The HESI A2 will show whether or not a student is academically prepared for the rigor and content of NTC’s Dental Hygienist, Nursing, or Radiography programs. This test also helps staff identify which students are best prepared academically to begin core program classes.

HESI A2 is offered through NTC’s Testing Center monthly. Students who are required to take the HESI A2 Exam as an academic preparedness measure may schedule their exam at their earliest convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Programs Require HESI Testing?

• Dental Hygienist
• Nursing
• Radiography

When is HESI Testing Next Offered?

Individual Testing

Testing is offered in the Testing Center the second week of each month. Available testing times are 8:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Group Testing

• Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

Do I Need to Register?

Yes, you will need to register and pay for the HESI exam (registration details coming soon). Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

How Much Does it Cost?

$60.00 (plus tax)

How Long is the Exam?

Students have historically averaged about three hours. Students are allowed four hours to complete all four sections.

What is the Exam Format?

It is given on a computer.

What Subjects Will I Be Tested On?

Math, Reading, Chemistry and Anatomy/Physiology.

What Content is Covered in Each Subject?

There are a total of 147 questions, including:

Math: 50 Questions

The assessment indicates a student’s basic math skills at the eighth to tenth grade levels and focuses on math skills needed for health care fields:

• basic addition, subtraction, multiplication
• fractions, decimals, ratios and proportion
• household measures and general math facts related to calculating drug dosages and solutions.

Reading: 47 Questions

The assessment indicates basic reading comprehension skills at the eighth to tenth grade levels and provides health related reading scenarios in order to measure reading comprehension:

• identifying the main idea
• finding meaning of words in context
• passage comprehension
• making logical inferences

Chemistry: 25 Questions

The assessment indicates basic knowledge of chemistry at a lower division college level and contains test questions covering:

• matter
• chemical equations and reactions
• the periodic table
• atomic structure
• nuclear chemistry
• chemical bonding

A&P: 25 Questions

The assessment indicates basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology at a lower division college level and provides coverage of:

• general terminology
• anatomical structures
• anatomical systems

May I Use a Calculator or Scratch Paper?

A basic (non-scientific) calculator is embedded in the exam and available to students for use when appropriate. Scratch paper will be provided by the test proctor and must be turned in after testing is complete. Calculators, translators, dictionaries, cell phones, etc. are not allowed.

How Can I Prepare For the Exam?

To prepare for the exam you can review materials from your related courses at NTC. An optional study guide is available for purchase through the NTC Campus Store for approximately $48. Additional resources may be available by using a basic web search for HESI A2 preparation materials. It is highly recommended that students successfully complete General Anatomy and Physiology before taking the HESI exam.

In addition, NTC offers an Introduction to HESI course that familiarizes students with the format and types of questions you can expect on the exam.

What Happens After I’ve Taken the HESI?

NTC Admissions evaluation periods begin on November 1 and June 1. Students who have completed academic preparedness measures for their program and meet the HESI requirement will automatically be evaluated. The Admissions Team will notify students after the evaluation period with their updated status and next steps. 

When and How Do I Find Out My Score?

You will be able to view your score immediately upon completing the HESI exam and can log in at any time afterwards to view it.

What Does My Score Mean?

For Nursing, a minimum cumulative score of 75% is required to be considered for program acceptance. For Dental Hygienist, a minimum cumulative score of 75% is required to be considered for program acceptance. For Radiography, a minimum cumulative score of 70% is required to be considered for program acceptance.

When Does My Score Expire?

HESI scores will expire after 3 years.

If I’m Not Accepted, Do I Need to Retest?

Your HESI score is valid for three years. You do not need to retest unless your score will expire before you receive a spot in the program.