What is the HESI A2?

Short answer

The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment) is a standardized entrance exam used by nursing and allied health programs to evaluate applicants. It is published by Elsevier and covers up to 8 academic sections: Mathematics, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Physics. Each program selects which sections it scores and sets its own minimum passing thresholds, typically 75–85%.

What the HESI A2 tests

The HESI A2 covers eight possible scored sections. Nearly all nursing programs require Math, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology. Chemistry is required by most BSN programs. Physics is required by a small subset of programs. There is also an optional Personality Profile and Learning Style assessment that is not scored.

Section	Questions	Time
Mathematics	~50	50 min
Reading Comprehension	~50	60 min
Grammar	~50	50 min
Vocabulary	~50	50 min
Biology	~25–30	25 min
Chemistry	~25–30	25 min
Anatomy & Physiology	~25–30	25 min
Physics (optional)	~25	50 min

How the HESI A2 is scored

The HESI A2 reports a separate percentage score (0–100%) for each section. There is no single composite score. Most nursing programs set a minimum of 75–80% per section; competitive BSN programs often require 85% or higher.

Because scores are reported by section, a weak area cannot be offset by strong performance elsewhere. If a program requires 80% on each of its 6 scored sections, a student scoring 90% on five sections and 72% on one section still fails to meet the program's threshold. This is a major structural difference from the TEAS 7, which reports a composite score that can smooth over individual weaknesses.

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HESI A2 vs. TEAS 7

Both exams evaluate nursing school applicants, but they differ in fundamental ways. The TEAS 7 has four sections that all test takers complete in a fixed order. The HESI A2 has up to eight sections, and programs select which ones to score. The TEAS reports a composite plus section scores; the HESI reports per-section scores only.

HESI rewards depth; TEAS rewards breadth. Students with strong science backgrounds often prefer the HESI because its separate Biology, Chemistry, and A&P sections let them showcase specific strengths. Students with broader academic skills but weaker science tend to score better on the TEAS, where science is a single 50-question block.

If you can choose between the two, weigh which structure plays to your academic profile. If your program requires a specific exam, focus exclusively on that one — the overlap between the two is significant but the differences in pacing and depth reward exam-specific preparation.

HESI A2 frequently asked questions

What is the HESI A2 exam?

The HESI A2 — short for Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment — is a standardized entrance exam used by nursing and allied health programs across the United States to evaluate applicants. It is published by Elsevier and tests academic skills across up to 8 sections: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Physics. Each program selects which sections to require and sets its own passing minimums.

How long is the HESI A2?

The full HESI A2 takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes if all sections are scored. Most nursing programs require 6–8 sections, bringing total seated time to 3.5–4.5 hours. Each section is individually timed. There is typically no enforced break between sections, though testing centers may allow short breaks at the test taker’s request.

How is the HESI A2 scored?

The HESI reports a separate score for each section on a 0–100% scale. There is no single composite score. Nursing programs set their own minimum thresholds per section, typically 75–80%, with competitive BSN programs often requiring 85% or higher. Because scores are reported by section, a weak area cannot be offset by strong performance elsewhere — programs require minimums on every scored section.

What is the difference between the HESI A2 and the TEAS 7?

Both are nursing school entrance exams, but they differ in structure and depth. The TEAS 7 has 4 sections (Science, Math, Reading, English) and reports a composite score. The HESI A2 has up to 8 scored sections and reports each one independently. The HESI has more science depth — separate Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology sections — while the TEAS combines science into a single section. The HESI is longer but some students prefer its per-section scoring because a weak area does not lower the overall score.

Which nursing schools require the HESI A2?

Hundreds of nursing programs across the United States use the HESI A2, with particularly heavy usage in Texas, Florida, and the Southeast. Well-known programs that require the HESI include many schools in the University of Texas system, the Chamberlain University network, and numerous state and community college nursing programs. The only reliable way to confirm whether your target program requires the HESI is to check directly with its admissions office.

Can I retake the HESI A2?

Retake policies are set by individual schools, not by Elsevier. Most programs allow 2–3 attempts with a waiting period of 30–60 days between attempts. Some schools use your highest score across attempts; others require your most recent score. A small number of programs allow only one attempt per application cycle. Always verify retake rules with your program before scheduling your first HESI.

How much does the HESI A2 cost?

The HESI A2 costs between $40 and $110, depending on the testing location and the number of sections. Some nursing schools cover the cost of the first attempt for admitted applicants; most charge a separate retake fee. Additional costs include optional practice materials from Elsevier, which range from roughly $40 to $100.

Is the HESI A2 hard?

Difficulty depends heavily on your academic background. Students with recent college-level Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology typically find the HESI manageable with 6–8 weeks of focused preparation. Students who have not taken science in several years require more time — typically 10–12 weeks — with particular focus on Anatomy & Physiology, which is the most commonly missed section.