The Health Educations System, Inc. Admissions Assessment, commonly referred to as the HESI A2 is also known as the Evolve Reach Admission Assessment. Students need to take and pass this screening to pass to gain admission into nursing schools and into many other healthcare occupations programs. While the HESI A2 test is only one component in your application package, you will need to pass it to be accepted into your desired health profession program.
Each school administering the test can set the time allotted for students. Most schools require that students complete the test within 4 hours, although some schools extend the time limit to 5 hours, while other schools eliminate the time limit altogether. The HESI A2 exam contains 339 questions in three academic sections and one learner profile section, although some nursing and other health science programs may not require you to take every section. Fees differ by school but range from $40-$100. Some schools may also charge a proctoring fee to administer the test.
Did you know?
The HESI A2 Test has nine sections in three academic sections and one learner profile. The academic sections are: (1) English language, (2) math, and (3) science. Each school sets its own passing score for the exam, with most requiring at least a 75%-80% in each section to be considered for admission. To excel on the test, you will need to read the instructions carefully and work quickly through the sections.
HESI A2 Test Question Types
The HESI A2 is a multiple-choice test. The test is divided into 9 sections, covering three academic areas and a learner profile section. The HESI A2 does not have an official time limit. The time listed in the table below, however, are recommendations. Please be sure to check with the school you are applying to for actual time limits.
| Part | No. of Questions | Time Allowed | Time per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | |||
| Reading comprehension | 55* | 60 minutes | 65 seconds |
| Vocabulary and general knowledge | 55* | 50 minutes | 54 seconds |
| Grammar | 55* | 50 minutes | 54 seconds |
| Math | |||
| Basic math skills | 55* | 50 minutes | 54 seconds |
| Science | |||
| Biology | 30* | 25 minutes | 50 seconds |
| Chemistry | 30* | 25 minutes | 50 seconds |
| Anatomy and physiology | 30* | 25 minutes | 50 seconds |
| Physics | 30* | 50 minutes | 100 seconds |
| Learner Profile | |||
| Learning style | 14 | 15 minutes | 64 seconds |
| Personality profile | 15 | 15 minutes | 60 seconds |
*Five of these questions are pilot questions and are not included in your score
English Language
The English language portion of the exam is divided into three separate sections, measuring your proficiency in English.
Reading Comprehension
The test measures your ability to understand information that you have read. You will be presented with a passage to read and be asked to identify the main idea, define words, answer questions that demonstrate your understanding of the passage, make logical inferences, and more.
Winning Tip for Reading Comprehension
Read through the passage and the questions carefully. You will frequently be faced with two answers that are both plausible or partially correct. In most instances, you are being tasked with selecting the best answer, rather than an answer which is acceptable.
Vocabulary and General Knowledge
In this section, you will demonstrate your proficiency in vocabulary. The test includes terms that are used in general, English-speaking settings as well as in healthcare fields.
Winning Tip for Vocabulary and General Knowledge
Many people tend to think that they can’t improve their vocabulary. However, this is an area where you can improve your skill set by studying new words and understanding common health-care-related prefixes and suffixes.
Grammar
You will identify parts of speech, important terms and their uses, and common grammatical errors, and answer other grammar questions.
Winning Tip for Grammar
If you haven’t taken an English class in a while, take time to study the basic rules of sentence structure. This section is easy to overlook, especially with some of the science sections, but grammar is just as important as chemistry and biology to help you get into your healthcare program.
Basic Math Skills
There is only one section in the basic math skills section. The focus of the test is on math that is used in healthcare fields. You will need to display proficiency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, household measurements, and general math facts.
Winning Tip for Basic Math
You don’t always need to work out the answer. Oftentimes you can simply eliminate some of the multiple-choice answers to find the correct response.
Science
The science section is divided into three parts, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge in these areas.
Winning Tip for Science Questions
There are no tricks in these questions. You either know the answer or you don’t. Your best tip is to find a textbook to study. Additionally, use online tutorials, like those offered by iPrep, which will review the essentials for you.
Biology
This section covers biology basics including water, biological molecules, metabolism, cells, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis.
Chemistry
In this section you’ll be asked questions that cover topics like matter, chemical equations and reactions, the periodic table, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, and chemical bonding.
Anatomy and Physiology
You’ll be asked questions on general terminology, anatomical structures, and systems.
