HESI A2 requirements catch many applicants off guard, since they’re not the same from one nursing program to the next. What one school requires, another may not even test.
This guide covers 6 key HESI A2 requirements to check before you register, so you prepare for the exam you’ll actually take.
Why HESI A2 Requirements Vary So Much
The HESI A2 is customizable, which means each nursing program sets its own rules for which sections to include, what score you need and how long your results stay valid. Treating every program’s requirements as identical is one of the most common planning mistakes applicants make.
6 HESI A2 Requirements to Check Before You Apply
1. Which Sections You Must Take
Programs choose from sections including math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology and physics. Gateway Technical College is one example of a school that publishes its specific required sections. Always check your own program’s page rather than assuming.
2. Your Minimum Passing Score
Most programs expect roughly 75–80% per section, though some competitive programs set higher minimums. Review our guide on the HESI A2 passing score for more detail on how scoring works.
3. How Long Scores Remain Valid
Score validity differs by school. Lone Star College requires scores less than one year old, while South Texas College accepts scores up to two years old. If you tested a while ago, confirm your results are still valid before you apply.
4. Retake Policies
If you don’t meet the minimum score, check your program’s retake rules. Lone Star College, for example, allows one retake every 60 days and requires all sections to be retaken. Review our HESI A2 retake guide for a full breakdown.
5. Application Deadlines Tied to Testing
Many programs require your HESI A2 results before a specific application deadline. Testing too close to the deadline leaves no room for a retake if you need one. Build in a buffer of several weeks whenever possible.
6. Where You’re Allowed to Test
Some programs require testing at a specific location or approved testing center, while others allow more flexibility, including remote proctoring in certain cases. Confirm this detail directly, since testing at the wrong location can mean your results aren’t accepted.
How to Confirm Your HESI A2 Requirements
- Visit your nursing program’s official admissions page.
- Note the required sections, minimum score and score validity period.
- Contact the admissions office directly if anything is unclear.
- Write down your application deadline and work backward to schedule your test with buffer time.
Build Your Study Plan Around Your Requirements
Once you know your exact HESI A2 requirements, build a study plan around them rather than studying generically. Our HESI A2 study plan shows how to structure 6 to 12 weeks around your specific sections, and our free practice tests help you find your starting point.
FAQ
Are HESI A2 requirements the same at every nursing school?
No. Each program sets its own required sections, minimum scores, score validity period and retake policy. Always check your specific school’s admissions page.
What happens if I don’t meet my program’s HESI A2 requirements?
Most programs allow a retake after a waiting period. Review your program’s specific policy, then build a focused study plan around your weakest sections before retesting.
Know Your Requirements Before You Study
HESI A2 requirements differ by program, so confirming them early saves you from studying the wrong sections or missing an application deadline. Check your required sections, minimum score, validity period and retake policy before you register.
Once you know what you need, our complete HESI A2 study bundle and free practice tests can help you prepare, and our HESI A2 study group on Facebook is there if you have questions along the way.
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