Best HESI Book: 5 Picks for the Admission Exam

A nursing applicant staring at a full HESI A2 subject list needs a plan, and the best hesi book is the one that matches the sections they must pass. We compared five HESI A2 prep books by stated practice tests, question counts, edition year and format. Every figure below comes from the Amazon listings themselves.

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The picks

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

1

Mometrix HESI A2 Study Cards

Mometrix·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 ›

Study cards covering seven HESI A2 sections with online practice questions, suited to applicants who review in short sessions.

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Pros

• In-depth review of seven HESI A2 sections with explained online practice questions
• 3rd edition published April 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 cycle
• 560 print pages with a stated reading age of 16 years and up

Cons

• Format is study cards, not a full textbook
• The listing gives no practice test count
• 560 pages is the longest print length of the five picks

2

HESI A2 Secrets by Bowling

Matthew Bowling·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 comprehensive prep manual offering three practice tests, over 1000 practice questions, and more than 200 online video tutorials.

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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

3

Elite Nurses HESI A2 Guide

Elite Nurses Academy·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 ›

An all-in-one HESI A2 guide with 9 practice tests, 1,500+ explained questions and a 7-day crash course.

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Pros

• 9 full-length practice tests with 1,500+ explained questions
• 7-day crash course plus a diagnostic test for weak areas
• 775 flashcards and an illustrated anatomy and physiology guide

Cons

• Published September 3, 2024, older than the 2026 listings
• 274 pages is shorter than the 560-page Mometrix pick
• Bonuses are digital-only: mobile flashcards and anatomy guides

4

HESI A2 3rd Edition by Smart Edition

Smart Edition·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

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

5

HESI A2 Secrets 2016 by Mometrix

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

i

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

• Learning Press HESI A2 Full ColorSuits visual learners with color-coded review, 200+ video tutorials and a 4-week plan.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Only one of the five picks lists a reading age. 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

Match the format to your study style

The Mometrix pick is study cards for short review sessions, while the Elite, Smart Edition and Secrets picks are full guides with longer chapters. Cards suit quick passes over math, vocabulary and science terms; guides suit section-by-section study. Browse every certification exam prep list for more formats.

Check the edition year

The Mometrix cards are a 3rd edition dated April 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 exam cycle, and the Elite guide says it is updated for 2026-2027. The Smart Edition pick is a 3rd edition with no date stated. See our best study guide for HESI A2 entrance exam for a related comparison.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date on the listing; the Mometrix cards are dated April 1, 2026, while the Elite guide was published September 3, 2024.
• Decide between study cards, a full guide or a Secrets format; the three thin listings state no page counts or contents.
• Confirm whether the listing includes online extras; the Mometrix cards mention online practice questions and the Elite guide mentions digital flashcards and anatomy guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which HESI A2 book has the most practice questions?

The Elite Nurses guide lists 1,500+ explained questions and 9 practice tests. The Mometrix cards mention online practice questions with no count stated.

What reading age is listed for these books?

Only the Mometrix study cards list one: 16 years and up. The other four listings state no reading age or grade level.

Which edition should I buy?

The Mometrix cards are a 3rd edition dated April 1, 2026. The Elite guide is updated for 2026-2027 but was published September 3, 2024, so check the listing for the latest printing.

Still deciding? Our top pickMometrix HESI A2 Study Cards

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Related lists

See every Licensing and Certification list and all Test Prep lists. Also see our best study guide for HESI A2 entrance exam.

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