Physics
This section, which is considered experimental and given primarily to students attending radiology other imaging programs, covers laws of physics, wave classification, energy, currents and voltage, motion, optics, static electricity, and gravitation.
Learner Profile
This section of the test offers insight into the way you learn and the impact your personality has on the way you learn new subjects.
Learning Style
The questions assess your preferred learning style, which can be used by schools to ensure that your learning style matches the school’s teaching style.
Personality Profile
You’ll be asked questions to help the school assess your personality, which will help determine whether you are a good fit for their program.
HESI A2 Test Preparation Strategies
If you are intending to go to nursing or other healthcare programs, it’s vital that you prepare for the test. HESI offers a review manual, which includes a pre-test to help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, and a post-test, which shows how prepared you are.
The review manual will walk you through topics and questions you can expect to find on the test.
In addition to the review guide, there are other steps you can take to give yourself the edge you need when competing against other candidates.
Schedule Plenty of Time for Studying
To do well on the academic portions of the test, you will need to have a vast amount of knowledge. If it has been a few years since you say in a classroom, you will need to spend a considerable amount of time getting back up to speed, which will help you brush up on subjects that you may have forgotten and give you the confidence to succeed.
We have found that most applicants need a minimum of one month to prepare for the test, with many of them requiring 2-3 months of study to prepare themselves to take the HESI A2.
Identify Strengths and Weaknesses and Build a Study Plan
Before you throw yourself into studying, take a practice test like the one offered by iPrep. This will help guide your studies, as a poor score in any subject could derail your plans. Based on the results of your practice exam, you should know whether you need to spend more time studying chemistry, practicing your grammar, or brushing up on math skills.
Create a study plan that emphasizes improving in areas of weakness, but be sure not to neglect areas where you feel stronger. It’s important to continue to study those subjects as well, to refresh your memory and sharpen those skills before the test.
Find a Test Preparation Course that Meets Your Needs
You need an online test prep course that can guide you through all the different sections of the HESI A2 test, rather than looking for different courses that focus on English, math, and science. Check reviews to make sure that the course you choose has been beneficial to other test takers. While looking for the right course, keep the following in mind:
- Don’t settle for a generic nursing or health course. Find a course that uses the same format as the HESI A2, which will help familiarize you with the test before you sit down, and make it easier for you to focus on test day.
- The course should focus on areas of study on which you will be tested. There’s no sense in taking a course that includes the study of geology when your focus needs to be on chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physiology.
- Sign up for courses that have recent user reviews and customer support. There are plenty of prep courses that merely collect practice tests from other websites, and offer you study guides that are out of date.
- Look for an online course or book that was published by a familiar author.
Practice Answering Multiple Choice Questions
This might seem like a waste of time to someone who is trying to provide the right answer, but the reality is there are some techniques that can help you improve your score on multiple-choice tests. As all the questions in the HESI A2 are multiple-choice, this cannot be overstated.
The key is to learn methods of elimination and how to make educated guesses for many types of problems, as well as to learn time-saving techniques when solving numerical problems. Find a guide that teaches these tips and tricks.
As part of iPrep’s tutorials, we include these techniques in our courses, giving you tips and time-saving techniques for these questions.
Practice Timed Simulations
While not every practice run needs to be timed, as you get closer to the test date it will become increasingly important to simulate the actual test experience. The more opportunities you have to run through a simulation, the more comfortable you’ll be on test day, and the more likely you will be to work effectively within the short time frame you have to complete each section.
Test Features
The Health Educations System, Inc. allows individual healthcare programs to set some of their own policies. For example, while most programs require one valid ID, Miami Dade College requires two picture IDs. While the information below is accurate under most circumstances, students should review their school’s policies before registering for the HESI A2 exam.
HESI A2 Fast Facts (tl;dr)
- Total of 369 questions
- The test is officially untimed, but most schools impose a 4 or 5 hour time restriction
- Three academic sections
- English – reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, and grammar
- Basic math
- Science – biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and physics
- One learner profile section covering learning style and personality
- Not every program will require you to take all the sections. Check with your school before you start studying.
- The test can be typically be taken up to 3 times per year, with a minimum of 30 days between attempts
- Calculators may not be brought into the test, but there is a built-in calculator in the test platform
- You will need to create an Evolve account before taking the test
- You will need to show a current, valid ID to take the test.
Read on for more detailed information you need to know about the HESI A2 exam.
