HESI A2 Test

The HESI A2 (Admission Assessment) is an exam given to applicants to nursing programs nationwide as well as to active students and graduates as a measure of their progress. As the test is given to students before, during, and after nursing school, the questions are based on a corpus of common knowledge. There is a more advanced version of the exam that includes an Anatomy and Physiology (AP) section for candidates that have studied these topics.

The basic test includes math skills, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and general knowledge. These skills are oriented toward people in the medical field. For example, math questions may focus on fluid quantities, which might represent dosages of medicine or nutrients. They also cover arithmetic properties, ratios, and other general math knowledge. Vocabulary questions are weighted toward those used in the medical field. Reading comprehension involves articles from medical journals or the life sciences. Grammar and usage questions test the candidate's ability to communicate effectively and clearly in both written and oral expression. Some versions of the test also include a section that analyzes a subject's learning style, personality, and critical thinking. This second section tests a candidate's suitability for nursing school and the nursing profession in general. These components provide information for students and administrators to help them pick a course of study that will suit them and also meet the requirements of their major discipline.

The test is administered via computer, although there is no time limit. Candidates can take as long as they want, although for planning purposes, it should take less than four hours unless a person tests slowly. Students can retest twice in a one-year period. Some nursing schools have their students retest as a show of progress. These additional tests often include the AP section. These are general questions about human development, anatomy, and physiology. They match the course curriculum of these studies at a nursing degree program.

HESI Test Study Guide | HESI Test Flashcards | HESI A2 Test