8 Tips to Prepare for the HESI A2 Exam

Whether you’ve always known you were going to be a nurse, or you’ve just recently discovered your passion, Chamberlain is here to help you step forward and start your nursing journey.

Completing the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) is one of your first steps in the admission process for Chamberlain University’s 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. So, what is the HESI A2? What’s involved with the HESI A2 exam? Here are five things you should know:

1. The HESI A2 consists of seven required academic exams, a  personality profile and a learning style assessment.
2. A minimum standard custom score on the HESI A2 Exam is 73 for the BSN program.
3. Applicants are allowed two attempts to take the HESI A2 prior to Admission Committee review, and all seven academic exams must be completed each time the assessment is taken.
4. If you decide to submit an application for admission to Chamberlain, the cost of the HESI A2 is included in your application fee.
5. Upon submitting your application, Chamberlain recommends that you complete your first attempt at the HESI A2 within three to five days.

Now that you know a bit more about the HESI A2, here are our top eight tips for HESI test prep:

1. Devise a plan.

Before taking the assessment, remember to plan your time in a way that works best for you. When going through HESI test prep, some find that answering the easiest questions first and saving the more difficult problems for last works best for them, while others find it best to tackle the hardest questions first while you are most alert.

2. Know what to expect.

The HESI A2 is a computerized exam taken either onsite at a campus location or via an approved remote proctoring vendor. Total time allotted to complete the exam is 315 minutes (5 hours and 15 minutes), including short breaks equaling a total of 30 minutes. Once time has expired, the HESI A2 will automatically end with no option to re-enter. Be sure to keep track of your time so you can pace yourself.

3. Breathe.

Keep in mind that the HESI A2 assesses your understanding of subject areas that you have studied throughout your education, so the information should not be new material for you. While you certainly want to put effort into HESI exam prep, approaching it from this perspective should put your mind at ease.

4. Practice makes perfect.

There are many ways in which you can prepare for the assessment. The HESI study booklet, Admission Assessment Exam Review (Elsevier Health Services), can be purchased online. Another HESI prep idea is to take an Elsevier HESI A2 practice test online. See below for instructions on how to access a comprehensive practice exam for HESI test prep.

5. Take a break.

Give your mind a chance to rest from HESI prep by doing something low-key the night before the exam. Watch a movie, read a book or go for a walk to help you relax.

6. Get those Z’s.

Make sure to get a full night’s rest the night before your HESI A2. Cramming or pulling an “all-nighter” is not an effective HESI exam prep strategy, will do little to improve your score and may actually do more to hinder your success. A good alternative to cramming the night before is to have a 30-minute “power-study” session within the hour leading up to your exam to refresh yourself right before the test.

7. Make time for the most important meal of the day.

Considering the HESI A2 is a long exam, you want to make sure you eat well prior to your test so you can focus on your exam and not on your growling stomach.

8. Don’t stress.

Use your best relaxation techniques to reduce test anxiety, avoid stressful situations prior to taking the assessment, and get your blood flowing prior to testing. A good way to do this is by listening to your favorite music prior to your exam.

We hope you find these HESI test prep tips useful and wish you the best on your path toward becoming an extraordinary nurse. If you’re ready to take the next step with Chamberlain, reach out to the admission team here.

By Chamberlain University