HESI A2, HESI Critical Thinking Exam, and HESI Exit Exam
The Health Educations System, Inc. offers three different exams, each of which is used for different purposes.
- The HESI A2 is used by nursing schools and healthcare programs to screen school applicants.
- The HESI Critical Thinking Exam is a supplemental test given by some programs as part of their admissions process. This test challenges test-takers in problem-solving, argument analysis, biases and ethical dilemmas, and data analysis
- The HESI Exit Exam is given around graduation time and indicates the likelihood of passing the NCLEX licensing exam
Closed Book Exam
The HESI A2 is a closed book test. You may not bring any notes, cell phones, or electronic devices into the test center. You may not bring a calculator, periodic table, or other aides. However, there is one built directly into the platform which you may use.
Retake Policy
Students may retake the HESI A2 exam. There are two versions of the test, so test-takers should expect to see a different version if they need to retake it. Test takers must wait a minimum of 30 days between tests and are typically limited to three tests in a calendar year.
Technical Facts
Digital Testing
The HESI A2 does not offer a pencil and paper version of the test. The test must be taken on a computer, either at the school’s testing center or at a Prometric testing site.
Rapid Results
Scores are available almost immediately after completing the exam. You can see your scores in your Evolve account. Results are also emailed to you.
Predicting Success in Healthcare Programs
According to peer-reviewed findings, success on the HESI A2 is a valid predictor of success in a nursing or healthcare program. Excelling on this test will not only carry a lot of influence on your application process but will demonstrate to admissions department personnel that you are an excellent candidate for their program. At the same time, students who struggle on certain sections of the test can identify areas of weakness, and study those areas to improve their scores.
Results Scale and Interpretations
If you’re looking forward to a healthcare career in the United States, you’ll need to do well on the HESI A2 exam. Practicing using simulated tests well in advance increases the likelihood of success on the test and getting into the program of your dreams.
What is Considered a Good Score?
Unlike other tests, the HESI A2 doesn’t have a standard passing grade. Instead, each school determines for itself what a passing grade is. However, research has shown that students who score a cumulative 75% or higher are likely to complete RN and HP programs, while a minimum cumulative score of 70% indicates a likelihood to complete an LPN/LVN program.
The test is scored using a percentage system, and the highest possible score is 100%. There is a wide range of accepted scores. For example, Louisiana State University requires a cumulative score of 80%, while Chamberlain University accepts students with a cumulative 73% score.
In addition to cumulative scores, some schools may have different minimum score requirements on the academic section. For example, some might require a minimum of 75% on basic math skills and an 85% on reading comprehension.
We recommend that you contact your school’s admissions office to better understand the scores they require.
Your Score Report
You will have access to your scores within a few minutes of completing the test, on the computer that you used for the test. You will also receive a more detailed report about seven days after completing the test.
As shown in the image, you will see a list of the different sections, displayed for both individual areas and cumulative scores. The report also displays your learning style and personality style.
HESI A2 FAQs
Officially there is no passing score on the HESI exam. However, most scores require a cumulative score between 75%-80%. Contact your school’s admission office for their requirements.
The HESI tests your knowledge in reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, basic math skills, biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Additionally, some schools include physics in the exam.
The HESI A2 features multiple-choice questions covering English, math, and science. In addition, there are questions used to assess your learning style and personality style.
The HESI entrance exam contains questions covering English, math, and science. It accurately measures a student’s likelihood of successfully completing a nursing or healthcare program.
The HESI covers three different academic areas. In English, it challenges test-takers in reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, and grammar. There is also a basic math section and a science section which includes biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.
The HESI A2 exam covers a lot of material in English, math, and the sciences. Test takers, especially those who have not been in a classroom in a while, may find it challenging. However, with the right studying and preparation course, you can pass the test.
The HESI A2 is an admission test and indicates your likelihood to succeed in a nursing or healthcare program. The HESI is taken close to graduation and indicates your likelihood to pass a licensing exam.
You will need to have a strong understanding of English, math, and several of the sciences in order to do well on the test.
Most schools require a 75%-80% score on the test. A good score that helps you stand out among the other applicants would be an 85% or higher.
There are up to 369 questions on the HESI, if your school uses all the available sections. Of those questions, 40 of the questions are considered pilot questions and not factored into your score.
You may use the calculator that is built into the HESI platform, but you may not bring your own calculator.
