The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) is a widely used entrance exam for students applying to nursing and healthcare programs. Designed and administered by Elsevier, the HESI A2 helps schools evaluate a candidate’s academic strengths and readiness for the rigors of nursing education. The exam covers a range of core subjects, including math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and science—with some programs also testing anatomy & physiology, learning styles, and critical thinking.
The structure of the HESI A2 may vary slightly depending on the program’s requirements, but students can expect around 25 to 50 questions per section, with a total testing time of up to 4 hours. The results play a key role in the admissions process, often determining whether a student advances to the next stage of evaluation or secures a spot in a competitive program.
To perform well, prospective nursing students should focus on mastering the tested subjects, practicing with HESI-style questions, and taking full-length practice exams to build confidence and improve timing. The exam is not only an entry requirement—it’s a reliable indicator of how well a student may perform in nursing school. A strong HESI A2 score opens doors and lays the foundation for a successful nursing journey.
