HESI A2 Math Preparation
This page is intended to help students prepare specifically for the mathematics section of the HESI Admission Assessment (A2). Although the HESI A2 may include several subject areas, the material on this page concerns math only.
Jump to: What is the HESI A2? Math section How to study Math test tips Resources
What is the HESI A2?
HESI is Elsevier's assessment and review system for nursing and health-professions education. The Admission Assessment, usually called the HESI A2, is used by many programs as one part of the admissions process. The exact exam you take depends on the sections selected by your institution.
The HESI A2 can contain several subject areas. This website focuses only on the mathematics section so that students can concentrate on the quantitative skills and problem-solving techniques needed for that part of the exam.
The HESI A2 Math Section
The math section emphasizes practical arithmetic and quantitative reasoning. Students should be comfortable working accurately with numbers, translating word problems into mathematical expressions, and choosing an efficient method for solving a problem.
| Topic | What to review |
|---|---|
| Whole numbers and basic operations | Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, order of operations, and estimating whether an answer is reasonable. |
| Fractions | Simplifying fractions, equivalent fractions, mixed numbers, improper fractions, and the four arithmetic operations with fractions. |
| Decimals | Place value, rounding, comparing decimals, arithmetic with decimals, and converting between decimals and fractions. |
| Percentages | Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages; finding a percent of a number; percent increase and decrease. |
| Ratios and proportions | Writing and simplifying ratios, solving proportions, setting up equivalent rates, and interpreting proportional relationships. |
| Basic algebra | Evaluating expressions, solving simple equations, using variables, and translating verbal statements into equations. |
| Measurement and conversions | Common units of measurement, converting units, and applying conversions in practical and health-related problems. |
| Word problems | Identifying relevant information, choosing the correct operation, setting up equations or proportions, and checking the final answer. |
This list is intended as a practical study guide. Your university's testing requirements and the official HESI materials should be your primary references.
How to Study for HESI Math
In Fall 2025, I worked with a student to prepare for the HESI exam. At that time, this student was taking MTH 111 with me. Below are some advice that I shared with my student, which I believe work universally for many math tests, not just the HESI exam.1. Review the fundamentals
Begin with fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios. These topics are closely connected, and being able to move comfortably among them makes many later problems easier.
2. Practice without relying on mental math
Write out the important steps. Showing the arithmetic makes it easier to catch sign errors, misplaced decimals, and incorrect fraction operations.
3. Practice word problems
For each problem, identify what quantity is being requested, list the information that is given, and decide which operation or relationship connects those quantities. Then solve and check whether the answer is reasonable.
4. Keep an error log
- Record problems that you miss.
- Write down why the mistake happened.
- Identify the rule, formula, or method that should have been used.
- Try a similar problem again without looking at the solution.
5. Practice under time limits
Once your accuracy improves, work through mixed sets of problems under timed conditions. The goal is to solve routine problems efficiently while still checking your work carefully.
Resources
- Official HESI review book: Elsevier publishes the HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review, which includes a mathematics chapter with sample problems and step-by-step explanations, along with additional practice questions.
- Local libraries: Many local public in the Chicago area and university libraries have HESI preparation books that contain math review material and practice problems. Before buying a study guide, check your library catalog or ask a librarian whether HESI A2 preparation books are available in print or electronically.
- Your university: Check with your nursing program or testing office for current HESI requirements and any study resources available to students.
For the official review guide, see Elsevier's HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review, 6th Edition.
The A.C. Buehler Library has some copies, see for example this book about the HESI admission assessment exam review
There are various online tutorials available. For example, this YouTube Channel has several HESI math tutorials .
See below for sample test materials that may be useful for additional practice. These materials were obtained from publicly available online sources and were not created by me. Copyright and ownership, where applicable, remain with the respective authors or rights holders. The materials are provided here solely as supplemental educational resources. File 1 | File 2 | File 3 | File 4