TEAS 7 vs HESI A2

Both are nursing entrance exams testing similar academic content \u2014 but they have different formats, different developers, and are preferred by different types of programs. The fastest way to find out which one you need: check your program's admissions page.

FeatureTEAS 7HESI A2
DeveloperATI (Assessment Technologies Institute)Elsevier
Full nameTest of Essential Academic Skills, Version 7Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment
Questions170 total (150 scored, 20 unscored)Varies by sections tested (each section 25–55 questions)
Time limit209 minutes (3 hr 29 min)Varies by section; typically 4–5 hours total
Sections testedScience, Reading, Math, English (all four required)Program-specific — most require Math, Reading, Vocab, Grammar, A&P, Biology
Science contentA&P, Biology, Chemistry, Scientific ReasoningA&P, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (section-specific)
ScoringComposite % (0–100). Five preparedness levels.Per-section score (0–100). No single composite — programs set section minimums.
Calculator allowedYes (basic 4-function)Yes (basic)
Who uses itMost nationwide ADN and BSN nursing programsCommon at university-based nursing programs, especially Houston/DFW TX and many Southeast states
StudyBuddy coverage850+ questions, 133 videos, 5 practice examsFull 8-section coverage, practice questions, video lectures

“TEAS and HESI test the same content areas but score differently \u2014 preparing for the wrong exam wastes 6\u20138 weeks of study time.”

— StudyBuddy Doctoral Faculty

Key differences that matter for your preparation

The most practically important difference: the HESI A2 is section-specific. Your program tells you which sections to take, and each section has its own minimum score. You could score 90% on HESI Math but fail to meet the A&P minimum and still be rejected. The TEAS 7 uses a composite score, so strong performance in one section can partially offset weaker performance in another.

The second key difference: Physics. The TEAS 7 does not test Physics. The HESI A2 Physics section is required by many programs and is the section students most frequently underestimate. If you are taking the HESI and your program requires Physics, it needs dedicated preparation time.

Both exams are heavily weighted toward Human Anatomy and Physiology. This content is tested on both TEAS (within Science) and HESI (as a dedicated section). Regardless of which exam you take, A&P preparation is non-negotiable.

Geographic patterns

In the United States, TEAS 7 is more broadly used \u2014 it is the default at most community college ADN programs and state university BSN programs nationwide. HESI A2 has stronger penetration in Texas (particularly Houston and DFW), the Southeast, and programs affiliated with large medical center systems. If you are applying to programs in both TEAS- and HESI-dominant regions, it is worth taking practice tests for both before committing to a preparation plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is the TEAS 7 harder than the HESI A2?
Neither is universally harder — they test similar content but with different emphases. The TEAS 7 Science section covers more Chemistry and Scientific Reasoning. The HESI A2 tends to have more A&P depth and a Physics section many programs require. Students strong in Chemistry often find TEAS slightly harder; students weak in Physics often find HESI harder. Both require 6–12 weeks of content preparation.
Does my nursing school require TEAS or HESI?
Check your program’s admissions page directly. In the United States, TEAS is more widely used nationally. HESI is common at university-based programs, particularly in Texas (Houston/DFW area), the Southeast, and programs affiliated with medical centers. Some programs accept either. If you are applying to multiple programs, check each one individually.
Can I use the same study materials for both TEAS and HESI?
Partially. Both exams test overlapping content — A&P, Biology, Chemistry, Math, Reading, English. However, section structure, question format, and scoring differ. StudyBuddy has separate TEAS 7 and HESI A2 courses because the question formats and section emphases are different enough to warrant targeted preparation for each.
If my school accepts both TEAS and HESI, which should I take?
Take practice tests for both and compare your performance. If you score significantly higher on one, take that exam. If scores are similar, take the TEAS — it is more widely accepted if you later apply to additional programs. Programs that accept either exam typically prefer whichever score is higher.

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