Most nursing and allied health programs ask applicants to sit an entrance exam, and the two you will hear about most are the ATI TEAS 7 and the HESI A2 (also called the Evolve Reach Admission Assessment). They measure similar academic skills, but they are built differently. Here is how they compare and how to decide which one to prepare for.
The short answer
You usually do not choose. Your program chooses. Each school names the exam it accepts, the sections it requires and the minimum score it wants. Check the admissions page or email the program before you study anything, because that answer decides your entire plan.
Side by side
| ATI TEAS 7 | HESI A2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) | Elsevier (HESI) |
| Sections | 4 fixed sections: Reading, Math, Science, English and Language Usage | Up to 8 academic sections (such as Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Physics), plus optional learning-style and personality profiles |
| Who picks the sections | Everyone takes all four | Your program picks which sections you take |
| Questions | 170 total (150 scored, 20 unscored pretest) | Varies with the sections your program requires |
| Time | 209 minutes total, each section timed separately | Varies with the sections required |
| Passing score | Set by each program | Set by each program |
ATI TEAS 7 in more detail
According to ATI, the TEAS 7 has four separately timed sections:
- Reading: 45 questions in 55 minutes
- Math: 38 questions in 57 minutes
- Science: 50 questions in 60 minutes
- English and Language Usage: 37 questions in 37 minutes
Unused time does not carry over from one section to the next, so pacing matters inside each section. The TEAS 7 also includes alternate item types (not only single-answer multiple choice), such as select-all-that-apply and fill-in-the-blank questions. Science is the largest section and the one many applicants find hardest, especially anatomy and physiology.
HESI A2 in more detail
The HESI A2 is modular. One program may require only Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar and Anatomy & Physiology; another may add Biology and Chemistry. Because programs choose the sections, two people taking the "HESI A2" can sit very different exams. Elsevier does not set a national pass mark; each program sets its own standard, often per section.
The HESI A2 leans more on vocabulary and grammar as separate sections, while the TEAS folds language skills into one English section. If your HESI includes Vocabulary, a steady daily flashcard habit pays off.
Which is harder?
Neither is simply "harder". The TEAS is fixed and science heavy, with tight timing per section. The HESI A2 depends on which sections you are given; a program that adds Chemistry and Physics makes it a longer, broader test. The better question is which one you are weaker on, which a diagnostic set of practice questions will show you quickly.
How to prepare for either
- Confirm the requirements. Exam, required sections, minimum scores and any retake limits.
- Take a diagnostic. Answer a mixed set of practice questions without notes to find your weakest section.
- Study the heaviest, weakest areas first. For most applicants that is science, and anatomy and physiology in particular.
- Drill facts daily with flashcards. Vocabulary, body systems and math formulas stick best with short, spaced sessions.
- Take full-length practice tests under real timing at least twice before test day.
Practice both, then decide
If you are still choosing, a short set of questions from each exam is the fastest way to feel the difference. TTP Prep has free practice questions for both:
- Free ATI TEAS 7 practice questions · full ATI TEAS 7 prep
- Free HESI A2 practice questions · full HESI A2 prep
Each exam on TTP Prep includes a study guide, two full-length practice tests with an explanation for every answer, flashcards and a cheat sheet. The first three chapters, 10 practice questions and 30 flashcards are free, with no card needed.
Exam details change. Always confirm fees, rules and requirements with ATI, Elsevier and your nursing program before you register. Exam names are trademarks of their owners; TTP Prep by Test Treasure Publication is not affiliated with them.