Among other obstacles, aspiring nurses must pass the nursing entrance exam before beginning their careers. The HESI A2 and TEAS are two popular tests for nurses. Both tests are crucial since they evaluate an applicant’s understanding of healthcare-related topics before they are admitted. If you’re planning to take HESI or TEAS exam, you need practice tests
Understanding the HESI A2 Exam
If you’re thinking about a future in nursing, you should take the HESI A2 (Health Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment). Students seeking admission to nursing programs at medical colleges often need to score well on the HESI A2 exam. THE HESI A2 exam touches on the following:
- Anatomy and Physiology (25 minutes, 30 questions)
- Basic Math Skills (50 minutes, 55 questions)
- Biology (25 minutes, 30 questions)
- Chemistry (25 minutes, 30 questions)
- Grammar (50 minutes, 55 questions)
- Learning Style (15 minutes, 14 questions)
- Personality Profile (15 minutes, 15 questions)
- Reading Comprehension (60 minutes, 55 questions)
- Vocabulary and General Knowledge (50 minutes, 55 questions)
Exploring the TEAS Exam
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is another popular choice for prospective nurses. It has four parts which comprise of:
- Reading: 53 questions, 64 minutes
- Mathematics: 36 questions, 54 minutes
- Science: 53 questions, 63 minutes
- English and Language Usage: 28 questions, 28 minutes
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in a variety of subjects. It’s required for admission to several schools of nursing.
HESI A2 vs. TEAS: Difficulty Levels
Given that test-takers’ experiences with the HESI A2 and TEAS may differ, it can be difficult to generalize about the exams’ perceived difficulty. However, when contrasting the two tests, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The HESI A2 is more extensive and complex since it covers a wider range of topics and requires more specific knowledge. However, the TEAS test focuses more on broad knowledge and covers fewer specific topics. Therefore, the HESI A2’s greater scope and more specific content may make it more challenging for some individuals.
HESI A2 vs. TEAS: Comparison Table
| HESI A2 | TEAS | |
| Number of Sections | Around 10 | 4 |
| Length of Exam | Approximately 4 hours | Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Cost | Varies (between $40 and $100) | Approximately $70 |
| Specialized Knowledge | Requires more specialized knowledge in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and other healthcare fields | Focuses on fundamental knowledge from high school curriculum |
| Preparation | Requires more extensive studying and preparation | Requires less specialized studying and preparation |
| Difficulty | Considered more challenging due to the breadth of content | Generally perceived as slightly less challenging |
| Scoring | Questions carry lower individual weight | Questions carry higher individual weight |
Strategies for Exam Preparation
No matter which exam is chosen, it is essential to be well-prepared. Preparing for the HESI A2 and TEAS tests simultaneously? Try these proven methods:
- Get a head start: Start your studies early, so you have plenty of time to evaluate everything.
- Use Study Materials: Buy good study guides and practice tests to get comfortable with the test’s format and content.
- Make a Timetable: Give each exam section its own study time.
- Do active learning: Rather than just reviewing your notes, turn them into questions and make your own quizzes to learn the content actively.
- Get some exam experience: Take HESI or TEAS practice tests regularly to get a feel for the test environment and pinpoint problem areas.
- It’s time to brush up on the basics: You can increase your underlying knowledge by reviewing the basics in grammar, mathematics, biology, and chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions about HESI and TEAS Exam
Are the HESI A2 and TEAS exams similar?
While both exams are used as nursing entrance exams, they differ. The HESI A2 covers a broader range of subjects, including reading, grammar, biology, math, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, while the TEAS focuses on reading, math, science, and English and language usage. Additionally, the structure and format of the exams may differ.
How long does each exam take to complete?
It takes roughly three hours and thirty minutes to do the TEAS, while it takes nearly four hours to finish the HESI A2.
What are the costs associated with the HESI A2 and TEAS exams?
The cost of the TEAS exam is typically around $70. On the other hand, the cost of the HESI A2 exam range from $40 to $100.
Can I retake the exams if I don’t achieve a satisfactory score?
Yes, in most cases, you can retake both the HESI A2 and TEAS exams if you don’t achieve a satisfactory score. However, the specific retake policies may vary among nursing programs and institutions.
Which exam should I choose if given the option?
If you are applying to nursing schools or programs, you may need to take either the HESI A2 or the TEAS. Some schools have a strong preference for one test over another. Find out which exams your preferred nursing schools accept by doing preliminary research.
Do nursing schools have specific requirements regarding the exam to be taken?
Yes, several schools of nursing have particular test criteria for applicants. Schools may need or prefer a specific exam, such as the HESI A2 or TEAS. To make sure you’re prepared for the entrance exams for nursing schools of interest to you, it’s important to read over their admissions rules.
Are you ready to take the next step toward your nursing career? Begin your exam preparation today and pave the way for a successful future in healthcare. Sign up with Naxlex today and gain the confidence and knowledge you need to excel in the TEAS and HESI A2 exams. Click Here to Sign Up & Get Started
