Determining whether the TEAS or HESI exam is “harder” is subjective and depends heavily on an individual’s academic strengths, the specific requirements of their nursing program, and the version of the test they take. Both are challenging, standardized exams designed to predict success in nursing school.
A direct comparison of key aspects can help illustrate the differences:
| Aspect | TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) | HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Admission assessment for many nursing programs. | Often used for admission and/or progression within a nursing program. |
| Test Content | Four core academic areas: Reading, Math, Science, English and Language Usage. | More comprehensive, covering core academics plus specific nursing content (e.g., Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals). |
| Length & Depth | Generally considered more streamlined, focusing on essential academic readiness. | Often perceived as longer and more in-depth due to the inclusion of subject-specific nursing exams. |
| Scoring | Provides a single composite score and individual section scores. | Provides detailed scores for each subject area, helping identify very specific strengths and weaknesses. |
Many test-takers report that the HESI can feel more difficult because it requires knowledge of specific nursing curriculum content on top of core academic skills. The TEAS is often viewed as slightly more focused on foundational academic aptitude. However, a student with a strong science background might find the HESI’s A&P section manageable, while a student with weaker math skills might find the TEAS math section more challenging.
The best strategy is to check with your target nursing program for their specific exam requirement and then obtain official study guides for that test to prepare effectively.
For insights into navigating other structured processes, you can read about the 3-6-9 rule in relationships.
For official preparation materials and the most current test outlines, you should visit the websites of the test makers: ATI Testing for the TEAS and Elsevier for the HESI.