HESI vs TEAS: Which Nursing Entrance Exam Should You Take?

So you're applying to nursing school and suddenly you're faced with a question that trips up thousands of future nurses every year: HESI vs TEAS - which nursing entrance exam should you actually take? It's not always an obvious choice, and honestly, the wrong decision could cost you time and money.

Here's the thing - both the HESI A2 and ATI TEAS are widely accepted nursing entrance exams, but they're not interchangeable. Some schools only accept one. Some accept both but prefer one over the other. And the tests themselves? They're structured differently, cover slightly different content, and - this is important - they have different "feels" that suit different types of test-takers.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the difference between HESI and TEAS: the content, difficulty, cost, which schools accept what, and ultimately, which test might be the better fit for you. Because picking the right nursing entrance test can make the difference between a confident exam day and a stressful one.

What Are the HESI and TEAS Exams?

Let's start with the basics. Both of these are standardized tests designed to assess whether you're academically prepared for nursing school. But they come from different publishers and have somewhat different philosophies.

The HESI A2 (Admission Assessment)

The HESI A2 is published by Elsevier and administered by individual nursing schools. It's been around since 1999 and has become one of the two dominant nursing school entrance exams in the country. "HESI" actually stands for Health Education Systems Incorporated - if you were curious.

What makes the HESI A2 unique is its modular structure. Schools can pick and choose which sections they want applicants to complete. Some programs require just math and reading. Others want you to take all eight academic sections plus a personality assessment. This flexibility is great for schools, but it means your HESI experience might look completely different from another applicant's depending on where you're applying.

The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

The TEAS is published by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), and it's currently on version 7 - sometimes you'll see it called "TEAS 7" or "ATI TEAS." Unlike the HESI, the TEAS has a standardized format. Everyone takes the same four sections, and the test length is consistent across all testing locations.

The TEAS was specifically designed to predict success in health science programs, not just nursing. So if you're also considering other healthcare fields down the road, a TEAS score might come in handy later.

Key Differences Between HESI and TEAS

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. When comparing HESI vs TEAS, there are several key differences that could influence your decision.

Test Structure and Length

The TEAS exam has a fixed structure: 170 questions across four sections, with a time limit of 209 minutes (about 3.5 hours). Everyone gets the same test format regardless of where they take it.

The HESI A2, on the other hand, varies by school. The full exam can include up to 326 questions if a school requires all sections, but most programs only require 3-5 sections. Test time can range from about 2 hours to over 5 hours depending on what's required.

Cost Comparison

Here's where things get interesting - and potentially frustrating.

The TEAS costs around $100-$115 depending on where you take it. Retakes cost the same amount, and there's typically a waiting period before you can retake it (usually 30-60 days depending on the school).

HESI A2 pricing is set by individual schools, so costs can range from $35 to $100+. Some schools include the HESI fee in your application fee. The catch? Your HESI score often can only be sent to the school where you took it, which means you might need to pay for multiple HESI exams if you're applying to several nursing programs.

Scoring Systems

Both exams use different scoring approaches, which can make direct comparison tricky.

TEAS scoring: You get a composite score (0-100%) and individual section scores. Most nursing programs look for composite scores above 65-70%, with competitive programs wanting 75%+.

HESI A2 scoring: Scores range from 0-100% per section, and schools often look at cumulative scores or require minimum scores in specific sections. A "passing" score varies wildly - some schools accept 75%, others want 85%+.

Is the HESI or TEAS Harder?

This is probably the question we get asked most often: is the HESI or TEAS harder? And honestly, the answer isn't straightforward.

Based on student feedback and pass rate data, here's the general consensus: the HESI A2 science sections tend to be more detailed and specific, while the TEAS science is broader but perhaps less deep. The HESI math section includes more conversions and basic algebra, while TEAS math has a heavier emphasis on data interpretation.

What Students Say

Looking at forums like AllNurses and Reddit, you'll find opinions all over the map. Students who excel at memorization often find the HESI easier because they can drill specific content. Students who are better at critical thinking and applying knowledge sometimes prefer the TEAS.

