HESI A2 guide · updated 2026-09-29
How many questions are on the HESI A2?
It depends on which sections your program requires. Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Grammar have 55 questions each, and each science section (Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology) has 30. The common Core Four is 220 questions; all seven academic sections add up to 310.
Questions and recommended time by section
Question counts come from college testing center listings (for example Tarrant County College and Gateway Technical College). Recommended times come from Central Texas College's published sheet. Elsevier gives programs the exact configuration, so confirm with your school.
| Section | Questions | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 55 | 50 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 55 | 60 minutes |
| Vocabulary and General Knowledge | 55 | 50 minutes |
| Grammar | 55 | 50 minutes |
| Biology | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Chemistry | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 30 | 25 minutes |
Common combinations
| What your program asks for | Questions | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Core Four (Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar) | 220 | 3.5 hours |
| Core Four + Anatomy and Physiology | 250 | About 4 hours |
| All seven academic sections | 310 | About 4 hours 45 minutes |
Scored and unscored questions
Like most standardized exams, the HESI A2 is widely reported to include a few unscored pilot items in each section, usually cited as 5, which would leave 50 scored in each 55-question section and 25 in each 30-question section. Elsevier does not publish its section blueprints openly, so treat that split as an estimate and answer every question as if it counts.
Other sections you might see
- Physics: an optional science section a few programs require.
- Critical Thinking: offered by some schools (Gateway Technical College lists it at 30 questions).
- Learning Style and Personality Profile: short questionnaires, not scored as right or wrong. Central Texas College allows about 15 minutes each.
Timing works differently from most exams
Programs set the total time, commonly 4 to 5 hours for a full battery. Tarrant County College lists 5 hours; Gateway Technical College gives nursing applicants 4.5 hours. Within that window you need to pace yourself section by section, so learn the recommended times above and check the clock at each section break.
Pacing per question
Using the recommended times, Math gives you about 55 seconds per question, Reading about 65 seconds (most of it spent on passages), Vocabulary and Grammar about 55 seconds, and each science section about 50 seconds. Practice timed sets at those rates so the real exam feels familiar.
How to find your exact configuration
Look for a HESI A2 or admission testing page on your program's website. It should list the sections you must take, the total time allowed, the minimum score for each section and how long a score stays valid. If it does not, ask the admissions office before you register, because you cannot add a section after you test. Testing centers also publish their own rules for identification, calculators, breaks and retake waits, which can differ from the program's page.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the HESI A2 math section?
55 questions, with about 50 minutes recommended.
Do I have to take every section?
No. Your program picks the sections. The Core Four plus Anatomy and Physiology is a very common requirement.
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 · Gateway Technical College Testing Services: HESI A2 · Central Texas College: HESI A2 Exam information sheet. Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Elsevier.