The HESI A2 exam is a widely used admissions test for nursing programs. It assesses core academic skills in areas like math, science, reading, and grammar to ensure candidates are prepared for nursing training. However, it’s vital to realize that scoring expectations vary between nursing schools, and understanding this will help test‑takers set realistic goals, reduce anxiety, and tailor their study accordingly.
- The format and subjects covered by the HESI A2
- Typical scoring ranges and how programs set their minimum
- Why scores matter and how thresholds affect admission chances
- How to research your target school’s specific score requirements
By the end, you’ll have a clear, strategic view of what the test entails and what your target score should be based on your plans.
What the HESI A2 Exam Covers
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Incorporated Admission Assessment) is an online, multi‑section exam designed to test your aptitude across several academic domains. Nursing programs generally require between five and eight subject areas, each containing a set number of questions:
- Math – Typically 55 questions
- Reading Comprehension – Usually 55 questions
- Grammar & Vocabulary – Often split into two sections (55 questions each)
- Biology – Around 30 questions
- Chemistry – Around 30 questions
- Anatomy & Physiology – Around 30 questions
- Physics – Commonly 25 questions (check your program’s requirements)
In many versions of the exam, each section includes a handful of unscored questions (commonly 5 items) used to trial future questions. These don’t affect your score, but you won’t know which ones they are, so treating all questions as important is the safest approach.
Total scores are reported as percentages—each subject area contributes equally to the overall score, with the scale running from 0 to 100.
What Makes a Passing Score?
Unlike standardized tests with fixed national benchmarks, HESI A2 passing scores differ widely depending on the nursing school you’re applying to. The most common target score range is 75–80%, which many programs consider acceptable. Some admit students with scores as low as 62–65%, while more competitive programs may require 85–90% or higher, especially for high‑demand specialties or accelerated tracks.
Rather than asking “What’s the universal passing score?”, a better question is: “What score do I need to meet or exceed my school’s requirement?”
Why Score Ranges Vary Between Schools
Several reasons account for the wide range in accepted scores:
- Program Selectivity – Highly competitive nursing programs often raise their minimum score thresholds to manage applicant volume and ensure stronger academic preparation.
- Specialty Tracks – Programs offering specializations like critical care or neonatal nursing may require higher scores in science or math.
- Seat Availability – When there are limited spots available, schools may raise admissions standards to narrow the applicant pool.
- Institutional Philosophy – Some programs focus on inclusive access and may set lower thresholds, while others emphasize academic rigor and self‑selection through higher standards.
Regardless of why a program has set a particular score, the key is to align your study goals with the actual requirement—not a generic or assumed passing rate.
How to Find Your Target Score
To prepare thoughtfully, follow these steps:
- Identify Required Sections
Examine your chosen school’s admission guidelines to see which HESI A2 sections are required. Some schools only require math, reading, and grammar, while others expect the full battery. - Note the Minimum Score Required
Look for wording like “must achieve at least 80% overall” or “minimum 75% in all sections.” Make a clear list of each section’s target score. - Clarify First‑Attempt Policies
Some programs only count your first test score or limit how many times you can take the exam. Others consider the average of multiple attempts. Understanding this helps you decide whether it’s worth retaking the test or reallocating study time. - Ask About Retake Requirements
Schools may set upper limits on retakes, require waiting periods, or prohibit same‑day resets. Always plan test timing and additional attempts accordingly. - Check for Section‑Specific Thresholds
While your school might require a 75% overall score, it may also insist that no individual section fall below 70 or 75. Don’t rely on an average to carry you—prepare evenly.
Putting It All Together: A Strategic Score Plan
Now let’s build a sample approach:
Suppose you’re applying to a program that requires:
- Overall score of 80%
- Minimum 75% in math and science sections
- You’re allowed up to two attempts, and the highest score counts
To prepare:
- Focus first on subjects you find most challenging
- Set sectional goals higher than minimum (e.g., 85% in math, 80% in science) to balance out areas with stronger scores
- Take a full‑length practice test to assess baseline performance per subject
- Identify weaker areas and concentrate study sessions accordingly
- Time your test so you can retake it if needed without interfering with application deadlines
Setting Realistic and Inspiring Goals
A metric can either inspire or discourage you depending on how it’s framed. Knowing the minimum requirement is useful—but aiming just above it creates momentum and flexibility. It gives you confidence, and it lets you recover from unexpected challenges like a stressful day or confusing questions.
