hesi critical thinking 2021

HESI A2 Practice Test

Prepare for your test with realistic questions.

Welcome to the HESI A2 practice test page!

Click the “Start Test” button at the top of this page to begin our free HESI practice test! These HESI practice questions will give you a better idea of what to study for your exam.

HESI Topic Checklist

Hesi practice tests by subject.

If you need some extra practice in a specific subject, click one of the subjects below to get started on a subject-specific HESI practice test.

HESI Mathematics Practice Test HESI Biology Practice Test

HESI Chemistry Practice Test HESI Anatomy & Physiology Practice Test

HESI Grammar Practice Test HESI Vocabulary Practice Test

HESI Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI Physics Practice Test

Good luck with your studying!

HESI A2 Outline

The HESI A2 exam contains eight subtests, which are outlined below.

It’s important to note that you will most likely not be required to take every subtest on this list.

Depending on your program, you may only need to take the Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar subtests. Some schools may ask you to take the Biology and Anatomy & Physiology subtests as well, but the Chemistry and Physics subtests are rarely ever required. Check with the administrators of the school you are applying to for more information.

Click test outline to open expanded view

Practice For the HESI A2 the Best Way

How to study effectively.

Your success on HESI test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing, but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking HESI A2 practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free HESI practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

• The questions you got wrong
• The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
• The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are, and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many HESI practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the HESI A2 practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

Check Out Mometrix's HESI A2 Study Guide

Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons

HESI A2 Online Prep Course

If you are wanting to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online HESI prep course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The HESI A2 course includes:

• Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
• Over 3,250 HESI Practice Questions
• 150+ Video Tutorials
• More Than 550 Electronic Flashcards
• Money-back Guarantee

The HESI online prep course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their HESI exam. Click below to check it out!

Strategy for HESI Practice

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

• Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and HESI study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
• Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
• Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
• Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.

If you need additional instruction, check out the Mometrix flashcards and study guide which includes additional practice tests. These invaluable resources include a risk-free, 1-year 100% money-back guarantee. Repetition and practice are key to adequate preparation.

Check Out Mometrix's HESI A2 Flashcards

Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts

What is on the HESI entrance exam?

There are nine content areas on the HESI entrance exam. These areas cover specific math, science, reading skills. The HESI entrance exam also includes a Personality Profile and a Learning Style section.

What subjects are on the HESI test?

The HESI Test focuses on nine specific subjects. These are Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Basic Math Skills, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Physics.

How many questions are on the HESI test?

There are a total of 326 questions on the HESI entrance test.

Do you get to use a calculator on the HESI?

You are allowed to use a calculator on the HESI exam. However, you cannot bring your own. There will be a digital calculator available on-screen.

What does the HESI stand for?

The HESI stands for Health Education Systems, Inc., with A2 standing for Admission Assessment.

How many questions are in each section of the HESI A2?

Each section of the HESI A2 contains 25-55 questions.

How much does it cost to take the HESI?

Every school sets their own cost for taking the HESI entrance exam. You can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $70.

What are HESI scores?

Each section on the HESI exam is individually scored. Each school sets their own passing score for the HESI exam. The minimum score for most nursing schools is 75%-80% on each section.

What is the HESI A2 exam for?

The HESI A2 exam is used to test academic readiness of those who are wishing to enter nursing school.

How do you sign up for the HESI?

To sign up for the HESI entrance exam, you must have an Evolve account with Elsevier, the exam sponsor. You can create an account here: https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/

By Kate Nockunas

Kate has been Mometrix’s Nursing and Medical Editor for over four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Vanderbilt University, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Marymount University, and a master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins. Kate is a critical care registered nurse who still works occasionally in the ICU and PACU.

HESI Test – Home

by Mometrix Test Preparation | This Page Last Updated: March 4, 2024

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HESI A2 Online Prep Courses

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I really enjoy this, got a 92 overall on the exam. This course definitely helped me get there.

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What You Get With Our HESI Prep Course

Covers all hesi subjects.

