ATI TEAS vs NCLEX-RN
The TEAS is a nursing school ENTRANCE exam testing academic readiness (reading, math, science, English), while the NCLEX-RN is the LICENSING exam taken AFTER graduating nursing school. You take the TEAS first to get INTO nursing school, then the NCLEX-RN to become a nurse.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ATI TEAS | NCLEX-RN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Test of Essential Academic Skills | National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses |
| Exam Cost | $100-150 | $200 |
| Passing Score | Varies by school (60-80%) | Pass/Fail (Logit) |
| Questions | 170 (150 scored) | 85-150 (adaptive) |
| Time Limit | 3 hrs 29 min | 5 hours max |
| Study Time | 60-120 hours | 200-400 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma | Complete BSN or ADN program |
| Exam Body | ATI | NCSBN |
Key Differences
- 1TEAS is for nursing school admission; NCLEX-RN is for licensure
- 2TEAS tests academic skills; NCLEX-RN tests nursing knowledge
- 3TEAS is taken BEFORE nursing school; NCLEX-RN is taken AFTER
- 4TEAS covers reading, math, science, English; NCLEX-RN covers clinical nursing
- 5TEAS can be retaken multiple times; NCLEX-RN has waiting periods between attempts
- 6TEAS scores vary by school; NCLEX-RN is pass/fail nationwide
What Each Exam Allows You To Do
ATI TEAS
- Apply to nursing school programs
- Demonstrate academic readiness
- Qualify for competitive nursing programs
- Retake to improve scores (limits vary)
NCLEX-RN
- Obtain RN license to practice nursing
- Work in any healthcare setting
- Start your nursing career
- Pursue specialty certifications
Who Should Take Each Exam?
Take the ATI TEAS if you...
- →High school graduates entering nursing
- →Career changers applying to nursing school
- →Those needing to demonstrate academic skills
- →Competitive nursing program applicants
Take the NCLEX-RN if you...
- →Nursing school graduates
- →Those ready to practice as RNs
- →Final step to nursing licensure
- →Beginning nursing career
Which Should You Take First?
You MUST take the TEAS first - it's required for nursing school admission. After completing your nursing degree (2-4 years later), you'll take the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed nurse. They're sequential steps, not alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
QDo I need to pass the TEAS to take the NCLEX-RN?
Not directly. The TEAS gets you INTO nursing school. After completing your nursing program (2-4 years), you'll be eligible for the NCLEX-RN. The two exams are years apart in your nursing journey.
QWhich exam is harder?
The NCLEX-RN is significantly harder. The TEAS tests high school level academics, while the NCLEX-RN tests clinical nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and patient safety. Most people study 2-3x longer for the NCLEX-RN.
QWhat if I fail the TEAS?
You can retake the TEAS (policies vary by school and ATI). Many students improve scores on retakes. Some schools accept lower TEAS scores for provisional admission or have alternative entrance requirements.
QHow long between TEAS and NCLEX-RN?
Typically 2-4 years. You take the TEAS for nursing school admission, complete your nursing program (ADN = 2 years, BSN = 4 years), then take the NCLEX-RN upon graduation.
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