How to Prepare for the Chamberlain HESI A2 Exam: Tips, Timeline, and Resources

HESI A2 Quick Facts

• Exam name: HESI Admission Assessment (A2)
• Purpose: Evaluate readiness for nursing school
• Format: Online or on-campus options
• Total questions: Approximately 170 multiple-choice questions
• Time to complete: Up to 3 hours
• Number of sections: Four
• Tested subjects:
  • Reading comprehension
  • Vocabulary and general knowledge
  • Biology
  • Anatomy and physiology
• Number of attempts: One attempt per admissions cycle

If you’re planning to apply to Chamberlain University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, an early step in the admissions process is taking the Chamberlain HESI exam, also known as the HESI Admission Assessment (HESI A2).

The exam covers reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, biology, and anatomy and physiology. It typically includes around 170 multiple-choice questions, though the exact number may vary due to the exam’s customizable format. It is administered within a three-hour time limit.

Getting ready for the HESI A2 can feel like a big step, but having a solid plan and the right resources can help you stay organized along the way. This guide walks you through what to expect on the exam and how to get started. You’ll learn: 

• How the Chamberlain HESI exam is structured
• Tips to help you prepare for the HESI A2
• How to create a four-week study plan
• Where to find exam prep resources
• Answers to frequently asked HESI A2 questions

HESI A2 Exam Sections: What to Expect

Understanding what appears on the HESI A2 Chamberlain exam can help you study more efficiently and focus on the areas that matter most. The following sections outline the key areas assessed on the exam and what each one includes. 

Reading Comprehension

You’ll be tested on how well you can read, understand, and interpret written information.

Topics may include: 

• Main ideas
• Supporting details
• Conclusions and inferences
• Vocabulary in context

Study tip: Many students find it helpful to read the questions first, so they know what information to look for while reading the passage. 

Vocabulary and General Knowledge

This section assesses your understanding of word meanings commonly used in academic and healthcare settings.  

Topics may include:

• Medical terminology
• Prefixes, suffixes, and root words
• Context clues

Study tip: Flashcards and short daily vocabulary reviews can help reinforce terminology. 

Biology

This section evaluates your understanding of foundational biological concepts that support nursing studies. 

Topics may include: 

• Cells and cellular processes
• Genetics
• Metabolism
• Basic chemistry concepts related to biology

Study tip: Focus on understanding biological concepts rather than memorizing isolated facts. 

Anatomy and Physiology

Expect questions that cover the human body systems and how they function together.

Topics may include: 

• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory system
• Nervous system
• Digestive system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Endocrine system

Study tip: Use diagrams and visual tools to understand how body systems interact. 

8 Tips to Prepare for the HESI A2

Preparing strategically can be helpful in both how you feel on test day and how prepared you are. The tips below can help you stay organized and make the most of your time as you get ready to take the exam. 

1. Understand the Exam Format. Take time to review how the HESI A2 is structured, including the types of questions and the sections included. Knowing what to expect can help reduce uncertainty and support more focused study.
2. Start Studying Early. Giving yourself enough time to study allows you to review each subject at a steady pace. Starting early can help you avoid cramming and give you time to revisit topics that need extra attention.
3. Take a Diagnostic Practice Test. Begin with a full-length or section-based practice test to get a sense of your current knowledge. This can help you identify strengths and highlight areas where you may want to spend more time studying.
4. Focus on Your Weaker Areas. Once you know which topics need improvement, prioritize those areas in your study plan. This allows you to spend extra time on the subjects you find more challenging.
5. Practice With Timed Exams. Practicing under timed conditions can help you become more familiar with the pacing of the exam. This can also help you build familiarity with moving through questions efficiently without feeling rushed.
6. Study Medical Vocabulary Regularly. Many HESI questions include terminology commonly used in healthcare settings. Regularly reviewing prefixes, suffixes, and root words may help you better understand terms across different sections of the test.
7. Use Visual Learning Tools. Diagrams, charts, and labeled illustrations can help you review complex topics, especially in anatomy and biology. Visual tools may help reinforce connections between concepts.
8. Take Care of Yourself. Preparing for the exam isn’t just about studying. Getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and managing stress may help you stay focused while you’re taking the exam. 

HESI A2 Study Plan

Creating a study plan may make it easier to stay organized and cover all exam topics without feeling overwhelmed. This sample plan offers a structured way to review key subjects and build familiarity with the exam format and material. Assign a timeframe to each section that allows you to be prepared for your scheduled exam day. 

Diagnostic and Foundations

• Take a full practice exam
• Identify weak subjects
• Begin vocabulary review

Science Review

Focus on:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Biology
• Key terminology

Practice and Reinforcement

• Complete additional practice exams
• Review incorrect answers
• Strengthen weak areas

Final Review

• Take a final practice exam
• Review vocabulary and major concepts
• Prepare for test day

HESI A2 Prep Resources

Finding the best study tools for you may make a difference. Here are some resources you may find helpful as you prepare.

Chamberlain BSN Readiness Course

Chamberlain offers a no cost BSN Readiness Course designed to support applicants preparing for the HESI Admission Assessment. Because it is developed specifically for prospective Chamberlain students, the course aligns with the academic areas assessed on the exam.

This self-paced online course allows you to review material on your own schedule and revisit topics as needed. It includes content review and interactive learning activities to reinforce key concepts. 

Official HESI Practice Materials Through Elsevier

Elsevier, the developer of the exam, publishes an HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review study guide and other practice resources. You can explore these options through Elsevier’s Evolve platform.  

More HESI A2 Study Resources

There are a variety of other study tools available to reinforce your preparation. Here are some other resources that offer additional ways to review and practice key concepts:  

• Nurses Hub content review and practice tests  
• A Chamberlain webinar covering HESI A2 topics  
• HESI A2 Pocket Prep
• HESI A2 Quizlet sets
• A Chamberlain video featuring one student’s experience preparing for the HESI A2 (individual scores vary). 

Explore Chamberlain’s BSN Degree Program

Chamberlain’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program offers flexible start dates, hands-on learning experiences, support from faculty and student services, and many other features. Connect with an Enrollment Representative online or by calling 877.751.5783 to get more details about the HESI A2 and Chamberlain’s bachelor’s in nursing program. 

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.