HESI Admission Assessment (A2)

Overview

The HESI A2 exam is an important step on your path to being accepted into a nursing program and moving forward on the path to becoming an RN. The test can seem daunting, so we’ve come up with this guide to show you what to expect in the exam, and how you can prepare to face it with confidence. 

What is the HESI A2?

HESI stands for Health Education Systems Incorporated, a company that helps nursing students prepare for licensure exams. The HESI Admissions Assessment test is designed to evaluate your academic readiness to engage in the rigors of nursing school. 

The exam has a three-hour time limit where you’ll be asked various multiple-choice questions focused on relevant topics. Exam focus areas and question counts are as follows: vocabulary (50), reading comprehension (47), biology (25), and anatomy and physiology (25).

How to study for the HESI A2 

Remember that most of the subject areas you’ll be tested on may be familiar, but we highly encourage you to take the practice exams to identify any knowledge gaps prior to taking the actual HESI A2 exam. Here are some of the resources that may support your success: 

• Take a Quizlet practice exam
• Try a free sample test on HESIPracticeTest.com.
• Start a 30-day trial on Study.com for practice exams
• Check out free practice exams at Become HESI Prep or the HESI A2 Practice Test
• Smart Edition Nursing and Nurse Shai offer excellent video study material on YouTube, which our students find helpful for exam preparation
• Review key topic sections using these helpful study guides
• These practice tests could help you get ready for the exam

HESI FAQ

When should I schedule a time to take the HESI A2?

Start by meeting with your admission counselor, then schedule your test within three to five days after that.

Where is the HESI A2 given? Is there a remote option?

The test is offered online and in-person at the campus. Please work with your admissions advisor to schedule.

How long does it take to complete the HESI A2?

Your total time allotted is three hours, including short breaks. Once the time has expired, the exam will automatically end. 

Additional Information

How do I register for the HESI?

You can sign up for the exam through the ProctorU portal, which includes a detailed training session video. There is also a registration resource guide that provides additional guidance.

Can I complete the HESI A2 before applying to the nursing program?

Yes, if you’ve taken the exam within the last year, you can submit your scores.

If I’ve passed the TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills), do I still need to take the HESI A2?

Yes, all nursing students must complete the HESI A2, regardless of other tests they may have taken. 

How is the HESI A2 scored?

Each of the four exams is scored individually. If any of the scores received are below benchmark, the section will need to be repeated.  

The HESI review guide has sections on mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Will I have to take those exams?

No, you’re only required to take the following four exams:  

• Vocabulary and general knowledge that will touch on familiar terms used regularly in English and healthcare
• Reading comprehension, where you’ll identify the main ideas presented in a body of writing and demonstrate that you understand the context of the words used
• Biology basics that include questions about cells, molecules, water, cellular respiration, metabolism, and more
• Anatomy and physiology terminology and information about basic anatomical structures and systems

If I don’t pass the HESI A2 the first time, can I retake it?

Yes, you will be able to retake the exam.

When will I find out how I scored?

You’ll be notified right away of your scores and can access a HESI transcript as documentation of taking the exam along with corresponding scores for each subject

For answers to other HESI questions, contact:

Kirsten Carrigan
Kirsten.carrigan@alliant.edu
(858) 635-4698 x8632