What is on the HESI Test?

The topics you will be tested on during the HESI are Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Grammar, Reading, Vocabulary, Math, and Physics. The total number of questions a test-taker will answer depends on the specific sections required by their nursing program for admission.

Anatomy and Physiology (approximately 25 questions)

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The Anatomy and Physiology section of the HESI A2 exam is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge of the human body and its systems. This part of the exam is critical for prospective nursing and healthcare students because a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology is essential for understanding how the body functions, both in health and disease, which is fundamental to nursing practice.

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The questions cover a broad range of topics within anatomy and physiology, including but not limited to:

• Basic terminology and definitions

• The structure and function of cells

• Tissue types and their functions

• Major body systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems)

• Organ functions and relationships within body systems

• Homeostasis and regulatory mechanisms

• Basic embryology

• Common pathologies associated with various systems

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Biology (Approximately 25 questions)

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The Biology section of the HESI A2 exam assesses a candidate's knowledge in fundamental biology concepts, which are crucial for students entering health-related fields. Understanding biology is essential for nursing and other healthcare students because it provides a foundation for learning about the human body, how it interacts with pathogens, and how it can be affected by medications and treatments.

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The questions cover a broad range of basic biology topics, including:

• Cell structure, function, and metabolism

• Photosynthesis and cellular respiration

• Genetics and inheritance (including basic concepts like Mendelian genetics, DNA/RNA, and evolutionary principles)

• Biological molecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids)

• Classification of organisms and the taxonomy system

• Basic anatomy and physiology

• Ecological principles

• Scientific method and experimentation

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Chemistry (Approximately 25 questions) 

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The Chemistry section of the HESI A2 exam evaluates a candidate's knowledge of basic chemistry concepts. This portion is particularly important for students entering nursing and other healthcare fields, as chemistry plays a critical role in understanding bodily functions, drug interactions, and the biochemical processes that underpin health and disease.

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The questions span a range of fundamental chemistry topics, including:

• The structure and properties of atoms

• Chemical equations and reactions

• The periodic table, including trends and the significance of different elements

• States of matter (gases, liquids, solids) and changes between these states

• Basic concepts of organic chemistry and biochemistry, such as the structure and function of major biological molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)

• Acid-base chemistry

• Solutions, mixtures, and solubility

• Basic chemical nomenclature

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Grammar (Approximately 50 questions)

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The Grammar section of the HESI A2 exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's understanding of English grammar and ability to apply it effectively. This section is important for prospective nursing and healthcare students because clear, correct communication is critical in healthcare settings, where misunderstandings can have serious consequences.

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The Grammar section covers a wide range of English grammar topics, including but not limited to:

• Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.)

• Verb tenses and conjugation

• Subject-verb agreement

• Pronouns and pronoun-antecedent agreement

• Sentence structure (including the correct use of clauses and phrases)

• Punctuation (commas, periods, semicolons, apostrophes, etc.)

• Common grammatical errors (such as misplaced modifiers, incorrect word usage, fragment and run-on sentences)

• Spelling and capitalization

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Reading (Approximately 50 questions)

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The Reading section of the HESI A2 exam evaluates a candidate's ability to understand and analyze written material. This is crucial for nursing and healthcare students, as they must be able to quickly comprehend and interpret complex information, whether from textbooks, clinical studies, patient records, or guidelines.

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The Reading section includes passages that cover a wide range of topics. While the content may not be specifically healthcare-related, the skills tested are directly applicable to the healthcare field. The questions may assess abilities such as:

• Identifying the main idea of a passage

• Determining the meaning of words or phrases in context

• Making logical inferences based on the text

• Understanding the author's purpose

• Identifying the logical structure of a text (e.g., cause and effect, compare and contrast)

• Drawing conclusions from the information presented

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Vocabulary (Approximately 50 questions)

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The Vocabulary section of the HESI A2 exam tests a candidate's understanding of commonly used words in both general English and within the healthcare setting. This part of the exam is crucial because a strong vocabulary is essential for effective communication in nursing and healthcare professions. Understanding medical terminology and general language used in healthcare environments helps ensure accurate and clear communication among healthcare professionals and between professionals and patients.

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The questions cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Basic English vocabulary that's commonly used in academic and career settings.

• Medical terminology, which might include prefixes, suffixes, and root words commonly used in healthcare.

• Words related to anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

• General healthcare-related terms that professionals need to know for effective communication.

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Math (Approximately 50 questions)

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The Math section of the HESI A2 exam assesses a candidate's proficiency with basic mathematical concepts and skills, which are fundamental for nursing and other healthcare professionals. This portion of the exam is designed to ensure that prospective students have the mathematical foundation necessary for the calculations and problem-solving they will encounter in their coursework and professional practice.

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The questions cover a range of basic math topics, including:

• Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)

• Fractions, decimals, and percentages

• Ratios and proportions

• Basic algebra (including equations and inequalities)

• Measurement (including units of measurement and conversions, both within and between different measurement systems)

• Data interpretation (graphs, tables, and charts)

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Physics (25 questions)

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The Physics section of the HESI A2 exam is not a standard component across all testing locations or required by all nursing and healthcare programs. When included, it assesses foundational knowledge in physics, aiming to evaluate a candidate's understanding of basic principles and concepts relevant to healthcare fields, particularly for programs that require a strong background in physics (such as radiology or respiratory therapy). Here's an overview of the main topics typically covered if the Physics section is part of your HESI A2 exam:

1. Measurement and Units

• Basic units of measurement in physics (length, mass, time, etc.) and the conversion between units.

2. Motion

• Concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration.

• Understanding of Newton's laws of motion.

3. Energy

• Types of energy (kinetic, potential, thermal, etc.).

• Conservation of energy and work-energy theorem.

4. Waves

• Characteristics of waves (frequency, wavelength, amplitude).

• Sound waves and light waves, including basics of the electromagnetic spectrum.

5. Electricity and Magnetism

• Basic principles of electricity (current, voltage, resistance).

• Understanding of circuits, Ohm’s law, and the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

6. Fluid Mechanics

• Properties of fluids.

• Principles of pressure, buoyancy, and fluid flow relevant to the human circulatory system and respiratory therapies.

7. Thermodynamics

• Basic concepts of heat and temperature.

• Understanding of the laws of thermodynamics and their applications.

8. Atomic and Nuclear Physics

• Basic structure of the atom.

• Radioactivity and its applications in medicine.

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