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Melissa Wynne
HESI vs TEAS
In this article we will cover the main differences between the HESI A2 exam and the TEAS test.
The TEAS and HESI are entrance exams required by some schools as part of the admissions process. We’re going over what are the main differences between the TEAS and HESI, and most importantly, TEAS vs HESI which is easiest (or hardest).
HESI vs TEAS - What’s on the Test?
The TEAS exam includes four test sections:
The HESI A2 has 9 test sections:
- Reading
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Math
- Biology
- Physics
- A&P
- Critical thinking
- Learning styles and/or personality
This means that the TEAS is more generalized, and the HESI test sections are much more niche, making it easier to drill down on study topics. Learn more about the ATI TEAS exam details.
ATI TEAS Science Section | HESI A2 A&P Section |
Scientific Reasoning – 8 Scored Questions Chemistry – 8 Scored Questions A&P – 18 Scored Questions Biology – 9 Scored Questions | 30 Scored A&P Questions |
You should be prepared to answer 30-55 questions on any subject when taking the HESI, whereas, with the TEAS, you must answer a few questions about a few different things.
To use science as an example, on the TEAS exam, you will have 50 questions on over 25 other topics spanning from the transmission of diseases, inductive reasoning, homeostasis, hormones, balancing chemical equations, and molarity equations.
HESI vs. TEAS - Which Sections You’re Required To Take
The other difference between the TEAS and HESI is which sections must be taken as part of the admissions process.
If you’re taking the TEAS exam, you must take all four sections of the TEAS, but not every school requires you to take all available sections of the HESI exam. Some schools may require only as little as 2 or 3 sections of the HESI.
The TEAS exam comprises a reading, math, science, and English section. The HESI A2 exam can be comprised of reading, vocabulary, general knowledge, math, grammar, biology, chemistry, physics, personality, and critical thinking.
The personality and/or learning style section and the critical thinking sections are not sections you can study for. These sections are used to evaluate your critical thinking skills and preferred learning style to ensure you’re a good match for the program.
TEAS vs. HESI - How Is The Test Structured?
The make-up or framework of the exams is very different in terms of sections, questions, and time limits.
The HESI can have up to 9 sections, including grammar, reading, vocabulary and general knowledge, math, biology, chemistry, physics, A&P, and critical thinking. In addition, some schools may require a personality and/or learning styles section.
How Many Questions Are On The HESI A2 Exam?
- Grammar – 50 Questions
- Reading – 50 Questions
- Vocabulary and General Knowledge – 50 Questions
- Math – 55 Questions
- Biology – 30 Questions
- Chemistry – 30 Questions
- Physics – 25 Questions
- AP – 30 Questions
- Critical Thinking – 30 Questions
- Learning Styles and/or Personality: 15 Questions
How Much Time Is Permitted On The HESI A2 Exam?
Each school can decide what their total time allotment is for the exam. Most schools allow for up to four hours. This will vary depending on the school and how many sections they require. Most schools do not provide a time allotment per test section, unlike the TEAS.
How Many Questions Are On The TEAS Exam?
The TEAS has four sections: reading, math, science, & English language usage.
- Reading: 45 Questions
- English: 37 Questions
- Math: 38 Questions
- Science: 50 Questions
How Much Time Is Permitted On The TEAS Exam?
The TEAS test must be taken within 209 minutes. Each test section has its own individualized time allotment, and students cannot go back to previous sessions with the extra time they have.
- Reading – 55 Minutes
- English – 37 Minutes
- Math – 57 Minutes
- Science – 60 Minutes
HESI vs TEAS - School Requirements
The other difference you will encounter when applying to programs is that each program has its own differences and set of rules, especially if they require the HESI exam.
Schools that accept the HESI exam can decide on their preferred scoring system, minimum required scores, time allotment, and retake policies. If your school requires the ATI TEAS exam, the only requirements your school can outline are the retake policy and minimum score needed because it is a widely used standardized test.
In general, you can apply to five schools in your state for an RN program; each will have different requirements as part of their process. In some cases, you may need to take both the TEAS and HESI.
General parameters set by the school or program:
- Testing Windows: Some schools require the test to be taken X amount of days before the application deadline, whereas some want you to take it within the last six months, etc.
- Score requirements and minimums. Learn more about what is a passing score for the TEAS test.
- Rules around retesting and retakes, some may allow twice a year, and others may allow you to retake it every 30 days. This is up to the school.
TEAS vs. HESI - Which Is harder? Which Is Easier?
While there is no specific way to measure it, the consensus is that the TEAS is considered “harder” in our study groups. Now, even though the topics to study are nearly identical, the TEAS is considered more difficult simply because it can ask you questions on a wide variety of topics so you need to know everything, whereas the HESI is much more specific with its individualized sections with many schools only requiring 2-5 sections.
Furthermore, the TEAS is considered more difficult because it is a standardized test that tests not just your knowledge and understanding on reading, English, math, and science but also will test your reading comprehension skills in each section in a strictly timed environment.
With all of these differences in mind, this is what you need to know as you begin studying for either the TEAS or HESI:
- Check with your school on time limits, testing accommodations, required scores, and retaking policies. If your school requires the HESI, become clear which sections are required by your school.
- Start with a practice test, no matter what test you’re studying for. A practice test is the first step in figuring out what you need to study. You can start with a free TEAS practice test or a free HESI practice test.
- Focus on understanding the material, not on memorization.
- Give yourself plenty of time to relearn and freshen up on the material.
- Create a study plan. Learn more about how to study for the HESI A2 exam.
- Focus on reading because each section will require some level of reading comprehension skills, even math!
