HESI A2 Study Guide: Sections, Scores & How to Prepare

The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) is used by many nursing programs to decide who gets in. Knowing which sections your school requires — and how they’re scored — is half the battle.

What's on the HESI A2?

The HESI A2 is modular. Common sections include Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology. Each school chooses which sections to require, so confirm your program’s list first.

What score do you need?

Most programs look for a composite of about 75–80%, though competitive schools may want higher. Some weigh Anatomy & Physiology or Math more heavily — ask your admissions office.

How many questions and how long?

Each section runs roughly 50 questions, so a full battery can exceed 200 questions. Schools set the time limit, but plan for about 4–5 hours if you’re taking every section.

How to prepare

1. Confirm your sections and weight your study time toward the ones your program scores.
2. Brush up basic math — fractions, ratios, dosage-style conversions, percentages.
3. Review A&P systems if your program tests it; it’s often the hardest science section.
4. Practice timed sets so the pace feels familiar.