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TEAS vs HESI A2: Which One Do You Need?
Your nursing program decides, not you. Check the admissions page before studying anything — the two exams overlap, but they are scored differently and the HESI A2's sections vary by school.
| ATI TEAS 7 | HESI A2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | 4, fixed | Up to 8, chosen by your school |
| Questions | 170 (150 scored) | Varies — about 25–50 per section |
| Time | 209 minutes, one sitting | Varies with sections, typically 3–4 hours |
| Scoring | Composite % + proficiency level | Per-section % + cumulative |
| Science focus | A&P, biology, chemistry, reasoning | A&P, biology, chemistry as separate sections |
| Vocabulary section | Within English | Its own 50-question section |
The practical differences
The TEAS is predictable: everyone sits the same four sections, and Science — mostly anatomy and physiology — is the heaviest. The HESI A2 is modular: your school picks the sections, so two applicants can sit very different exams. It also has a dedicated vocabulary section, which the TEAS does not.
Do not assume. Programs occasionally accept either, and a few require both. The admissions page is the only reliable source.
Which is harder?
Neither, overall. The TEAS puts more pressure on science reasoning in a single strictly timed sitting. The HESI A2 goes deeper on vocabulary and anatomy but lets you prepare for a narrower set of sections. People who read widely tend to find the HESI easier; people with a recent science background tend to prefer the TEAS.
TEAS vs HESI A2: Which One Do You Need
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Questions people ask
Is the HESI harder than the TEAS?
Neither is harder overall. The HESI A2 goes deeper on vocabulary and anatomy; the TEAS 7 is a single timed sitting with heavier science reasoning.
Can I take both the TEAS and the HESI?
Yes, and a few applicants do when applying to several programs with different requirements.
Do nursing schools prefer the TEAS or the HESI?
Neither is preferred nationally. Each program chooses, and many state it plainly on the admissions page.
Does one score transfer to the other?
No. They are separate exams from separate publishers with separate scoring.
Which should I take if my school accepts either?
Take the one matching your strengths — HESI if your vocabulary and memorization are strong, TEAS if your science is recent and solid.