Choosing the right entrance exam is an important first step in pursuing a nursing career. The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc., Admission Assessment) and TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) are the two most common exams nursing schools use to assess the readiness of potential students.
While both tests offer a snapshot of your knowledge across a range of subjects, each has unique features that may influence your decision to take one or the other. In this guide, we’ll compare the HESI and TEAS exams and detail how nursing schools use them to determine if you’re ready to be admitted. We’ll also share five real-world preparation tips to help you succeed on test day.
The HESI Exam
The HESI A2 is a comprehensive test used to evaluate whether you’re ready for the academic rigor of a nursing program. It assesses your knowledge in critical areas like science, math, and reading comprehension and has a medical-specific focus. Many nursing schools use the standardized HESI A2 exam to determine whether you’re ready to be admitted and to predict future academic success. Each school can choose which sections to include on the exam, so not all HESI A2 tests are the same.
Subject Areas: Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Math Skills, Biology, Chemistry, Grammar, Physics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and General Knowledge, plus optional Learning Style and Personality Style sections required by some nursing schools.
Format: Each subject area includes 25-60 multiple-choice questions. Nursing schools set their own time limits for the HESI A2 exam, but most allow between two to four hours.
Scoring: The HESI A2 is scored on a scale of 0% to 100%. Nursing schools set their own minimum targets for admission requirements, but scores between 75% to 80% are generally considered competitive.
The TEAS Exam
The TEAS exam is developed by Assessment Technologies Institute and it’s a test that also assesses your readiness to start an allied health program. It focuses on a broader view of your general knowledge rather than healthcare-specific topics and uses more question formats than the HESI A2. Many people believe the TEAS exam is easier than the HESI A2, but this can depend on your academic strengths and preparation.
Subject Areas: The TEAS exam contains four main sections with various subsections for each: Reading (Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas), Mathematics (Numbers and Algebra, Measurement and Data), Science (Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Scientific Reasoning), and English and Language Usage (Conventions of Standard English, Knowledge of Language, Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing).
Format: The TEAS exam contains 150 graded questions, with 37 to 50 questions per subject area, as well as 20 unscored pre-test items. Questions appear in these formats: multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, and hot spots (graphic- or image-based). Unlike the HESI A2’s variable time limit, you’ll have 209 minutes to complete the TEAS exam.
Scoring: TEAS exam results feature three numbers: your total score, content area scores, and sub-content area scores. The TEAS exam uses a scoring system based on the difficulty of each question. You’ll get more points for correctly answering harder questions, but you won’t know a question’s difficulty level while taking the test. Like the HESI A2, nursing schools set their own requirements for TEAS scores, but those in the “Proficient” range of 59% to 79% or higher are widely considered competitive.
Key Differences Between the Exams
Although the HESI A2 and TEAS both evaluate if you’re prepared to enter nursing school, the content and format differ dramatically. The HESI A2 exam includes more detailed questions on science-based topics such as chemistry and biology, as well as more overall material. Students with strong science backgrounds may find this easier, but other test-takers will need to prepare more intensely. In comparison, the TEAS exam has a balanced allocation of questions across subjects and focuses on skills such as reading and math.
Nursing schools may prefer one exam over the other based on their curriculum. Programs with stricter prerequisites, such as accelerated BSN programs, may have students take the HESI A2, while a program with pre-admission structure — and most four-year programs — often opt for the TEAS exam. You should always check program requirements for the schools you plan to apply to before scheduling either exam.
Cost is also a consideration. The HESI A2 is typically $50-$70 cheaper than the TEAS. You can also take the proctored TEAS exam in-person or from home with a webcam and microphone, but you’ll need to visit a testing center to take the HESI A2.
Preparing for the HESI and TEAS Exams
Whether you take the HESI A2 or TEAS, preparation is key if you want a high score. A combination of study guides, practice tests, and an organized schedule will prepare you for success on test day. Here are a few specific tips to get ready for either the HESI A2 or TEAS exam.
Preparation Tip #1: Understand the Exam Structure Before Test Day
Before you do any studying, review the number of sections, question types, and how much time you’ll have to complete the test. Knowing what to expect on test day can help decrease your stress and make your preparation more effective. Understanding the breakdown of subjects and their importance will help you prioritize your study time and focus on the areas that have the biggest impact on your score.
Preparation Tip #2: Use Study Guides and Prep
Since both the HESI A2 and TEAS are so popular, comprehensive study guides are easy to find. These guides break complex topics into manageable sections and give you a ready-made roadmap to organize your studying. Some study guides also come with online features or interactive study tools. You can choose self-paced guides or enroll in an instructor-led course depending on your distinctive learning style.
Preparation Tip #3: Take Practice Tests
Although studying is important, taking practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare for your exam. Since they simulate the real test, you can practice pacing and building the stamina needed for taking a lengthy exam. You can easily find official practice tests for both. Once you get your results, you can analyze them to see which content areas need extra work and adjust your study plan accordingly. Completing multiple practice tests throughout your study schedule can boost your confidence and help you feel more prepared on exam day.
Preparation Tip #4: Focus On Your Weakest Areas
Maximizing your score on both the HESI A2 and TEAS requires targeted preparation. Your score will suffer if you’re strong in some content areas but weak in others. After taking a few practice tests, you’ll know the areas that require more time to perfect. In the weeks leading up to the test, dedicate extra study time to those sections while continuing to lightly review other subjects. Addressing your weaknesses head-on is a powerful strategy for improving your overall performance.
Preparation Tip #5: Maintain Healthy Habits
Effective preparation for the HESI A2 or TEAS isn’t just about studying. You should also pay close attention to your mental and physical health. Self-care is just as important as bookwork, so be sure to get adequate sleep and schedule study breaks to rest and recharge your mind. A balanced diet and regular exercise can also boost your focus and reduce stress in the lead-up to your test. By maintaining healthy habits, you’ll be physically and mentally prepared to perform your best on test day.
