Nursing Entrance Exams Compared: TEAS vs HESI vs NLN - Which One Do You Need?

So you want to get into nursing school. You've done the research, picked a few programs, and now you're staring at three different nursing entrance exams wondering which one you actually need to take. Sound about right?

Here's the thing - the TEAS vs HESI vs NLN debate isn't really a debate at all. Your school almost certainly requires one specific exam, and trying to prepare for the wrong one is a waste of time you probably don't have. But even if your program has already told you which test to register for, understanding how these three exams differ can help you study smarter, set realistic score goals, and honestly, just feel less overwhelmed by the whole process.

In this guide, we're breaking down all three major nursing school entrance exams - the ATI TEAS, the HESI A2, and the NLN PAX. We'll compare their structure, content, scoring, cost, and difficulty level so you know exactly what you're getting into. And more importantly, how to actually pass whichever one lands on your plate.

Why Nursing Entrance Exams Matter More Than You Think

Let's be real for a second. Nursing programs are competitive. Ridiculously competitive, in some cases. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), qualified applicants are turned away from BSN programs every single year - not because they aren't good enough, but because there simply aren't enough seats.

Your nursing entrance exam score is one of the biggest differentiators admissions committees use to separate applicants who look similar on paper. Strong GPA? Great. Solid prerequisite grades? Awesome. But when 200 applicants are fighting for 60 spots, that TEAS or HESI score can genuinely make or break your application.

Some programs use these tests as a hard cutoff - score below a certain threshold and your application goes straight to the reject pile, regardless of everything else. Others use a points-based system where your exam score contributes a significant percentage of your total application score. Either way, you want to walk in prepared. Not sort-of-prepared. Actually prepared.

And here's what catches a lot of people off guard: these aren't just content exams. They test how well you think under pressure, how quickly you can apply concepts you haven't looked at since freshman bio, and whether you can manage your time across multiple sections without falling apart. That's a different skill set than acing your A&P final.

The ATI TEAS: What It Tests and Who Requires It

The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is probably the most well-known nursing entrance exam out there. Developed by Assessment Technologies Institute, it's accepted by a huge number of nursing programs across the country - both ADN and BSN. If you're applying to community college nursing programs, there's a good chance the TEAS is what you need.

The current version is the ATI TEAS 7, which launched in 2022 and brought some notable changes from the older TEAS VI. It's a 170-question exam spread across four sections, and you get 209 minutes to complete everything. That sounds like a lot of time until you're actually sitting there trying to remember how cell division works while the clock ticks down.

TEAS Exam Structure

The four sections break down like this: Reading has 45 questions in 55 minutes, Math gives you 38 questions in 57 minutes, Science throws 50 questions at you in 60 minutes, and English & Language Usage wraps things up with 37 questions in 37 minutes. Notice something? The science section is the longest and arguably the most content-heavy. That's where a lot of test-takers run into trouble.

Math on the TEAS covers algebra, ratios, proportions, and some basic statistics. You can't use a calculator on most questions - which surprises people who haven't done mental math since high school. The reading section tests comprehension, inference, and your ability to evaluate sources. Science spans human anatomy, physiology, biology, and basic chemistry. English tests grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

TEAS Scoring and What Schools Want

Scoring on the TEAS works on a percentage scale. You'll get an overall composite score plus individual section scores. Most competitive programs want to see a composite score of 70% or higher, though some highly selective BSN programs look for 80%+. The national average typically hovers around 65%, so don't panic if your first practice test doesn't blow the doors off.

The ATI TEAS costs about $90-$120 depending on where you take it. You can test at a Pearson VUE center or directly at some nursing schools. Retake policies vary by program, but most schools allow you to retake the TEAS after a waiting period (usually 60 days). Some programs limit the total number of attempts. Check your school's specific policy before you schedule.

If the TEAS is your exam, our fast TEAS pass tutoring uses AI diagnostics to pinpoint exactly where your score is bleeding points - then a real expert helps you fix those gaps in a single focused session.

The HESI A2: Structure, Scoring, and School Requirements

The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) is the other heavyweight in the nursing school tests world. Developed by Elsevier, it's particularly popular with BSN programs and some ADN programs, especially those affiliated with larger university systems. If you're applying to a four-year nursing program, the HESI is very likely on your radar.

Here's where the HESI gets a little confusing compared to the TEAS: it's modular. Your school picks which sections you need to take, which means two students taking "the HESI" might actually be taking very different tests. Some programs require all eight academic modules. Others only require four or five. You absolutely need to check with your specific program before you start studying.

HESI A2 Exam Modules

The potential modules include: Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Physics. There's also a Learning Style assessment and a Personality Profile, but those are unscored - they don't affect your admission decision.

Each module is timed separately, usually ranging from 25 to 50 minutes depending on the subject. Total test time varies based on which modules your school requires, but expect anywhere from 3 to 5 hours if you're taking most of them. The question count per module ranges from 25 to 55 questions.

One thing that makes the HESI different? It uses an adaptive-style approach in some sections. The difficulty of questions can shift based on your responses, which means two people taking the same module might see different questions. This can feel disorienting if you're not expecting it.

