Deciding to pursue a career in nursing is a commendable and life-changing choice. But before you can start your nursing education, you may need to take an entrance exam. Two of the most common exams required by nursing schools are the HESI A2 and the TEAS. If you’re wondering about the differences between them and which one might be harder, you’ve come to the right place.
What Is the HESI A2?
Many nursing schools use the HESI A2 to evaluate applicants. The Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) offers multiple healthcare exams, and the A2 is their admission assessment test.
HESI A2 Exam Sections
The HESI entrance exam has eight sections, with two additional assessments for personality and learning style. However, you might not need to take every section — nursing schools decide which sections to require. Here are the sections you might encounter:
- Reading Comprehension: 47 questions
- Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 50 questions
- Grammar: 50 questions
- Mathematics: 50 questions
- Physics: 25 questions
- Biology: 25 questions
- Anatomy and Physiology: 25 questions
- Chemistry: 25 questions
The number of questions and the length of the HESI A2 exam depend on the nursing school, as do the minimum scores needed to pass. Many colleges offer the HESI A2 test on campus, but you may also be able to take the test at an approved testing center.
What Is the TEAS Exam?
The TEAS, or Test of Essential Academic Skills, gauges your readiness for nursing school. This exam is offered by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI).
TEAS Exam Sections
During the TEAS exam, you’ll answer 170 questions in 209 minutes. In addition to multiple-choice questions, you’ll also encounter fill-in-the-blank and ordered response questions. The sections of the TEAS exam include:
- Reading: 45 questions
- Mathematics: 38 questions
- Science: 50 questions
- English and Language Usage: 37 questions
Nursing schools that use the TEAS typically set a minimum score for admissions.
HESI vs. TEAS: Diffrence
Content and Structure
Both the TEAS vs.HESI A2 exams cover similar subjects but vary in section formats and length. The TEAS focuses heavily on academic skills, while the HESI A2 includes more specialized content, such as Anatomy and Physiology, and Chemistry.
Difficulty Level
Which exam is harder? That may depend on your strengths. If you excel in science and have a strong background in chemistry and biology, you might find the HESI A2 more manageable. If your strengths lie in reading comprehension and basic math, the TEAS might be easier for you.
Preparation Tips
Regardless of which exam you take, preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam you’ll be taking, including the types of questions, the number of sections, and the time limits for each section. This will help reduce surprises on test day.
- Practice Regularly: Use practice tests to identify your weak areas and make a study plan to address them. Consistent practice can help build your confidence and improve your performance.
- Study Resources: Invest in high-quality study guides and online resources specifically tailored to the HESI A2 or TEAS exams. These materials often provide valuable tips, strategies, and sample questions that reflect the actual exam content.
- Time Management: Practice completing sections within the allotted time to improve your time management skills. Being able to pace yourself effectively during the exam can make a significant difference in your overall score.
- Healthy Study Habits: Establish a study schedule that allows for regular breaks and ensures you get sufficient rest. A well-rested mind is critical for retaining information and performing well on exam day.
Conclusion
Hesi a2 vs teas exams are designed to evaluate your readiness for nursing school. Understanding the differences between them can help you choose the one that aligns best with your strengths.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about each exam and find additional resources to help you prepare. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
By understanding the nuances and preparing effectively, you can confidently tackle either the HESI A2 or TEAS and move one step closer to your nursing career.