HESI A2 guide · updated 2026-09-29
HESI A2 sections and topics
The HESI A2 has seven academic sections: Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar (55 questions each), and Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology (30 each). Below is what each one tests, so you can study only the sections your program requires.
Mathematics (55 questions)
- Whole numbers, fractions and decimals, and converting between them.
- Ratios, proportions and percentages.
- Household and metric conversions, such as ounces to milliliters and pounds to kilograms.
- Converting between regular time and 24-hour military time, and reading Roman numerals.
- Simple algebra and everyday word problems.
Reading Comprehension (55 questions)
- Main idea and supporting details of short passages, often on health topics.
- Inferences and conclusions the passage supports.
- Author's purpose and tone, fact versus opinion, and the meaning of a word in context.
Vocabulary and General Knowledge (55 questions)
Mostly words you will meet in health care reading, such as "lethargic", "bilateral" or "exacerbate", plus general academic vocabulary. Questions usually give a word in a sentence and ask for its meaning.
Grammar (55 questions)
- Parts of speech, subject-verb agreement and pronoun use.
- Verb tense, modifiers and sentence structure.
- Commonly confused words (affect and effect, their and there) and punctuation.
Science sections (30 questions each)
| Section | Main topics |
|---|---|
| Biology | Biological molecules, cell structure, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, mitosis and meiosis, genetics, scientific method |
| Chemistry | Atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, reactions and balancing equations, moles, solutions, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry |
| Anatomy and Physiology | Terminology and body organization, tissues, and the major organ systems |
How this bank is weighted
Practice questions here are split in proportion to section length: each Core Four section gets about 18% of the questions and each science section about 10%. If your program only requires the Core Four, filter by section and ignore the sciences.
Where to start if you are short on time
Start with Math, because it is the most predictable section and improves quickly with drills. Then spend steady daily time on Vocabulary and Reading, which build slowly. Grammar can be covered in a focused week. For the sciences, Anatomy and Physiology is required most often; Chemistry is required least often but takes the most review if you have not taken a chemistry course recently.
Reading passages: what to expect
Reading Comprehension passages are usually a few paragraphs long and often use health or science topics, though you do not need outside knowledge to answer. Questions ask for the main idea, a detail stated in the passage, an inference the passage supports, the meaning of a word as used in the passage, and the author's purpose or tone. The most common trap is an answer that is true in real life but not stated or implied in the passage. Always pick the option the text itself supports.
Frequently asked questions
Which HESI A2 sections are required?
Your program decides. The Core Four (Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar) is the most common base, often with Anatomy and Physiology added.
Is there dosage calculation on the HESI A2?
No drug-dosage problems. The math section covers basic arithmetic, conversions, military time, Roman numerals and simple algebra.
Try the free HESI A2 practice test
Questions tagged to the official outline, with an explanation for every answer. 15 free a day, no sign-up.
Start freeSources: Tarrant County College: HESI A2 Exam Information · Elsevier: Admission Assessment Exam Review (HESI), 6th edition · Central Texas College: HESI A2 Exam information sheet. Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Elsevier.