Best Study Guide for HESI A2 Entrance Exam (2026): 5 Books Compared
Five HESI A2 study guides compared by publication date, practice test counts, question totals and length, from the official exam review to full-color prep.
At a glance
Top picks
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For a nursing applicant facing an upcoming program deadline on the calendar, the best study guide for hesi a2 entrance exam is the one that targets their specific academic diagnostic needs and available prep time. We compared five study guides by publication date, practice test counts, question totals, and page lengths, evaluating both official test reviews and comprehensive third-party manuals. Whether you need full-length timed tests or focused science chapter review, this breakdown clarifies what each publisher delivers so you can choose with clarity.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall HESI A2 Full Color by Smart Edition: Five timed practice tests, full-color diagrams and 100+ video lessons Check price
- Best Official Review Admission Exam Review by HESI: Official question rationales and pre- and post-tests from HESI and Elsevier Check price
- Best for Video Lessons HESI A2 Secrets by Bowling: Over 200 online video tutorials and 1000+ practice questions by Bowling Check price
- Best for Flashcards HESI A2 3rd Edition by Smart Edition: 300 anatomy and physiology flashcards and three full-length practice tests Check price
- Best Core Review HESI A2 Secrets 2016 by Mometrix: Focused review of core science and nursing concepts with video links Check price
Compare the picks
| Book | Shelf Score | Published | Pages | Practice tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HESI A2 Full Color by Smart Edition | 9.3/10 | September 22, 2025 | 456 | 5 online timed |
| Admission Exam Review by HESI | 8.9/10 | July 2, 2024 | 192 | 200+ questions online |
| HESI A2 Secrets by Bowling | 8.6/10 | September 29, 2023 | 345 | 3 (1 in print, 2 online) |
| HESI A2 3rd Edition by Smart Edition | 8.1/10 | April 19, 2022 | 440 | 3 (1 in print, 2 online) |
| HESI A2 Secrets 2016 by Mometrix | 7.1/10 | March 15, 2016 | 323 | Not stated |
Book details as published on each listing, collected 15 October 2026.
The picks
| # | Product | Shelf Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  HESI A2 Full Color by Smart Edition | 9.3/10 | Buy |
| 2 |  Admission Exam Review by HESI | 8.9/10 | Buy |
| 3 |  HESI A2 Secrets by Bowling | 8.6/10 | Buy |
| 4 |  HESI A2 3rd Edition by Smart Edition | 8.1/10 | Buy |
| 5 |  HESI A2 Secrets 2016 by Mometrix | 7.1/10 | Buy |
HESI A2 Full Color by Smart Edition
A full-color study guide featuring five online timed practice tests, 100+ video lessons, and mobile app access.
Pros
- Five online timed practice tests with detailed answer explanations
- Full-color printing for diagrams, charts and illustrations
- Over 1,300 practice questions and 100+ video lessons
- Published September 22, 2025, making it the newest edition in this list
Cons
- 456 pages requires a dedicated study plan
- Course access is limited to one month of free access
- No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
- Online tests and AI tutor chat require an internet connection
Detailed Review
The description presents this guide by Nurse Melissa Wynne as a full-color preparation resource with subject coverage from mathematics and sciences to physics and critical thinking. It features 5 online timed practice tests, 50+ lesson modules, 100+ video lessons, AI tutor chat, and a 30-day study planner. The listing gives 456 pages and a publication date of September 22, 2025, while noting that course access is limited to one month.
Who it's for: an applicant who wants visual diagrams in full color, structured weekly planning, and interactive online mock exams. Who should skip it: a buyer who needs all practice exams printed directly inside the book or who cannot study online.
Its Shelf Score of 9.3/10 comes from fit 33/35, contents and edition 24/25, value 22/25 and reading age or level not scored (no reading age or level stated).
Book Details
| Publisher | Smart Edition |
|---|---|
| Print length | 456 pages |
| Published | September 22, 2025 |
| Edition | 2025 Edition |
| Practice tests | 5 online timed tests |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. No skill level or target score range is stated, so that criterion is not scored. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Exams change. A prep book reflects the exam as described when it was printed. Check the official exam website for the current format, and buy the edition your course names when it names one.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
Admission Exam Review by HESI
The official exam review from HESI and Elsevier, featuring pre- and post-tests and companion online practice exams.
Pros
- Official exam review developed directly by HESI and published by Elsevier
- Includes a 25-question pre-test and a 50-question comprehensive post-test
- Over 200 practice questions on the Evolve companion website
- Published July 2, 2024, providing a recent 6th edition
Cons
- 192 pages makes it the shortest book in this comparison
- Fewer total practice questions than the other study guides
- Companion practice exams are hosted online rather than printed in full
- No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
Detailed Review
The exam creators at HESI describe this official guide as a subject-by-step review walking candidates through the question types on the admission exam. It includes a 25-question pre-test, a 50-question post-test with rationales, HESI Hints boxes, and over 200 practice questions on the Evolve companion website. The listing gives 192 pages and a publication date of July 2, 2024 for this 6th Edition.
