HESI A2

Elsevier's HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam can assess applicants' basic learning skills and gauge future classroom success. The exam consists of several academic sections, as well as a personality profile.

In order to take the HESI A2, a student must be admitted to their program of study at Gateway and may be required to have successfully completed General Anatomy and Physiology (A&P). Please see the Petitioning Dates and Eligibility page for program specific information. 

Test Information

The table includes all content areas of the exam, however not all programs require each section of the exam. Specific program requirements are listed below the table. 

*Recommended times are listed as a guideline for pacing purposes only. See total allowed time below for exact exam timing. 

Specific Program Requirements

Nursing/ADN, Paramedic to ADN Bridge and Practical Nursing
Sections: Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, Math, Anatomy and Physiology, Critical Thinking, Personality Profile and Learning Style
Total Time Allowed: 4.5 hours
Retest Policy: 30 day wait in between attempts

Physical Therapist Assistant and Surgical Technology
Sections: Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, Math, Anatomy and Physiology, Critical Thinking, Personality Profile and Learning Style
Total Time Allowed: 4.5 hours
Retest Policy: 2 attempts per year (30-day wait in between)

Dental Hygiene
Sections: Reading, Vocabulary and Anatomy and Physiology
Total Time Allowed: 3.5 hours

For passing scores, please see our Petitioning Dates and Eligibility page.

Appointment Information

Scheduling is available approximately 4-6 weeks in advance of the petition window. Please arrive on time for your appointment. All students are required to present a valid photo ID at the time of check in. Students will also be asked to lock up all personal items, paperwork and electronic devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, fitbits, internet-enabled devices and watches prior to entering the exam room. Lockers are provided. 

Remember to bring:

• a valid state or student ID
• your Elsevier username and password (if you tested previously). New testers will create their account at the Testing Center.

Reasonable Accommodations

Learners taking a test through a Gateway Testing Services Center are able to work with campus Disability Support Services to establish reasonable accommodations. Please contact Disability Support Services well before your scheduled exam. Testing Services is unable to provide accommodations without prior approval from Disability Support Services.

If you are approved for accommodations, you must contact the Testing Center to set up your appointment. Please email testingservices@gtc.edu to schedule. Failure to do so may result in exam rescheduling.

Retesting

Students who do not meet the score requirement for petitioning may be allowed to retake the exam. There is a minimum, required 30-day wait period between the initial attempt and the retake. Each program may have their own retest policy. Please see the chart above for more detailed information.

Additional Resources

Evolve offers products for purchase to help you prepare for the HESI A2 assessment:

• Evolve Resources for Admissions Assessment Exam Review, 5th Edition (digital version)
• Admission Assessment Exam Review, 5th Edition (paperback) 
• Elsevier Evolve website

Visit a Gateway Learning Success Center for skill building, including:

• Tutoring 
• Instructional support - reading and comprehension of test questions
• Adult basic education support courses

Access the Gateway Library for study materials:

• Gateway Library Resources 
• Borrow HESI A2 prep book

Other general resources  

• Khan Academy 
• YouTube : Timothy Sorenson
• Mometrix
• NurseHub   
• Google - free practice HESI A2 questions

Locations offered: Elkhorn, Kenosha and Racine campuses
Cost: $54 for Nursing/ADN, Paramedic to ADN Bridge, Practical Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant and Surgical TechnologyNursing, Physical Therapy and Surgical Technician students; $44 for Dental Hygiene students