HESI A2 Study Guide: What to Study for Each Section
Study the HESI A2 by confirming which academic exams your nursing program assigns, then rotating review around Elsevier’s current English, math, and science map.
Read the guideHESI A2 guides
HESI A2 guides
Direct answers for HESI A2 format, studying, exam day, scores, and what to do next.
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Where to begin with HESI A2
Open these first if you are still getting oriented, then browse by topic below.
What Is on the HESI A2? Sections and Subjects Explained
Elsevier’s HESI A2 uses seven academic exams in English Language, Math, and Science. Your program chooses which exams you take.
Read the guideHESI A2 Passing Score: What Score Do You Actually Need?
There is no universal HESI A2 passing score. Elsevier publishes interpretive bands for programs; each school sets the admissions number you must meet.
Read the guideHESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology: What to Study
Elsevier’s HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology exam covers general terminology, anatomical structures, and body systems. Confirm your program assigned it before you build a systems calendar.
Read the guideHow Hard Is the HESI A2? What Makes Each Section Difficult
The HESI A2 feels hard when the assigned academic exams, pacing, and school cutoffs are treated as one national test. Difficulty is real; invented pass rates are not.
Read the guideWhat Is a Good HESI A2 Score for Nursing School?
Elsevier’s faculty bands call HESI A2 scores of 90–100% excellent and 80–89% very good. A good score also clears every program minimum and holds up in that program’s ranking.
Read the guideBrowse the library
Find the topic you need.
Exam format
See how question counts and timing depend on assigned exams.
How Many Questions Are on the HESI A2?
HESI A2 question counts depend on which academic exams your program assigns. Elsevier published scored-item figures per exam; your live total is not one national number.
Read the guideHow Long Is the HESI A2? Exam Timing Explained
HESI A2 testing time depends on which academic exams your program assigns. Elsevier published estimated minutes per exam; your seat time is the sum of that set.
Read the guideScores & results
Separate Elsevier score interpretation from each school's admissions rule.
Retakes
Check your program's attempt rules before you schedule another sitting.
Registration & test day
Register through the pathway your school uses, then prepare for that setting.
How Much Does the HESI A2 Cost?
HESI A2 cost is set by the program and testing pathway, not a single Elsevier sticker price. Separate exam access, proctoring, and transcript or retake fees.
Read the guideCan You Take the HESI A2 Online? Remote vs Testing Center
Only when your program offers a remote seat. Elsevier's 2026 distance-testing guide covers ProProctor at home and Prometric test centers, and some cohorts use ProctorU instead.
Read the guideHow to Register for the HESI A2
HESI A2 registration follows the pathway your program uses: Evolve course access, a school testing center, Prometric, or a remote vendor. There is not one universal signup.
Read the guideCan You Use a Calculator on the HESI A2?
HESI A2 calculator access is configured by the program. Evolve faculty materials include an enable/disable control. Do not assume a personal calculator is allowed.
Read the guideHESI A2 subjects
Study the current academic exams Elsevier describes—only those your program requires.
HESI A2 Vocabulary: What to Know and How to Study It
Elsevier’s HESI A2 Vocabulary and General Knowledge exam uses words from healthcare and general settings. Passy examples are original study material, not an official word list.
Read the guideHESI A2 Math: What to Study and Practice
Elsevier’s HESI A2 Basic Math exam covers arithmetic, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and household measures. Confirm the exam is assigned, then practice setup under time.
Read the guideHESI A2 Biology: What to Study
Elsevier’s HESI A2 Biology exam covers water, biological molecules, metabolism, cells, cellular functions, and photosynthesis. Confirm your program assigned Biology before you build a cell-biology calendar.
Read the guideHESI A2 Chemistry: What to Study
Elsevier’s HESI A2 Chemistry exam covers physical and chemical matter, the periodic table, chemical equations, reactions, and bonding. Confirm your program assigned it.
Read the guideHESI A2 Reading Comprehension: What the Section Tests
Elsevier’s HESI A2 Reading Comprehension exam uses health-related scenarios to test main ideas, context, passage understanding, and logical inferences.
Read the guideComparisons
Tell HESI A2 apart from ATI TEAS without treating scores as interchangeable.
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