When aspiring to enroll in nursing school, you must familiarize yourself with the admission requirements, which often include taking standardized exams like HESI (Health Systems, Inc.) and TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). These exams serve as assessment tools for nursing schools to evaluate candidates’ readiness for their programs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the differences between HESI and TEAS, including their content, length, scoring, cost, and difficulty, and provide tips for preparation.
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HESI vs TEAS: Detailed Comparison
Let’s dive in and understand the distinctions between these two essential exams.
Content Comparison
The content covered in the HESI and TEAS exams differs in subject areas and the depth of knowledge assessed.
HESI Exam Content:
The HESI exam is more comprehensive, assessing candidates on eight academic subjects and two “personality” categories (not factored into the official score). The subjects include:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Grammar
- Math
- Reading
- Vocabulary
- Physics (optional, depending on the school’s requirements)
TEAS Exam Content:
The TEAS test, on the other hand, provides a more general assessment of basic knowledge and consists of four sections:
- Science
- Math
- Reading
- English language
Length and Format
The length and format of the exams play a significant role in understanding the time commitment required for each test.
HESI Exam Length:
The HESI exam is longer, typically comprising around 350 questions and taking approximately 4 hours to complete. Some schools may require fewer sections, depending on their specific requirements.
TEAS Exam Length:
In contrast, the TEAS exam consists of approximately 170 questions and takes about 3.5 hours to complete. All four sections are mandatory for this exam.
Scoring Criteria
The scoring criteria for the HESI and TEAS exams differ, and it’s essential to understand how scores are calculated.
HESI Exam Scoring:
HESI scores are calculated both by section and cumulatively. While some programs may require a minimum cumulative score, others may have specific minimum requirements for each section.
TEAS Exam Scoring:
TEAS scores consist of a weighted score between the four sections. There are no minimum requirements for individual sections. However, it’s crucial to strive for a strong overall score.
Cost Comparison
The cost associated with the exams can vary, and it’s essential to consider this factor when preparing for the application process.
HESI Exam Cost:
The cost of the HESI exam can range from $40 to $100, depending on the number of sections required by the school or program.
TEAS Exam Cost:
The TEAS exam typically costs around $115; this fee covers all four test sections.
Difficulty Levels
The HESI and TEAS exams assess candidates’ preparedness for nursing school. The difficulty of the HESI A2 compared to the TEAS can vary depending on individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as personal study habits and preparation. However, HEAS A2 is perceived to be more challenging than TEAS because it covers more extensive medical-related content.
HESI Exam Difficulty:
The HESI exam covers a more comprehensive and specialized range of content, which some individuals may find challenging to study due to the number of individual sections.
TEAS Exam Difficulty:
The TEAS exam covers similar material to the HESI but in fewer sections. Although the content is condensed, the exam requires diligent preparation and study.
Tips for HESI and TEAS Exam Preparation
Preparation is key to performing well on both the HESI and TEAS exams. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your preparation:
- Create a study plan: Outline the subjects you must cover and allocate specific study time for each.
- Utilize practice exams: Take advantage of TEAS practice tests or HESI practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your knowledge.
- Review study materials: Use reliable study guides, textbooks, and online resources to reinforce your understanding of the exam content.
- Seek support: Consider joining study groups or connecting with fellow applicants to exchange knowledge and study tips.
- Manage your time effectively: Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and ensure you have enough time to cover all the necessary material.
HESI vs. TEAS: FAQs
Which exam is Easier, the HESI or the TEAS?
The perceived difficulty may vary among individuals. While the HESI covers more comprehensive content, the TEAS is condensed into fewer sections. Both exams require diligent preparation to succeed.
Are there Minimum Passing Scores for HESI and TEAS?
Here’s a breakdown of the scoring thresholds for HESI and TEAS exams:
TEAS Score %:
0% to 40.7%: Developmental
41.4% to 58.0%: Basic
58.7% to 77.3%: Proficient
78.0% to 90.0%: Advanced
90.7% to 100.0%: Exemplary
HESI Score %:
Below 75%: Needs Improvement
75% to 79%: Satisfactory
80% to 89%: Very Good
90% to 100%: Excellent
Can I retake the HESI or TEAS exam?
Policies regarding retakes may vary among nursing schools. It is advisable to check with the specific institutions for their retake policies.
Conclusion
The HESI and TEAS exams play a vital role in the admissions process for nursing schools. While the HESI offers a more comprehensive assessment, the TEAS generalizes essential academic skills. Understanding the differences in content, length, scoring, cost, and difficulty can help you prepare more effectively.
Remember to create a study plan, utilize practice tests, review study materials, seek support, and manage your time wisely during your preparation. Doing so increases your chances of achieving a good score and gaining admission to your desired nursing program.
Comparison of HESI and TEAS Exams;
| Exam | Content | Time Limit | Number of Questions |
| HESI | Anatomy & Physiology | 25 minutes | 30 |
| Biology | 25 minutes | 30 | |
| Chemistry | 25 minutes | 30 | |
| Grammar | 50 minutes | 55 | |
| Math | 50 minutes | 55 | |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 55 | |
| Vocabulary | 50 minutes | 55 | |
| Physics | 50 minutes | 25 | |
| TEAS | Science | 60 minutes | 50 |
| Math | 57 minutes | 38 | |
| Reading | 55 minutes | 45 | |
| English language | 37 minutes | 37 |
Are you ready to take the next step toward your nursing career? Begin your preparation today, and with determination and dedication, you can conquer the HESI or TEAS exam and embark on a rewarding journey in the field of nursing. Check out our comprehensive TEAS or HESI practice tests to boost your preparation and increase your confidence for the exam. Start your journey toward nursing school success today.