The English sections and the math section each have 55 questions. The science questions have 30 questions each, while the learning style section has 14 questions, and the personality profile section has 15 questions.
The cost of the test is set by each school and ranges from $40-100. In addition, some schools may charge a separate proctoring fee.
The HESI is scored by percentage. Test takers can score between 0-100%. Most schools accept students who score 75%-80% or higher. As each school has different policies, we recommend checking with your school’s specific admission’s office.
The HESI A2 is used by nursing schools and healthcare programs to screen applicants. Applicants who perform well on the test have a better chance of being accepted into the program.
You can either take the test at the school you plan on attending, or you can take the test at a Prometric testing site. Before taking the test, you will need to create an Evolve account on the Elsevier site. If you are taking it at the school, be in touch with the testing center to schedule your test. If you are taking it at a Prometric site, you will need to coordinate your test with the admissions office at the school you are applying to. It is normal for these requests to take three days for approval, so planning in advance is advised.
HESI A2 Test Tips
Follow these tips to improve your results.
- Read the instructions carefully
Read every question quickly but thoroughly. Scan the information for the relevant data and use it to find the right answer. - Manage your time
Don’t spend too much time on any one question. You have a limited time to complete the test, so if something is taking too long, move on to the next question. - Know your strengths
If you come to questions that you don’t know anything about, try to quickly eliminate an answer from the choices and guess from the remaining questions. You won’t lose points for wrong answers. - Answer as many questions correctly as you can
Don’t worry about getting everything right. You don’t need a 100% score to get into your program, so if a question has you stumped, move on. - Plan and practice
Create a study plan up to three months ahead of the test and keep on practicing. The more familiar you get with the test, the fewer surprises you’ll face on test day.
Administration
- Test Location: Tests are usually given at either the school you are applying to or a Prometric testing site. However, double check with your admission’s office due to changes related to COVID-19.
- Test Schedule: Each institution publishes its own testing schedule, depending on the program you apply for. All HESI A2 tests are taken by appointment and not on demand.
- Test Format: Multiple choice taken on computer.
- Test Materials: Taken on a computer with a calculator built into the platform. You will be provided with scratch paper.
- Cost: Fees vary by school, ranging from about $40-100.
- Retake Policy: Applicants can retake the test up to 3 times in a calendar year, at least 30 days apart. Some schools have different policies.
Test Provider
The HESI A2 exam was created and developed by Elsevier, who have led the way in providing institutions, educators, and students with innovative teaching and learning technology for over 135 years.
The HESI A2 provides nursing and healthcare programs with detailed, unbiased information about candidates, enabling them to admit and invest in students who are likely to successfully complete the program.
Information Sources
Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with the Elsevier, which is the owner of Evolve system and the HESI assessments, or any other company mentioned.
Free HESI practice test: Get to know what the HESI A2 Admissions Assessment will be like by practicing with these sample questions:
Question 1 of 12
Which word means most nearly the same as FAULTY?
- didactic
- defective
- zealous
- propitious
- strident
The correct answer is defective.
The word faulty means working badly or unreliably because of imperfections, if something is defective that means that it is imperfect or faulty.
- The word didactic means intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive.
- If someone is zealous that means that they are having or showing fervor for a cause.
- If something is propitious it is giving or indicating a good chance of success.
- Strident means loud and harsh.
Question 2 of 12
Which word is most different in meaning than the other words?
- abysmal
- bottomless
- unfathomable
- superficial
- profound
The correct answer is superficial, meaning having or showing lack of depth of character or understanding.
All the other words mean deep, incredibly low, or bad.
Question 3 of 12
Which word is most different in meaning than the other words?
- close
- shut
- seal
- lock
- solve
The correct answer is solve, which means to find a solution, explanation, or an answer.
All the other words are ways of saying that nothing can go in or out of a certain area. Seal also means a symbol that marks security, usually ornamental, and can also mean a type of carnivorous marine mammal.
Question 4 of 12
Select the best word or words for the blank in the following sentence.
The stand-up artist, who used to perform in various pubs and nightclubs, __________ now formed a privately-owned club in which she performs.
- have
- has
- are
- will
The correct answer is “have”.
A subject must agree with its respective verb.
The subject in this sentence is in the singular form – The stand-up artist; therefore, the correct answer must be in the singular form as well. This observation allows the elimination of “have” and “are.”
In addition, the option “will” is eliminated as it does not fit the tense of the verb “formed”.
