Everything You Need to Know About the HESI A2 Biology Section

| Published date

Last Updated

If you’re prepping for the HESI A2 entrance exam, you know the biology section can be a doozy. It’s one of the key components that many nursing and healthcare programs look at, so you can’t afford to mess it up. Let’s break down the HESI A2 biology section, including how many questions to expect and the best ways to tackle them.

What to Expect in the HESI A2 Biology Section

The HESI A2 biology section tests your knowledge across several core topics. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’re likely to see:

  • Cell Biology: Questions about cell structure, organelles, and the functions of cells. Think mitochondria, ribosomes, and the whole process of mitosis and meiosis.
  • Genetics: Expect questions on DNA, RNA, transcription, translation, and basic heredity principles. Punnett squares are fair game, so be ready.
  • Evolution and Ecology: You’ll encounter questions about natural selection, adaptation, and ecosystems. Food chains, energy flow, and population dynamics could pop up too.
  • Human Biology: A good chunk of the questions will focus on human anatomy and physiology. This could include anything from how the circulatory system works to the basics of human digestion.

How Many Questions Are on the HESI A2 Biology Section?

The biology section typically consists of 25 questions. Sounds simple, right? But here’s the kicker—time is limited. That means you don’t have time to mess around. You need to answer quickly but accurately, which requires a solid understanding of the concepts.

Tips for Tackling the HESI A2 Biology Section

So how do you ace this thing? Here are some tips:

  • Understand the Concepts: Don’t just memorize terms. Make sure you understand how things work, like why cells divide or how genes are inherited.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to improve your speed and accuracy is to practice with sample questions. Take advantage of our HESI A2 biology study guide, which includes a ton of practice questions designed to mimic the real exam.
  • Time Management: With a time limit to answer 25 questions, you need to keep moving. If you’re stuck on a question, don’t spend too much time on it. Give it your best guess and move on.

Get the Right Study Tools

Prepping for the HESI A2 biology section can be intense, but having the right study tools makes a huge difference. Our HESI A2 biology study guide breaks down each topic in detail and offers plenty of practice questions to help you build confidence.

And if you’re the type who likes to try before you buy, we’ve got you covered. Check out our free HESI A2 biology practice test. It’s a great way to test your knowledge and identify areas where you might need a little more work.

With the right preparation and the right mindset, you can ace the HESI A2 biology section. So, grab our study guide, take the practice test, and get ready to crush it.

Good luck!

Top Picks

Our Top Study Guides

Thousands of students trust us to guide them through their exam prep. Here are our best-selling study guides, each designed to help you succeed with expert insights, practice questions, and effective strategies.

Knowledge Center

Latest Article & Blog

Stay informed and sharpen your skills with our expert blog posts. From study tips to exam insights, we provide the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the curve.

  • HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Study Guide: Tips, Practice, and Strategies

    HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Study Guide: Tips, Practice, and Strategies

    Why Reading Comprehension is Critical on the HESI A2 Reading Comprehension is often underestimated by students, but it’s a high-impact section on the HESI A2. The challenge isn’t vocabulary—it’s understanding, analyzing, and applying information quickly. Many students lose points not because they can’t read, but because they misinterpret questions or miss details. At Olivia Grace

    Read more →

  • HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Study Guide: Must-Know Topics for 2026

    HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Study Guide: Must-Know Topics for 2026

    Why Anatomy & Physiology is Critical on the HESI A2 The Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) section is often the most challenging part of the HESI A2 exam—but it’s also highly predictable. Most students struggle because they try to memorize everything. The secret to success is understanding core functions and systems, not rote memorization. At Olivia

    Read more →

  • HESI A2 Math Practice Questions: Step-by-Step Solutions

    HESI A2 Math Practice Questions: Step-by-Step Solutions

    Why HESI A2 Math is a Make-or-Break Section Math is one of the sections that most students fear on the HESI A2 exam. The truth is: math is one of the easiest sections to improve quickly—but only if you practice strategically. Many students fail because they: At Olivia Grace Study Notes, our approach focuses on

    Read more →

  • HESI A2 Passing Score Explained: What You Really Need to Know

    HESI A2 Passing Score Explained: What You Really Need to Know

    Understanding the HESI A2 Passing Score One of the biggest questions students have before preparing for the HESI A2 exam is: “What score do I actually need to pass?” Here’s the key: This means that knowing your target score is essential before you start studying. How the HESI A2 Scoring Works The HESI A2 is

    Read more →

  • How to Pass the HESI A2 Exam on Your First Attempt (Proven Strategy)

    How to Pass the HESI A2 Exam on Your First Attempt (Proven Strategy)

    Passing the HESI A2 Exam Doesn’t Have to Be Hard The HESI A2 exam can feel intimidating, especially if this is your first attempt. Many students panic because they don’t know exactly what to focus on, or they waste time on materials that don’t help. At Olivia Grace Study Notes, we’ve helped hundreds of students

    Read more →

  • HESI A2 Study Guide 2026: 7 Powerful Steps to Pass on Your First Try

    HESI A2 Study Guide 2026: 7 Powerful Steps to Pass on Your First Try

    If you’ve been searching for a HESI A2 study guide, chances are you’re feeling unsure about where to start—or worse, worried that you might fail. We understand that feeling. At Olivia Grace Study Notes, we’ve seen students go from overwhelmed and confused… to confident and fully prepared—just by changing how they study. Here’s the truth

    Read more →

Need a Test Bank?

SPIN TO WIN Discounts for Study Guides Purchase!

  • Try your lucky to get discount coupon
  • 1 spin per email
  • No cheating
Try Your Lucky
Never
Remind later
No thanks