HESI vs. TEAS Nursing Exams: What’s the Difference?

Applying to nursing school? You’ve likely come across the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exams — the ones that help determine your admission fate. While both entrance exams assess your readiness to start a nursing program, they’re not the same. Understanding the differences between HESI vs. TEAS can help you tailor your study approach and kick-start your admission journey.

In this article, we’ll break down the structure, content areas, and scoring methods of the TEAS vs. HESI exams, providing insights into what to expect and how to prepare effectively to get into nursing school.

HESI vs. TEAS: Key Facts

Let’s be real — nursing school is no walk in the park. That’s why HESI Admission Assessment (A2) and TEAS exams are used to ensure you’re ready for the challenge. Here’s a quick look at how they each evaluate your readiness.

Snapshot of the HESI Exam

What is it? TheHESI A2 is a standardized and proctored entrance exam that assess applicants’ academic readiness for a nursing program.

Number of questions: The exam typically includes around 326 questions, though this can vary depending on a nursing program’s specific requirements.

Content areas: The exam covers nine key areas; seven focus on academic subject areas and two on personal assessment. The academically oriented subjects include the following:

• Mathematics
• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary and general knowledge
• Grammar
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Anatomy and physiology

The learning style and personality profile sections are designed to evaluate how you learn best and what study habits suit you, which can make a difference in your academic success. Some nursing schools also include a critical thinking section on the exam.

Variations: Not all schools test the same areas on the HESI. Some might focus only on grammar, vocabulary, and reading, while others add anatomy, physiology, or additional science topics.

Time to complete: The HESI A2 usually takes around four hours, but the exact time might differ based on the number of sections and your nursing program’s requirements.

Snapshot of the TEAS Test

What is it? The TEAS is a standardized exam, developed by the ATI Nursing Education company, used by schools to evaluate the academic skills of students applying to nursing and allied health programs.

Number of questions: The TEAS exam consists of 170 questions, with 150 scored and 20 unscored pretest questions.

Content areas: The exam is divided into four main sections:

• Reading: Key ideas and details, craft and structure, integration of knowledge and ideas
• Mathematics: Numbers, algebra, measurement, and data
• Science: Human anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning
• English and language usage: Conventions of standard English, knowledge of language, and using language and vocabulary to express ideas in writing

Variations: The exam content is the same everywhere, with fixed sections that don’t change, unlike the HESI A2, which can vary by school.

Time to complete: The exam generally takes about 3 hours and 29 minutes to complete, with each section having a specific time limit.

HESI Exam vs. TEAS: Key Differences

When comparing the HESI and TEAS exams, you’ll notice some key differences. Understanding them can help you choose the best study strategies, aligning your preparation with the unique demands of each test.

• Difficulty level: The perceived difficulty of the HESI vs. TEAS can vary depending on a test-taker’s strengths and weaknesses. Generally, the HESI A2 is considered to be more challenging by some students due to its wide range of specific content areas.
• Time to complete: The HESI’s time limit can vary depending on the number of sections, while the TEAS exam has a set time limit of 209 minutes. Despite the differences, both exams may feel quite intensive.
• Content focus: The HESI is known for its customizable content based on the nursing program’s focus. The TEAS covers a broad range of fundamental subjects with a consistent format across schools.
• Preparation: Preparing for the HESI might require more focused studying, especially if the nursing program has specific content areas. Many students find using specialized study guides helpful. Don’t forget to take a sample HESI practice test after your studies to see how well you’ve learned the material. For the TEAS, you can prepare by reading a study guide and taking the TEAS practice test, available on ATI website.
• Scoring: There is no universal passing score for the HESI and TEAS, as each nursing school sets its own minimum score requirement. However, a competitive score for both exams typically ranges from around 70%–75%.

Frequently Asked Questions: HESI vs. TEAS

What’s easier: the TEAS exam vs. HESI A2?

The difficulty of the TEAS vs. HESI exam really depends on your strengths and study habits. The TEAS is more standardized and covers broader topics, while the HESI A2 includes more specific content tailored to the nursing program you’re applying to. As a result, some test-takers may find the HESI more challenging.

What do I do if I fail the exam?

If you don’t get your target score on your HESI or TEAS exam, don’t panic. Start by reviewing your score report to identify areas where you struggled. Focus your study efforts on those topics and consider using additional resources like practice tests, study guides, or tutoring. If you are taking the TEAS exam, the retake policy is generally 14 days between attempts. For the HESI, you can take the exam twice in a year, but the exact rules depend on your nursing school.

How long are the results valid?

HESI scores are usually valid for one or two years, depending on the specific program you’re applying to. TEAS results, on the other hand, are typically valid for two years, though some schools might have different rules.

What study resources can I use to prepare?

If you’re preparing for the TEAS exam, take a look at these ATI-designed study packages:

• Comprehensive study package
• Basic study package
• Online practice test package
• SmartPrep tutorial
• Study guide
• ATI mobile app

When it comes to HESI exam, consider the following study resources:

• Admission assessment exam review
• Pocket Prep and other HESI A2 mobile apps
• Study practice tests
• Elsevier education portal
• Union Test Prep or other online test prep programs

Discover Nursing Jobs at IntelyCare

Now that you know the key differences between HESI vs. TEAS, it’s time to study up on which jobs you might be most interested in during and after nursing school. Tell us what you want, and we’ll match you with the best-fitting nursing jobs that suit your schedule and lifestyle as a student and beyond.