AAS-N) or 51.99% (PN-C) or lower may still be eligible to apply for the nursing programs but will not be eligible for the additional points calculation on the program application. The overall (cumulative) test score is the only Kaplan score considered.

  • When should I take the Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test?

    Students should plan on taking the Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test after completing any developmental courses in reading, writing and/or math; and after the prerequisite Math course is completed. Students are advised to take the assessment early enough in the sequence of pre-requite courses to allow time to improve skills and retake if necessary. An academic advisor can assist you in planning the right time to take the Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test.

    The Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test must be completed by:

    • May 31: for Fall AAS-N and TNUR.AAS-N applicants
    • October 1: for Winter AAS-N and TNUR.AAS-N applicants
    • November 1: for PN-C applicants

    THE KAPLAN NURSING ASSESSMENT MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE THE NURSING APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED. Maintain a copy of your Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test scores for your records.

  • How many times can I take the Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test

    The Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test must be successfully completed as one condition of admission to the Nursing Program. If the Kaplan test is failed, there must be a minimum of 30 days before the second attempt to allow for remediation. If the Kaplan test is failed a second time, and for each time the Kaplan test is failed thereafter, there must be a minimum of one year between attempts to allow for remediation.

  • How can I prepare to take the Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test

    Utilize the Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test Exam Review Book to prepare for the assessment. The Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exams: Your complete Guide to Getting Into Nursing School – ( Print Book ISBN: 978-1-5062-3454-0) study guide is available for purchase in the JC bookstore. In addition, 2 copies will be available, one copy will be available in the Library and one copy in the Center for Student Success. The book may also be purchased directly through local bookstores or through Amazon.com.

    Kaplan Test Question Examples with Key

    Helpful Math Resources:

    For English Support Try:

  • How do I register and pay for the Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test

    With your date selected, e-mail NursingKaplanExam@jccmi.edu to register for the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test.

    You will need to provide your full name, and your JC e-mail address.

    Jackson College will forward registration instructions to you at this address.

    There is no access fee associated for students who are applying for the Jackson College nursing program Kaplan Nursing Assessment Test. Students are required to go through the purchase process for completion of access to the test but will see an amount owed of $0.00 dollars in the final payment screen. Upon completion of the access purchase, a receipt will be sent to you via e-mail. A printed copy of this receipt must be presented to the Jackson College nursing department at the time of the scheduled assessment session.

  • When will I receive my score?

    Exams are scored electronically. Students will receive a detailed Summary Report before they leave the room.