All HESI Practice Tests
If you know which subjects you want to focus on, take one of the HESI A2 practice tests listed below.
Other HESI Practice Resources
Use these resources from other providers to study for your exam.
| Resource | Provider |
|---|---|
| Free HESI Practice Test | BoostPrep |
| HESI Study Guide | BoostPrep |
| HESI Flashcard Set #1 | Quizlet |
| HESI Flashcard Set #2 | Quizlet |
HESI A2 Exam Overview
The HESI A2 exam is an exam given to students who are applying to nursing school. Nursing programs around the country use the exam to find the best candidates for their programs. The exam is administered by Elsevier.
The exam consists of a total of 8 different section exams. There are typically 3 different ways in which you can take the exam:
- Prometric Testing Center
- Remotely at Home
- Through Your School
Each school or program has different requirements. Some schools may require you to take 4 of the below sections, while others may require you to take all 8 sections.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 55 | 50 |
| Reading | 50 | 60 |
| Vocab | 50 | 50 |
| Grammar | 50 | 50 |
| Biology | 30 | 25 |
| Chemistry | 30 | 25 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 30 | 25 |
| Physics | 25 | 50 |
Studying for the HESI A2 Exam
Studying for the HESI exam can be very stressful. The exam is very comprehensive and covers a lot of different subjects. We have listed some tips and tricks below to help you study for your exam.
Tips for Using a Practice Test
It is important to ensure that you are using a HESI practice exam the correct way. Here are some tips:
- Take a Practice Exam from Each Subject: It is important to expose yourself to the different HESI subject exams you will be taking.
- Review Each Practice Exam: Make sure to take some time to assess how you did on your practice exams. Did you struggle on certain exams?
- Determine Problem Areas: Use your practice exams to determine which areas you need to focus on. This will save you time when studying and help you pinpoint which areas are most critical for you to study.
- Take a Final Exam: Before your actual test day, take a final practice exam that includes all subjects you will be taking. This will help you truly figure out if you are ready for your exam.
Tips for Using a Study Guide
A HESI study guide is a great resource to use to prepare for your exam.
A good way to see if you need a study guide is by taking our HESI practice test above and seeing how you do. If you decide that you need a study guide, here are some tips to use:
- Research Your Options: There are many great options out there. We did some of the work for you and ranked the best HESI prep courses.
- Consider Your Learning Style: If you learn best by taking practice exams, purchase a program that comes with a lot of questions and exams.
- Narrow Down Problem Areas: Try to narrow down which subjects give you the most trouble. You can narrow down those areas by answering HESI practice questions and seeing which subjects give you the most issues.
If you decide that you need a study guide, our #1 recommended provider is BoostPrep. They have a very comprehensive HESI prep course and it is the best value you are going to find ($49).
Benefits of Using a HESI Practice Test
Using free HESI practice tests is a great way to prepare for the actual exam. Some of the benefits of using practice exams include:
- Narrow Down Your Struggles: You can get a better idea of where you excel and where you struggle by answering questions. This will help you determine where to focus your studies and save you time when studying.
- Nail Down Timing: One of the hardest things about the exam is the timing aspect. A practice exam will help you get more comfortable with the timing on this exam, especially for the reading comprehension section.
- Familiarity with the Exam: By taking a practice exam, you will become more familiar with the actual exam. You will see what kinds of questions you can expect to be asked on test day.
- Improved Problem-Solving: Our answer explanations will help improve your problem-solving abilities by giving you different ways to solve the questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HESI A2 exam used for?
The HESI A2 exam is used by nursing schools and programs to assess nursing school candidates.
It is similar to the ACT or SAT, but for nursing school.
What does HESI A2 stand for?
HESI A2 is short for HESI Admission Assessment Exam.
Can I use a calculator on the HESI?
Yes, you can use a calculator. However, you will be provided one and cannot bring your own.
How many questions are on the HESI exam?
There are 326 total questions. Many students are not required to take all sections of the exam.
How much is the HESI exam?
The cost will vary from school to school. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $80.
What is the passing score for the HESI exam?
Every school will have their own requirements. Most schools typically have a minimum passing score of 75%.
For more information on scores, read our HESI scores guide.
Where can I register for the HESI exam?
You can register for the HESI on the official website.
How long should I study for the HESI exam?
We recommend that you spend 5-6 weeks when studying for the HESI exam. That will give you ample time to study without having to cram before the exam.
