Health Applicant Exam

The HESI A2 stands for the Health Education Systems, Inc., Admissions Assessment. HESI serves as the entrance exam for COTC’s health-related programs.  

You may retake the exam three times in a six-month period, but only the most recent score is considered. There is no mandatory wait time between attempts. Scores remain valid for one year. Scores are due by the application deadline for your program of interest. 

One the day of your scheduled exam:

• You MUST arrive 30 minutes early. Applicants who do not arrive at least 30 minutes early may not be able to test.
• You MUST bring a non-expired photo ID (student ID, driver’s license, etc.). Testing will not be allowed without one. 
• Please allow at least four hours for the exam.

Sections on the HESI A2 Exam

Basic Math Skills

You will be tested on topics including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on whole numbers, fractions, percentages and decimals. You will also be tested on converting decimals to fractions as well as fractions to decimals and ratios and proportions. There will also be questions on general math skills, such as balancing a checkbook, understanding common measurement units, and being able to read a medicine bottle label for the correct dosage.

Biology

This section will test your knowledge of cells. This includes topics related to cells such as cell theory, cell structure, cell composition, organelles, DNA, RNA, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and cellular functions such as cellular respiration. You will also need to understand photosynthesis.

Chemistry

This section will test your knowledge on topics such as matter, the structure of atoms, the states of water and other elements, and the periodic table as well as some chemical reactions. 

Reading Comprehension

This section will test your ability to read and understand written text. You will be tested to see if you can figure out the author’s main idea. You will also be asked to identify the category of a written piece, including narrative, technical, persuasive and others. 

Vocabulary and General Knowledge

This section will test how large of a vocabulary you have as well as your ability to determine the meaning of words through context/knowledge of words’ roots. The vocabulary section will use both medical and non-medical terminology. 

HESI Testing Locations

COTC Campus

HESI A2 exams will only be available in-person. You can take the HESI at any COTC campus.

Off-campus Locations

If you have taken the HESI A2 exam at another institution, you may send the scores to COTC as long as they meet the following criteria. Additional fees will apply.

1. It must be administered in person. No remote exams will be accepted.
2. The exam must have exactly the same subjects our HESI A2 covers — no more, no less. That is:
   1. Reading Comprehension
   2. Vocabulary and General Knowledge
   3. Basic Math Skills
   4. Biology
   5. Chemistry
3. The score transcript must be ordered from HESI and sent directly to cotcrecords@mail.cotc.eduto be verified.

How to Register

Below is a step-by-step walkthrough showing how to register and pay for your HESI A2 Exam.

You can also watch a video showing you how to create an Evolve account and pay.

Create an Evolve Account and Log In

Failure to create an evolve account prior to coming to testing could result in needing to reschedule your exam.

1. Go to evolve.elsevier.com/cs
2. Click the “Sign in” button in the upper right of the screen; next click on “Create account”
   
3. Create an account using your information.
   
4. You will be given a username; you will need this username during your exam date
   

Schedule Your Exam

Exams are scheduled on RegisterBlast. RegisterBlast tracks appointment availability in real time. If no appointments are shown, then currently all HESI appointments are booked. 

Appointments are updated regularly as healthcare program application deadlines approach, so check back often. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment at least two weeks before the deadline as new appointments are not guaranteed and are unlikely to be added in that timeframe. 

Please work with your healthcare advisor to learn about healthcare program application requirements and deadlines.

Register Blast – Schedule Online

 

1. Select “HESI A2″ from the “Choose a Group” menu.
2. Please select how many times you have taken the HESI A2 within the designated timespan, which can be found above the dropdown menu in bold.
3. Please select which campus you would like to take the exam.
4. Please confirm your choice in the following dropdown box.
5. Select one of the available dates/times from the posted HESI A2 Exam Exam dates
6. Please enter and verify your name, phone number and COTC email address​
7. Carefully read the Exam Guideline Acknowledgement and check the box
8. (Optional) Add any additional information in the “Needed Information” box
9. Click “Add to Cart”
10. You will be taken to a new screen. Click “Ready to Checkout.”
11. Please input your billing information and click “Purchase Exams.”
12. You will receive a confirmation email.

Rescheduling Policy

Exams may be rescheduled for a future date up to 24 hours prior to the exam’s start time.

You may either reschedule your exam yourself via RegisterBlast, or you can email the Testing Center at COTCTesting@mail.cotc.edu and request to reschedule your exam.

Exams with a scheduled start time that is less than 24 hours or has already elapsed can only be rescheduled under extraordinary circumstances and will require documentation. To reschedule an exam without 24-hour notice or the required documented extraordinary circumstances, the full testing fee must to be paid again.

Refund Policy

You may receive a partial refund up to 24 hours prior to the exam start time. All refunds include only the exam fee and sitting fee and exclude any RegisterBlast fees.

Please email COTCTesting@mail.cotc.edu to request a refund.

Refund requests for exams with a scheduled start time that is less than 24 hours or has already elapsed are only refunded under extraordinary circumstances and will require documentation.

Testers with Accommodations 

Students requiring disability accommodations should contact the Testing Center Coordinator for further scheduling instructions.

If you wish to utilize disability accommodations, you must have already met with Student Life Disability Services. If you have testing accommodations through Student Life Disability Services, you must contact the Testing Center before you schedule your HESI A2 exam to be sure that the necessary accommodations can be provided on the day you plan to take your exam. Failure to contact the Testing Coordinator ahead of time will result in testing accommodations not being available on the day of the exam.

HESI Exam Preparation

Getting a good score on your HESI exam will increase your odds of getting into your health program. Reading study material and taking practice exams can help you score higher on your exam.

Official HESI Exam Review Book

Elsevier Evolve recommends studying using the official HESI admission assessment exam review book. This book can be purchased from most online retailers and can also be loaned out from the libraries on all campuses. For more information on loaning the study guide out from the library, please visit their website.

Visit the Library

COTC Student Success Coaches

You are able to meet with a Student Success Coach to discuss HESI exam preparation and study strategies.

Schedule with a Student Success Coach

COTC Tutoring

Tutors are able to review study material with you as you prepare for your exam.

Learn more about tutoring

Peterson’s Test and Career Prep

HESI A2 Practice Exams