A2 · Syllabus & Exam Outline 2026
HESI A2
In short
The HESI A2 exam has roughly 150 to 326 questions (varying by program) and takes up to about 4 hours, with passing scores set by each school rather than a national cutoff. It covers math, reading, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and physics. Free practice questions and a full study plan are below.
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- Questions
- Varies by program; roughly 150–326 across selected modules
- Time limit
- Up to about 4 hours for a full administration
- Cost
- Varies by institution (typically around $40 - $65)
- Format
- multiple-choice
- Delivery
- Computer-based testing (in-person at institution testing centers or remote/distance testing via Prometric)
- Calculator
- On-screen calculator is available
- Prep time
- ~81 hours
Exam overview
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) is a critical gateway exam used by nursing and allied health programs across the country to evaluate the academic readiness of prospective students. This computer-based exam covers a variety of foundational subjects designed to assess an applicant's potential for success in a demanding healthcare curriculum. One of the most unique aspects of the HESI A2 is its modular structure. Nursing schools independently select which of the eight available academic sub-tests their applicants must take. While foundational subjects such as Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar are required by nearly all institutions, science modules like Anatomy & Physiology and Biology are frequently added. Chemistry and Physics are less common but may still be required by certain programs. Because the exact composition of the test depends on the school you are applying to, a tailored study approach is essential. Only Ever simplifies your preparation by mapping every domain from the official HESI A2 syllabus into concise, 15-minute study topics. Whether you are reviewing clinical math conversions, analyzing reading passages, or memorizing the stages of cell division, you can target exactly what your prospective program requires.
Exam domains & weighting
Each domain's share of the exam — study deepest where the weight is highest. Open one for how to study it and its objectives.
How to study this domain
Focus heavily on fundamental arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and percentages without relying too much on advanced calculator functions. Practice solving word problems specifically contextualized for healthcare, such as clinical conversions, dosage math, and reading military time. Ensure you are comfortable interpreting Roman numerals and performing dimensional analysis.
Key objectives
- Whole Numbers and Integers
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratios, Proportions, and Rates
- Conversions
- Military Time and Roman Numerals
- Basic Algebra and Word Problems
Readiness self-check
Tick off everything you can confidently explain. Anything left unchecked is your study list — tap “Review” to jump straight into that domain.
Quick reference
Clinical & Metric Conversions
Common standard-to-metric and clinical conversions frequently tested in the Mathematics module.
Kilograms to Pounds
1 kg = 2.2 lb
Liters to Milliliters
1 L = 1000 mL
Ounces to Milliliters
1 oz ≈ 30 mL
Foundational Biological & A&P Terms
Core concepts defining the science sections.
Homeostasis
The maintenance of a stable, internal physiological environment within the body.
Histology
The microscopic study of the structure of biological tissues.
Meiosis
A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, producing gametes.
Core Mathematics Facts
Basic mathematical facts explicitly outlined for the exam.
Military Time
A 24-hour clock format standard in healthcare settings to eliminate AM/PM confusion (e.g., 1400 = 2:00 PM).
Order of Operations
PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction) dictates the sequence for solving multi-step equations.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
- The exam is highly modular; institutions pick and choose which specific academic sub-tests you must complete.
- All academic modules consist entirely of multiple-choice questions.
- An on-screen calculator is provided for the math portion; no outside calculators are permitted.
- In addition to the academic modules, programs may administer non-academic Learning Style and Personality Profile assessments that do not affect your overall score.
- Because requirements vary wildly, always verify exact section requirements, total allowed time, and passing thresholds with your target institution.
Reading isn’t remembering.
HESI A2 requirements vary by program, so students often struggle to organize the common academic modules into a clear study plan.
Only Ever turns the compiled HESI A2 content outline into focused 15-minute topics, with search verification kept on so modular requirements stay tied to current Elsevier and program guidance.