Evolve Reach Admission Assessment (HESI A2) for Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Latest Update

The Evolve Reach Admission Assessment (HESI A2), developed by Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI), is a widely recognized and essential exam for nursing school admissions. This computer-based assessment is used by many nursing schools across the United States to evaluate a prospective student's academic readiness and aptitude for succeeding in a nursing program. In this description, we will explore the HESI A2 exam in-depth, covering the test structure, content areas, scoring system, preparation resources, and other key details that you should know when preparing for this important exam.

Overview of the HESI A2 Exam

The HESI A2, short for "Evolve Reach Admission Assessment," is designed to assess the academic abilities of individuals who are applying to nursing programs. The test evaluates a student's proficiency in several foundational areas of knowledge, which are critical to succeeding in a nursing school curriculum. The exam is computer-based, and it typically consists of multiple-choice questions. It is important to note that the specific sections included in the test may vary depending on the requirements of the nursing school to which a student is applying.

Each nursing program has different criteria for the HESI A2, and not all programs require the same sections of the exam. Therefore, prospective students should carefully review the admission requirements of the nursing schools they are interested in before registering for the exam. While some programs require the entire exam, others may only require certain sections such as Reading Comprehension, Math, Vocabulary, and Grammar. For this reason, understanding which subjects are relevant to your program is essential to focusing your preparation effectively.

Sections of the HESI A2 Exam

The HESI A2 exam typically includes the following sections:

1. Mathematics: This section evaluates the student's ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also tests the ability to solve problems involving fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions. Basic algebra may also be covered in this section.

2. Reading Comprehension: This section measures a student's ability to read and understand written passages. The test taker is asked to answer questions based on the information provided in the passage. The questions may test a student's ability to identify main ideas, draw conclusions, and make inferences.

3. Vocabulary and Grammar: This section assesses a student's vocabulary knowledge and understanding of basic grammar rules. Test takers are asked to identify the meanings of words in context and to demonstrate correct usage of grammar in sentences.

4. Anatomy and Physiology: This section tests knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, covering topics such as body systems, organs, and their functions. A strong understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential for nursing students, as it is directly related to patient care.

5. Biology: The biology section evaluates knowledge of basic biology concepts such as cell structure and function, genetics, and ecosystems. It may also cover topics in microbiology and the scientific method.

6. Chemistry: The chemistry section assesses a student's understanding of general chemistry concepts. Topics covered may include chemical reactions, atomic structure, and the periodic table.

7. Physics: Some nursing programs require the physics section of the exam, although it is less commonly required. This section tests knowledge of basic physics principles, including concepts of motion, energy, and forces.

Not all nursing programs require every section of the HESI A2, so it is essential to check the requirements of the specific program to which you are applying. Some nursing schools may ask for only a subset of the sections, while others may ask for all of them.

Registration and Testing Locations

The registration process for the HESI A2 exam is straightforward. Prospective students must first create an account on the Elsevier website, the publisher of the HESI A2 exam. After registering, you will be able to select a test date and choose a testing location. Testing centers are available nationwide and are typically located in major cities or college campuses. Additionally, students can often find local testing centers through Prometric, which is a global provider of computer-based testing services.

It is important to schedule your exam well in advance, as testing locations can fill up quickly, especially during peak application seasons. Some nursing programs may have deadlines for submitting HESI A2 scores, so planning ahead will ensure you have ample time to complete the exam and submit your results to the appropriate schools.

Scoring and Passing Criteria

The scoring system for the HESI A2 exam varies depending on the section. Each section is scored individually, and the results are typically presented as a percentage. For example, a score of 80% indicates that the student answered 80% of the questions in that section correctly. Some schools may provide a numerical score for each section, while others may report the results as either "pass" or "fail."

It is important to note that each nursing program sets its own passing criteria for the HESI A2 exam. While there is no universally accepted passing score, many nursing schools expect applicants to achieve a score of at least 75% in each section. Some competitive programs may have higher expectations, such as requiring scores above 80% or even 90%.

The HESI A2 exam is not a one-time opportunity. If you do not perform as well as you had hoped, many nursing programs allow students to retake the exam. However, there are usually limits on how many times you can take the exam within a certain period. It is advisable to check with the individual program for specific retake policies.

Preparation for the HESI A2 Exam

Preparation is key to performing well on the HESI A2 exam. Although some nursing students may already have a solid foundation in the subjects tested, it is still essential to review the material thoroughly. There are various resources available to help you prepare for the HESI A2 exam, including practice tests, study guides, and flashcards.

Several test prep companies, such as Mometrix, offer comprehensive study guides that provide detailed content reviews, practice questions, and test-taking strategies. These resources are designed to help you understand the format of the exam, identify areas where you may need additional study, and build confidence in your ability to succeed.

Practice tests are particularly helpful for simulating the actual exam experience. By taking practice tests, you can familiarize yourself with the types of questions you will encounter on the HESI A2 and gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses. Many study guides also include answer explanations, so you can learn from your mistakes and improve your performance.

Additionally, online courses and tutoring services are available for students who prefer more structured or personalized preparation. These services may offer interactive lessons, live practice sessions, and one-on-one support from experienced tutors.

Conclusion

The HESI A2 exam is an important step in the admissions process for many nursing programs. By evaluating a student's academic abilities in critical areas such as math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, anatomy and physiology, and more, the HESI A2 helps nursing schools identify applicants who are most likely to succeed in their programs.

Preparing for the HESI A2 requires focused effort and effective study strategies. By using the right resources and understanding the requirements of your chosen nursing program, you can approach the exam with confidence and achieve the scores you need for admission.

Before registering for the exam, make sure to check the specific requirements of your desired nursing program to ensure that you are taking the correct sections of the exam. With thorough preparation and a solid understanding of the test structure, you can successfully navigate the HESI A2 and take the next step toward your nursing career.