Best HESI Book for Self Study (2026): 4 Compared

The best hesi book for self study gives you a full practice test, an answer key that explains the misses, and a schedule you can follow alone. We compared four HESI A2 books by practice tests, questions, flashcards, study schedules and what each listing states, for nursing applicants studying on their own.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	HESI A2 Study Guide by Elite	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	HESI A2 Study Guide by Simonds	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	HESI A2 3rd Edition by Smart Edition	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	HESI A2 Secrets 2016 by Mometrix	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

HESI A2 Study Guide by Elite

Elite Nurses Academy·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A full-color HESI A2 study system with 10 practice tests, 2,750+ questions, 500 digital flashcards and a 30-day study schedule.

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Pros

• 10 full-length mock exams with detailed answer explanations
• 2,750+ practice questions and 500 digital flashcards
• Full-color diagrams and a 30-day study schedule

Cons

• 212 pages is the longest here, a bigger time commitment
• Published January 19, 2026; check the listing for a newer printing
• No video tutorials are listed

2

HESI A2 Study Guide by Simonds

Vere Simonds·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 2026-2027 HESI A2 study guide with 2 full-length practice exams, flashcards and a customizable study schedule.

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Pros

• 2 full-length practice exams with detailed answers
• Flashcards and a customizable study schedule included
• Published January 20, 2026, the newest edition here

Cons

• 138 pages is the shortest print length here
• Only 2 practice exams against the Elite book's 10
• No flashcard count is stated

3

HESI A2 3rd Edition by Smart Edition

Smart Edition·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A third-edition review guide providing three full-length practice tests, 900 practice questions, and flashcards.

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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

4

HESI A2 Secrets 2016 by Mometrix

Mometrix HESI A2 Exam Secrets Test Prep Team·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A first-edition review guide covering all exam sections with practice test questions and step-by-step video tutorials.

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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

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• HESI A2 Test Prep by Learning PressFull-color visual system with diagnostic test, 200+ videos and a 4-week roadmap.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. None of the four list a reading age or grade level; both full-data books are 2026 editions. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. 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 hesi book for self study

Count the practice tests

The Elite book packs 10 full-length mock exams and 2,750+ questions; the Vere Simonds book has 2 full-length practice exams. More tests mean more chances to find weak spots before exam day.

Check the edition date

The Elite book is a 2nd edition published January 19, 2026; the Vere Simonds book covers 2026-2027 and was published January 20, 2026. For HESI prep, a current edition matters more than a thick one. For the wider exam, see our HESI A2 entrance exam study guides and HESI books.

Look for a study schedule

The Elite book includes a 30-day study schedule and the Vere Simonds book a customizable timeline. Studying alone works better with a plan, so pick the schedule you will actually follow.

Before you buy

• Check the edition year on the listing; HESI prep books update often.
• Confirm how many practice tests and questions are included, and whether the answer key is part of the book.
• See whether flashcards or a study schedule are included or sold separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which HESI book has the most practice tests?

The Elite Nurses Academy book lists 10 full-length mock exams and 2,750+ questions. The Vere Simonds book lists 2 full-length practice exams.

Are these books current editions?

The Elite book is a 2nd edition from January 19, 2026; the Vere Simonds book is the 2026-2027 edition from January 20, 2026.

Do any include flashcards?

The Elite book includes 500 digital flashcards; the Vere Simonds book includes flashcards without a stated count.

Still deciding? Our top pickHESI A2 Study Guide by Elite

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