If you’re applying to nursing school, you’ve probably asked:
“Is the HESI harder than the TEAS?”
Both exams are used for nursing school admissions. Both test academic readiness. But they are not identical.
Understanding the differences can help you prepare smarter and reduce unnecessary anxiety.
If you’re unfamiliar with the full structure of the HESI A2, review our detailed HESI A2 exam breakdown and section guide before diving into comparisons.
This guide compares:
- Overall difficulty
- Math sections
- Science depth
- Scoring systems
- Time limits
- Which exam students typically find harder
Preparing for the HESI A2?
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Overview: HESI vs ATI TEAS
| Feature | HESI A2 | ATI TEAS |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Nursing school admissions | Nursing school admissions |
| Format | Section-based | Integrated full exam |
| Scoring | Percentage per section | Composite score |
| Math Focus | Conversions, ratios, word problems | Fractions, algebra, data |
| Science | A&P heavy | A&P + Chemistry + Biology |
| Reading | Inference, vocabulary | Paragraph analysis |
| Flexibility | Schools choose sections | Standardized format |
Both are academic readiness exams — not clinical exams.
Which Exam Is Harder Overall?
The answer depends on the student.
Students often find HESI harder if:
- They struggle with dimensional analysis
- They are weak in A&P systems
- Their school requires high section minimums
Students often find TEAS harder if:
- They struggle with chemistry
- They dislike broader science coverage
- They struggle with longer integrated testing blocks
Neither exam is universally “harder.”
They emphasize different strengths.
Math Section Comparison
Math is one of the biggest stress points for both exams.
HESI Math
The HESI math section heavily tests:
- Metric conversions
- Dosage-style word problems
- Ratios and proportions
- Dimensional analysis
If math is your concern, review our complete HESI math practice guide with step-by-step solutions.
HESI math is procedural and predictable with practice.
TEAS Math
TEAS math includes:
- Fractions and decimals
- Percent increase/decrease
- Basic algebra
- Data interpretation
TEAS math is broader but often less conversion-heavy.
Science Section Comparison
This is where difficulty perception changes.
HESI Science
Most schools using HESI emphasize:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- System relationships
- Functional understanding
Depth over breadth.
TEAS Science
TEAS science includes:
- A&P
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Scientific reasoning
Breadth over depth.
Students strong in A&P often prefer HESI.
Students strong in general science sometimes prefer TEAS.
Choose your study strategy based on your strengths. If A&P is strong but chemistry is weak, HESI may feel more manageable than TEAS.
Scoring Differences
HESI scoring:
- Percentage per section
- Schools often require 75–85% minimum
- Composite averages vary
If you're unsure what score you should target, review our guide explaining what counts as a competitive HESI score.
TEAS scoring:
- Composite percentage
- National percentile ranking
- Section minimums vary
HESI scoring is often more section-sensitive.
Time Pressure Comparison
HESI:
- Section-based timing
- Often shorter segments
- Breaks between sections
TEAS:
- Long integrated exam
- Extended testing stamina required
Students with endurance issues may find TEAS more draining.
Which Exam Do Students Typically Find Harder?
Based on common student feedback:
- Math-heavy students often prefer HESI
- Broad science students sometimes prefer TEAS
- Time-sensitive students may find TEAS harder
But preparation matters more than exam choice.
Students often study generically instead of targeting exam-specific formats. Each exam rewards different preparation strategies.
Can You Choose Between HESI and TEAS?
Most students cannot choose.
Your nursing program determines which exam is required.
Always confirm your school’s admissions policy.
How to Decide Which Exam Feels Harder for You
Ask yourself:
- Am I stronger in A&P or general science?
- Do I prefer structured math or broader algebra?
- Do I perform well in long testing blocks?
Your answers determine perceived difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HESI harder than TEAS?
It depends on strengths. HESI is A&P-focused; TEAS covers broader science topics.
Is TEAS more competitive?
Both are competitive. Admission standards depend on the program.
Which exam has harder math?
HESI math emphasizes conversions; TEAS math emphasizes algebra and fractions.
Can I use HESI study materials for TEAS?
Some overlap exists, but exam formats differ significantly.
Final Takeaway
HESI and ATI TEAS are both manageable with structured preparation.
The “harder” exam depends on:
- Your academic strengths
- Your math comfort level
- Your science background
If your school requires HESI, focus on mastering its specific structure and scoring expectations.
Structured preparation inside our HESI exam prep platform designed for nursing applicants can dramatically improve your performance.
