How is the HESI A2 structured?

The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) exam is structured to evaluate the academic readiness of prospective students for health profession programs, with a particular focus on nursing. The exam consists of several sections, each designed to assess different foundational skills and knowledge areas relevant to healthcare education. Most nursing and health profession programs require candidates to take these core sections:

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Math: Tests basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, proportions, decimals, ratios, and algebraic equations. It also covers measurement conversions and dosage calculations.

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Reading: Includes passages followed by questions that assess the ability to understand and analyze written material. Questions focus on main ideas, details, conclusions, and the ability to make logical inferences.

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Vocabulary: Evaluates the understanding of commonly used vocabulary in English and healthcare settings. It covers general vocabulary, medical terminology, and commonly used terms in healthcare professions.

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Grammar: Assesses knowledge of English grammar, including parts of speech, punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling. It focuses on the ability to identify and correct grammatical errors.

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Additional Science Sections
Depending on the program's requirements, candidates may also need to take one or more of the following science sections:

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Biology: Covers fundamental concepts in biology, including cell structure, metabolism, photosynthesis, genetics, and basic anatomy and physiology.

Chemistry: Tests knowledge of basic chemistry concepts, such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, periodic table, states of matter, and basic organic and biochemistry.

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Anatomy and Physiology: Focuses on the structure and function of the human body, including major organs and systems.

Physics (optional): Some programs may require this section, which covers basic physics principles, including motion, forces, energy, waves, and light.

Structure and Timing

• The HESI A2 is administered on a computer.

• The total testing time varies depending on the number of sections a candidate is required to take. Each section is timed separately, with most sections requiring 25 to 50 minutes to complete.

• The exam typically includes about 25 to 50 questions per section, but this can vary.

• Candidates are often allowed to choose the order in which they complete the sections.

• The total number of questions and the exact content covered can vary depending on the version of the exam and the requirements of the specific health profession program.

Registration and Preparation

Candidates should check with their prospective schools to determine which sections of the HESI A2 they need to take and any specific score requirements.

• It's important to register for the exam well in advance of the desired test date to secure a spot.

• Preparation should focus on the specific sections required by the candidate's program of interest, using study guides, practice tests, and review materials tailored to the HESI A2 exam.

The HESI A2 is a comprehensive assessment tool, and understanding its structure is crucial for effective preparation and successful performance on the exam.