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 a median $64,400 a year (BLS, May 2025)

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.

Where shall we go next?

Your AI study companion · 10 free interactions a day