Who it's for: a student who prioritizes official exam rationales and question formats from the test maker. Who should skip it: a test taker wanting a high volume of printed drills or hundreds of pages of in-depth textbook lessons.
Its Shelf Score of 8.9/10 comes from fit 32/35, contents and edition 22/25, value 21/25 and reading age or level not scored (no reading age or level stated).
Book Details
| Publisher | Elsevier |
|---|---|
| Author | HESI |
| Print length | 192 pages |
| Published | July 2, 2024 |
| Edition | 6th Edition |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. No skill level or target score range is stated, so that criterion is not scored. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Exams change. A prep book reflects the exam as described when it was printed. Check the official exam website for the current format, and buy the edition your course names when it names one.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
HESI A2 Secrets by Bowling
A comprehensive prep manual offering three practice tests, over 1000 practice questions, and more than 200 online video tutorials.
Pros
- Includes 3 practice tests, with 1 printed in the guide and 2 online interactive tests
- Over 1000 practice test questions with detailed answer explanations
- Includes 200+ online video tutorials to help master difficult concepts
- Published September 29, 2023, with 345 pages of review and chapter quizzes
Cons
- Only one practice test is printed in the book for offline study
- Not endorsed by or affiliated with Elsevier
- Published September 29, 2023, older than the 2024 and 2025 options
- No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
Detailed Review
Matthew Bowling and Mometrix outline a comprehensive curriculum spanning language, math, natural sciences, and professional practice. The package provides 3 practice tests with 1 printed in the guide and 2 online, accompanied by end-of-chapter quizzes and over 200 video tutorials. The listing gives 345 pages and a publication date of September 29, 2023, while stating that Elsevier was not involved in its production.
Who it's for: a candidate seeking video tutorials, chapter comprehension quizzes, and a balance of offline and online practice. Who should skip it: a student who wants an official publication or multiple full tests printed on physical pages.
Its Shelf Score of 8.6/10 comes from fit 30/35, contents and edition 21/25, value 21/25 and reading age or level not scored (no reading age or level stated).
Book Details
| Publisher | Mometrix Media LLC |
|---|---|
| Author | Matthew Bowling |
| Print length | 345 pages |
| Published | September 29, 2023 |
| Practice tests | 3 (1 printed, 2 online) |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. No skill level or target score range is stated, so that criterion is not scored. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Exams change. A prep book reflects the exam as described when it was printed. Check the official exam website for the current format, and buy the edition your course names when it names one.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
HESI A2 3rd Edition by Smart Edition
A third-edition review guide providing three full-length practice tests, 900 practice questions, and flashcards.
Pros
- Includes 3 full-length practice tests, with 1 in the book and 2 online
- Features 900 realistic test questions and 100 video lessons
- Provides online flashcards including 300 on Anatomy and Physiology
- 440 pages provides detailed review across all exam subjects
Cons
- Published April 19, 2022, an older edition superseded by newer releases
- Black-and-white printing unlike the newer full-color version
- Online tests and mobile app access require internet connectivity
- No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
Detailed Review
Smart Edition describes this 3rd Edition manual as a full subject review equipped with 900 realistic questions, 100 video lessons, and 3 full-length practice tests divided between 1 in print and 2 online. The listing gives 440 pages, a publication date of April 19, 2022, and includes mobile app access alongside 300 flashcards focused on anatomy and physiology.
Who it's for: a learner who benefits from digital flashcards, video explanations for practice questions, and substantial page length. Who should skip it: a student who prefers the newest full-color edition or updated 2025 test materials.
Its Shelf Score of 8.1/10 comes from fit 29/35, contents and edition 20/25, value 20/25 and reading age or level not scored (no reading age or level stated).
Book Details
| Publisher | Smart Edition |
|---|---|
| Print length | 440 pages |
| Published | April 19, 2022 |
| Edition | 3rd Edition |
| Practice tests | 3 (1 in book, 2 online) |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. No skill level or target score range is stated, so that criterion is not scored. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Exams change. A prep book reflects the exam as described when it was printed. Check the official exam website for the current format, and buy the edition your course names when it names one.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
HESI A2 Secrets 2016 by Mometrix
A first-edition review guide covering all exam sections with practice test questions and step-by-step video tutorials.
Pros
- 323 pages covering English, math, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology
- Includes step-by-step video tutorials and worked examples
- Contains end-of-section practice questions with detailed answer explanations
- Covers nursing professional practice and study strategies
Cons
- Published March 15, 2016, making it the oldest edition in this comparison
- The listing does not state a specific count of full-length practice tests
- Not endorsed by or affiliated with Health Education Systems Inc.
