HESI A2 Pre-Admission Assessment for Nursing
What is the HESI A2 Examination?
The HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam is a standardized and proctored entrance exam completed by Nursing program applicants.
What is the content of the exam?
The HESI A2 consists of eight (8) exam areas, five (5) of which will be used to calculate the cumulative score.
The learner profile and critical thinking sections are necessary but will NOT contribute to your cumulative score results. The faculty will use this information to prepare for your first semester in Nursing and to aid in your success.
Reading Comprehension: Provides reading scenarios to measure reading comprehension, identifying the main
idea, finding meaning of words in context, passage comprehension, making logical inferences,
etc.
Allotted time: 60 minutes; 55 test questions
Vocabulary and General Knowledge: Contains vocabulary terms that are commonly used in both general English-speaking
settings and in healthcare fields.
Allotted time: 50 minutes; 55 test questions
Basic Math Skills: Focuses on math skills needed for health care fields, including basic addition, subtraction,
multiplication, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measures, general
math facts, etc.
Allotted time: 50 minutes; 55 test questions
Biology: Covers biology basics, water, biological molecules, metabolism, cells, cellular respiration,
photosynthesis, etc.
Allotted time: 25 minutes; 30 test questions
Anatomy and Physiology: Provides coverage of general terminology and anatomical structures and systems.
Allotted time: 25 minutes; 30 test questions
Learning Style: Assesses preferred learning style.
Personality Profile: Assesses personality related to preferred learning style.
Assesses a brief snapshot of critical thinking abilities in situations encountered in healthcare settings, including problem-solving, biases and ethical dilemmas, argument analysis, and analysis of data.
Note: Physics, Chemistry, and Grammar are not required.
How is the test scored, and what is the recommended score?
Performance on each of the five (5) tests (reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, math, biology, and anatomy & physiology) is reported as both an individual composite score and as a combined cumulative score. The cumulative score will be used for nursing admissions.
Each section must be passed with a 75% or higher to be competitive for admission to the ADN program. Below is an example of the HESI Exam formula for the application process.
| Section | Score |
|---|---|
| English Composite (both subtests) | 80% |
| Science Composite (both subtests) | 75% |
| Math | 90% |
| TOTAL | 245 / 3 = 81.7% |
Add each section score and divide by 3 to determine average score and points on the application.
| Average | Points |
|---|---|
| 100%–90% | 3 |
| 89%–82% | 2 |
| 81%–75% | 1 |
| Less than 75% | 0 |
If you do not achieve the recommended score, you may still apply to the nursing program. However, no points will be awarded, and the committee will review all applications. Without the recommended score, your chances for admission are limited.
How Can I Prepare?
HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review Study Guide (Elsevier, 5th Edition ISBN: 9780323582261) is available through the Gateway bookstore. This study guide provides content review and sample test questions.
Schedule a FREE Practice Nursing School Entrance Exam (HESI A2)
There are eBook study guides with practice tests on the same topic (different titles) available on the Nursing Library Guide.
When can I take the HESI A2?
There are two eligibility periods as shown below:
- January 15 to May 15
- June 15 to October 15
You can take the HESI A2 only two times per eligibility period.
Students may not submit scores from different eligibility periods.
Note: These dates are not application deadline dates. The end date of an eligibility period may be brought forward depending on the application deadline.
When will I receive my HESI A2 exam scores?
Exam scores are immediately available after completion of the exam. Your scores are also available on your Evolve account with information for remediation. If you are unhappy with your score, please make sure you review the remediation provided from Evolve before retesting.
How long are my HESI A2 exam scores valid?
Scores will be valid for 18 months from the time of exam completion. Scores must be taken from a single eligibility period.
Can I retest?
If a student scores less than 75% on a required section/s or if a student wishes to improve their score, in all or selective sections of the exam they may retake the test. There is a 2-week waiting period to retest. This will allow you time to complete remediation provided by Elsevier in your Evolve account. The student must Register and choose the Retake option for the exam.
If you do not achieve the recommended score after a retest, you may still apply to the nursing program. However, no points will be awarded, and the committee will review all applications. Without the recommended score, your chances for admission are limited.
You must wait until the next eligibility period to test again.
The highest score from each test within the eligibility period will be taken into consideration. Students may not submit scores from two different eligibility periods.
Do I have to take HESI A2 if I have a degree already?
Students who have obtained a doctoral, master, bachelors, and/or a certificate are still required to take the HESI A2. All students applying to the Associate Degree Nursing Program through the traditional route are required to take the HESI A2, no exceptions.
What is the cost?
The cost of the HESI A2 Exam is $70 at Gateway’s Assessment Center and must be paid at the time of scheduling. When registering for the exam, be prepared with a debit/credit card. The fee is the same if you re-test on a section or all sections. Exam purchase is not refundable or transferrable to another test date.
where do I go to take the exam?
Gateway’s Testing Center
Boone Campus
Center for Advanced Manufacturing
500 Technology Way
Florence, KY 41042
What Do I Need?
You must:
- Arrive 15 minutes before appointment time
- Bring one form of valid, non-expired, government-issued identification (driver’s license, state identification, or passport).
- Have an Evolve account
- Bring your Evolve username and password
Note: All candidates will be required to login to their Evolve account to take the Exam.
Can I get accommodations for testing?
If you need Accommodations, please contact Accessibility Services and the Testing Center before registering.
How do I register for the HESI A2 at Gateway?
Please ensure you have read every section on this page and have created your Evolve account account before you register for your exam.
Registration Instructions:
- Choose a Group: HESI
- Choose an Exam
- If you are taking the HESI A2 Exam for the first time in an eligibility period, select "HESI A2 Admission with Critical Thinking".
- If you are retaking the HESI A2 Exam in an eligibility period, select "Retake HESI A2".
- Ensure the name on the registration matches the name on the valid ID you will be presenting to take the exam.
- Read and fill out the rest of the categories as necessary. You will be able to choose your test date/time here. Please be sure to read all items carefully.
- Add to cart when finished, and complete payment.
Note: Registration for the HESI A2 Exam will open on December 1 and June 1.
How do I create my Evolve Account?
Ensure the name on the account matches the name on the valid ID you will be presenting to take the exam.
If you have a KCTCS email, you must use your KCTCS email to create your account. If you do not have a KCTCS email, you can use your personal email. You will need to update your email when you obtain your KCTCS email.
If you are retaking the HESI A2, please use the same account you created for the previous exam.
Make a note of your username and password. You will need to use the account to take the HESI A2 Exam. If you forget your username, please contact Evolve Support before you show up for your exam.
Create an Account
- Go to Evolve.
- Select "student".
- Enter all the required information.
Already Have an Account
- Go to Evolve.
- Click "Sign In".
- Go to “Account” then “Account Settings” to update your email to your KCTCS email address and associate your account with your institution in the “Institution” tab.