One factor that makes this comparison tricky: the HESI can feel harder simply because schools have higher minimum score requirements. A 75% on the TEAS might get you into many programs, while the same program might want an 85% on the HESI.

The Real Answer

Here's the truth: which test is harder depends entirely on your strengths. If you're strong in science and can memorize detailed A&P content, the HESI might feel more manageable. If you're better at reading comprehension and logical reasoning, the TEAS might play to your strengths.

Content and Format Comparison

Let's dive deeper into what you'll actually encounter on each nursing entrance exam.

HESI A2 Sections

The HESI A2 can include up to 10 different sections, though most schools only require 3-5:

• Mathematics (55 questions) - Basic math, conversions, fractions, ratios, dosage calculations
• Reading Comprehension (55 questions) - Passage analysis, main idea, inference
• Vocabulary (55 questions) - Medical and general vocabulary in context
• Grammar (55 questions) - English language conventions, sentence structure
• Biology (30 questions) - Cellular biology, genetics, photosynthesis
• Chemistry (30 questions) - Basic chemistry, reactions, periodic table
• Anatomy & Physiology (30 questions) - Body systems, organ functions
• Physics (25 questions) - Basic physics concepts (rarely required)
• Learning Style - Non-scored personality assessment
• Personality Profile - Non-scored assessment

ATI TEAS Sections

The TEAS has a consistent four-section format that everyone takes:

• Reading (45 questions, 55 minutes) - Key ideas, craft and structure, integration of knowledge
• Mathematics (38 questions, 57 minutes) - Numbers, algebra, measurement, data interpretation
• Science (50 questions, 60 minutes) - Human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning
• English and Language Usage (37 questions, 37 minutes) - Conventions of English, knowledge of language, vocabulary

The Science Section - A Key Difference

Here's something important to understand: the HESI separates its science content into distinct sections (Biology, Chemistry, A&P), while the TEAS combines everything into one science section. This means:

On the HESI, if a school requires the A&P section, you can focus your prep specifically on anatomy and physiology. You won't be surprised by chemistry questions in that section.

On the TEAS, the science section mixes everything together. You might get an A&P question followed by a chemistry question followed by a biology question. Some students find this jarring; others prefer it because it requires less deep memorization of any single subject.

Which Schools Accept HESI vs TEAS?

This is where things get practical. The exam your nursing school requires should be your primary consideration when choosing between HESI vs TEAS.

General Trends

While acceptance varies widely, here are some general patterns we've observed:

Schools that commonly require HESI A2:

• Many traditional BSN programs
• Schools using Elsevier curriculum and textbooks
• Programs that value the personality/learning style components
• Schools that prefer school-specific testing

Schools that commonly require TEAS:

• Community college nursing programs
• ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs
• Schools using ATI throughout their curriculum
• Programs that want standardized, comparable scores

Schools that accept either: Many programs now accept both exams, though they may have different minimum score requirements for each.

How to Check Requirements

Always verify directly with each nursing school you're applying to. Requirements change, and what was true last year might not be true now. Look for:

• Which exam(s) they accept
• Minimum score requirements (overall and by section)
• How long scores are valid
• Retake policies and waiting periods
• Whether they accept scores from other testing locations

How to Prepare for Your Nursing Entrance Exam

Once you've figured out which exam you need - or if you have a choice, which one suits you better - it's time to prepare. And no, "winging it" is not a strategy. These nursing entrance tests require real preparation.

Self-Study Resources

Both exams have official study guides available from their publishers. The ATI TEAS has an official study manual and online practice tests available through ATI's website. For the HESI A2, Elsevier publishes the official HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review.

Third-party resources like Mometrix and Kaplan also offer study materials for both exams. Just make sure whatever you use is updated for the current exam version - especially for the TEAS, which was updated to version 7.

Targeted Tutoring for Faster Results

Here's the reality: generic study guides treat every student the same, even though your weak areas are unique to you. If you're short on time or struggling with specific sections, targeted prep can make a huge difference.

Our HESI tutoring service uses AI diagnostics to identify exactly what's holding your score back, then expert tutors address those specific gaps. Same approach for our TEAS tutoring - one focused session targeting your actual weak points beats weeks of unfocused studying.

