About the HESI A2 exam
What is the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems Inc Admission Assessment) is a nursing school entrance exam published by Elsevier. It tests academic readiness across up to 8 sections including math, vocabulary, reading, grammar, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and physics. About 20-30% of US nursing programs require the HESI A2; the rest typically require the TEAS.
Who publishes the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 is published by Elsevier, a major medical and scientific publisher. Elsevier also publishes other nursing education products including HESI specialty exams used during nursing school. Elsevier is the sole administrator of the HESI A2.
How is the HESI A2 different from the TEAS?
Both are nursing admissions exams testing similar content. The HESI A2 is published by Elsevier; the TEAS is published by ATI. The HESI A2 has up to 326 questions across 8 sections (programs may require only specific sections); the TEAS has 170 questions across 4 fixed sections. Programs typically require one or the other.
How many questions are on the HESI A2?
The full HESI A2 contains up to 326 questions across 8 possible sections. However, your specific program selects which sections you must take. Most programs require 4-6 sections, totaling roughly 160-240 questions. Common required sections: Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Anatomy & Physiology.
How long is the HESI A2?
Total exam time depends on which sections your program requires. Each section has its own time limit (usually 25-60 minutes). A typical 5-section requirement totals around 4-5 hours of testing. Full 8-section attempts can run over 6 hours. Plan to spend most of a day at the testing center.
What sections are on the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 includes up to 8 sections: Mathematics (50 questions, 50 minutes), Reading Comprehension (47 questions, 60 minutes), Vocabulary and General Knowledge (50 questions, 50 minutes), Grammar (50 questions, 50 minutes), Biology (25 questions, 25 minutes), Chemistry (25 questions, 25 minutes), Anatomy and Physiology (25 questions, 25 minutes), and Physics (25 questions, 50 minutes). Programs select which sections you must complete.
HESI A2 scoring
How is the HESI A2 scored?
Each section is scored separately as a percentage. Programs may require a minimum composite score (average across required sections), minimum scores on specific sections, or both. Anatomy and Physiology is the most commonly required minimum because it predicts nursing school performance. Always check your program's specific scoring requirements.
What is a passing HESI A2 score?
Most nursing programs require a minimum section score of 70-75%. Competitive BSN programs typically expect 80%+. Some programs require higher minimums on Anatomy & Physiology (often 80-85%) than on other sections. There is no universal "passing" score — each program sets its own cutoff.
What is a good HESI A2 score?
"Good" is program-specific. Most nursing programs accept 70-75% minimum. Competitive programs at major universities expect 80-85% on the composite, with section scores at or above the composite. A 90%+ composite is competitive at nearly any program. Always aim 5-10 points above the published minimum at your target school.
Which HESI A2 section is most important?
Anatomy and Physiology is typically the most heavily weighted section because it best predicts success in nursing school A&P courses. Many programs require minimum A&P scores (often 80%+) in addition to composite minimums. After A&P, Math is usually the second most important — particularly for programs that emphasize medication calculation skills.
How do I see my HESI A2 score?
You will see your section scores immediately after completing each section, and your full score report becomes available in your Elsevier evolve account within 1-2 hours of completing all sections. Some testing centers print your unofficial scores at the end. Official score reports must be sent through Elsevier's system to your school.
Try a free HESI A2 practice test
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Which nursing schools require the HESI A2?
Roughly 20-30% of US nursing programs require the HESI A2, with concentrations in Houston, DFW, the southeast, and many private universities. About 59 Texas nursing programs use the HESI A2, dominantly in the Houston and DFW regions. Many BSN programs at private universities also use it. Check directly with your specific target school.
Why do some schools use the HESI A2 instead of the TEAS?
School choice between HESI and TEAS reflects historical relationships, faculty preferences, and integration with other Elsevier or ATI products used during nursing school. Some schools prefer the HESI because Elsevier offers integrated assessments throughout the nursing program. Some prefer the TEAS for its more streamlined 4-section format. Both exams are equally accepted by accreditation bodies.
Can I take the HESI A2 if my school requires the TEAS?
No — programs require one or the other, not both. Some programs accept either exam, but most require only one. Submitting HESI A2 scores to a TEAS-required program will not satisfy admissions. Always verify which exam your specific program requires before testing.
Which HESI A2 sections does my program require?
Programs select which HESI A2 sections you must complete. The most commonly required combination is: Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Anatomy & Physiology (5 sections, around 4 hours). Some programs also require Biology and Chemistry. Few programs require Physics. Check your specific program's admissions page for the exact section requirements.
Preparing for the HESI A2
How long should I study for the HESI A2?
Most students need 6-12 weeks at 10-15 hours per week, depending on which sections you must take. Students with recent science background may need only 4-6 weeks. Students new to A&P or who have not taken science in years should plan for 10-12 weeks. The number of required sections affects total prep time more than for the TEAS.
What HESI A2 section should I study first?
Anatomy and Physiology if your program requires it. A&P is the highest-stakes section at most programs and the hardest to cram. Start there 6-8 weeks before testing. Math is the second priority because of strict timing. Vocabulary and Reading are easier to score well on with shorter, more focused prep.
Are there free HESI A2 practice tests?
Yes. StudyBuddy offers a free HESI A2 practice test with email registration at /exams/hesi/practice-test. Elsevier offers limited free study resources but no full-length free practice exams. Most full-length HESI A2 practice exams require purchase.
Is the official Elsevier HESI A2 study guide worth buying?
The official Elsevier study guide covers the format and question style accurately since Elsevier publishes the exam. However, it is often criticized for limited explanations and less depth on weak topics. Many students supplement the official guide with a comprehensive prep platform like StudyBuddy for content depth and adaptive practice.
HESI A2 retakes and policies
Can I retake the HESI A2?
Yes. Elsevier requires a 60-day waiting period between HESI A2 attempts. Individual programs may have stricter limits — some allow only 2 attempts per application cycle. Most programs use your most recent score; some use your highest. Always verify your program's specific retake policy.
How long are HESI A2 scores valid?
HESI A2 scores are typically valid for 1-2 years for admissions purposes, though policies vary by program. Many programs require scores within 1 year of application. If you took the HESI A2 more than 2 years before applying, verify with your program whether your score is still valid.
How much does the HESI A2 cost?
The HESI A2 typically costs $35-95 per attempt depending on the testing site and number of sections. Some schools include the testing fee in application fees; others charge separately. Online proctored attempts may have different pricing. Plan for $50-100 per attempt total.
Where do I take the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 is administered at participating nursing schools, Prometric testing centers, and via Elsevier's online proctored platform. Schedule through your school's testing center or Elsevier's evolve.elsevier.com platform. Available formats and locations vary by region.
Get the free HESI A2 section guide
Section-by-section strategy, score targets, and a study schedule. Faculty-developed.