Have a question?
Send enquiry
Message sent Close

HESI Practice Tests: Your Guide to Success

Are you gearing up for the HESI A2 exam, a crucial milestone in your pursuit of a nursing career? Success on this exam can significantly impact your prospects for admission to nursing school. To ensure you’re thoroughly prepared, let’s dive deeper into the nuances of the HESI A2 exam, its significance, and how to approach your preparation for this critical assessment.

Understanding the HESI A2

The HESI A2, or Evolve Reach Admissions Assessment, stands as a pivotal gateway to nursing education. Here, we’ll explore the various aspects you should grasp:

Subjects on the HESI Exam

The HESI A2 exam comprises eight separate test areas, including mathematics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and physics. However, it’s important to note that not all schools require you to take all eight sections. Your prospective school will specify which sections you need to complete, typically including math, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. Some may also request biology and anatomy sections. Chemistry and physics sections are rarely required.

Test Sections and Your Program’s Requirements

The HESI A2 exam comprises eight distinct test areas. However, the specific sections you need to take may vary based on the nursing program you’re applying to. Here’s an overview:

  1. Mathematics (50 questions in 50 minutes): This section evaluates your mathematical proficiency, assessing your ability to work with numbers, solve equations, and apply mathematical concepts in healthcare scenarios.
  2. Reading Comprehension (47 questions in 60 minutes): Reading comprehension skills are vital for nurses, as they need to understand complex medical documents. This section gauges your ability to extract information and draw conclusions from written passages.
  3. Vocabulary (50 questions in 50 minutes): Strong vocabulary is essential for clear communication in healthcare. This part of the test assesses your grasp of medical and healthcare terminology.
  4. Grammar (50 questions in 50 minutes): Good grammar is crucial for effective documentation and communication in healthcare. This section evaluates your understanding of English grammar rules.

In addition, some nursing schools may require you to complete the following sections:

  1. Biology (25 questions in 25 minutes): Assessing your knowledge of fundamental biological concepts.
  2. Anatomy & Physiology (25 questions in 25 minutes): Testing your understanding of the human body’s structure and functions.

It’s important to note that the Chemistry and Physics sections are seldom required, so it’s advisable to confirm the specific test sections required by the nursing program you are interested in.

Cost and Testing Environment

Sitting for the HESI A2 exam typically incurs a fee of $40. The test is administered in a controlled and monitored environment at Prometric testing centers. This ensures test security and maintains the integrity of the assessment process.

Where Can You Take the Test?

Your program’s admissions counselor will help you schedule your exam at a Prometric testing center conveniently located near you. The exam is computer-based and proctored to maintain its integrity.

Passing Score

The passing score for the HESI A2 exam can vary from one program to another. Generally, candidates are expected to score between 70% and 80% in each test section to meet the requirements. To determine the specific passing score for your chosen program, consult with the admissions counselors.

What If You Don’t Pass?

Don’t worry if you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt. You can retake the test once every 60 days, with a limit of three attempts in a year. If you reach that limit, you’ll have to wait until the following year to try again.

Preparing for Your HESI A2

The key to success on the HESI A2 exam is effective preparation. Here are some tips to ensure you’re ready for test day.

HESI A2 Outline

The HESI A2 exam consists of eight subtests, but you likely won’t need to take all of them. Depending on your program, you may only be required to complete the Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar subtests. Some programs may also request the Biology and Anatomy & Physiology subtests. Chemistry and Physics are rarely necessary. Always check with your school’s administrators for precise requirements.

Practice Effectively

Studying effectively is as important as studying diligently. Regularly take HESI A2 practice tests to assess your progress and identify your areas of weakness. Pay close attention to:

  1. The questions you got wrong.
  2. Questions you had to guess on, even if you guessed correctly.
  3. Questions that you found difficult or time-consuming.

By focusing on these areas, you can improve your understanding and knowledge.

Answer Explanations

Many HESI practice tests include explanations for their answers. While these can be helpful, they might not cover the full context of the question. Ensure you understand the broader concepts related to each question, rather than just the correct answers to specific practice questions.

Comprehend Each Topic

Remember that HESI A2 practice tests are for practice. Memorizing specific questions and answers won’t be beneficial on the actual exam, as you’re unlikely to encounter the same questions. Study the underlying concepts until you fully grasp them, allowing you to confidently answer any question that arises on the test.

Strategy for HESI Practice

When you begin taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

  1. Take your first practice test without time constraints, with your notes and study materials at hand. Focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
  2. For your second practice test, use an “open book” approach but set a timer to practice pacing yourself.
  3. Simulate test day conditions for subsequent practice tests: use a timer, put away your study materials, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.

By practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared for the actual HESI A2 exam, with the ability to recall the material you’ve learned.

Conclusion

Passing the HESI A2 exam is a significant step toward achieving your nursing career goals. Effective preparation, including the use of practice tests and a well-rounded study strategy, can greatly increase your chances of success. Remember, it’s not about memorization but a thorough understanding of the core concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I choose which sections of the HESI A2 exam to take? Yes, your prospective nursing school will specify which sections you need to complete, typically including math, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. Some may also request biology and anatomy sections.
  2. What happens if I don’t pass the HESI A2 exam on my first attempt? If you don’t pass the exam initially, you can retake it once every 60 days, with a limit of three attempts in a year. After three attempts in one year, you’ll need to wait until the following year to retake it.
  3. Is it important to take practice tests for the HESI A2 exam? Yes, practice tests are crucial for evaluating your progress and identifying your weak areas. They help you focus your study efforts effectively.
  4. How should I study for the HESI A2 exam? Study effectively by understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorizing specific questions. Use practice tests and explanations to identify your weak areas and focus on improving them.
  5. What’s the key to success on the HESI A2 exam? The key to success is a combination of effective preparation, a clear understanding of the test content, and practice. Mastery of the core concepts is essential for acing the HESI A2 exam.

Prepare diligently, and you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding nursing career!