HESI vs TEAS: how the two nursing entrance exams differ
You do not choose between the HESI A2 and the TEAS: your program does. They cover similar ground, but the HESI is modular (the program picks the sections), scores each section as percent correct and tests science as separate subjects, while the TEAS is a fixed four-section test of 170 questions in 209 minutes, with more algebra, data and scientific reasoning, scored with an ATI level.
- 310
- HESI questions if you sit all seven sections
- 170
- TEAS questions, always the same four sections
- Your program
- decides which one you take
Last checked · HESI figures from schools; TEAS figures from ATI
Taking the HESI A2?
- 60 questions
- 62 minutes
- Score in seconds
Free HESI A2-style mock: all seven sections, each on its own clock
By the LifeScore Editorial Team · Updated · How we check facts · How this is scored
What is the difference between the HESI A2 and the TEAS?
Publisher, structure, content balance and scoring. The table puts the two side by side.
| HESI A2 | ATI TEAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | Elsevier (HESI) | Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) |
| Structure | Modular: the program picks the sections | Fixed: reading, math, science, English and language usage |
| Length | Up to 310 questions, 285 minutes for all seven sections | 170 questions (150 scored) in 209 minutes |
| Math | Arithmetic, conversions, dosage, military time, Roman numerals, simple algebra | Algebra, measurement and data, more word problems |
| Science | Separate anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry sections | One section: human anatomy and physiology, life and physical science, scientific reasoning |
| Vocabulary | Its own section, about 55 questions | Within English and language usage |
| Calculator | Basic calculator on screen | Drop-down calculator on screen |
| Score | Percent correct per section, plus a cumulative score | Adjusted total and section scores, with an ATI academic preparedness level |
| Minimums | Set by each program, usually 75% to 80% for RN | Set by each program, often a total or an ATI level |
How do the sections and timing compare?
The HESI gives about a minute a question in most sections and runs each section on its own clock. The TEAS gives a little more per question in math and science and a little less in reading.
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 55 | 50 |
| Reading Comprehension | 55 | 60 |
| Vocabulary and General Knowledge | 55 | 50 |
| Grammar | 55 | 50 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 30 | 25 |
| Biology | 30 | 25 |
| Chemistry | 30 | 25 |
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 55 |
| Math | 38 | 57 |
| Science | 50 | 60 |
| English and Language Usage | 37 | 37 |
The practical difference is stamina. If your program requires every HESI section, plan for most of a day with breaks between sections; the TEAS is about three and a half hours. Both put a few unscored pilot questions among the scored ones, and neither tells you which they are.
How is the math different?
HESI math is applied arithmetic: fractions, decimals, percents, conversions, dosage, military time and Roman numerals. TEAS math leans toward algebra, measurement and reading data from tables and charts.
If you are strong at algebra and data but rusty on conversions, the HESI will feel easier after a week on the conversion table and military time; the HESI math guide has both. If arithmetic is your strength, the TEAS's word problems and data questions are where to practise, on the TEAS math practice test.
How is the science different?
The HESI tests anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry as separate sections, and your program may require any of them. The TEAS has one science section that is mostly human anatomy and physiology, with some life and physical science and scientific reasoning.
Separate sections mean separate minimums: a HESI program can require 75% in chemistry on its own, which the TEAS never does. On the other hand, a HESI program may not test science at all. See the anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry guides, each with a free drill.
How do reading, vocabulary and grammar compare?
Very similar skills. The HESI splits them into three sections and gives vocabulary its own 55 questions; the TEAS combines grammar, vocabulary and conventions into English and language usage, with a separate reading section.
Reading passages on both are short and often about health; both ask for main ideas, details and inferences. Vocabulary carries more weight on the HESI, so the word parts table is worth more time there.
How do the scores and minimums compare?
The HESI reports percent correct for each section, so programs set percentage minimums, often per section. The TEAS reports an adjusted score and an ATI level, and programs set a total or a level.
| HESI scoring | Each section is scored as a percentage correct; the cumulative score averages the sections your program required.ReportedCentral Texas College, HESI A2 information sheet (on-screen calculator, score report) |
|---|---|
| HESI minimums | Usually 75% to 80% for RN and BSN programs; lower for practical nursing and allied healthReportedTarleton State University, traditional BSN admission criteria |
| TEAS scoring | Adjusted individual total score and section scores, with an academic preparedness levelPublished by the ownerATI help, "TEAS score report (IPP) and topics to review" |
| TEAS minimums | Set by each program; ATI says to check with the schoolPublished by the ownerATI help, "What score do I need to get on the ATI TEAS exam?" |
There is no official way to convert one score to the other. For the HESI, see passing scores by program type; for the TEAS, what a good TEAS score is.
Taking the HESI? Practise the HESI.
8 full HESI A2-style mocks, every section on its own clock, and 28 section drills.
The HESI A2 Pass Pack gives you 8 full mocks on the real clock, 28 drills of 12 questions for the sections that cost you points, and a predictor that turns your mocks into the odds of reaching your target. One payment, no subscription, and your free score stays free.
Prep courses for these tests usually cost $19 to $129. The HESI A2 Pass Pack is US$39 (£29), once.
- 8
- timed mocks
- 28
- topic drills
- 1
- score predictor
Is the HESI or the TEAS harder?
Neither, overall. The HESI is longer and has more separate minimums to clear; the TEAS is denser, with more algebra and scientific reasoning. Which feels harder depends on where you are strong.
The HESI tends to feel easier if
you are strong at arithmetic and memorised facts, your program requires few sections, and your science is uneven (a strong biology can count on its own).
The TEAS tends to feel easier if
you are comfortable with algebra and data, prefer one shorter sitting, and are stronger at reasoning than at recall.
Either way
the exam you take is the one your program names. If you apply to programs that use different exams, prepare for both: most of the work overlaps.
How do I prepare if my programs use both?
Do the shared work once, then add each exam's extras. Reading, grammar, basic math and anatomy and physiology carry over almost completely.
| Shared | HESI only | TEAS only |
|---|---|---|
| Reading main idea, detail, inference | Military time, Roman numerals, conversions | Algebra and word problems |
| Grammar and punctuation | A separate vocabulary section | Data from tables and charts |
| Fractions, decimals, percents | Separate biology and chemistry sections | Scientific reasoning |
| Anatomy and physiology | Up to seven separate clocks | One four-section sitting |
Start with whichever exam comes first. Take the free HESI A2 practice test and the free TEAS practice test, compare your weakest sections, and spend the first week on the shared ones.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HESI harder than the TEAS?
Can I take the TEAS instead of the HESI?
Which is longer, the HESI A2 or the TEAS?
Do HESI and TEAS scores convert?
Can I study for both at once?
Which exam do more programs use?
Taking the TEAS instead?
Our full TEAS-style test is timed on ATI's four sections, with an estimated ATI level and your weakest section.
Start the free TEAS testSources
- Gateway Technical College, HESI A2 testing (questions and minutes per section)
- Central Texas College, HESI A2 information sheet (on-screen calculator, score report)
- Chamberlain University, HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam FAQs
- Tarleton State University, traditional BSN admission criteria
- ATI, "TEAS exam details"
- ATI help, "TEAS score report (IPP) and topics to review"
- ATI help, "What score do I need to get on the ATI TEAS exam?"