- No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
Detailed Review
The Mometrix test prep team introduces this guide as a foundational review of core exam subjects, technical principles, and professional nursing concepts. It provides practice test questions with detailed answer explanations and video tutorials for difficult concepts. The listing gives 323 pages and a publication date of March 15, 2016 for this 1st Edition, noting that Health Education Systems Inc. does not endorse the book.
Who it's for: a reader wanting focused explanations of core science and mathematics concepts without complex extras. Who should skip it: an applicant preparing for a current admission cycle who needs a modern edition with full-length timed tests.
Its Shelf Score of 7.1/10 comes from fit 26/35, contents and edition 18/25, value 18/25 and reading age or level not scored (no reading age or level stated).
Book Details
| Author | Mometrix HESI A2 Exam Secrets Test Prep Team |
|---|---|
| Print length | 323 pages |
| Published | March 15, 2016 |
| Edition | 1st Edition |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. No skill level or target score range is stated, so that criterion is not scored. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Exams change. A prep book reflects the exam as described when it was printed. Check the official exam website for the current format, and buy the edition your course names when it names one.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How we scored them
The Shelf Score weighs fit for HESI A2 preparation, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level where one is given. None of the five listings state a reading age or grade level. Practice test counts and question totals come from each description, and newer publication dates earn higher scores on contents. How we pick explains the weights.
| Book | Shelf Score | Fit /35 | Contents /25 | Value /25 | Age/level /10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HESI A2 Full Color by Smart Edition | 9.3 | 33 | 24 | 22 | n/a |
| Admission Exam Review by HESI | 8.9 | 32 | 22 | 21 | n/a |
| HESI A2 Secrets by Bowling | 8.6 | 30 | 21 | 21 | n/a |
| HESI A2 3rd Edition by Smart Edition | 8.1 | 29 | 20 | 20 | n/a |
| HESI A2 Secrets 2016 by Mometrix | 7.1 | 26 | 18 | 18 | n/a |
Scores run from 0 to 10. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.
How to choose the best study guide for hesi a2 entrance exam
Official test maker review or third-party manual
The official Admission Assessment Exam Review by HESI and Elsevier provides authentic insight into exam formatting with HESI Hints and 200+ online questions. Third-party books from Smart Edition and Mometrix offer significantly larger question banks and video tutorials. Combining the official review with a comprehensive third-party guide gives both official test perspective and extensive question practice.
Check the edition and publication date
Admission exams update over time, making publication recency an important factor. The Smart Edition full-color guide was published September 22, 2025, and the official HESI review was published July 2, 2024. In contrast, older titles like the 2016 Mometrix guide lack modern interactive tools and online practice portals.
Count the full-length practice tests
| Book | Practice tests | Published | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Edition Full Color | 5 online timed | September 22, 2025 | 456 |
| Admission Exam Review 6th Ed | 200+ questions online | July 2, 2024 | 192 |
| HESI A2 Secrets by Bowling | 3 (1 in print, 2 online) | September 29, 2023 | 345 |
| Smart Edition 3rd Edition | 3 (1 in print, 2 online) | April 19, 2022 | 440 |
| Mometrix 1st Edition | Not stated | March 15, 2016 | 323 |
Timed full-length tests build stamina and reveal pacing challenges across math and science sections. Practice questions in online formats help students work with a timer and review detailed scoring reports.
Online tools and video lessons
Different students retain technical nursing material through different media. Smart Edition provides 100+ video lessons and digital flashcards, while Matthew Bowling’s guide includes 200+ online video tutorials. If you struggle with complex subjects like Anatomy and Physiology, video explanations provide visual reinforcement that printed text alone cannot match.
Before you buy
- Check the publication date and edition on the listing to ensure you are receiving the latest release rather than an older printing.
- Confirm whether practice tests are printed inside the book or hosted on an online companion website.
- Review whether online resources include mobile app access, video tutorials, or flashcards.
- Verify whether third-party sellers include full digital access codes for online mock exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which HESI A2 study guide has the most practice tests?
The Smart Edition 2025 full-color study guide includes 5 online timed practice tests, along with 50+ lesson modules and 100+ video lessons. The 2022 Smart Edition and the 2023 Mometrix guide each provide 3 practice tests.
Is the official Admission Assessment Exam Review worth buying?
The 6th Edition from HESI and Elsevier offers authentic question formats, a 25-question pre-test, and a 50-question post-test with rationales directly from the test creator. At 192 pages, however, it contains fewer total practice questions than larger third-party prep manuals.
Do HESI A2 study guides include detailed answer explanations?
All five guides state that they include detailed answer explanations to help students understand correct and incorrect choices. Smart Edition also provides video explanations for every practice question in its course.
Can I use an older edition of a HESI A2 prep book?
While older guides like the 2016 1st Edition cover core subject areas, newer editions provide updated test structures and online practice tools. Checking the publication date on the listing helps confirm you receive the latest practice questions.
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