In the HESI A2 exams, there are eight academic subsets, namely Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Physics. It also has a critical thinking exam and two learner profile assessments as well. The students need to take the exam for only 4 to 6 of the HESI A2 sections, and this is decided by the nursing school.
So, if you were wonderinghow many sections are on the HESI A2,then the answer depends on the specific school. In this blog, we are going to explain what sections are on the HESI A2, how to confirm your requirements, and what to study. You can also read our complete 2026 HESI A2 guide.
The Three Tiers of HESI A2 Sections
The HESI A2 sections are not identical in every nursing exam. Schools can select the academic subsets directly from the official Elsevier Evolve Learning System platform.
Because schools choose their own HESI sections, requirements can vary widely. For example:
- UTRGV: Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, Anatomy & Physiology, and Critical Thinking.
- Chamberlain University: Reading, Vocabulary, Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology.
- University of Florida: Six academic sections, plus Critical Thinking and learner profile assessments.
We have given a general HESI A2 exam breakdown which shows the main section and their timings.
| Tier | Section | Questions | Time | How Often Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Academic | Math | 50 | 50 min | Almost always |
| Reading Comprehension | Around 47 | 60 min | Almost always | |
| Vocabulary & General Knowledge | 50 | 50 min | Almost always | |
| Grammar | 50 | 50 min | Almost always | |
| Science | Anatomy & Physiology | 25 | 25 min | Most commonly required |
| Biology | 25 | 25 min | Sometimes required | |
| Chemistry | 25 | 25 min | Sometimes required | |
| Physics | 25 | Around 50 min | Least commonly required | |
| Non-Academic | Critical Thinking | 30 | 30 min | Programme-dependent |
| Learning Style | 14 | 15 min | Programme-dependent | |
| Personality Profile | 15 | 15 min | Programme-dependent |
The HESI A2 sections depend on your school’s configuration. Some questions might also be included in your exam that are only pilot questions, and they are not included in your score. The HESI A2 critical thinking section is also separate from the academic subjects. This is why you need to see your specific program requirements. For another useful breakdown, see a breakdown of HESI A2 question types and the reading, maths, and anatomy breakdown.
What “Optional” Actually Means
HESI A2 optional sections can mean five different things:
- Optional to you: You cannot choose a section according to your own choice when the school lists sections as required.
- Optional to the school: Your school can choose different subjects from a wider selection given by Elsevier.
- Scored but not evaluated: There might be some sections that are scored, but your school might not consider them when reviewing your application. Always check your school admission policy.
- Not academically scored: The learning style and personality profile assessments are not scored. They are only used after admission for providing student support.
- Separately priced: The HESI A2 Critical Thinking section may come with a different test option or fee. Check the current test version and price before booking. You can also review what the HESI exam costs for additional context.
How to Find Out Which Sections Your School Requires
In order for you to find outwhich HESI sections does my school requires, you need to check official sources.
- You should check your school’s admission page.
- Always go through the testing center page, as that is separate from the admission page and is more accurate.
- Check the Evolve registration page when you enter your department ID or school code.
- You can also email the admissions department and ask about HESI A2 required sections.
- Confirm the exam versions, such as HESI A2 and HESI A2 with critical thinking, are different.
Tip: If you are applying to several schools
If you are applying to several schools, then you should list every section required by every school. Then give the exam for the combined list so you only have to pay once. Also, keep in mind that the time limit is for all the sections combined.
For additional planning, see where you can take the HESI examandwhen to schedule your HESI.
What Happens If You Take the Wrong Sections
Selecting the wrong sections can lead to issues. Your school might not accept your results if you fail a HESI A2 required section and might compel you to retake the test. This can include an additional charge and a waiting period.
Extra HESI A2 sections can increase testing time, but they are typically less significant. Scores from sections that your school does not require may also be disregarded.
Program-specific retake guidelines differ. Certain schools restrict the number of times you can take the test or make you wait before taking it again. Your institution will also choose whether you can repeat the entire exam or only a portion of it.
Check the restrictions at your institution before scheduling another try. Before booking another attempt, check your school’s written rules. You can also read HESI A2 retake and section retake rules and how to read your HESI score report.
Do Optional Sections Affect Your Score?
Your results may be impacted by HESI A2 optional sections, although this will depend on your school’s rules. You receive a score on the HESI A2 for each section as well as a total score based on the portions that are included.
Your school might overlook it if you take an additional section and receive a low score. Other institutions might employ a different scoring system or examine more of your performance.
Therefore, adding more HESI A2 sections does not guarantee that your application would be better. Before registering, find out which scores your institution takes into account.
You can also read why a 75 might not be enough and how admissions committees weigh HESI scores for more context.
How Many Sections Should You Study For?
You don’t need to study for every HESI A2 section. You need to see which sections are on the HESI A2 of your specific school and then prepare for that. Focus on the required sections and prepare to at least get the minimum score for each section. Then study for the other section which are required by your backup school. Don’t focus on anything else other than this. You shouldn’t waste your time on sections that no school requires. For deeper preparation, you can explore the HESI A2 chemistry topics tested or whether you need the HESI physics section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections are on the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 exam offers eight academic sections, but your program decides the final sections that will appear in your exam.
Which HESI sections are required?
HESI A2 required sections vary by the nursing program. However,Math, Reading, Vocabulary, and Grammar are common requirements, and the science section depends on the school admission policy. See the full HESI time breakdown.
Can I skip a section on the HESI A2?
You can skip a section only when your program does not require it. Don’t leave any section that is in the official school requirement list.
What happens if I take the wrong sections?
If you take the wrong sections, then your score won’t be accepted, and you will be required to retake the exam with the correct sections.
Can I retake just one section?
You can only retake one section if it is allowed by your school’s policy. This is why it is recommended to check the retake rules before you assume that individual section retake is allowed.
Conclusion
Confirm your required HESI A2 sections before booking, then build your study plan around those sections only. Need help preparing? Get focused support for your HESI A2 preparation today.