HESI A2 Prep

About the HESI A2 Exam

The HESI A2 Exam is a standardized entrance exam used by many nursing programs, and it will be a required component of applications for Nursing at FSU starting with the Fall 2027 application cycle. Visit the FSU BSN in Nursing website for admissions and application information.

HESI A2 is typically used to evaluate student readiness through institution-selected exam sections. Content on the exam emphasizes foundational knowledge and applied reasoning rather than nursing clinical coursework.

Download PDFTwo-Week HESI A2 Study Plan WorkshopsHESI A2 Bootcamp PracticeHESI A2 Practice Tests TutoringTutoring Support at FSU

What the HESI A2 exam is like:

  • HESI A2 is a computer-delivered assessment that FSU students will take proctored remotely. Visit the FSU BSN in Nursing website for current exam registration and guidelines.
  • Exam sections primarily use multiple-choice questions. For Reading Comprehension, passage-based reading items appear on the screen.
  • The Personality Profile uses self-description items, so studying and content review are not required. Be authentic in your responses.

HESI A2 Sections Required for FSU Nursing Applicants

Section Items Suggested time needed for exam section Content emphasis
Anatomy & Physiology 30 (25 scored) 25 min Anatomical terminology; structures and functions of major body systems
Biology 30 (25 scored) 25 min Cells, biological molecules, metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis
Mathematics 55 (50 scored) 50 min Arithmetic, fractions, decimals, ratios/proportions, measurement conversions
Reading Comprehension 55 (50 scored) 60 min Main idea, supporting details, meaning in context, logical inferences
Personality Styles/ Profile 15 items 15 min Personal preferences and traits; self-report, not academic knowledge (no preparation needed for this section of the HESI A2)

Preparing for the HESI A2

  1. Familiarize yourself with the HESI A2. Learn about the exam sections you will need to take on the HESI A2 and the format for the exam.
  2. Take a diagnostic practice test online. This will help you identify what sections and content you should review using FSU resources, tutoring, and workshops. Peterson’s Test Prep offers two free tests for FSU students. You will also find many other web-based practice test options.
  3. Start studying early. Give yourself time to review content over a few weeks to help you avoid cramming.
  4. Create a study plan. This will also help you fit studying around your regular class and study schedule, and it can help you structure your study sessions. Download this Two-Week HESI A2 Study Plan for inspiration.
  5. Spend more time on areas for improvement. Practice tests and studying will help you prioritize exam sections and specific content in your study plan.
  6. Review content with a tutor. ACE and the Reading-Writing Center (RWC) have tutors ready to help you review HESI A2 content! Set up an appointment or walk-in for assistance during advertised hours. Bring practice problems with you. You can also attend HESI A2 workshops through FSU.
  7. Try a few timed practice exams. This will help you get familiar with the exam format. Set up your space like you would for your real online proctored exam to get used to the environment where you will take the real exam.
  8. Take care of yourself. Remember, the HESI A2 is just one component of your nursing admissions application. Do your best and take time to take care of yourself so that you can perform at your best. Visit chaw.fsu.edu/topics/wellness for resources.

Download · PDF

Two-Week HESI A2 Study Plan

A day-by-day schedule to help you structure your study sessions and fit HESI A2 review around your classes.

Download the Study Plan

HESI A2 Prep Workshops

Nov 5 Thursday

HESI A2 Bootcamp

  • Thursday, November 5, 2026
  • 3:00pm-7:00pm
  • DUX 214

Free event | RSVP in advance is encouraged at HESI A2 Bootcamp RSVP

This free bootcamp is designed for students applying to FSU’s BSN program for Fall 2027 admission. Students in any major can attend. The bootcamp will feature an introduction to the HESI A2 exam, its format, and how to best prepare, followed by live review sessions for Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Math, and Reading Comprehension hosted by ACE and the RWC.

Students attending this bootcamp are strongly encouraged to take one practice HESI A2 test online in FSU’s required subject areas before attending. Bring content from the practice test you want to review with tutors.

HESI A2 Bootcamp RSVP

Another live HESI A2 bootcamp will be held in January 2027. Details coming soon.

Exam Prep Books

HESI A2 exam prep books with sample content and practice questions are available for use at the following locations at FSU: the College of Nursing Student Success Center (DUX 1st floor) and the ACE Learning Studio (WJB ground floor).

An exam prep book is not required for success on the HESI A2. However, if you would like to purchase one, consider the HESI A2 Admission Assessment Exam Review, 6th Edition.

HESI A2 Practice Tests

Peterson’s Test Prep (free with FSU email login)

University Libraries provides Florida State students with free access to Peterson’s Test Prep, which offers online student materials and timed practice tests for all HESI A2 exam sections. You can access Peterson’s Test Prep directly here.

  1. You will find the HESI A2 course materials under “Prep for Vocational Tests”. Peterson's Test Prep home page with the Prep for Vocational Tests option highlighted
  2. Then the “Medical/Nursing” category. Choose a Category list with the Medical/Nursing category highlighted
  3. Then choose the “HESI A2 Exam Prep” course listed on p. 2. Courses list with the HESI A2 Exam Prep course highlighted

Web-Based Practice Tests (not provided through FSU)

Exam Section Content & Tutoring Support at FSU

Anatomy & Physiology

Content to review in preparation for the exam

Body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, reproductive); homeostasis; anatomical terms; structure–function relationships.

How to Schedule Anatomy & Physiology HESI A2 Tutoring at ACE

Schedule an appointment in Campus Connect for “HESI A2 A&P” or walk in for free tutoring. Bring sample problems to discuss. Taking a practice exam online in advance will help you generate questions and problems to review during your appointment.

Biology

Content to review in preparation for the exam

Cell organelles and membranes; DNA/RNA and protein synthesis; genetics; enzymes; macromolecules; energy and metabolism; cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

How to Schedule Biology HESI A2 Tutoring at ACE

Schedule an appointment in Campus Connect for “HESI A2 Biology” or walk in for free tutoring. Bring sample problems to discuss. Taking a practice exam online in advance will help you generate questions and problems to review during your appointment.

Mathematics

Content to review in preparation for the exam

Fractions/decimals/percentages; ratios and proportions; conversions and units; basic operations; word problems; time and household measurements.

How to Schedule Math HESI A2 Tutoring at ACE

Schedule an appointment in Campus Connect for “HESI A2 Math” or walk in for free tutoring. Bring sample problems to discuss. Taking a practice exam online in advance will help you generate questions and problems to review during your appointment.

Reading Comprehension

Content to review in preparation for the exam

Timed passage interpretation; main idea versus detail; author purpose; vocabulary in context; evidence-based inference and elimination strategies.

How to Schedule Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Tutoring at the Reading-Writing Center

Schedule an appointment using the RWC website. Make sure to note that you are attending to review HESI A2 Reading Comprehension content. Bring sample passages and questions to discuss. Taking a practice exam online in advance will help you generate questions and problems to review during your appointment.

Other Section Content Review Resources (not designed by FSU)