HESI A2 Scoring and Competitive Benchmarks

HESI A2 scores range from 0 to 100 for each module, and you'll also get a cumulative score that averages your required modules. Most nursing programs set a minimum cumulative score between 75 and 80, though competitive programs often want 85+. Some schools also set minimum individual section scores - so even if your cumulative is great, bombing one module could disqualify you.

The HESI A2 costs between $40 and $100 depending on the testing location. That's typically cheaper than the TEAS, though retake fees and waiting periods apply here too. Most programs allow 2-3 attempts within a 12-month period.

Want to cut through the noise and figure out exactly where your HESI score needs work? Our fast HESI pass tutoring session diagnoses your weak modules and targets them with precision - so you're not wasting study hours on sections you've already mastered.

The NLN PAX: The Lesser-Known Nursing Entrance Exam

The NLN PAX (National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination) is kind of the underdog of nursing entrance exams. It's been around for decades, but fewer programs use it compared to the TEAS or HESI. You'll mostly encounter the NLN PAX at community colleges and some diploma nursing programs, particularly on the East Coast.

Don't let the lower name recognition fool you, though. The NLN PAX is a serious exam, and in some ways it's actually trickier than its more popular counterparts. The science section in particular can catch people off guard because it dives deeper into biology and chemistry than what many test-takers expect.

NLN PAX Exam Structure

The NLN PAX has three sections: Verbal (60 questions in 40 minutes), Math (40 questions in 40 minutes), and Science (60 questions in 40 minutes). That's 160 questions total in just 2 hours. If you do the math, that's significantly less time per question than either the TEAS or HESI. Time management is arguably even more critical here.

The Verbal section covers word knowledge, reading comprehension, and critical reading. Math tests arithmetic, algebra, geometry, conversions, and basic data interpretation. Science spans general biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science - a broader range than the TEAS science section, actually, though not quite as deep in human anatomy.

NLN PAX Scoring

NLN PAX scoring is different from both the TEAS and HESI. Instead of a simple percentage, you get a composite score plus percentile rankings that compare you against other test-takers. Programs typically set their own cutoff percentiles. A common benchmark is scoring at or above the 50th percentile, though competitive programs want higher.

The NLN PAX costs around $75-$95. Retake policies vary, but most schools require a waiting period of 1-3 months between attempts. One nice thing about the NLN: because fewer people take it, there's generally less competition for testing slots.

TEAS vs HESI vs NLN: Side-by-Side Comparison

Alright, let's put all three nursing school entrance exams next to each other so you can see the differences at a glance. This is where the comparison really clicks.

A few things jump out from this comparison. The NLN PAX is significantly shorter but gives you less time per question - so it's fast-paced in a way the other two aren't. The HESI's modular format means your study plan depends heavily on which modules your school actually requires. And the TEAS sits somewhere in the middle as the most standardized of the three.

Which Nursing Entrance Exam Should You Take?

This is actually simpler than most people make it. You don't choose your nursing entrance exam - your school does. Step one is always to check your target program's admissions requirements. It'll say right there which exam they accept.

That said, if you're still deciding between nursing programs and flexibility matters to you, here's some general guidance:

Take the TEAS if you're applying to a mix of ADN and BSN programs. It has the broadest acceptance and the most available study resources. If you're unsure and want to keep your options open, the TEAS is usually the safest bet.

Take the HESI A2 if your target school specifically requires it - which is common at larger universities and BSN programs. The modular format can actually work in your favor if you're strong in some subjects and weaker in others, since you can focus your prep on the modules that matter.

Take the NLN PAX if your program requires it. Simple as that. Don't take the NLN PAX voluntarily unless your school specifically accepts it, because it's less widely recognized and you'll find fewer study materials available.

Applying to multiple schools that require different exams? Yeah, it happens. In that case, you might need to prepare for two tests. Not ideal, but there's more overlap in content than you'd think - especially in the math and science areas. The core nursing prerequisite knowledge is similar across all three.

How to Prepare for Your Nursing Entrance Exam

Here's where most aspiring nursing students go wrong: they buy a giant study guide and try to plow through the whole thing cover to cover. Three weeks later, they're burned out, they've forgotten half of what they read, and they still aren't sure which topics actually matter for their score. Sound familiar?

The smarter approach? Figure out where you're weak first, then study those areas specifically. A diagnostic-first strategy saves you dozens of hours and actually moves your score in the right direction. This applies whether you're taking the TEAS, the HESI, or the NLN.

Strategy 1: AI-Powered Diagnostic Tutoring (Fastest Path)

Our fast TEAS pass tutoring and fast HESI pass tutoring services use AI to analyze your specific performance patterns - not just what you get wrong, but how you think under pressure, where your timing breaks down, and which question types consistently trip you up. Then an expert tutor addresses those exact gaps in one focused session.

Most students see significant score improvements after a single hour because we're targeting the specific issues that are dragging your score down. It's the difference between studying everything and studying the right things. And if you don't pass? Full refund. That's how confident we are in the approach.

