The HESI Exam: What Chamberlain University Wants You to Know

Whether you have been accepted to Chamberlain University or are getting ready to apply, if a nursing track is in your future, you’re probably wondering about the HESI exam. After all, before you can enroll in nursing school, you’ll need to pass it. But don’t worry! Thousands of prospective students just like you have passed the test, and you can, too.

What Is the HESI A2?

The Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment, more commonly known as the HESI A2, is an exam that Chamberlain and other nursing schools require for admission to their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs.

The HESI A2 has 150 questions in four subject areas. Although that may sound intimidating, the exam used to be much longer and covered seven subjects. Now the HESI A2 consists of:

•     50 reading comprehension questions
•     50 vocabulary questions
•     25 biology questions
•     25 anatomy and physiology questions

The questions are multiple choice. You’ll have three hours to complete the HESI A2 exam.

How Do I Study for the HESI A2?

Creating a plan to prepare for the HESI A2 test will give you the confidence to succeed. Follow these three steps to study for the exam.

1. Take a pretest. A pretest will give you a chance to experience the types of questions you’ll encounter on the HESI A2 exam. Better yet, the results will show you which areas you need to spend more time studying. The HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review, 5th Edition includes a pretest, and the book is published by the same company that owns HESI. The review book also offers key terms, illustrations and summaries that will aid you in studying. If you’re a prospective Chamberlain student or applicant purchasing the book from the Elsevier website, you can receive a 30% discount with the code 5YKAO1U0GP. This discount is valid through January 20, 2025, and applies to the eBook as well.
2. Schedule time to study. Block time on your calendar to study for the HESI. Devote extra study time to the sections you scored the lowest on in the pretest. Many find the biology, anatomy and physiology sections to be the most challenging, but the review book will help guide you to the types of questions you’ll want to be prepared to answer.
3. Check your knowledge. The HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review includes access to online practice exams. Practicing will give you the opportunity to see how effectively you’ve studied, and it can help ensure you are well prepared for the types of questions that will be asked on the actual exam.

Passing the HESI A2 Exam

When you take the test, you’ll need to complete all four sections within three hours. At the end of three hours, testing stops regardless of whether you are finished—so be sure to stay mindful of the time when you’re taking the exam. 

Remember, you’re not alone! All Chamberlain BSN students and graduates have successfully taken the HESI A2. Plus, there are plenty of resources available to help you prepare. If for some reason you don’t pass the first time, you do have another chance. Set aside more time for studying, and then you can retake the test. 

Nursing is a rewarding career path, and at Chamberlain, we’re behind you all the way!

Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).