Study Timeline Recommendations

How long should you study? It depends on your starting point, but here are some general guidelines:

• Strong academic background: 2-4 weeks of focused review
• Been out of school for a while: 6-8 weeks of comprehensive prep
• Weak in specific areas (math or science): 8-12 weeks with emphasis on trouble spots

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the HESI and TEAS the same thing?

No, the HESI and TEAS are different exams published by different companies. The HESI A2 is made by Elsevier, while the ATI TEAS is made by Assessment Technologies Institute. They have different structures, content emphasis, and scoring systems. Some nursing schools accept both, but they're not interchangeable - you need to take the specific exam your program requires.

Which is easier - HESI or TEAS?

Neither exam is objectively "easier" - it depends on your strengths. Students who excel at memorizing detailed science content often find the HESI more manageable. Students better at critical thinking and reading comprehension sometimes prefer the TEAS. The best way to find out which is easier for you is to take practice tests for both exams.

Can I take both the HESI and TEAS?

Yes, you can take both exams. Some students do this if they're applying to multiple schools with different requirements, or if they want to have both scores available. Just keep in mind the cost and preparation time involved in preparing for two different exam formats.

How long are HESI and TEAS scores valid?

Most nursing schools accept HESI and TEAS scores for 1-2 years from the test date, though policies vary. The TEAS generally has better score portability (you can send scores to multiple schools), while HESI scores are often specific to the school where you tested. Always verify with your target programs.

What's a good score on the HESI vs TEAS?

For the TEAS, most nursing programs look for composite scores above 65-70%, with competitive programs wanting 75%+. For the HESI A2, "passing" scores range from 75% to 90%+ depending on the school and section. Competitive BSN programs often require 85%+ on the HESI. Always check your specific program's requirements.

How many times can I retake the HESI or TEAS?

Retake policies vary by school and testing center. The TEAS typically allows retakes after 30-60 days, with some schools limiting the number of attempts. HESI retake policies are set by individual schools. Multiple retakes can get expensive, so aim to score well the first time with proper preparation.

Does Chamberlain require HESI or TEAS?

Chamberlain University has historically required the HESI A2 for admission, though requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with Chamberlain's admissions office, as policies may vary by campus location and program type.

What subjects should I focus on for nursing entrance exams?

For both exams, prioritize: (1) Anatomy and Physiology - heavily tested on both, (2) Mathematics - especially dosage calculations and conversions, (3) Reading Comprehension - critical for understanding complex passages, (4) Grammar and Vocabulary - particularly medical terminology. The science sections often determine your overall score.

Making Your Decision

So, HESI vs TEAS - which nursing entrance exam should you take? Let's recap the key decision points:

Choose the HESI A2 if:

• Your target school specifically requires it
• You're applying to one school and want a potentially lower-cost option
• You excel at memorizing detailed science content
• You prefer focusing on specific subject areas rather than mixed content

Choose the ATI TEAS if:

• Your target school specifically requires it
• You're applying to multiple schools (better score portability)
• You prefer a standardized, predictable test format
• You're stronger at critical thinking than memorization
• You might pursue other healthcare programs in the future

If you have a choice: Take practice tests for both exams. Your practice performance will give you the best indication of which format suits your test-taking style.

The bottom line? Both exams are gatekeepers to nursing school, and both can be conquered with the right preparation. Don't spend months agonizing over which one is "easier" - spend that energy actually preparing for whichever exam your program requires.

Whether you're facing the HESI A2 or ATI TEAS, targeted preparation that addresses your specific weak areas will always outperform generic studying. That's true for any nursing entrance exam.

Related Nursing Exam Resources

Exploring nursing entrance exam options? Check out our other guides and prep services:

• HESI A2 Study Guide: How to Pass on Your First Attempt
• TEAS Test Study Guide: How to Pass the ATI TEAS on Your First Try
• Is the TEAS Test Hard? What to Expect and How to Prepare
• TEAS Science Section: Complete Breakdown and Study Tips

All our nursing exam prep services come with a pass guarantee - if you don't pass after your tutoring session, you get a full refund.