How the HESI A2 Is Scored
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) uses a percentage-based scoring system, where each section is scored from 0% to 100%. Unlike the TEAS — which produces a single composite score — the HESI A2 gives you individual section scores and a cumulative score that averages across all required sections. Each nursing program decides which sections to require and what minimums to set.
The exam has eight possible sections: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Physics. Most nursing programs require four to six of these sections and skip Physics entirely. The specific combination varies by school, which is why checking your target program's requirements before registering is essential.
What Most Programs Require
The most common minimum score threshold across nursing programs is 75% per required section. This applies to both individual sections and the cumulative composite. Programs at community colleges, state universities, and private institutions frequently use this benchmark, though the specific sections required differ.
Some programs set higher bars. Baylor University requires 80% on both Math and the English composite. Lone Star College requires 80% on each section for its ADN program. Louisiana State University requires an 80% cumulative score. On the other end, some LPN/LVN programs accept scores as low as 70% per section.
A few programs use more complex scoring formulas. Truett McConnell University, for example, weights Math at 14% of the total admissions grade, Science sections at 43%, and English sections at 43%. New Mexico State University makes the HESI A2 worth 50% of the total admission score, meaning your HESI performance directly determines half of your ranking.
Scoring Tiers: What Your Score Means
While there are no official HESI "levels" like the TEAS has, scores generally fall into recognized ranges. Scores below 75% are considered below the threshold for most programs. Scores between 75% and 79% meet the minimum at most schools but are not competitive at selective programs. The 80-89% range is considered strong and competitive at most programs. Scores of 90% and above are excellent and make you a top-tier applicant.
For competitive programs with limited seats, scoring above the minimum matters significantly. Many programs use HESI scores as ranking points in a points-based admissions system. A student scoring 92% will rank higher than one scoring 76%, even though both technically "passed." If your target program is competitive, aim for 85%+ across all sections.
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HESI A2 vs TEAS: Key Differences
If your program accepts either the HESI A2 or the TEAS, understanding the differences can help you choose the exam that plays to your strengths.
The HESI A2 has more sections (up to eight vs four on the TEAS) but each section is shorter. It includes dedicated Vocabulary and Grammar sections, while the TEAS combines these into a single English & Language Usage section. The HESI A2 also has separate Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology sections, while the TEAS combines all science topics into one Science section.
The HESI A2 provides an on-screen calculator for all math questions, while the TEAS only provides a calculator for some questions. If mental math is a weakness, the HESI A2 may be more forgiving on the Math section.
Retake policies differ too. Most HESI A2 programs allow 2-3 retakes per application cycle with waiting periods between 14 and 60 days depending on the school. TEAS retakes require a 30-day wait per ATI policy, with schools setting their own attempt limits on top of that.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Reading Comprehension: Passage-based questions testing main idea, inference, author purpose, and context clues. This section appears on virtually every program's required list and is often weighted heavily in admissions formulas.
Vocabulary & General Knowledge: Medical and general vocabulary, word meanings in context, and terminology. Studying medical terminology before this section provides a significant advantage.
Grammar: Parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, and common grammatical errors. This section is largely rules-based — memorizing the rules produces consistent improvement.
Math: Basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, unit conversions, and basic algebra. An on-screen calculator is provided. Most students find this section manageable with focused review of healthcare-relevant math (dosage calculations, conversions).
Biology: Cell biology, genetics, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, metabolism, and biological molecules. Not all programs require this section — check before studying.
Chemistry: Atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, and the periodic table. Like Biology, not universally required.
Anatomy & Physiology: Body systems, organ functions, and physiological processes. Many programs require this section, and it overlaps significantly with A&P coursework. Completing A&P before the HESI A2 gives you a major advantage.
How to Prepare
Find out exactly which sections your program requires. This is step one. There is no point studying Chemistry if your program does not require it. Contact your program's admissions office or check the admissions packet for the specific HESI A2 sections and minimum scores required.
Take a diagnostic to find your weakest area. The HESI A2 covers a broad range of content, and most students have one or two sections that are significantly weaker than the rest. A diagnostic assessment helps you allocate study time efficiently. StudyBuddy offers a free diagnostic that identifies your weakest areas — start there before committing to a study plan.
Use Elsevier's free remediation. If you have already taken the HESI A2 and did not meet your target scores, Elsevier provides a free remediation program targeted to the areas where you underperformed. This is an underutilized resource that many students do not know about.
Study medical terminology. The Vocabulary section rewards familiarity with medical terms, prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Even a few hours spent reviewing common medical terminology can add several percentage points to your Vocabulary score.