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 scored academic content areas, plus two unscored profile sections. Not every program requires all eight – you take only the sections your program specifies.
Two numbers matter for each section and prep sites routinely give only one of them, which is why published question counts appear to disagree. Every section carries five unscored pilot items that Elsevier is trialling for future exams, so the number of questions you answer is always higher than the number that counts toward your score. The English Language and Math sections run 55 items each, of which 50 are scored; the science sections run 30 items, of which 25 are scored.
| Section | What it tests | Items presented | Scored items | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math | Basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measures, dosage calculations | 55 | 50 | 50 min |
| Reading comprehension | Main idea, meaning in context, inference, passage comprehension | 55 | 50 | 60 min |
| Vocabulary and general knowledge | General and health care vocabulary | 55 | 50 | 50 min |
| Grammar | Parts of speech, sentence structure, common grammatical errors | 55 | 50 | 50 min |
| Biology | Cell biology, genetics, metabolism, homeostasis | 30 | 25 | 25 min |
| Chemistry | Atomic structure, periodic table, reactions, acids/bases | 30 | 25 | 25 min |
| Anatomy and physiology | Body systems, organ functions, terminology | 30 | 25 | 25 min |
| Physics | Motion, energy, force, electricity | 30 | 25 | 25 min |
You will not be told which items are pilot items, so treat every question as scored.
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 are also two unscored profile sections – Learning Style (14 items) and Personality Profile (15 items), about 15 minutes each. Neither is scored for admissions, but some programs ask you to complete them so advisors can tailor academic support once you enroll.
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
Elsevier does not set a single national retake rule. The waiting period, the attempt cap, and the way multiple scores are treated are all set by the program administering the exam, so a figure you read on a prep site may not apply to you at all.
Real institutional policies vary widely. South Texas College allows a retake after a two to three week wait, using a different version of the exam so no candidate sees the same items twice, and permits testing six times per year – twice within each of three eligibility periods (January–May, June–August, September–December), with the highest passing score counting within a single eligibility period. Other programs set longer intervals of 30 or 60 days and cap attempts at two or three per admissions cycle.
Three questions to confirm with your own program before your first sitting:
- How long must you wait between attempts, and does the clock run per section or per full exam?
- How many attempts do you get, and is the cap per year, per eligibility period, or per application cycle?
- Which score counts – highest, most recent, or an average? This matters if your second attempt goes down, and some programs require you to submit all scores rather than only your best.
Note also that a retake usually costs the full exam fee whether you re-sit one section or all of them.
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 which | 4 fixed: Reading, Math, Science, English and Language Usage |
| Length | Varies with sections required; commonly 4 hours or more | 170 items (150 scored), 209 minutes |
| Science content | Variable: A&P, biology, chemistry, physics | Fixed, and A&P is the largest single content area |
| Score format | Percentage per section, plus a composite | Composite plus subscores |
| Testing locations | School assessment centers, Prometric, remote proctoring | Test centers and remote proctoring |
| Cost | Roughly $70–$75 at a school assessment center; about $107 through Prometric | Around $115 per sitting |
| Score validity | Commonly 2 years, set by the program | Commonly 3 years, set by the program |
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 6th edition (2024, ISBN 9780443114090). 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. Programs administering the full battery allot longer – South Texas College schedules 4.25 hours. The testing center may book a wider window than the recommended section times add up to.
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 your program’s retake interval – two to three weeks at several institutions, longer at others – and retest, usually within the same eligibility period for the retake to count. Some programs allow you to apply anyway without the recommended score, though without the associated ranking points. Provisional admission with a remediation plan exists but 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.
References
- HESI, Admission Assessment Exam Review, 6th edition, Elsevier, 2024 (ISBN 9780443114090) – publisher’s official HESI A2 preparation text.
- Elsevier Education, “HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam,” Evolve product documentation, accessed July 2026 (section configuration, percentage scoring, and composite calculation).
- South Texas College Department of Nursing, “HESI Admission Assessment Info and FAQs,” institutional exam policy document, accessed August 2026 (per-section item counts including the 50-scored-plus-5-pilot split, recommended times, 4.25-hour total, $70 institutional and approximately $107 Prometric fee, two to three week retake wait, six attempts per year across three eligibility periods, two-year score validity).
- Tarrant County College, “HESI A2 Exam Information,” Testing Centers, accessed July 2026 (administration format, fees, and permitted attempts).
- Indian River State College, “HESI A2 Admissions Assessment Exam,” Assessment Centers, accessed July 2026 (score validity period and program-set benchmarks).
- Gateway Community and Technical College (KCTCS), “HESI A2 Pre-Admission Assessment for Associate Degree in Nursing,” accessed August 2026 ($75 institutional fee, two-week retake wait, same-eligibility-period retake rule, highest-score-counts policy).
- Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), “ATI TEAS Exam Details,” atitesting.com, accessed August 2026 (TEAS structure: 170 items with 150 scored across four sections, 209 minutes of allotted testing time).
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing, “2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics,” Research Brief Volume 96, June 2026 (context for pre-admission screening and program outcome expectations).