• HESI Reading
• HESI Grammar
• HESI Vocab 
• HESI Anatomy & Physiology
• HESI Biology
• HESI Chemistry
• HESI Physics

Complete Study Guides

• Learn from our in-depth study guides
• Content created by expert HESI tutors
• Focus your studies. Skip around the course as needed
• Updated for most recent HESI exam
• 24 Full-Length Practice Exams
• 24 full-length timed practice exams (3 for each subject)
• Questions written in style of the exam
• All questions have complete explanations and rationales
• 100% Pass Guarantee
• We offer a 100% pass guarantee. If you do not pass your exam, let us know and we will issue you a full-refund

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• All of our courses involve a one-time payment
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Hesi a2 core.

• HESI Core (Math, Reading, Vocab, and Grammar)
• 12 Full-Length Practice Exams
• 1,000+ Actual Questions and Answers
• In-Depth Study Guides
• 250 HESI Specific Flashcards
• Use on Any Device

HESI A2 Pro

• HESI Anatomy & Physiology
• 1,500+ Actual Questions and Answers

Use Our HESI Prep to Learn, Not Just Memorize.

Our HESI prep was designed to help you learn key concepts, not just memorize them. Not only will this help you during the HESI exam, it will also help you throughout your career.

In-Depth HESI Study Guides

Notes + examples.

Review our in-depth study guides to really drill down on the content. We use a combination of notes and examples to help students.

Realistic HESI Practice

24 full-length exams.

Full-length timed practice exams and mini quizzes to test your knowledge. Be prepared going into the HESI exam.

BoostPrep vs. Other HESI Prep

Hesi a2 prep course outline.

Curious about what you will learn in our HESI prep course? Check out the complete course outline below.

• Exams are complete simulations of actual exam
• Questions are written in the HESI exam style
• All questions have full explanations/rationales
• Exams are timed
• Complete scores with feedback, tracking and history
• Compare your scores with the average scores of other students who have taken the same exams

Detailed HESI Math Outline

• Basic Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
• Working with Negative Numbers
• Exponents and Square Roots
• Order of Operations
• Rounding Numbers and Estimating
• Converting Between Fractions and Decimals
• Ratios and Proportions with Word Problems
• Units of Measurement and Conversions
• Percentages and Solving Problems
• Roman Numerals
• Military and Civilian Time
• Word Problems
• Information to Memorize
• and 31 practice quizzes

HESI Grammar Detailed Outline

• Parts of Speech
• Parts of a Sentence
• Capitalization
• Punctuation
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• What to Avoid
• Easily Confused Words
• and quiz assessments to track progress

Detailed HESI Reading Outline

• Introduction
• Supporting Details
• Summarizing Passages
• Purpose and Tone
• Fact vs. Opinion
• Logical Inferences
• Word Meaning
• General Tips and Strategies
• and 5 practice quizzes

Detailed HESI Vocab Outline

• HESI Vocab 1
• HESI Vocab 2
• HESI Vocab 3
• HESI Vocab 4
• HESI Vocab 5

Detailed HESI Anatomy & Physiology Outline

• Anatomy Basics
• Skin/Integumentary System
• Bones, Joints, and Skeletal Tissue
• Skeletal System
• Muscle Tissue
• Muscular System
• Nervous System
• Endocrine System
• Circulatory System
• Immune System
• Respiratory System
• Digestive System
• Urinary System
• Reproductive System 
• and 17 practice quizzes

Detailed HESI Chemistry Outline

• Atomic Structure
• Physical Properties of Matter
• Types of Bonds
• Chemical Properties of Matter
• Chemical Equations
• Chemical Reactions
• Chemistry Math
• Solutions and Molarity
• Acids and Bases
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• and a complete section quiz

Detailed HESI Biology Outline

• Scientific Reasoning
• Basic Macromolecules
• ATP and Cellular Respiration
• Plant Structure and Reproduction
• DNA, Chromosomes, and Genes
• Cell Reproduction
• Genetics and Mendel’s Law
• Classifying Organisms

Detailed HESI Physics Outline

• Velocity and Acceleration
• Projectile Motion
• Newton’s Laws
• Work, Power, and Efficiency
• Uniform Circular Motion
• Potential and Kinetic Energy
• Linear Momentum and Impulse
• Universal Gravitation
• Thermodynamics
• Light and Sound Waves
• Electricity and Magnetism

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