The descriptive clause, starting with “which,” creates some separation and makes the question a bit more difficult. When you check for subject-verb agreement, isolate the subject and the verb and ignore the rest of the sentence.
The stand-up artist, who used to perform in various pubs and nightclubs, has now formed a privately-owned club in which she performs.
Question 5 of 12
If the area of a triangle is 420 m² and its height is 60 m, then its base will be:
- 7 m
- 14 m
- 21 m
- 35 m
- 70 m
The correct answer is B.
Explanation:
Formula: Area of a Triangle = ½ x Base x Height
Given Area of Triangle = 420 m²
Height of Triangle = 60 m
Area of this Triangle = 420 m²
½ x Base x Height = 420
Base = (420 x 2) / Height = 840/60 = 14 m
Solving Tip:
This question can be solved easily by working with the answers, given that the height is 60 m. Taking the answer option ‘C’ as it is in the middle, area = ½ x 60 x 21 = 30 x 21 = 30 x 20 + 30 x 1 = 600 + 30 = 630 m² which is greater than the given area. By solving with option ‘B’, area = ½ x 60 x 14 = 30 x 14 = 30 x 10 + 30 x 4 = 300 + 120 = 420 m² which is the given area.
Question 6 of 12
The distance between two streets is 0.57 km. Calculate this distance in centimeters.
- 57
- 570
- 5,700
- 57,000
- 570,000
The correct answer is D.
Explanation:
Formula: 1 km = 1000 m
1 m = 100 cm
The solution will be found in two steps. First, convert kilometers into meters and then meters into centimeters.
Step 1: 0.57 km = 0.57 x 1000 m = 570 m
Step 2: 570 m = 570 x 100 cm = 57,000 cm
Therefore 0.57 km = 57,000 cm
Question 7 of 12
Evaluate (2/3)-3 x (2/3)5
- 2/3
- 3/2
- 9/4
- 4/9
- 8/27
The correct answer is D.
Explanation:
This problem has to be completed in steps:
Step 1 = (2/3) -3 x (2/3) 5
Step 2 = (2/3) -3+5 Exponents are added if numbers are multiplying
Step 3 = (2/3) 2
Step 4 = 22 / 32
Step 5 = (2 x 2) / (3 x 3)
Step 6 = 4 / 9
Question 8 of 12
Jessica bought a 10-inch long rubber band at the rate of $0.1 per centimeter. The cost of the rubber band is:
- $1
- $1.54
- $2.54
- $3.54
- $4.54
The correct answer is C.
Explanation:
Formula: 1 inch = 2.54 cm
Convert the given rate of inches into centimeters because the price rate is in this unit.
Length of rubber band = 10 in = 10 x 2.54 cm = 25.4 cm
Cost of rubber band = rate x length = 0.1 x 25.4 = (1/10) x (254/10) = 254 / 100 = $2.54
Solving Tip:
This question can be solved using estimation, when the total length is converted into centimeters, it becomes 25.4 cm which can be rounded to 25 cm. So the cost of rubber band = 25 x 0.1 = $2.5. Option ‘C’ has the closest value so it is the right answer.
Question 9 of 12
The antigens for ABO and Rh blood groups are present on:
- White blood cells
- Nephrons
- Neurons
- Plasma
- Red blood cells
The correct answer is E. Red blood cells
Explanation: Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and the principal means of delivering oxygen. The antigens for blood groups are present on RBCs.
Question 10 of 12
Necrosis and inflammation happen by
- Respiration
- An internal injury
- Cancer
- An external injury
- Metabolic changes in cells
The correct answer is D. An external injury
Explanation: Necrosis is cell damage or death by an external force or injury. Cells show an inflammatory response, they swell up and burst.
Question 11 of 12
The genetic information of living organisms is carried by macromolecules known as:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Nucleic acids
- Water
The correct answer is D: Nucleic acid
Nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Nucleic acids carry the genetic information of an organism.
Question 12 of 12
A high voltage melts the wire in the fuse. What happens to the circuit?
- Becomes incomplete
- Becomes complete
- Becomes activated
- Not affected
- None of the above
The correct answer is A. High voltage melts the wire in the fuse and the circuit becomes incomplete.
Explanation: In case of high voltage in the circuit, the fuse wire becomes very hot and melts. The fuse ‘blows’. The circuit is now incomplete so there is no current.
Sample Flashcards
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