What is a HESI A2 Test?
The HESI A2 (HESI Admission Assessment Exam) is a standardized exam that many nursing programs utilize to gauge whether an applicant possesses the academic background to be successful in nursing school. It is made by Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) and is widely used by community colleges, universities, and vocational nursing schools throughout the United States. The HESI A2 assesses basic academic skills that are needed for nursing courses rather than nursing-specific knowledge. These skills include math, science, reading and language.
Why the HESI A2 is used in Nursing Programs
Because nursing programs are so competitive, admissions committees need a reliable way to compare applicants coming from different educational backgrounds. The HESI A2 provides uniform assessment of academic preparedness and helps ensure that students admitted are ready to meet the challenge of nursing coursework. Some programs use HESI A2 scores to rank applicants to fill limited program seats. This means that a strong score can directly increase your chances of being accepted, not just meet a minimum requirement.
HESI A2 Test Sections
The HESI A2 is broken up into multiple sections, but not all programs require all sections to be taken. The common sections are as follows:
- The math section includes basic math, fractions, ratios, percentages, and dosage type calculations.
- The reading comprehension section measures how well you can read and interpret written passages, typically similar in style to those found in nursing textbooks.
- The vocabulary and general knowledge section contains common and medical terms.
- The grammar section tests your knowledge of sentence structure, parts of speech and punctuation.
- Anatomy and physiology is the study of body systems and how they function. Biology focuses on basic concepts such as cell structure and genetics . Chemistry deals with basic chemical principles that are important in health care. Some programs also have a short physics section, but that is less common.
- A personality profile and learning style section are also often included but usually not scored pass/fail, but rather used to help students and advisors understand study habits and personality tendencies.
How Do You Score the HESI A2?
Each section of the HESI A2 is scored by percentage and there is no overall “pass” or “fail” score for the entire exam. Every nursing program has their own minimum required score for each section, usually around 70 to 80 percent. Requirements vary widely from school to school, so you should contact your school’s nursing program to verify which sections are required and the score you will need.
How Long Does HESI A2 Take?
The total test time depends on how many sections you need for your program. If you are taking the whole test with all of the sections, you can expect it to take three to five hours with short breaks in between sections. Testing times will be much shorter for programs that only need select sections like math and reading.
How to Study for the HESI A2
If you want to prepare for the HESI A2, and then prepare for it the same way, you prepare for any other standardized exam: steady, focused review, not last minute cramming. First, determine exactly what sections your program requires so you do not waste hours studying chemistry if your school only tests math and reading. Once you know what parts you need to study, take practice tests to identify your weaknesses and work on those areas during your study time. Focusing on basic math functions, dosage calculation formulas and common medical vocabulary usually gives you the most bang for your buck in terms of study time, as these subjects are always included on most versions of the test. You should also try reading passages in a timed setting to improve your speed and comprehension, both of which are equally important skills on test day. Finally yet importantly, do not underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep and a calm test-day routine. Tests like the HESI A2 are a test of mental stamina as much as they are of academic knowledge.
Conclusion
You may view the HESI A2 as simply one more hoop to jump through to get into nursing school, but in reality, it is an opportunity to prove that you are academically ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Knowing precisely what is tested on the exam, how the exam is scored and how to prepare strategically means that you can walk into test day with confidence — and take one more meaningful step toward beginning your nursing education.