Strategy 2: Structured Self-Study With Official Materials

If you prefer studying independently, each exam has official prep materials worth investing in. For the TEAS, ATI offers their own TEAS Prep packages including practice assessments and study manuals. For the HESI, Elsevier publishes the HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review. And for the NLN PAX, the NLN offers official study guides and practice tests.

The key with self-study is discipline. Set a study schedule, take practice tests under timed conditions, and actually review your mistakes instead of just noting your score. Why did you miss that question? Was it a knowledge gap, a careless error, or a timing issue? That analysis matters more than the raw number.

Strategy 3: Combine Diagnostic Tutoring with Self-Study

Honestly? The best results come from combining both approaches. Start with a diagnostic session to identify your specific weak areas, get expert coaching on the highest-impact fixes, then use official materials to reinforce and practice what you've learned. You get the efficiency of targeted tutoring plus the depth of self-directed practice.

Universal Study Tips for All Three Exams

Regardless of which nursing entrance exam you're taking, a few principles apply across the board:

• Don't skip the science section prep. It's the most content-heavy section on all three exams and where most people lose the most points. Brush up on human anatomy, cell biology, and basic chemistry at minimum.
• Practice mental math. Calculator access varies between exams, and even when one is provided, being comfortable with mental calculations saves valuable time.
• Take full-length timed practice tests. Knowing the material isn't enough - you need to prove you can recall it under time pressure. Practice under realistic conditions at least twice before test day.
• Review your mistakes systematically. Don't just check the answer. Understand why you got it wrong and what pattern led to the error.
• Focus your last week on weak areas only. Cramming everything at the end is counterproductive. Spend your final study days drilling the specific topics where you're still losing points.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Entrance Exams

What is the easiest nursing entrance exam?

There's no universally "easy" option. The HESI A2 can feel more manageable because your school might only require a handful of modules, letting you skip subjects you'd struggle with. The TEAS is more standardized, which some students prefer because there are no surprises about what's covered. The NLN PAX is shorter but faster-paced, so time pressure is higher. Difficulty really depends on your personal strengths.

Can I use my TEAS score for a school that requires the HESI?

Generally, no. Most nursing programs are specific about which exam they accept, and you can't substitute one for another. A few schools accept either the TEAS or the HESI (check their admissions page), but this isn't common. Always verify directly with your target program before registering for any exam.

How long should I study for a nursing entrance exam?

Most students need 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, studying around 2-3 hours per day. But this varies wildly depending on how recently you took prerequisite courses and how strong your science and math foundations are. If you've been out of school for a while, you might need more time. If you just finished your prerequisites last semester, a few weeks of targeted review might be enough.

What happens if I fail my nursing entrance exam?

Most programs allow retakes, but with restrictions. The TEAS typically requires a 60-day waiting period between attempts. The HESI A2 usually allows 2-3 attempts within a year. The NLN PAX varies by school but generally requires 1-3 months between attempts. Some programs limit total lifetime attempts, so make each one count. A targeted prep approach - like our TEAS tutoring or HESI tutoring - helps ensure you don't burn through your attempts.

Is the TEAS harder than the HESI?

Students have mixed opinions on this. The TEAS science section is often considered more challenging than the HESI's biology and A&P modules because it covers a broader range of topics in a single timed section. However, the HESI's math section can be more difficult because it includes more advanced concepts. The HESI also has a grammar and vocabulary component that some students find tricky. Bottom line: both are challenging in different ways.

Do all nursing schools require an entrance exam?

Not all, but the vast majority do. A small number of programs have moved away from standardized entrance exams, relying instead on prerequisite GPA and other holistic admissions criteria. But these programs are the exception, not the rule. If you're serious about nursing school, expect to take at least one nursing entrance exam.

Can I take the nursing entrance exam online?

The TEAS offers remote proctored testing through ATI in addition to in-person testing at Pearson VUE centers. The HESI A2 is typically taken at testing centers or at the nursing school itself. The NLN PAX is usually administered in-person. Availability of online testing has expanded since 2020, but policies change frequently - check with your testing provider for the most current options.

Your Next Step Toward Nursing School

The TEAS vs HESI vs NLN comparison really comes down to one thing: which exam does your school require? Once you know that, everything else falls into place. All three tests cover similar core content - reading, math, and science - but they package it differently in terms of structure, timing, and scoring.

What doesn't change is this: targeted preparation beats generic studying every single time. Whether you're taking the TEAS, the HESI A2, or the NLN PAX, knowing exactly where your weaknesses are and addressing them strategically is what separates students who pass on their first attempt from those who don't.

You've already made the decision to pursue nursing. That's the hard part. The entrance exam? It's just a gate. And with the right preparation, it's a gate you can absolutely walk through.

Related Exam Prep Resources

Exploring other nursing and healthcare exam prep? Check out these guides:

• TEAS Test Study Guide: How to Pass on Your First Try
• TEAS Science Section: Complete Breakdown and Study Tips
• HESI A2 Study Guide: How to Pass on Your First Attempt
• HESI vs TEAS: Which Nursing Entrance Exam Should You Take?
• HESI Math Section: Complete Guide and Practice Problems
• Is the TEAS Test Hard? What to Expect and How to Prepare

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