HESI A2 Practice Test

Prepare for your test with realistic questions.

Welcome to the HESI A2 practice test page!

Click the “Start Test” button at the top of this page to begin our free HESI practice test! These HESI practice questions will give you a better idea of what to study for your exam.

HESI Topic Checklist

HESI Practice Tests by Subject

If you need some extra practice in a specific subject, click one of the subjects below to get started on a subject-specific HESI practice test.

Good luck with your studying!


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HESI A2 Outline

The HESI A2 exam contains seven subtests, which are outlined below.

An infographic outlining the HESI A2 Exam sections: Mathematics (55 questions), Reading Comprehension (50), Vocabulary (50), Grammar (50), Biology (30), Chemistry (30), Anatomy and Physiology (30).

It’s important to note that you will most likely not be required to take every subtest on this list.

Depending on your program, you may only need to take the Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar subtests. Some schools may ask you to take the Biology and Anatomy & Physiology subtests as well, but the Chemistry subtest is rarely ever required. Check with the administrators of the school you are applying to for more information.

Taking HESI Practice Tests

How to Study Effectively

Your success on HESI test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing, but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking HESI A2 practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free HESI practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

  • The questions you got wrong
  • The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
  • The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are, and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many HESI practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the HESI A2 practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

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HESI A2 Online Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online HESI prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!

Here’s what you’ll find in the HESI A2 course:

  • 80+ Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
  • Over 3,200 HESI A2 Practice Questions
  • 170+ Video Tutorials
  • More than 550 Digital Flashcards
  • Money-back Guarantee
  • Mobile Access

Everyone learns differently, so we’ve tailored the HESI online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the HESI exam.

Click below to check it out!

Strategy for HESI Practice

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

  • Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and HESI study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
  • Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
  • Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
  • Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.

If you need additional instruction, check out the Mometrix flashcards and study guide which includes additional practice tests. These invaluable resources include a risk-free, 1-year 100% money-back guarantee. Repetition and practice are key to adequate preparation.

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FAQs

Q

What is on the HESI entrance exam?

A

There are eight content areas on the HESI entrance exam. These areas cover specific math, science, reading skills. The HESI entrance exam also includes a Personality Profile and a Learning Style section.

Q

What subjects are on the HESI test?

A

The HESI test focuses on seven specific subjects. These are Mathematics, Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Chemistry.

Q

How many questions are on the HESI test?

A

There are around 300 questions on the HESI entrance test.

Q

Do you get to use a calculator on the HESI?

A

You are allowed to use a calculator on the HESI exam. However, you cannot bring your own. There will be a digital calculator available on-screen.

Q

What is the HESI Exit exam?

A

The HESI Exit exam is what you take in order to predict your success on the NCLEX exam.

Q

What does the HESI stand for?

A

The HESI stands for Health Education Systems, Inc., with A2 standing for Admission Assessment.

Q

How many questions are in each section of the HESI A2?

A

Each section of the HESI A2 contains 25-55 questions.

Q

How much does it cost to take the HESI?

A

Every school sets their own cost for taking the HESI entrance exam. You can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $70.

Q

What are HESI scores?

A

Each section on the HESI exam is individually scored. Each school sets their own passing score for the HESI exam. The minimum score for most nursing schools is 75%-80% on each section.

Q

What is the HESI A2 exam for?

A

The HESI A2 exam is used to test academic readiness of those who are wishing to enter nursing school.

Q

How do you sign up for the HESI?

A

To sign up for the HESI entrance exam, you must have an Evolve account with Elsevier, the exam sponsor. You can create an account here: https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/


By Kate Nockunas

Kate has been Mometrix’s Nursing and Medical Editor for over four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Vanderbilt University, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Marymount University, and a master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins. Kate is a critical care registered nurse who still works occasionally in the ICU and PACU.

 

by Mometrix Test Preparation | Last Updated: September 20, 2024