HESI Vs. TEAS Exam: The Differences Explained

HESI vs. TEAS Exam: Understanding the Key Differences for Nursing School Admissions

Aspiring nursing students often face the crucial decision of choosing between two primary entrance exams: the HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) and the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). Both exams are used by nursing programs to evaluate applicants’ readiness, but they differ significantly in content, format, and focus. This guide will break down these differences to help you make an informed decision about which test aligns best with your strengths and the requirements of your chosen nursing program.

What Is the HESI A2?

The HESI A2 is a comprehensive exam tailored to assess a candidate’s preparedness for nursing school. It is customizable, allowing nursing schools to select specific sections that reflect their program’s focus. This makes the HESI A2 particularly versatile but also more challenging, as the content can vary significantly depending on the institution.

HESI A2 Exam Sections:

• Reading Comprehension: 47 questions assessing the ability to understand and analyze written content.
• Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 50 questions focusing on healthcare-related terms and general language skills.
• Grammar: 50 questions testing English grammar proficiency.
• Mathematics: 50 questions covering basic math skills, often with a healthcare focus.
• Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology: 25 questions each, diving into detailed science topics crucial for nursing.
• Physics (Optional): Some schools may include a physics section with 25 questions.
• Learning Style & Personality Assessments: These optional sections help schools understand a candidate’s learning preferences and personality traits, potentially guiding curriculum choices.

The length of the HESI A2 can vary, typically taking around 4 hours, but this depends on the number of sections required by the school​.

What Is the TEAS Exam?

The TEAS, administered by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), is a standardized test used widely across nursing programs in the United States. Unlike the HESI A2, the TEAS has a fixed structure, making it more predictable and easier to prepare for across different institutions.

TEAS Exam Sections:

• Reading: 53 questions in 64 minutes, focusing on comprehension and interpretation of passages.
• Mathematics: 36 questions in 54 minutes, covering basic arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation.
• Science: 53 questions in 63 minutes, including topics like human anatomy, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.
• English and Language Usage: 28 questions in 28 minutes, testing grammar, sentence structure, and language skills.

The TEAS exam lasts approximately 3 hours and 29 minutes, and the content is consistent across all testing locations, making it easier to find standardized study materials​.

Key Differences Between the HESI A2 and TEAS

1. Content Focus:
   • HESI A2: Includes specialized sections that can be tailored to the nursing program’s focus, making it more comprehensive and challenging. It covers a wider array of topics, particularly in sciences like biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
   • TEAS: Focuses on core academic skills in reading, math, science, and English. The science section is less specialized, covering broader topics that apply to various healthcare and non-healthcare fields​.
2. Exam Format:
   • HESI A2: The format varies by institution, as schools can choose which sections to include. This variability can make preparation more complex.
   • TEAS: The exam format is standardized, which allows for a more straightforward preparation process with widely available resources​
3. Difficulty Level:
   • HESI A2: Often considered more difficult due to its specialized content and the variability in exam sections depending on the school.
   • TEAS: Generally perceived as slightly less challenging but still rigorous, focusing on foundational knowledge​.
4. Scoring and Retake Policies:
   • HESI A2: Scoring varies by school, and the test can be retaken depending on the institution’s policies. Some schools may allow retakes of specific sections rather than the entire exam.
   • TEAS: Scores are standardized across institutions, and most schools allow retakes after a 30-day waiting period. Each section contributes to a composite score, which is used in the admissions process.
5. Cost:
   • HESI A2: Costs range from $40 to $100, depending on the number of sections and the testing location.
   • TEAS: The cost is generally around $70, with prices varying slightly based on the testing center​.

Preparing for the Exams

• Start Early: Whether you’re taking the HESI A2 or TEAS, begin studying several weeks in advance. Use practice tests to gauge your readiness and identify areas for improvement.
• Use Study Guides: Invest in reputable study guides tailored to the specific exam you’re preparing for. ATI offers comprehensive study packages for the TEAS, while Elsevier provides resources for the HESI A2.
• Practice Regularly: Regular practice with sample questions can help you become familiar with the exam format and improve your time management skills during the test.

Conclusion

Choosing between the HESI A2 and TEAS depends largely on the requirements of the nursing programs you’re applying to and your own strengths. The HESI A2 might be more suitable if you are comfortable with a broader range of nursing-specific topics, while the TEAS might be preferable if you excel in core academic areas and prefer a standardized testing format. Regardless of the exam you choose, thorough preparation is key to achieving a competitive score and securing a spot in your desired nursing program.

For further details on these exams, you can explore resources provided by ATI Testing for the TEAS and Elsevier Education for the HESI A2.