HESI A2 vs TEAS: Which Nursing Entrance Exam Should You Prepare For? [2026 Comparison]

If you're applying to nursing school, you've probably seen two acronyms everywhere: HESI A2 and TEAS. Both are nursing entrance exams — but they're not interchangeable. Your target nursing program determines which one you need. This guide gives you a complete side-by-side comparison so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

Quick Comparison: HESI A2 vs TEAS at a Glance

What Sections Does Each Exam Cover?

HESI A2 Sections

The HESI A2 can have up to 8 academic sections, though most nursing programs only require 4–6. Common required sections include:

1. Mathematics (50 questions) — fractions, decimals, ratios, conversions, dosage calculations
2. Reading Comprehension (47 questions) — main idea, inference, context clues, passage analysis
3. Vocabulary & General Knowledge (50 questions) — medical terminology, word meanings, context usage
4. Grammar (50 questions) — parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, commonly confused words
5. Biology (30 questions) — cells, genetics, metabolism, biological molecules
6. Chemistry (30 questions) — atomic structure, bonding, reactions, acids/bases
7. Anatomy & Physiology (30 questions) — body systems, organs, functions
8. Physics (25 questions) — motion, forces, energy, waves (rarely required)

TEAS 7 Sections

The TEAS always has the same 4 fixed sections:

1. Reading (39 questions, 55 min) — key ideas, craft & structure, integration of knowledge
2. Mathematics (36 questions, 57 min) — numbers, algebra, measurement, data interpretation
3. Science (44 questions, 60 min) — human A&P, biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning
4. English & Language Usage (37 questions, 37 min) — conventions, vocabulary, knowledge of language

Key Differences Explained

1. Flexibility vs. Standardization

The biggest difference is customization. The HESI A2 is modular — your school picks which sections you take. One program might require Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Biology. Another might add Chemistry and A&P. The TEAS, on the other hand, is always the same four sections for every student.

What this means for you: With the HESI A2, confirm your required sections early so you don't waste time studying Physics when your school doesn't require it.

2. Science Depth

The HESI A2 separates science into individual sections (Biology, Chemistry, A&P, Physics), each with dedicated questions and scoring. The TEAS combines all science into one section with 44 questions, making it broader but less deep on any single topic.

Bottom line: If science is your strength, the HESI A2 lets you showcase it across multiple scores. If science is your weakness, the TEAS dilutes its weight into one composite.

3. Scoring Systems

HESI A2: You receive an individual percentage score for each section (e.g., Math: 92%, Reading: 88%). Schools set minimum thresholds per section — typically 75–80%, with competitive programs wanting 85%+. Some also calculate a cumulative (average) score.

TEAS: You receive both section scores and a composite score (weighted average). The composite score is what most programs use for admissions. Competitive ADN programs typically want 70%+; BSN programs often want 78%+.

4. At-Home vs. In-Person Testing

The TEAS offers a remote proctored option through ATI's website, meaning you can take it from home. The HESI A2 is almost always administered on-site at your nursing school's testing center. This is a significant logistical difference if your school is far away.

5. Cost and Availability

Both exams cost roughly $40–$100, but availability varies. The TEAS can be scheduled year-round at testing centers or online. HESI A2 testing dates are set by individual schools, so availability may be limited. Book early!

Which Exam Is Harder?

This is the most common question — and the honest answer is it depends on your strengths:

• HESI A2 may be harder if you struggle with science, since you could face Biology, Chemistry, AND A&P as separate scored sections
• TEAS may be harder if you struggle with reading comprehension, as the Reading section is more analytically demanding with inference-heavy questions
• Math is comparable on both — basic arithmetic, algebra, ratios, conversions, and word problems
• Grammar/English is comparable — both test standard written English conventions

Most students find that with proper preparation, both exams are very manageable. The key is knowing the format and practicing with realistic questions.

Which Schools Accept Which Exam?

There's no universal rule, but here are general patterns:

• HESI A2 is more common at community colleges, ADN programs, and schools using Elsevier textbooks/curriculum
• TEAS is more common at BSN programs, state universities, and schools partnered with ATI
• Some schools accept both — always check your target program's admissions page for the most current requirements

Pro tip: If you're applying to multiple programs and they require different exams, plan your study schedule to prepare for both. The content overlap (math, reading, grammar, basic science) is significant — about 60–70% of what you study transfers directly.

How to Prepare for Each Exam

HESI A2 Preparation Strategy

1. Confirm which sections your school requires
2. Take a diagnostic practice test to identify weak areas
3. Focus 60% of study time on your weakest sections
4. Use flashcards for vocabulary and medical terminology
5. Practice under timed conditions (1 min per question)
6. Review science fundamentals if Biology, Chemistry, or A&P are required

Our HESI A2 practice tests include 1,098+ questions across all 8 sections, and our flashcard system covers 400+ key terms to help you prepare efficiently.

TEAS Preparation Strategy

1. Focus on the Science section — it's the most content-heavy
2. Practice reading comprehension with academic-style passages
3. Review basic algebra and unit conversions for Math
4. Study English conventions (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure)
5. Take at least 2–3 full practice tests under timed conditions

Can I Switch Exams?

If you've been studying for the HESI A2 and realize your school requires the TEAS (or vice versa), don't panic. The core knowledge overlaps significantly. Math, reading, grammar, and basic science are tested on both exams. You'll mainly need to adjust to the different format and question style, which a few practice tests can fix quickly.

Final Recommendation

Don't choose which exam to study for — let your nursing program choose for you. Check your school's admissions requirements, confirm the required exam and sections, then build a study plan around exactly what you need. Whether it's the HESI A2 or the TEAS, focused preparation is the key to a passing score.