Remember, the real value of the exam isn’t the number—it’s what your number allows you to do: take the next step toward a nursing career. By breaking down score requirements, building a plan aligned to your deadline, and pacing practice to fill your weakest gaps, you transform an overwhelming exam into a structured challenge with achievable benchmarks.
Preparing Strategically for the HESI A2 Exam — Effective Study Plans, Practice Tools, and Stress‑Reducing Methods
Once you understand the structure of the HESI A2 exam and have set clear score goals, the next step is to build a focused and efficient preparation plan. The most effective study strategy combines targeted content review, frequent full‑length practice tests, skill reinforcement, and stress‑management techniques. These components work together to improve your knowledge, time management, and confidence under test conditions.
Building a Study Plan That Fits Your Schedule
The first step to effective preparation is creating a realistic study plan. Preparation without structure can easily stall. Time disappears, priorities shift, and practice becomes inconsistent. A structure helps you manage your time and ensures you cover all the material necessary for success.
- Estimate your available study time
Note how many weeks you have between now and your exam date. Multiply by available hours per week to get total study time. Even six weeks with two hours per day can be highly effective. - Prioritize subjects based on difficulty
Identify sections you struggle with, such as math or grammar. Allocate more study time to these areas (for example, 50 percent of available time) and less time to stronger sections. - Break your study into weekly themes
For each week, define topics to cover: arithmetic review; reading comprehension strategies; grammar drills; biology review; and so on. Include one or two days per week for timed full‑length practice tests. - Schedule frequent short sessions
Instead of long, exhausting sessions, use shorter blocks of 30–60 minutes spread throughout the day. Research shows that spaced repetition improves retention more than marathon cramming. - Include buffer time for review and catch‑up
Leave one week before your exam for light review, extra practice, and relaxation. This reduces stress and ensures you can adjust if you fall behind.
Using a structured plan turns preparation from a guessing game into a predictable routine. You know what you need to cover, when, and how, which reduces anxiety and increases focus.
Choosing Effective Study Resources
Not all practice materials are created equal. Your preparation is only as good as the quality of the tools you use. Here are recommendations for types of resources to use and how to evaluate them:
- Official practice questions
Materials produced or endorsed by the test developer are designed to match the exam’s style and difficulty. These are the most accurate predictors of how you’ll perform on test day. - Practice books or guides written by educators with nursing experience
Resources developed by nursing educators tend to cover both content and test‑taking strategies. Look for guides that offer explanations, pacing tips, and practice questions. - Online quiz banks and flashcards
Digital tools allow you to practice on the go. Search for reputable banks that cover HESI‑style questions in math, science, grammar, and reading. Flashcards are ideal for reviewing definitions, formulas, and vocabulary. - Video tutorials for challenging concepts
Sometimes, a different voice and visual presentation can help breakthrough confusion. Look for short educational videos that explain grammar concepts, algebra problems, or science topics clearly. - Timed mock exams
Simulate the full test experience at least three times, under timed conditions. This builds stamina, helps you manage pacing, and identifies weak areas that appear under pressure.
When selecting resources, ensure they reflect current exam content and formatting. Avoid outdated or generic materials that don’t match the HESI A2 structure.
