They Test Different Things
The TEAS 7 and HESI A2 are both nursing entrance exams, but they are not the same test and most programs accept only one. Before you spend any time preparing, confirm which exam your target program requires. This is listed on the admissions page — if it is not clear, call the admissions office directly.
TEAS 7 — Structure and Content
The TEAS 7 is developed by ATI and is the most widely used nursing entrance exam in the United States. It contains 170 questions across four sections — Reading (39 questions, 55 min), Mathematics (34 questions, 54 min), Science (50 questions, 63 min), and English & Language Usage (37 questions, 37 min) — for a total of 209 minutes. A basic calculator is provided on-screen for the math section only.
The Science section is the most challenging for most students. It covers Human Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, and Scientific Reasoning. Students who underperform on the TEAS almost always lose the most points here.
Most ADN programs require a composite score of 60–70%. Competitive BSN programs expect 75–85%.
HESI A2 — Structure and Content
The HESI A2 is developed by Elsevier and is longer and broader than the TEAS. A typical administration includes Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology — approximately 300 questions over 5+ hours. Some programs also require Physics. The exact sections required vary by institution, which is why you must check your specific program.
The HESI A2 tests more content areas than the TEAS, which means preparation requires broader coverage. The Grammar and Vocabulary sections have no equivalent on the TEAS. The Science sections (Biology, Chemistry, A&P) are similar in difficulty to the TEAS Science section but tested separately.
Minimum scores vary widely by institution — typically 75–80% per section, though some programs set a composite minimum.
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Key Differences at a Glance
The TEAS is one integrated exam with a composite score. The HESI A2 produces individual section scores, and programs often set minimums per section rather than a single composite. The TEAS is administered at ATI testing centers or approved proctors. The HESI A2 is typically administered at the institution requiring it.
Retake policies differ too. ATI allows three TEAS attempts per 12-month period with a 30-day wait. HESI retake policies are set by each institution — some allow one retake per cycle, others require a longer waiting period.
Which Is Harder?
Neither is objectively harder — they test overlapping but distinct content. Students with strong science backgrounds often find the TEAS more manageable because the Science section rewards depth of knowledge. Students with stronger English and vocabulary skills sometimes find the HESI A2 grammar and vocabulary sections easier to prepare for. The HESI A2's length (5+ hours) creates a stamina challenge the TEAS does not.
If You Need Both
Some students apply to programs requiring different exams. The good news: the science content overlaps significantly. A&P, Biology, and Chemistry preparation transfers between both exams. Math is similar in both. The main HESI-specific additions are Grammar, Vocabulary, and Physics — plan extra time for those if you are preparing for the HESI after the TEAS.
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