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Getting into nursing school is a terrifying experience . . . not to mention confusing. With all the prereqs, checklists, shots, and thousands of other things to do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Most schools require an entrance exam on top of all the other requirements. The most common tests are the HESI and the TEAS exam. To help you navigate this process we have gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about these exams into one post. Enjoy, and save for later!
See TEAS FAQ below and scroll down a bit for HESI FAQ.
TEAS: Nursing School Entrance Exam FAQ
The ATI website has a book to prep for the TEAS test as well as a smart prep course.
Book: $55 (Although I also found this on amazon for $20)
Smart Prep: $209
Other prep sites are available but I am not certain about the validity of these sites or their material.
There are 4 sections of the TEAS test. You get 209 minutes to complete 170 total questions. The breakdown of each section is as follows:
- Science: 48 questions with 66 minutes to complete it.
- Math: 30 questions with 51 minutes to complete it.
- English/Language: 30 questions with 34 minutes to complete it.
- Reading: 42 questions with 58 minutes to complete it.
http://atiteas.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ATI-TEAS-Content-Updates.pdf
Make a plan. There are four sections of the test. Reading, math, science and english language usage. Pick your testing date out and get a study book or buy their ATI online package to help you study. What you don’t want to do is go in unprepared, it’s a waste of your money and time. Study a section at a time or follow the ATI study plan.
Set times to study. For example 2 hours everyday or 4 hours 3 days a week. Pick what time frame you have available and get in as much as you can. Make sure you stick to it though! It helps if you have a study buddy.
If you need help learning how to study check out our blog, where we talk about study hacks.
It isn’t hard, it just requires that you know the material on the test. It isn’t a tricky type of test. Most of the information is like a recap of what you should have learned in school up to that point. The information is from pulled from what you learned in grades 7-12.
If you study, the test is easy. So what I am telling you is to study.
The total number of questions are 170. The overall time allotted to take the exam is 209 minutes which is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Each section has its own allotted time though. So keep your eye on the time!
- Science: 48 questions with 66 minutes to complete it.
- Math: 30 questions with 51 minutes to complete it.
- English/Language: 30 questions with 34 minutes to complete it.
Reading: 42 questions with 58 minutes to complete it.
The preliminary results are available immediately, but the testing center needs to review the test and confirm that there wasn’t any cheating before it is considered official results. You will be able to view your results after the test online in your profile for ATI.
Calculators are provided. If taking the online version the calculator will be digital on the computer. If you are taking a paper and pencil version, the calculator will be provided for you by the facility administering the test. Do not bring a calculator to the testing facility, you will not be allowed to use it.
https://www.atitesting.com/Solutions/pre-program/PreNursingSchoolFAQ.aspx
In some ways TEAS is similar to HESI. They both are used as entrance exams to nursing school, they both have categories of knowledge that is tested separately, and both are used to predict how well you will do in nursing school as well as on the NCLEX examination. Both tests are taken at certified centers with very specific rules (like no cell phones) and they have a time limit for each category. Each nursing school will have their own set of goals for the test so make sure to check what your nursing school requires.
The TEAS exam tests you on four categories and you take all four categories no matter what. The HESI exam has eight categories that each school can pick and choose which they would like to have their students be tested on. This matters because if you only test on 4 of the categories for one school but then decide to go to another school that requires 5 categories you will have to retake the whole exam again. Which brings me to the next difference. HESI can be taken ONCE in a 12 month period, TEAS can be taken as often as it is offered. Also, the TEAS exam allows you to go back and check your answers before submitting if you have time for that section, whereas the HESI exam does not allow you to back.
This depends on the state and city you are taking it in. Ranges between approximately $90-$100 You can check out your locations of testing then select the learn more button to find out the price at this website:
http://www.atitesting.com/ati_next_gen/customecom/SessionCityStateSelection.aspx?stf=6&stype=1&prev=1
*This does not include the cost for any prep or travel expenses.
HESI: Nursing School Entrance Exam FAQ
HESI is written by the company Evolve Elsevier. They would have the best study material.
And here is their book from Amazon, which is much cheaper: HESI Exam Review
The HESI A2 exam has 8 categories as well as a personality style test (15 questions with 15 minutes to answer) and learning style test (14 questions with 15 minutes to answer). The categories are as follows:
- Biology: 25 questions with 25 minutes to answer.
- Chemistry: 25 questions with 25 minutes to answer.
- Physics: 25 questions with 50 minutes to answer.
- Reading comprehension: 47 questions with 60 minutes to answer.
- Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 50 questions with 50 minutes to answer.
- Grammar: 50 questions with 50 minutes to answer.
- Math: 50 questions with 50 minutes to answer.
Anatomy and Physiology: 25 questions with 25 minutes to answer.
They have two main tests, the admissions assessment test (or sometimes called A2) or the exit exam (taken at the end of nursing school). The admissions assessment is similar to TEAS and is used to help determine your eligibility to the nursing school. Nursing schools have their own preference so you need to check with the school you are trying to apply to to find out which test you need to take.
The best way to pass the HESI is to study using the study guide provided by Evolve Elsevier and to take the test after talking to your prospective schools guidance counselor as to which categories need to be taken for their program as well as when that school recommends you take it.
If you are looking at more than one nursing school then you should make sure to check with all schools involved and make a plan based off the needs of all the schools.
The best way to pass the HESI is to study using the study guide provided by Evolve Elsevier and to take the test after talking to your prospective schools guidance counselor as to which categories need to be taken for their program as well as when that school recommends you take it.
If you are looking at more than one nursing school then you should make sure to check with all schools involved and make a plan based off the needs of all the schools.
The HESI A2 exam has 8 categories as well as a personality style test (15 questions with 15 minutes to answer) and learning style test (14 questions with 15 minutes to answer). Total questions: 297 plus 29 additional questions for the personality style and learning style test.
The categories are as follows:
- Biology: 25 questions with 25 minutes to answer.
- Chemistry: 25 questions with 25 minutes to answer.
- Physics: 25 questions with 50 minutes to answer.
- Reading comprehension: 47 questions with 60 minutes to answer.
- Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 50 questions with 50 minutes to answer.
- Grammar: 50 questions with 50 minutes to answer.
- Math: 50 questions with 50 minutes to answer.
Anatomy and Physiology: 25 questions with 25 minutes to answer.
