HESI vs. TEAS: Which Nursing Admission Test Should You Prepare For?

When you are transitioning to a nursing career, schools often test your knowledge to ensure you’re prepared for the rigors of their program. That’s why many programs require a nursing entrance exam as a part of their prerequisite requirements.

Some nursing schools require applicants to take the HESI, others require the TEAS test, and some allow applicants to choose between the two. What’s the difference between HESI and TEAS questions? When deciding which one to take, consider the following factors.

Understanding the Basics of Nursing Program Admissions Exams

No nursing school expects applicants to already have a working knowledge of nursing concepts and skills. So, what’s the purpose of requiring a nursing admission test? Essentially, a nursing entrance exam serves a similar function as the SAT and ACT for college admissions, aiming to assess an applicant’s ability to handle the program’s coursework. In other words, nursing schools use entrance exams to evaluate each applicant’s potential for success in the program.

While applicants aren’t required to possess nursing-specific knowledge, these entrance exams are designed to assess whether they have a sturdy academic foundation, which is essential for learning and processing the nursing school curriculum.

What Is the HESI Exam?

Some nursing schools use the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admissions Assessment to assess their applicants. Designed by Elsevier, the HESI comes in various iterations. One version is designed for licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs, and another is for aspiring advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The one you’ll need to take to become a registered nurse (RN) is the HESI A2.

The HESI exam covers the following subjects:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Grammar
• Math
• Physics
• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary

What Is the TEAS Test?

Before deciding between the HESI vs. TEAS tests, you’ll also need some background information on the TEAS. The TEAS acronym refers to the Test of Essential Academic Skills, developed by Assessment Technologies Institute LLC (ATI) for RN programs.

Unlike the HESI A2, the TEAS test uses more straightforward categories. You’ll be asked questions in the following content areas:

• Reading
• Math
• Science
• English and language usage

You’ll encounter questions across different areas within those general categories. For example, in the science section, you can expect questions on anatomy and physiology and life sciences like biology.

Key Differences Between HESI and TEAS Tests

There are many differences between the HESI and TEAS tests. If your nursing school allows you to choose between taking the HESI vs. TEAS test, here are the details you need to consider:

• Length of time: The HESI requires 4 hours; the TEAS requires 3.5 hours.
• Number of questions: The HESI has 350 questions; the TEAS has 170 questions (but 20 are for internal purposes, and only 150 count toward your score).
• Testing method: The HESI is an in-person proctored exam, whereas the TEAS test can be taken in your own home.
• Costs: The TEAS test is slightly more expensive than the HESI A2.
• Material: The HESI is more comprehensive, requiring you to master more specialized knowledge across different content areas. In contrast, the TEAS requires a broad, more generalized academic foundation.

Deciding Which Test to Take

If your nursing school offers a choice between these two nursing admissions tests, you should consider your choice carefully. Of course, the top question for many applicants is, “Is the TEAS or HESI harder?” Each test-taker will have a unique experience with the exams. In general, however, many test-takers may find the HESI A2 more challenging because it covers more material and requires specialized knowledge, particularly in science areas.

To help you decide which test to take, both offer online practice questions so you can assess your performance. You can also take a full-length practice exam for both the HESI and TEAS to see how you score. Choose the exam that targets your strongest subjects.

At UST, students are permitted to choose which exam, HESI or TEAS, they’d prefer to take to fulfill the prerequisites for enrollment. For the HESI exam, we require an overall passing score of at least 80% and a passing score of 78% on all sections of the TEAS exam.

Effective Preparation Strategies for the HESI and TEAS

No matter which entrance exam you choose, make sure you allot plenty of time to prepare. Although there are many differences between the two exams, you can use the same approach for HESI test prep as you do for TEAS test prep. Try the following tips.

Stick to a Consistent Study Schedule

There is no universal rule regarding how many hours you should spend on HESI or TEAS test prep. Some people might require more study hours to do well on the exam, while others may need fewer. Start by honestly assessing your academic foundation by considering your strengths and weaknesses. Take a practice exam first to establish your baseline score and determine how much you need to improve.

Then, set aside an appropriate number of weekly hours to prepare for the test. It’s best to study for shorter bursts of time on multiple days throughout the week rather than trying to hold a marathon study session on the weekends. Remember to write your study schedule in your day planner and stick to it consistently.

Use Study Guides and Online Tutorials

TEAS and HESI test prep materials abound online. Some are available for free, while others are paid resources. You can find study guides, practice questions and even online video tutorials. Consider using various resources to ensure your test prep is well-rounded and thorough. Plan to focus on your weaker academic areas to round out your knowledge, and answer more practice questions on those subjects.

Take Practice Exams

Taking several full-length practice exams is also a good idea. In addition to the initial exam you took to establish your baseline score, you might want to take another exam at the midpoint of your test prep, and a third as your test date approaches.

Managing Test Anxiety for HESI and TEAS Exams

It’s perfectly normal to feel some test-day jitters. If you’re nervous, remind yourself that you can probably take the test more than once. Each school has its own policy, but many allow retakes if you don’t do well on your first attempt.

You can also try the following tips:

• Practice deep breathing. Breathe in through your nose slowly, hold for a couple of seconds, and breathe out through your mouth even more slowly.
• Get into the habit of using positive self-talk. Remember how hard you’ve studied and how well you did on your last practice exam.
• Get plenty of sleep. The night before the exam is not the time for last-minute cramming. Instead, go to bed at your usual time so you’re well-rested for test day.
• Use earplugs. If you tend to get easily distracted while taking tests, consider using earplugs during the nursing entrance exam.

Begin Pursuing Your Nursing Future With UST’s ABSN Program

Did you know that you might not need to attend a four-year nursing school to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree? With the University of St. Thomas Houston’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you can graduate in as few as 12 months if you meet the program requirements.

If you hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or have a minimum of 60 transferable college credits, you might be eligible for the ABSN program at UST. You’ll work one-on-one with a dedicated admissions advisor, who will answer your questions and help you work toward meeting other admissions requirements. Here, you can choose between taking the HESI or TEAS. Once enrolled, you’ll benefit from our small class sizes and one-on-one support from an Academic Success Coach.

Are you ready to pursue your future in nursing? Contact an admissions advisor today, and we’ll get started together.