Focusing on Each Section: Study Tips and Techniques
To use your study time well, apply focused techniques for each section. Here are strategies by subject:
Math
- Review fundamental operations: fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages
- Practice multiple‑step word problems under timed conditions
- Use elimination to rule out incorrect answer choices quickly
- Carry a mini formula sheet in your notes (e.g., volume formulas, conversions)
- Skip and return to difficult problems to avoid bogging down
Reading Comprehension
- Read the questions before the passage to know what to look for
- Practice paraphrasing each paragraph in one sentence
- Focus on the author’s purpose, tone, and inference when answering
- Eliminate answers that are too broad, out of scope, or contradict the passage
- Use timed drills with 1–2 passages per sitting to build speed
Grammar and Vocabulary
- Learn or review parts of speech: noun, verb, adverb, adjective
- Study common grammar rules: subject‑verb agreement, sentence fragments, run‑on sentences
- Use flashcards to reinforce vocabulary in context
- Test yourself by editing sentences for clarity, conciseness, and correctness
- Practice error correction and rephrasing under time constraints
Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Physics
- Create summary sheets for key processes and formulas
- Learn the major systems: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous
- Review atomic structure, chemical reactions, and conversions
- Study cell biology, microbiology, and basic lab principles
- Practice applying concepts in context (e.g., what happens when a system fails)
Tracking Progress Through Practice Tests
Taking practice tests isn’t just about measuring knowledge—it’s about understanding patterns and improving them. Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Take a timed full-length mock test early to establish baseline performance
- Score each section separately to identify weaknesses
- Review each wrong answer thoroughly—was the mistake due to misunderstanding, careless error, or time pressure?
- Categorize errors by type (e.g., algebra mistake, grammar rule confusion, misinterpreting a reading question)
- Track your sectional scores over time to monitor improvement
- Adjust future study based on the categories you struggle with most
- Less frequent but more intense practice during the final week helps build test endurance
Seeing your progress in black and white often builds motivation and boosts confidence in your preparation.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
Even with strong preparation, stress can undercut performance. Techniques to manage anxiety include:
- Deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation before study practice
- Positive self‑talk: focus on effort and progress, not on fear of failure
- Visualization: imagine yourself calmly answering questions and succeeding
- Progressive desensitization: simulate test conditions more frequently
- Sleep and hydration: cognitive performance suffers when the body is depleted
A calm mindset helps regulate pacing, improve recall, and reduce mistakes due to rush or panic.
Building Stamina and Time Management
The HESI A2 is about endurance as much as knowledge. Writers, readers, and solvers all must keep energy and focus across hours of testing. Practice this by:
- Taking at least three full, timed practice exams
- Doing subject drills under time constraints (for example, 20 questions in 15 minutes)
- Practicing transitions between different sections
- Monitoring how long each section takes and aiming to reduce idle time
- Using the margin strategy: mark tricky questions, answer easier ones, return to marked ones if time allows
Improving pacing and stamina ensures you maintain mental sharpness throughout the test.
Review and Reflection Techniques
Learning happens most when ideas are revisited and reflected on. Include the following in your plan:
- Keep a ‘mistake log’ where you write each error, the reason, and how to avoid it
- Review common rules or formulas that appear in several sections
- Use active teaching—explain a concept aloud as if teaching someone else
- Try flexible retrieval: cover concepts in different orders, not always section by section
- Revisit older topics every week to prevent forgetting
This cycle of practice, review, and reflection promotes durable knowledge and test readiness.
Simulating Real Exam Experience
Recreating test-day conditions helps smooth the transition into actual test-taking. Do the following:
- Use a quiet, timed testing environment
- Take breaks when appropriate to simulate real conditions
- Bring water, snacks, and breaks just like test day
- Practice with the same materials you will have in the exam
- Wear your test-day outfit during mock exams to build comfort
This habituation helps reduce surprises and increase confidence on the actual test day.
Adapting Your Plan Over Time
Preparation is not static. Monitor your progress and adapt your plan by:
- Increasing practice frequency in areas that remain weak
- Reducing time spent on strong subjects
- Adding supplemental materials (videos, flashcards) for stubborn topics
- Adjusting pacing goals, such as completing a section in less time
- Scheduling an early mock test to gauge readiness before the final week
Adaptation ensures you are advancing effectively, not plateauing.
Preparing for Retakes and Contingency Planning
Many students may need more than one attempt. To plan wisely:
- Check your school’s retake policy and number of allowed attempts
- Build retest time into your study calendar early
- Analyze exam mistakes and misunderstand whether retake is likely
- Prioritize new practice over repeating finished material
- Use each attempt as a learning experience—not a failure
A retake is an opportunity to improve with a stronger foundation.
