Confused about HESI A2 vs. ATI TEAS exam tests? Here are their differences in format, difficulty, and content to help you decide which nursing school entrance exam to take, and successfully qualify for the nursing program of your choice.

Taking career in Nursing is a good decision. You’re researching for the best course, reviewing prerequisites, and in the process you select Nursing: most institution need a standard entry exam. The question that remain, which one? The two known entry exams are HESI A2 and the ATI TEAS.

However, making the decision on the two entry exam of which to take does not depend on personal choice but it is rather determine by the specific Nursing program you chose. The goal is to understand the differences between these two exams, so that you may know how to better prepare for the one you are about to take.

This essay will illustrate the section of ATI TEAS exam, shows the differences between HESI A2 vs TEAS nursing test formats, and try to answer the common question on the difficulty of HESI vs TEAS.

HESI A2 and the ATI TEAS are standard questions tested in order to assess the student capability and readiness in the chosen Nursing program. The institution used the performance result from HESI A2 or the ATI TEAS, depending on the one you did, other application credentials, and GPA, to access and predict your success in completing the selected program. Although the purpose of the two exams are the same, however, their structure and philosophy differ in a lot of ways.

Let’s review the structural format of ATI TEAS. The recent exam version is referred to as TEAS 7, which comprises of four sections, all done as a sit in test.

1. Section one is known as ATI TEAS Reading. It comprises of 45 questions under 45 minutes timeframe. This section assess the student’s ability to read and comprehend written work, and be able to make key logical reference from the work, and interpret ideas and details in charts and graphs.
2. Second section is known as ATI TEAS Math. It comprises of 38 questions to be done in 57 minutes timeframe. This section tests mathematical skills such as algebra, measurements, statistical concepts, data computing and interpretation. A calculator with 4-function components is always provided in the exam software.
3. The third section is ATI TEAS Science. It comprises of 50 questions, which should be done under 60 minutes. This section is always the most challenging part of the exam. It test basic understanding of the human body such as anatomy and physiology, and the scientific reasoning ability of the student.
4.  The final section is TEAS English & Language Usage. It composes of 37 questions that should be answered under 37 minute’s timeframe. This section is meant to test the student conventional knowledge on Standard English such as grammar, spelling, sentence structure and punctuation.

The past mark is always ranges from 60-80 percentile or higher. The total testing time is typically 3.5 hours with no additional time.

The HESI A2 examstructure differ from ATI TEAS considerably. HESI A2 is more modular with no fix time frame like ATI TEAS. Most institution offering Nursing courses require core academic subjects, however, some include additional modules in their test. The common core academic sections usually included are:

· Reading Comprehension

· Vocabulary & General Knowledge

· Grammar

· Basic Math Skills

Sometimes, the HESI A2 goes further to include additional parts by often including:

· Biology

· Chemistry

· Anatomy & Physiology

· Physics (less common)

· A Personality Profile or Learning Style assessment

This is a key differentiator in the ATI TEAS vs HESI A2 debate. The HESI A2’s science component is more detailed in different sections, whereas the TEAS composes of all science topics into one section. The table below summarizes the differences:

The most conventional question among applicants is; which is harder, HESI or TEAS? The answer to this question differ across applicants depending on their academic strength.

1. Is the TEAS test difficult? According to most students, the difficulty in this test lies majorly on the section, and the time frame allocated. The science section covers a lot of sections which require general science knowledge, and the more quickly you recall the fact the better because of the tight timeframe. The success in this test lies on early preparation, where the student review TEAS practice questions regularly before taking the exam.
2.  Is the HESI A2 hard?The HESI A2 is always challenging to the applicants because of its deep concentration on specific subjects like anatomy and physiology. This test is tougher for applicants with less knowledge in general science on the human body. Additionally, vocabulary usually tested under this section is usually medical related. Comparing the two tests, their difficulty always lies on the depth and the breadth of the questions.

In general, if you have little knowledge on the general science field, the TEAS will be difficult, considering also the pressure from timeframe. Is you have problems with advanced and specialized science knowledge subjects, HESI A2 will be challenging.

So, HESI A2 or TEAS? You don’t actually get to choose. The guiding factor is the target of your nursing program.

1. Research your course program: carefully review all the requirement of your course program as per the chosen institution. The institution will specifically mention the test they require, and the entry grade 
2. Prepare thoroughly. Once you know the required test and the minimum entry grade. You need to do thorough preparation. Concentrate on the specific test which is required, by reviewing, and revising practice questions related to the test.
3. Practice continuously: revise thoroughly for the test. Do this by visiting the official study guides, use practice questions and do personal pre exam test under strict timeframe, and review the mistakes. Use all the available preparation materials. . For the HESI use Elsevier, and For the TEAS use ATI.

The journey to becoming a professional nurse is very difficult. The challenge not only exist in partaking the course, but it all begin at the entry into the nursing school. The entry requirement involve taking an exam, which is either HESI A2 or ATI TEAS. And the successful admission depend on whether the aspiring nurse passes the exams or not. The exams are not meant to frustrate applicants but rather to help guide them into a career path that they will successfully excel in.

The goal is not to decide whether the test will be easier or difficult, but to prepare thoroughly passionately for the course one applies. To succeed in the tests, all that is required is appropriate preparation. With proper preparation, the student can achieve the pass mark and get an entry into their desired course program.