An 80% on a nursing entrance exam may meet one school’s requirements but fall short at another. Your target score depends on which exam your school accepts and how it evaluates results.
Two common options are the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the HESI Admission Assessment (HESI A2). Both assess academic readiness, but their formats, subject coverage, and scoring systems differ.
Knowing what your school expects can help you choose the right preparation strategy. Here’s how the exams compare, what their scores mean, and how to set a realistic target.
How to Choose the Right Exam
Choosing between the TEAS and HESI A2 starts with your target nursing program.
Understand the Purpose of Each Exam
The ATI TEAS measures academic skills that students need for nursing and allied health education. It covers reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage.
The HESI A2, developed by Elsevier, assesses similar foundational skills through subject modules selected by individual schools. These may include reading comprehension, mathematics, vocabulary, grammar, anatomy and physiology, and other sciences.
As NurseJournal explains, nursing schools determine which HESI A2 sections applicants must complete. Neither exam guarantees admission. Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., notes that programs may also consider prerequisite grades, cumulative GPA, interviews, and other application requirements.
Compare Exam Structure and Timing
The biggest difference is consistency. The TEAS follows a standardized structure, while the HESI A2 can look different depending on the program.
According to ATI’s official TEAS specifications, TEAS 7 includes 170 questions and allows 209 minutes. Of those questions, 150 count toward the score, while 20 are unscored pretest items. Each section has its own time limit, so pacing matters throughout the exam. The exam includes several question formats, including:
- Multiple-choice
- Multiple-select
- Fill-in-the-blank
- Ordered-response
- Hot-spot questions.
The HESI A2 has no single standard length because schools choose their required modules. Some applicants complete only a few sections, while others take a broader assessment.
Check Your Program’s Admission Requirements
The first step is finding out which exam your nursing school accepts. Some programs require the TEAS, others use the HESI A2, and some accept either or waive entrance testing altogether.
Look beyond the overall minimum score. Your program may also specify:
- Minimum scores for individual sections
- Limits on exam retakes
- How long scores remain valid
- Deadlines for submitting test results
Your choice of nursing program may also depend on where you plan to build your career. If you’re considering Ohio nursing schools, research the state’s job market and educational pathways to plan your next steps.
Match Your Preparation to the Exam
Once you know which test you’ll take, you can focus your preparation. The TEAS covers reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage. The HESI A2 varies by school and may include anatomy and physiology, vocabulary, grammar, and biology.
A diagnostic practice test can show you where you need the most work. Use those results to plan your study time around your test date and the sections that need extra attention.
Cleveland State University notes that accelerated BSN programs typically require prerequisite courses before students begin their nursing studies. These may include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, and statistics. Reviewing your program’s prerequisites early can help you identify coursework to complete alongside your entrance exam preparation.
Understanding TEAS and HESI A2 Scores
Knowing which exam to take is only part of the process. You also need to understand how schools interpret scores, what counts as a competitive result, and when another attempt might be worthwhile.
How TEAS Scores Work
The TEAS reports an overall composite score alongside individual scores for its four sections. Schools use these results to gauge applicants’ academic readiness.
ATI also provides Academic Preparedness Levels and national percentile information. A percentile shows how a score compares with other test-takers. It does not represent the percentage of questions answered correctly.
According to RegisteredNursing.org, published BSN admission minimums commonly fall between 65% and 78%. Meeting that minimum doesn’t necessarily make an applicant competitive, though. Some programs admit students with higher scores, and individual section requirements can affect eligibility.
A strong composite score may not tell the whole story. If a school sets a minimum for science or mathematics, a lower section score could affect your eligibility.
How HESI A2 Scores Work
HESI A2 results typically include scores for individual sections, often expressed as percentages. Schools decide which sections matter and whether they calculate an overall score.
Some schools set minimums for individual subjects, while others consider a broader combination of results. A program might require a specific anatomy and physiology score, regardless of your performance in other sections.
It’s also important to distinguish the HESI A2 from the HESI Exit Exam. The A2 helps schools evaluate applicants during admission, while exit exams assess students later in their nursing education. Some programs use exit exam results to evaluate readiness for the NCLEX, but their benchmarks vary.
What Counts as a Good TEAS or HESI A2 Score?
Consider two hypothetical applicants who each earn an 80% TEAS composite score. One applies to a program requiring 70%, while the other applies to a program requiring 85%.
The first applicant meets the stated minimum, but the second falls short. Neither score guarantees admission because schools may also weigh grades, prerequisites, and other factors.
Entrance exam scores may also relate to students’ academic performance after admission. A 2026 study published in ScienceDirect examined 303 transfer students and found significant associations between TEAS Reading and composite scores and grades in a first-semester Fundamentals of Nursing course. However, the research involved transfer students at one university, so the findings may not apply to every nursing program.
Before deciding whether to retake an exam, compare your results with the school’s published requirements. If available, review information about admitted students, too.
Calculate Your Target Score and Plan Retakes
Compare your practice scores with your school’s requirements, then focus your preparation on areas where you fall short. Use timed practice tests to track progress, and check retake rules before scheduling another attempt.
For instance, suppose your program requires an 80% science score, but you earn 72% on a practice test. Review the science concepts you missed and use timed questions to track progress.
Retake policies vary. Check ATI’s current instructions and your school’s rules for repeat TEAS attempts. For the HESI A2, confirm the policy with your institution. Find out whether the program considers your highest score, most recent score, or another scoring arrangement. Allow enough time for a retake before the application deadline.
Common Questions About TEAS and HESI A2 Scores
Is the TEAS harder than the HESI A2?
Neither exam is universally harder. The TEAS covers four consistent academic sections, while the HESI A2 varies by school. Your subject strengths, preparation, and assigned modules all influence which exam feels more challenging.
What is a good TEAS or HESI A2 score for nursing school?
A good score meets your program’s requirements and supports your application. Some schools publish TEAS minimums in the mid-60s or higher, while some HESI A2 programs use benchmarks around 75% to 80%. Always check your school’s current standards.
Can you retake the TEAS or HESI A2 after a low score?
Often, yes, but waiting periods and attempt limits vary. Check the exam provider’s current rules and your school’s policy. Also, confirm whether the program considers your highest score or evaluates multiple attempts.
Do all nursing and allied health programs require these exams?
No. Some programs require the TEAS, others use the HESI A2, and some accept either. Certain schools waive entrance exams or use different admission criteria. Check the official admissions page before registering.
TEAS vs. HESI Key Details
| ATI TEAS (Version 7) | HESI A2 | |
| Publisher | Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) | Elsevier |
| Questions | 170 questions (150 scored, 20 unscored) | Up to 326–350 questions (modular) |
| Time Limit | 209 minutes (~3.5 hours) | Varies (~4 hours) |
| Core Sections | Reading, Math, Science, English | Up to 8 modular sections (Reading, Vocab, Grammar, Math, Bio, A&P, Chem, Physics) |
| Question Types | Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, hot spots | Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank |
| Navigation | Allows going back to review answers | No back-tracking allowed on questions |
| Cost | ~$70 – $140 | ~$40 – $100 (varies by institution) |
The TEAS and HESI A2 both help nursing schools assess academic readiness, but their formats and scoring requirements differ. The right exam depends on your target program, not simply which test seems easier.
Before studying, find out which exam your school requires, what scores it expects, and how retakes work. Practice tests can help you identify weak areas and set realistic goals.
Remember, entrance exam scores are only one part of your application. Preparing well, completing your prerequisites, and understanding admission requirements can make the process more manageable.