Staying Motivated Through the Journey
Preparing for the HESI A2 is a marathon, not a sprint. To stay engaged:
- Celebrate small successes: higher practice scores, mastering concepts
- Have accountability partners or study groups
- Track each week’s gains in a visible chart or journal
- Inspire yourself by visualizing nursing goals and what success means
- Remember: every hour invested moves you closer to your dream
Motivation often comes from progress, not from daunting beginnings.
Preparation as a Path to Professional Identity
As you build knowledge and skill, remember you’re becoming more than test-ready. You’re embracing the role of a caregiver who requires accuracy, empathy, and resilience. Each math problem you solve, each anatomy chart you learn, and each grammar question you correct brings you closer to a role where these competencies matter profoundly.
Your study routine mirrors the habits of dedicated professionals—meticulous, consistent, reflective, and growth-oriented. By preparing consciously, you not only get ready for the HESI A2 but you build the mindset needed for success in nursing education and clinical practice.
Test-Day Mastery—Mindset, Pacing, and Tactical Strategies for Every Section of the HESI A2
After weeks of focused preparation and practice, the most important stage of your HESI A2 journey arrives: test day. At this point, your knowledge and skills are in place; the key now is to perform under pressure with calm, clarity, and effective pacing.
The Importance of Mindset Over Skills
Your mindset on test day is just as critical as the content you studied. The way you think about the exam can influence recall, focus, and decision-making. Two key mental frameworks will support your success:
Confidence through preparation
Trust the hours you’ve invested. You’ve learned, practiced, and built consistency. Viewing the exam as simply another strong day of preparation allows you to approach questions and skills with composure instead of panic.
Curiosity over pressure
Shift from a fear-based approach to one of curiosity. Treat confusing options as puzzles and every question as a chance to explore your knowledge. This mindset keeps the stress level lower and keeps your mind open to better recall.
If your inner dialogue shifts from “I hope I do okay” to “I’m ready to engage,” your performance will naturally align with your effort.
Pre-Exam Rituals for Mental Readiness
How you start the day sets the tone. These rituals help calm nerves and sharpen focus:
- Deep breathing or meditation for two to five minutes
- Stretch or walk to energize the body
- Positive self-talk such as “I am prepared” or “I can handle this”
- Quick review of high-yield flashcards or formulas—but no heavy cramming
Arriving at the test center early helps you transition mentally from “commute” to “exam mode” without external stress. It lets you settle into the space and bring your internal state into balance.
Managing Time Under Pressure
Each HESI section comes with its own pacing demands. Effective time management means moving steadily, knowing when to skip, and using your mental energy wisely.
General pacing tips:
- Know the time allowed for each section (math, reading, grammar, etc.)
- Set a target pace per question (for example, 1.5 minutes)
- Use the test’s mark feature to flag questions to revisit
- Avoid spending more than half of that time on a single question
- If two questions in a row feel very difficult, take your best guess, mark them, and move on
Maintaining a rhythm matters more than perfect speed. Your goal is consistent momentum across the test.
Section-by-Section Tactics
Math
- Read word problems fully before choosing to solve
- Convert units and write down formulas before beginning calculations
- Eliminate clearly wrong answers first
- Estimate and then confirm—approximation may save time
- Keep an eye out for unit consistency
Reading Comprehension
- Skim passages quickly, focusing on headings, first and last sentences
- Read questions before the passage to know what to look for
- Search text for specific evidence instead of reading every line
- Beware of extreme words like “always” or “never” in answer choices
- Use elimination to focus on the choice that fits best within the passage context
Grammar and Vocabulary
- Read the full sentence before choosing an answer
- Check for subject-verb agreement, pronoun clarity, verb tense consistency
- Replace underlined segments in your mind to check fluency
- For vocabulary, eliminate synonyms that don’t fit the context tone
Science Sections (Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Physics)
- Identify diagrams and captions first
- Relate questions to basic processes (cellular, chemical, systemic)
- Break down complex concepts into simpler pieces
- Use elimination when unsure, and watch for logical traps
- For equations, check units and significant figures
Recovering from Difficult Questions
Even the best preparation can run into a tough question. Don’t let it derail your entire section.
