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

Important Reminders for Exam Takers

It is required to create an Evolve Account prior to testing.

On the day of your scheduled exam:

• You MUST arrive 30 minutes early. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your scheduled start time, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
  • Testers who have previously created an Evolve account will be given a 10-minute grace period for arriving late. Testers without a previously created Evolve account will not be admitted past the posted start time.
• You MUST bring a non-expired photo ID (student ID, driver’s license, etc.). Testing will not be allowed without one.
• Bring your Evolve ID and password. If you forget your username or password, contact the Evolve Support Center before you arrive to take your exam.

Create an Evolve Account

Testers must create an Evolve account on Elsevier’s website prior to arriving to test. Arriving without an Evolve account may result in not being able to test. Testers are responsible for ensuring they are able to login to their Evolve account as well. Please ensure you know the password for your Evolve account.

Evolve

To create an account, follow the steps below or watch this video.

1. Go to evolve.elsevier.com/cs.
2. Click “Create account” in the upper right corner.
3. Enter your information in the required fields, and click “Submit” at the bottom.

You will be assigned a username. Store your username securely. You will need this username when you take the exam.

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.

RegisterBlast – Schedule Online

New HESI exam dates are typically opened 1-2 months prior to upcoming deadlines.

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.

Directions for Scheduling a HESI Exam

Below are step-by-step directions to register and pay for your HESI A2 Exam:

1. Go to RegisterBlast.
2. From the “Choose a group” dropdown menu, select “HESI.”.
3. Select how many times you have taken the HESI A2 within the designated timespan, which can be found above the dropdown menu in bold.
4. Select which COTC campus you would like to take the exam.
5. Confirm your choice in the “Choose an exam” dropdown menu.
6. Select one of the available dates/times from the “Choose a Date” and “Choose a Time” dropdown menus.
7. Enter your name, phone number and COTC email address, and then respond to the program questions.​
8. Carefully read the “Exam Guideline Acknowledgement” and check the box to agree to the guidelines.
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. Check your email for confirmation.

Testers with Accommodations

After scheduling your exam, please email the Testing Center (cotctesting@mail.cotc.edu) at least one week before your test. If you reschedule your appointment, you must inform the Testing Center that you have rescheduled to use your Letter of Accommodation (LoA) on the new testing date. Failure to notify the Testing Center of your LoA may result in the need to reschedule to ensure necessary accommodations can be provided.

Rescheduling Policy

You have until 24 business hours prior to the exam’s start time to reschedule an exam for a future date.

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.

 If you need to reschedule and no future dates are available, you will receive a refund minus any RegisterBlast fees.

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

Retesting

You may retake the exam twice in a calendar year, 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.

Fees and Refunds

HESI Exam Fees Breakdown

When registering for a HESI exam, you are responsible for the following fees:

1. Testing fee: This fee covers the cost of the HESI exam itself.
2. Sitting fee: This fee supports the administrative and operational costs associated with proctoring and managing the exam at the Testing Center.
3. RegisterBlast fees: These fees are paid directly to RegisterBlast for the use of their scheduling and registration platform. Please note that while the testing fee and sitting fee may be eligible for refunds under certain conditions, RegisterBlast fees are non-refundable under all circumstances.

Fee amounts are subject to change over time due to factors such as licensing costs and administrative expenses.

Refund Policy

If you wish to cancel your exam with more than 48 business hours’ notice prior to the scheduled start time, you are eligible for a refund of both the sitting fee and the testing fee. For cancellations made with between 24 to 48 business hours’ notice, only the testing fee is refundable and the sitting fee is excluded. Refund requests for exams with less than 24 business hours’ notice or for missed exams will only be considered under extraordinary circumstances and must include appropriate documentation. Extraordinary circumstances may include, but are not limited to, medical emergencies or other unforeseen events.

To request a refund, email COTCTesting@mail.cotc.edu from your COTC email address. Include your name and exam date in the email. If you are submitting a refund or reschedule request with less than 24 business hours’ notice, you must also provide the reason for the cancellation or reschedule. Additionally, requests made with less than 24 business hours’ notice will require completing the HESI Refund Request Form, which will be provided upon request. Refunds are processed only for eligible requests and may take up to 10 business days to be issued. All refund requests are subject to review and approval by the Testing Center.

HESI Testing Locations

COTC Campus

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

Off-campus Locations

COTC does not accept scores for HESI exams taken at other locations. To be accepted, a HESI must be taken at a COTC campus.

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 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