If your target nursing program requires the HESI A2, you need to know what score you’re aiming for before you sit down to study. Most programs set a composite benchmark between 75% and 80%, but the sections they test — and how much weight each carries — vary by school. This guide covers what the HESI A2 tests, how it’s scored, what scores programs typically require, and how to prepare efficiently.
What is the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment) is a standardized entrance exam used by nursing programs — primarily ADN and BSN programs — to evaluate readiness for nursing coursework. It’s published by Elsevier and administered at approved testing centers or, increasingly, online with remote proctoring.
The exam is not universal. Some programs use the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) instead, and some require neither. Before committing study time to either exam, confirm which one your specific program requires.
Sections tested
The HESI A2 has eight possible content areas, but not every program requires all eight. You take only the sections your program specifies.
| Section | What it tests | Typical questions |
|---|---|---|
| Math | Basic arithmetic, fractions, ratios, dosage calculations | 50 questions |
| Reading comprehension | Main idea, inference, author’s purpose | 47 questions |
| Vocabulary and general knowledge | Medical and general vocabulary | 50 questions |
| Grammar | Parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation | 50 questions |
| Biology | Cell biology, genetics, metabolism, homeostasis | 30 questions |
| Chemistry | Atomic structure, periodic table, reactions, acids/bases | 30 questions |
| Anatomy and physiology | Body systems, organ functions, terminology | 30 questions |
| Physics | Motion, energy, force, electricity | 30 questions |
Most ADN programs require Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, and A&P. BSN programs more often add Biology and Chemistry. Physics is the least commonly required section — check your program’s specific requirements.
There’s also an optional Learning Style and Personality Profile section. It’s not scored for admissions but some programs ask you to complete it.
How the HESI A2 is scored
Each section is scored on a percentage scale from 0–100%. There’s no raw score conversion — the percentage reflects how many questions you answered correctly in that section.
Your composite score is the average of all sections your program required. If your program requires five sections and you score 80, 72, 85, 78, and 90, your composite is 81%.
Some programs weight individual sections differently — A&P or Math may carry more weight at programs with a heavy science focus. Check your program’s admissions page or call the registrar to confirm.
Score validity
HESI A2 scores are valid for two years at most programs, though some extend this to three years. If you tested in fall 2024, expect to retake before fall 2026 if you haven’t started a program.
Score benchmarks by section
These represent common minimum benchmarks. Your program’s threshold may be higher.
| Section | Minimum (most programs) | Competitive target |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | 75% | 80%+ |
| Math | 75% | 85%+ |
| Reading | 75% | 80%+ |
| Vocabulary | 70% | 80%+ |
| Grammar | 70% | 78%+ |
| A&P | 75% | 80%+ |
| Biology | 75% | 80%+ |
| Chemistry | 70% | 75%+ |
Programs at competitive community colleges — particularly in California, Florida, and Texas where waitlists run 1–2 years — often use composite scores of 85%+ as informal cutoffs when applicant pools are strong. Meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee admission; it qualifies you to be ranked against other applicants.
What score do you need?
There’s no single answer — it depends on your program. Here’s what you’ll typically find:
- Community college ADN programs: Composite minimum of 75–78%; many use HESI as one factor among several (GPA, prerequisites, points systems)
- BSN programs at universities: Composite minimum of 75–80%; some require each individual section to meet a minimum, not just the composite
- Competitive private or accelerated programs: Composite 80%+ with individual section floors
The safest approach: aim for 80%+ composite on all required sections. This keeps you competitive regardless of which program you apply to.
Retake policies
Most programs allow multiple attempts, but impose waiting periods between them.
- Common wait period: 60 days between attempts
- Maximum attempts: Typically 3 attempts total; some programs limit to 2
- Score used: Programs vary — some take your highest score, others take your most recent score. This matters significantly if your second attempt goes down.
A few programs permanently bar applicants who score below a threshold on three attempts. Read the retake policy carefully before your first sitting. Some programs require you to submit all scores, not just your best.
HESI A2 vs TEAS: which will you take?
This is a common point of confusion because many guides discuss both exams as though they’re interchangeable options you can choose between. For most programs, you don’t choose — the program decides.
| Feature | HESI A2 | TEAS |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | Elsevier | ATI |
| Sections | Up to 8 (program picks) | 4 fixed (Reading, Math, Science, English) |
| Science content | Variable (A&P, Bio, Chem, Physics) | Fixed: Life science, Earth science, Human body |
| Score format | Percentage per section + composite | Composite + subscores |
| Testing locations | Test centers + remote proctoring | PSI test centers + remote |
| Cost | ~$40–60 per sitting | ~$115 per sitting |
| Score validity | 2 years (most programs) | 3 years |
If you’re applying to multiple programs and they split between HESI and TEAS, you may need to prepare for both. The content overlaps considerably — especially in A&P, reading comprehension, and math — so preparation for one transfers well to the other.
How to prepare
Use the official study material
Elsevier publishes the HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review (the “gold book”), now in its 5th edition. This is the most reliable preparation resource because it’s written by the same publisher that designs the exam. Work through every section your program requires. The practice questions at the end of each chapter closely mirror actual exam style.
Take timed practice tests
Pacing is a real factor. Students who struggle on test day often know the material but run short on time. Practice under timed conditions at least 2–3 weeks before your exam.
Reliable online practice options include:
- Elsevier’s official online practice exams (sold alongside the study guide)
- Quizlet decks for HESI vocabulary (vocabulary is the most efficiently improved section with focused flashcard study)
- Khan Academy for chemistry and biology fundamentals
Prioritize your weak sections first
Don’t spend equal time on all sections. Take a diagnostic practice test in each required section, identify your two lowest-scoring areas, and concentrate 60–70% of your study time there. A 10-point improvement in a weak section moves your composite more than a 2-point improvement in a strong one.
Focus on medical vocabulary
The Vocabulary and General Knowledge section trips up many pre-nursing students who are strong in math and science. Medical terminology appears heavily — words like “analgesic,” “diuretic,” “antipyretic,” and “contraindication.” Build these systematically using flashcards. This section responds well to concentrated 2–4 week study.
Math without a calculator
Most programs administer the Math section without a calculator. Work through arithmetic, fractions, ratios, and basic dosage calculations by hand during your preparation. If you’ve been relying on your phone’s calculator for basic arithmetic, this will feel unfamiliar at first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the HESI A2 before I apply to nursing school? Yes. Many applicants take it early to meet admissions requirements or to gauge readiness before finalizing their school list. Check that your target programs accept scores taken before the application cycle opens.
How long does the exam take? Plan for 3–4 hours, depending on how many sections your program requires. The testing center may schedule a longer window.
What happens if I don’t meet the minimum score? At most programs, you’re ineligible for that admissions cycle. You’ll need to wait out the retake period (typically 60 days) and retest before the next cycle. Some programs allow provisional admission with a remediation plan, but this is uncommon.
Do all nursing schools require the HESI A2? No. Many programs require the TEAS, some require neither, and a small number use program-specific entrance assessments. Always verify with the specific program. The nursing school prerequisites guide covers what’s typically required across program types.
Does a higher HESI score help my application beyond meeting the minimum? It depends on how the program ranks applicants. Programs using a point-based system often award additional points for scores above the minimum threshold — check whether your target program scores 80–85% differently than 75–80%. At competitive programs, every point in the ranking system matters.
For more context on how your overall application compares, see the nursing school GPA requirements guide, nursing school acceptance rates, and options for applicants with a lower GPA.