- Pause briefly, take a breath, and refocus on what the question actually asks
- Re-read the question stem—sometimes missing a phrase like “not” or “except” can trap you
- If an explanation floats to your mind, go with it; don’t overthink
- Mark and move on—if time remains, revisit with fresh eyes
A calm correction today can rescue your test performance.
Handling Fatigue and Maintaining Focus
As you move through sections, fatigue can sneak in. Keep your energy up:
- Use brief mental breaks (silent counting to five, stretching fingers)
- Keep water on hand and drink between sections (if allowed)
- Use focused self-talk: “On to this next section” instead of “almost done”
- Frame breaks as mental resets—not time off
Stay present and talk yourself through the process.
What to Do If You Finish Early
If you complete a section with time left, use the extra time to:
- Revisit marked questions
- Reconfirm answers where you felt shaky
- Do a quick check for misreads or dropped commas
- Keep moving in order—don’t linger too long on one question
Early completion can be used as a strategic advantage, not a signal to slow down overall pace.
Ending the Exam: Final Mindset Tips
After finishing, breathe again. You gave it your best. Before exiting:
- Stand, stretch, and reset mentally
- Acknowledge your effort: say quietly, “Well done”
- Prepare to move on mentally by picturing your next step—whether relaxation or reviewing opportunities to improve
The exam is one important part of your story—not the only one.
Reflection and Immediate Recall
Later that day, write down:
- Two to three strategies that worked well
- Any questions or content that tripped you up
- How you felt mentally and physically
This reflection boosts learning regardless of the score. Whether retaking or moving forward, build on your test-day experience.
Performance as a Practice of Compassion
Nursing is about more than knowledge—it’s about resilience, presence, and presence under stress. Your ability to remain calm, switch tasks, adapt, and stay precise reflects the same soft power that caregiving requires every day.
Success on test day isn’t just about the grade—it’s a demonstration that you can stay composed when it matters most. That mindset becomes a foundation for patient care, collaboration, and confidence in your future clinical work.
After the HESI A2 Exam – Results Interpretation, Retake Strategy, and Next Steps into Nursing Education
Completing the HESI A2 exam marks the culmination of your preparation effort. Yet, what comes next can determine how well your hard work is applied toward moving into nursing school. Whether you receive a strong score or identify areas that need improvement, having a plan for interpreting results, applying wisely, and transitioning into nursing coursework is essential.
Understanding Your Score Report
Most score reports include both overall and sectional percentages. Here is how to decipher and use this feedback:
- Overall percentage: This reflects combined performance across the tested sections and is used by schools to compare to program thresholds.
- Sectional scores: These show specific strengths and weaknesses in areas like math, reading, or anatomy. A high overall score might mask underperformance in a critical section your target program cares about.
- Performance bands: Some reports classify scores into bands (e.g., exemplary, proficient, needs improvement), offering insight beyond raw percentages.
- Raw vs. scaled: While most reports show percentages, some may include raw scores or scaling. Always align your scores to the target percentages set by your school.
Deciding Whether to Retake
Once you have your scores, consider these factors before deciding to retake:
- Did you meet the minimum score overall and in every section required by your chosen school?
- Were any scores close to the cutoff? A low section score may hinder admission even if the overall average is strong.
- How many attempts are allowed by the program, and are there mandatory waiting periods?
- Is the additional effort likely to raise your score meaningfully? If a section is significantly lower than expected, targeted review may be worthwhile.
If your scores already meet or exceed the requirements, a retake may not be necessary. But if a section is clearly lagging, a retake might improve your placement or eligibility.
Planning a Retake Strategy
If you decide to retake, follow this approach:
- Set a reasonable timeline that allows for focused review without rushing or overlapping with application deadlines.
- Analyze weak areas and prioritize content that needs improvement.
- Use more targeted materials and practice tests in the subject that needs the most work.
- Address exam-day performance with pacing, stress control, and section-order strategies.
- Take a full practice test two weeks before the retake to ensure readiness.
A well-organized retake plan focuses on growth, not pressure.
