How Do I Prepare for the HESI A2 Exam in 2026?
The HESI A2 is a comprehensive nursing entrance exam covering Math, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and optional Physics. With approximately 300 questions over 5+ hours, it requires broad academic preparation. StudyBuddy offers 976 practice questions across the HESI sections, 3 practice exams, 34 video lectures, and an AI tutor.
About the HESI A2 exam
- ~300 Questions
- ~5.25 hrs Time Limit
- 8 Sections
- 75–80% Min Score
Included in your course
- 976 practice questions
- AI tutor for follow-up questions
- 34 video lectures by doctoral faculty
- 3 practice exams
~300
Questions
Varies by school
~5.25 hrs
Time Limit
Untimed at some schools
8
Sections
Academic + optional
75–80%
Min Score
Per section, varies
What Is the HESI A2 Exam?
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment) is a comprehensive entrance exam used by many BSN and ADN nursing programs. It covers up to 8 academic sections plus an optional personality and learning style assessment. Unlike the TEAS, HESI scores are reported per section, and each school sets its own minimum thresholds.
Get the free HESI A2 section guide
Section-by-section strategy, score targets, and a study schedule. Faculty-developed.
What Does the HESI A2 Test?
8 sections. StudyBuddy builds targeted practice for each one.
Mathematics
Basic math, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and conversions.
Reading Comprehension
Main idea, supporting details, inference, and author purpose.
Grammar
Parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, and common errors.
Vocabulary
Medical terminology, context clues, and word roots/prefixes/suffixes.
Biology
Cell biology, genetics, photosynthesis, metabolism, and classification.
Anatomy & Physiology
Body systems, organ function, homeostasis, and medical terminology.
Chemistry
Atomic structure, chemical reactions, solutions, and the periodic table.
Physics
Forces, energy, motion - required by some programs.
Purpose-Built for HESI A2 Prep
AI-powered, professor-built, and priced for students.
976 HESI-Specific Questions
Questions across all 8 sections - Math, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Biology, Chemistry, A&P, and Physics - with full rationales for every answer.
34 Video Lectures
Expert video lectures across the HESI sections with step-by-step explanations. The course also includes 3 practice exams and 4 mock exams.
Section-by-Section Practice
Each section has its own module quiz with a full rationale for every answer, so if you ace Grammar but struggle with A&P you can put your time into A&P.
HESI A2 vs. Other Nursing Exams
Different programs require different exams. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | HESI A2 | TEAS 7 | HSRT |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it tests | Academic skills + personality | Academic skills (4 sections) | Critical thinking only |
| Questions | ~300 | 170 | 38 (HSRT-AD: 35) |
| Time | ~5.25 hours | 209 minutes | 55 minutes (HSRT-AD: 50) |
| Science sections | Biology, Chemistry, A&P, Physics | Combined Science section | None |
| Scoring | Per section (each 0–100%) | Composite + section scores | Overall + 8 subscores (HSRT-AD: 6) |
| Common programs | BSN, ADN, MSN | BSN, ADN | ADN, LPN, PTA |
| Retake policy | Varies by school | 30-day wait, 3/year | 14-day wait, 2/cycle |
Not sure which exam your program requires? Check your state's requirements →
Ready to Start Your HESI A2 Prep?
Dedicated prep for HESI A2, AI-powered practice, expert video lectures, and an AI tutor that adapts to your level. No hidden fees.
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See exactly what students experience
Click through the reader, flashcards, AI tutor, practice questions, and mock exams, exactly as your students will see them.
Get the free HESI A2 section guide
Section-by-section strategy, score targets, and a study schedule. Faculty-developed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the HESI A2 exam?
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The HESI A2 includes up to 8 scored sections: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Physics. Not all schools require every section - check with your specific program. There is also an optional personality and learning style assessment that is not scored.
What HESI score do I need for nursing school?
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Most programs require 75–80% or higher on each scored section, though competitive programs may expect 85%+. Unlike the TEAS, HESI does not have a single composite score - each section is scored independently from 0–100%.
How long should I study for the HESI A2?
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Most students need 6–10 weeks of preparation, depending on their science background. Students who struggled with college-level Biology, Chemistry, or A&P typically need more time on those sections. The free StudyBuddy diagnostic shows which sections need the most work.
Is the HESI harder than the TEAS?
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They test different things. The HESI has more science depth (separate Biology, Chemistry, A&P, and Physics sections), while the TEAS combines science into one section. The HESI is longer (~5 hours vs 3.5 hours) but some students find the per-section scoring less stressful since a weak area does not drag down your entire score.
Can I retake the HESI?
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Retake policies are set by individual schools, not by Elsevier (the test publisher). Most schools allow 2–3 attempts with waiting periods of 30–60 days. Some schools use your highest score, others use the most recent. Check with your specific program.
Preparing for Other Nursing Exams?
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Practice Test
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Scoring Guide
HESI A2 Score Requirements for Nursing School
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Study Guide
HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide
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Exam Comparison
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