TEAS vs. HESI A2: What's the Difference?
Updated October 27, 2026
The ATI TEAS and the HESI A2 are the two most common nursing school entrance exams. Both test reading, math, English and science, but they’re built differently. Your program decides which you take, so check its admission requirements first. Here’s how they compare.
Side by side
| ATI TEAS 7 | HESI A2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) | Elsevier |
| Sections | Always four: Reading, Mathematics, Science, English and Language Usage | Chosen by each school; commonly Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Anatomy and Physiology |
| Length | 170 questions (150 scored) | Usually 55 questions per main section (50 scored); A&P usually 30 |
| Time | 209 minutes | Set by the school, about 3½ to 5 hours |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator for math | Schools report an on-screen calculator for math |
| Passing score | Set by each program | Set by each program |
The main differences
- The TEAS is the same for everyone. It always has the same four sections, while the HESI A2’s sections depend on your school.
- Science: the TEAS Science section covers anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry and scientific reasoning together. The HESI A2 tests anatomy and physiology as its own section.
- Vocabulary: on the TEAS it’s part of English and Language Usage; the HESI A2 has a separate vocabulary section.
Which is harder?
Neither is harder for everyone. TEAS Science is broad, so it often takes the most study time. What matters is the score your program requires.
TEAS practice
Reading, Math, Science, English, and the ATI TEAS 7 guide.
Get the TEAS score your nursing program wants
- All 179 questions across reading, math, science, and English and language usage
- An explanation for every answer, with the working shown for every math question
- Unlimited full 75-question practice exams, with each section in its real share