Amplifying Your Score Within Applications
Strong scores deserve to be showcased. Here are steps to ensure they contribute positively:
- Include high scores on your application where permitted, or highlight them in resumes.
- If individual section scores are exceptional, emphasize them in personal statements or interviews, especially if they align with program values.
- Be prepared to explain challenges with certain sections tactfully, showing reflection and improvement, if needed.
- If retaking, plan your score submission so that only updated, higher scores are considered—only if the school allows this flexibility.
Transitionig into Pre-Nursing Coursework
After the exam process, you may be preparing to begin required nursing classes. Here’s how to set yourself up early for success:
- Strengthen discipline and study habits through active learning: create notes, test yourself, and teach others.
- Keep reviewing foundational concepts that form the backbone of nursing curriculum: physiology, pathophysiology, and communication.
- Develop time management routines that balance coursework, clinical tasks, and personal life.
- Learn about collaborative skills and self-care practices necessary for long-term resilience in high-pressure healthcare settings.
Preparing emotionally and cognitively helps build a strong foundation as you shift from test-taker to nursing student.
Embracing the Growth Mindset
Nursing is about constant learning and adaptation. Use this mindset both during preparation and as you move forward:
- Reflect on challenges learned during exam prep and how you overcame them.
- View each setback as an opportunity for growth—not a limitation.
- Seek feedback actively and adjust study and time strategies accordingly.
- Recognize that success often comes through persistence, not perfection.
Handling Post-Scores Emotions
Immediately after receiving scores, you may experience elation, disappointment, or relief. Address these feelings proactively:
- Celebrate achievements in a meaningful, healthful way.
- Recognize that a single section low score doesn’t define your ability or future potential.
- If disappointed, channel that emotion into a clear plan, not self-criticism.
- Communicate about scores with supportive peers, mentors, or counselors who can provide both perspective and advice.
Putting Scores in Context
Remember, the HESI A2 is only one part of your application. Admissions processes consider multiple elements:
- Academic records and GPA reflect long-term ability.
- Essays or interviews highlight communication and commitment.
- Letters of recommendation offer insight into your character and potential.
Your score complements these elements. Frame it as a strength and a reflection of your readiness to learn.
Maintaining Momentum
Regardless of outcomes, keep your momentum going:
- Continue preparing for admissions interviews or supplemental applications.
- If you are already scheduled for clinical intro or lab courses, begin pre-reading or watching tutorials to reduce first-day anxiety.
- Network with peers or experts to build support systems early on.
Momentum built from consistent effort ensures a smooth transition into preparatory phases of nursing education.
Navigating Multiple Application Cycles
If your score doesn’t meet the cutoff, or you are waiting for results, consider alternative routes:
- Explore programs with rolling admissions, bridging courses, or later start dates.
- Focus on building your application: volunteer experience, healthcare observation, or improving GPA in prerequisite classes.
- Keep refining skills with free or available resources.
- Use wait times productively; each step forward draws you closer to readiness.
Uncertainty becomes opportunity when approached with planning.
Preparing for Future Milestones
Passing the HESI A2 is just the first of many steps. Ahead lie:
- Entrance interviews where communication and drive are key.
- Lab practice sessions that require foundational skill and confidence.
- Clinical courses where practical knowledge meets real patient care.
Your test-day preparation, course performance, and resilience all contribute to how well you navigate these stages. Use the confidence gained to stay motivated.
Certification as Commitment
The HESI A2 measures academic readiness, but it also reflects commitment. Your journey through prep, testing, and results reveals more: your diligence, potential to grow, and readiness to take on responsibility.
Approaching all steps with care, reflection, and continuous improvement mirrors the core mindset of nursing professionals. This mindset stays with you well beyond admission and courses—it helps you advocate, lead, and care in your future role.
Final Words:
Your effort on the HESI A2 is foundational but not final. Let scores inform, not define, your journey. Use what grows from this process—knowledge, resilience, intentionality—as you take your next step into nursing education and career.
You have equipped yourself thoughtfully with study, self-reflection, and strategy. Now it’s time to step forward with pride and curiosity. The journey into nursing is underway, and your test today is just the beginning.