TEAS vs HESI A2: what's the difference?
Updated October 28, 2026
The TEAS 7 (made by ATI) and the HESI A2 (made by Elsevier) are both nursing school entrance exams. The TEAS 7 always has the same four sections: Reading, Math, Science and English. On the HESI A2, each school chooses which sections to require from a menu such as math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry and anatomy & physiology. You normally don't choose between them: take the exam your program requires.
Side-by-side comparison
| ATI TEAS 7 | HESI A2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) | Elsevier |
| Sections | Fixed: Reading, Math, Science, English | Chosen by each school from a menu of subject exams |
| Length | 170 questions, 3 hours 29 minutes | Varies with the sections a school requires |
| Science | One combined section (anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning) | Separate optional exams (e.g. anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry) |
| Scoring | Total, section and sub-area scores; each program sets its minimum | Score per section plus a composite; each program sets its minimum |
Which one should you take?
Check your program's admission page. Most programs accept only one of the two exams, and some accept either.
If you are applying to several programs, compare their requirements first; studying for one exam overlaps heavily with the other because both test core reading, math, grammar and science.
Is the TEAS harder than the HESI?
Difficulty depends on your strengths and on which HESI sections your school requires. The TEAS 7 science section is broad and includes scientific reasoning, while the HESI A2 tests each science subject separately. Students strong in vocabulary and grammar sometimes find the HESI more familiar; students who like data and reasoning questions often prefer the TEAS.
Frequently asked questions
Do nursing schools accept both TEAS and HESI?
Some do, but many accept only one. Always check your program's admission requirements.
Who makes the HESI A2?
Elsevier. The TEAS 7 is made by ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute).
Can I study for both at once?
Much of the content overlaps (reading, math, grammar, basic science), but practice in the format of the exam you will take, because the question styles and timing differ.
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