TEAS vs NCLEX-PN
The TEAS is the gateway INTO nursing school - it's an admission test measuring academic readiness. The NCLEX-PN is the gateway OUT of nursing school - it's the licensure exam taken AFTER completing an LPN program. They're at opposite ends of the nursing education journey.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | TEAS | NCLEX-PN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Test of Essential Academic Skills | National Council Licensure Examination - Practical Nurse |
| Exam Cost | $95-$120 | $200 |
| Passing Score | 62-75% | Pass/Fail (CAT) |
| Questions | 170 (150 scored) | 85-150 |
| Time Limit | 3 hrs 29 min | 5 hours max |
| Study Time | 40-80 hours | 200-300 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma | LPN program completion |
| Exam Body | ATI | NCSBN |
Key Differences
- 1TEAS = admission test (BEFORE nursing school)
- 2NCLEX-PN = licensure exam (AFTER LPN program)
- 3TEAS tests academics (reading, math, science, English)
- 4NCLEX-PN tests clinical nursing judgment
- 5TEAS is fixed 170 questions; NCLEX-PN is adaptive 85-150 questions
- 6TEAS costs ~$95-120; NCLEX-PN costs $200 + state fees
- 7TEAS failure = retake in 30 days; NCLEX-PN failure = wait 45 days
What Each Exam Allows You To Do
TEAS
- Qualify for nursing school admission
- Demonstrate academic readiness
- Prerequisite for LPN and RN programs
- Valid at 2,500+ nursing programs nationwide
NCLEX-PN
- Work as a licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN)
- Provide basic patient care under RN supervision
- Administer medications
- Monitor patient conditions
- Earn $40,000-$60,000/year starting salary
Who Should Take Each Exam?
Take the TEAS if you...
- →High school graduates entering nursing
- →Career changers applying to nursing programs
- →Those needing to prove academic readiness
- →Students applying to competitive programs
Take the NCLEX-PN if you...
- →LPN program graduates
- →Those wanting faster entry to nursing (vs RN)
- →Career changers seeking nursing career
- →Those planning to bridge to RN later
Which Should You Take First?
You MUST take the TEAS first - it's the nursing school admission exam. The timeline is: TEAS → LPN Program (12-18 months) → NCLEX-PN → Licensed LPN. You cannot take the NCLEX-PN without first completing an approved practical nursing program.
Frequently Asked Questions
QIs the NCLEX-PN harder than the TEAS?
Yes, significantly. The TEAS tests basic academics (reading, math, science) - knowledge recall. The NCLEX-PN tests clinical judgment and nursing application - you must apply nursing knowledge to patient scenarios. NCLEX-PN requires 200-300 hours of study.
QCan I skip the TEAS?
Some nursing schools don't require the TEAS - they may use GPA, HESI, or other criteria instead. Notable no-TEAS programs exist, but competition remains high. Check with your specific target programs.
QWhat if I fail the TEAS?
Most schools allow 2-3 TEAS attempts per application cycle with a 30-day waiting period between attempts. Some schools only accept the first attempt score, so prepare thoroughly. Schedule 2-3 months before application deadlines.
QWhat if I fail the NCLEX-PN?
Wait 45 days and retake (up to 8 attempts per year). Requirements vary by state - some require remediation after multiple failures. Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio allow unlimited lifetime attempts. You cannot work as an LPN until you pass.
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