TEAS vs HESI A2: which nursing entrance exam do you need?
If you are applying to nursing school, or to another health science program, there is a good chance you will be asked to take an entrance exam first. The two you will hear about most are the ATI TEAS and the HESI A2. They check many of the same skills, like reading, math, science and English, but they are built and used in different ways.
The good news is that you rarely have to choose between them yourself. Your program decides which exam it accepts. This guide explains how each one works so you know what to expect and can study for the right test from day one.
Try it free first
Every exam below has a free 25-question diagnostic with an explanation for every answer, created by a registered nurse.
The short answer
Take the exam your program asks for. Most programs name one specific entrance exam on their admissions page, along with the score they want and how recent it has to be. If you are applying to more than one school, check each one, because two schools in the same city can ask for different exams.
The ATI TEAS at a glance
- Made by ATI. The current version is the ATI TEAS, Version 7.
- 170 questions in 209 minutes of testing time. 150 questions are scored and 20 are unscored pretest questions mixed into the sections.
- Four separately timed sections, always in the same order: Reading (45 questions, 55 minutes), Math (38 questions, 57 minutes), Science (50 questions, 60 minutes) and English and Language Usage (37 questions, 37 minutes).
- Science is the biggest section. Its scored questions cover human anatomy and physiology (18), biology (9), chemistry (8) and scientific reasoning (9).
- Question types include multiple choice, multiple select, fill in the blank, ordered response and hot spot.
- ATI says there is a 10-minute break after the math section, and the break does not use your testing time.
The HESI A2 at a glance
- Made by Elsevier as part of its HESI exams, and used by nursing and health programs to look at applicants' readiness in the areas that matter to their program.
- Elsevier's official review book covers math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology.
- Elsevier lets schools customize how the exam is given, so the sections you take, and the time you have, can depend on your program. Your school's admission page or testing office is the best place to find your exact sections and the score you need.
How the two exams feel different
The TEAS is the same four-section test for everyone, with a fixed clock for each section. That makes it easy to plan for: you know exactly how many questions you will see in each area and how much time you will have.
The HESI A2 is built from separate subject exams, and your school picks which ones you take. One school might ask for math, reading, vocabulary, grammar and anatomy and physiology, while another adds chemistry or biology. Before you study, make a short list of the exact sections your school requires, so you spend your time where it counts.
How to get ready for either one
Start by finding out where you stand. Our free 25-question diagnostics for the TEAS 7 and the HESI A2 show you which areas need the most attention, with an explanation for every answer. From there, the $7 Founding Member 6-Month Pass gives you six months of full access to TEAS 7 or HESI A2 prep, created by a registered nurse, with one payment and no subscription. Your six months start the day your exam's study space opens, so you never lose a day.
Ready to see where you stand?
The free TEAS 7 diagnostic takes about 30 minutes, and you will see an explanation for every answer when you finish.
Common questions
Is the TEAS harder than the HESI A2?
They cover similar skills in different ways. The TEAS is one fixed four-section test with a set clock for each section, while the HESI A2 is made up of subject exams that your school chooses. The one that feels harder usually depends on which subjects you are strongest in.
Can I take the TEAS instead of the HESI A2?
Only if your program accepts it. Most programs name one entrance exam, so check the admissions page or ask the admissions office before you register.
How long is the TEAS?
ATI gives 209 minutes of testing time for 170 questions, split into four separately timed sections, plus a 10-minute break after math.
What sections are on the HESI A2?
Elsevier's official review covers math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. Your school decides which of these you take, so check your program's requirements.
Sources
We checked these official pages on October 21, 2026. Exam details can change, so always confirm with the exam owner before you register.