Test of Essential Academic Skills
The TEAS (now in its 7th edition) is the most widely required nursing entrance exam. It tests reading, math, science, and English skills. Most programs that use it require a composite score between 58–78%.
Sections & breakdown
Key ideas, inferences, evidence-based reading, integration of knowledge
Numbers, algebra, measurement, statistics
Human anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics
Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, vocabulary
Health Education Systems, Inc.
The HESI A2 (Admission Assessment) is used by Elsevier-affiliated programs and a wide range of schools. Schools choose which subtests to require — you may not need to take all of them.
Available subtests
Main idea, implied meaning, application, analysis
Medical and general vocabulary
Grammar rules, usage, spelling
Basic math, fractions, dosage calculation, Roman numerals
Cell biology, genetics, metabolism, biology basics
Atoms, periodic table, chemical bonds, reactions
All major body systems
How to prepare — for either exam
The TEAS and HESI test similar content. Most of these strategies apply to both.
Start with a diagnostic test
Before studying anything, take a full-length practice test under timed conditions. This tells you exactly where to focus your time. Don't guess — diagnose.
Prioritize Science and Math
The Science section (A&P, Biology, Chemistry) is where most nursing applicants struggle and where the most points are available. Math is highly learnable with practice — master fractions, ratios, and basic algebra first.
Use official or publisher-matched prep materials
ATI publishes official TEAS prep materials. Elsevier publishes official HESI prep books. Using prep materials designed for your specific exam is more efficient than generic test prep.
Study A&P specifically
If you haven't taken A&P yet, study the major body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive. The science section tests body system knowledge directly.
Build math fluency, not just procedures
Don't just memorize formulas — understand why they work. Dosage calculation, unit conversion, and ratio/proportion are practical skills. Practice until you can do them without writing out every step.
Read every day in the weeks before
The reading section tests active reading skills. Read nonfiction — articles, science writing, essays — and practice identifying main ideas, implied meaning, and text-based evidence. Passive reading doesn't count.
When to schedule your test
- ▸Give yourself 6–8 weeks of dedicated prep before test day.
- ▸Schedule after completing at least A&P I — the science section assumes this background.
- ▸Check your target programs' score requirements before scheduling — know what you need.
- ▸Some programs average multiple TEAS or HESI attempts; others use the highest score. Confirm before retesting.
- ▸ATI allows TEAS retakes after a 28-day waiting period. Schools may limit how many attempts they accept.
What scores do programs want?
Always confirm with your specific programs. Requirements vary significantly.