Evolve Reach Nursing Admission Assessment Exam (HESI)

What is the HESI A2?

The Evolve Reach Nursing Admission Assessment Exam (HESI) is a computer based test consisting of four modules: Math Skills, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge.

Current minimum requirements for admission to the Nursing Program are 75% on the Math and 80% composite (average) score on the Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge and Grammar.

The science modules in Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Physics will not be administered or used for admission to the Nursing Program.

It is recommended that you complete the HESI A2 test well before you plan to submit your nursing application. In the event that you do not achieve the required score, time for remediation and retesting is available. Remediation will be available online through your Evolve account.

The HESI A2 test can be taken only once every 60 days, and no more than 3 times in a 12-month period of time.

Scores are valid for 2 years.

Exam Module Description

Math Skills: 55-item exam. Math skills needed for health care fields, including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measures, and general math facts that are useful when calculating drug dosages and solutions. When available a calculator will pop-up with in the testing program. Personal calculators are NOT allowed. Scratch paper is provided and will be collected.

Required Scores

As of November 1, 2014 the required scores on the HESI A2 exam:

  • English Composite Score of 80% or higher,
  • Math Score of 75% or higher.


Further information on HESI A2 testing can be found on the Maricopa Admissions Requirements website.

Composite Score average score of three components listed below

Reading Comprehension: 55-item exam. Reading scenarios that are health related to measure reading comprehension, including: identifying the main idea, finding meaning of words in context, passage comprehension, making logical inferences etc.

Vocabulary & General Knowledge: 55-item exam. Basic vocabulary that is often used in health care fields.

Grammar: 55-item exam. Basic grammar including parts of speech, important terms and their uses in grammar, and commonly occurring grammatical errors.

Frequent Asked Questions

How can I prepare for the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 study guide is available for purchase in the bookstore or online at www.us.elsevierhealth.com
What is the time limit for the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 must be completed in no more than four (4) hours. The exam must be completed in one testing session. Please arrive early to allow yourself time for payment and test setup.
Do I have to take the HESI A2 on the computer?
The Evolve Reach HESI A2 exam is available only on the computer.
Can I retest if I have not achieved the minimum scores?
Students may retest after a 60 day waiting period. Scores are valid for two years at any MCCCD campus. Only scores from the most recent exam are accepted.
Can I use my scores from another school?
Scores from another school outside the MCCCD campuses must be less than 2 years old and must be sent directly from that school by email to one of the MCCCD schools. Hand-delivered results will not be accepted.
Can you accommodate students with disabilities?
Students request for accommodations should contact Disability Resources & Services. a (DRS) for additional information. They can be contacted at 480-654-7771

How much does the HESI A2 cost?

The normal HESI fee is $45.00. Please Note: If you are taking the HESI A2 test for another college outside of the Maricopa district, there will be an additional proctoring fee of $25 AND remember to take all the sections of the HESI A2 testing, including the science sections. That will be a total of $70.00 for non-Maricopa Community College District students.

Additional Information

Testing Locations

Southern & Dobson

Testing Services
Building 38
480-461-7336

Red Mountain

Mesquite Building M
Enrollment Services
480-654-7811

Testing Hours

Spring/Fall Start & Stop Times

Monday - Thursday:
8:30am to 12:30pm by appointment only.

Friday: Closed

Contact Testing Services to verify eligibility and make your appointment to take HESI A2.

HESI A2 testing will be limited during the week of finals (mid-May). Seating is limited and based on a first come/first served basis.

A current Photo ID is required for all testing.

  • There is a four hour time limit for the HESI A2.
  • For testing times, days, and to schedule an appointment, contact the Testing Center.

When will I get the results?

Results are available immediately. An electronic copy can be found in your evolve account at http://evolve.elsevier.com/student.