HESI A2 practice test: free HESI entrance exam questions
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Prepare for the HESI A2 nursing school entrance exam with original practice questions on the five most required sections: math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and anatomy and physiology. Start with 5 free questions, then take two timed mixed tests at the real HESI pace with an explanation for every answer.
- 5 free questions
- 2 timed tests, 100 questions
- Real HESI pace: about 56 s per question
- Explanation for every answer
- Practice certificate PDF
How many questions are on the HESI A2?
The HESI Admission Assessment (A2) is made up of separate exams, and each school chooses which ones you take. Most nursing programs ask for math, reading, vocabulary, grammar and anatomy and physiology; some add biology, chemistry, critical thinking or the learning style and personality profiles (which do not count toward your score).
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | 55 | 60 min |
| Vocabulary and general knowledge | 55 | 50 min |
| Grammar | 55 | 50 min |
| Basic math skills | 55 | 50 min |
| Anatomy and physiology | 30 | 25 min |
| Biology / chemistry (if required) | 30 each | 25 min each |
Each 55-question exam has 50 scored and 5 unscored pilot items; each 30-question exam has 25 scored and 5 pilot items. With the five usual sections the exam takes about 4 hours. Times are as published by schools such as Southern Arkansas University and Northeast Texas Community College (checked 15 October 2026); your school may differ, so check its testing page.
MyLevel tests are a shortened mixed practice, not the full 4-hour exam: each has 50 questions (10 per section) with a 47-minute timer, the same average pace as the real sections.
What is on the HESI A2? Topics per section
- Math: fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and proportions, simple equations, Roman numerals, military time, household and metric conversions, and dosage-style word problems.
- Reading comprehension: main idea, details, inferences, author's purpose, fact versus opinion and word meaning in context, often in health-related passages.
- Vocabulary and general knowledge: everyday and health care words such as bilateral, distal, edema or contraindication.
- Grammar: subject-verb agreement, pronouns, commonly confused words, verb tenses, punctuation and plurals.
- Anatomy and physiology: terminology, body planes and directions, and the main body systems: heart and blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, nervous, endocrine, digestive, skeletal and muscular systems.
The questions on this page are original practice questions written by MyLevel on these topics, not real HESI questions.
What is a good HESI A2 score?
There is no national passing score. Each school sets its own minimum, usually for the cumulative score of the required sections and sometimes per section. Many nursing programs ask for 75% to 80%: for example, Southern Arkansas University asks for 75% or more, and Lamar State College Orange asks for a 75 composite with at least 75% in math and in A&P. Competitive programs often admit applicants with higher scores.
After each MyLevel test you see your score per section and an indicative band. It is a guide for your practice only and does not convert to a HESI score.
How to study for the HESI A2
- Check which sections your school requires and its minimum score.
- Take the free questions, then one full practice test to find your weakest section.
- Learn the conversions by heart (cups, ounces, teaspoons, kg to lb, cm to inches), Roman numerals and military time: they come up often in math.
- For vocabulary and A&P, learn word parts and the main body systems; for grammar, review the commonly confused words.
- Read every explanation, also for questions you got right, then take the second test a week before your exam.
The full pack costs $9.99, one time: two timed 50-question tests, explanations, a score per section and a practice certificate. No subscription. One purchase also unlocks every other MyLevel job test. This test alone is $3.99.
MyLevel is independent and not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Elsevier or any nursing school. HESI is a trademark of Elsevier. All questions are original practice questions on the published HESI A2 topics, not real exam questions.
Sample question with explanation
Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood out to the body?
- Right ventricle
- Left atrium
- Right atrium
- Left ventricle
Show the answer
Answer: D. Left ventricle
The left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood into the aorta and on to the body; the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the HESI A2?
It depends on the sections your school requires. Reading, vocabulary, grammar and math have 55 questions each (reading 60 minutes, the others 50 minutes); anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry have 30 questions each in 25 minutes. Each section includes 5 unscored pilot items.
What score do I need to pass the HESI A2?
There is no single pass mark. Each school sets its own minimum, often a cumulative score of 75% to 80%, sometimes with minimums for sections such as math or A&P. Check the program you apply to.
Is the HESI A2 hard?
Most questions test high-school level skills, but the exam is long (about 4 hours with five sections) and many programs want 75% or more. Applicants often find anatomy and physiology and math conversions the hardest. Timed practice with explanations helps you find weak topics.
Are these the real HESI A2 questions?
No. These are original questions written by MyLevel on the topics of the HESI A2 sections. Real HESI questions are not published, and no site can legally offer them.
What do I get for $9.99?
Two timed mixed practice tests of 50 questions each (math, reading, vocabulary, grammar and A&P), an explanation for every answer, a score per section, retakes and a practice certificate. It is a one-time payment, no subscription, and it also unlocks every other MyLevel job test. This test alone costs $3.99.
Can I unlock only this test?
Yes. Under the pack button you can unlock only the full tests on this page for $3.99, one time. The $9.99 job pack unlocks every MyLevel job test. Both are one-time payments with no subscription.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. After a full practice test you can download a MyLevel practice certificate (PDF) with your score. It is a personal record of your practice, not an official document or a HESI score.
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