Key Takeaways
- The TEAS (ATI) is the most widely used nursing entrance exam, accepted by 1,500+ programs
- The HESI A2 (Elsevier) is accepted by 1,000+ programs and has 8 scored academic sections
- The NLN NEX is accepted by 500+ programs and has 3 sections with the lowest cost ($52.50-$73.50)
- The TEAS costs $100-$116, HESI A2 costs ~$58, and NEX costs $52.50-$73.50
- Only the NEX and HESI A2 allow calculators; the TEAS does not allow any calculator
- The NEX uses percentile scoring (0-300 composite), TEAS uses percentage (0-100), HESI uses section percentages
- Always check your specific nursing program requirements — they determine which exam you must take
- Some programs accept multiple exams, so compare your strengths to each exam format before choosing
NEX vs. TEAS vs. HESI A2: Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing the right nursing entrance exam depends entirely on your nursing program's requirements. However, understanding the differences between the three major exams helps you know what to expect and how to prepare. Here is a detailed side-by-side comparison for 2026.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NLN NEX | ATI TEAS 7 | HESI A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | National League for Nursing | Assessment Technologies Institute | Elsevier (HESI) |
| Programs Using | ~500+ | ~1,500+ | ~1,000+ |
| Total Questions | 163 (145 scored) | 170 (150 scored) | Up to 326 |
| Sections | 3 | 4 | 8 academic + optional |
| Total Time | 3 hours | 3 hrs 29 min | ~4 hrs 15 min |
| Cost | $52.50-$73.50 | $100-$116 | ~$58 |
| Calculator | Basic 4-function | Not allowed | On-screen provided |
| Physics | No | No | Yes |
| Anatomy/Physiology | Within Science (~36%) | Within Science | Separate section |
| Scoring | Composite 0-300 + percentile | Composite 0-100% | % per section |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 1-2 years |
| Remote Testing | Yes (Proctor360) | Yes (ATI online) | Limited |
| Adaptive | No | No | No |
Content Coverage Comparison
| Topic | NEX | TEAS | HESI A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading/Verbal | Verbal Ability (50 scored) | Reading (45 scored) | Reading Comprehension (55) |
| Vocabulary | Word Knowledge (within Verbal) | Not separate | Vocabulary (55) + Grammar (55) |
| Mathematics | 40 scored items | 36 scored items | 55 items |
| Biology | ~20 items (33%) | Within Science (~40%) | 30 items (separate section) |
| Anatomy & Physiology | ~22 items (36%) | Within Science | 30 items (separate section) |
| Chemistry | ~5 items (8%) | Within Science (~20%) | 30 items (separate section) |
| Physics | Not tested | Not tested | 30 items (separate section) |
| Data/Graphs | Yes (within Math) | Yes (within Math) | Limited |
Which Exam Is Right for You?
Choose the NEX if:
- Your program requires it (always the primary factor)
- You prefer a shorter, more focused exam
- You are strong in verbal skills and science
- You want the lowest exam cost
- You appreciate having a calculator for math
Choose the TEAS if:
- Your program requires it
- You are comfortable with no-calculator math
- You have strong English/language arts skills
- You want the most widely accepted exam
Choose the HESI A2 if:
- Your program requires it
- You are strong across many academic subjects
- You do not mind a longer exam with more sections
- Your program accepts partial section scores
Study Overlap Between Exams
If your program accepts multiple exams, or if you may apply to programs requiring different exams, the good news is there is significant content overlap:
| Shared Content | All Three Exams |
|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | Tested on all three |
| Basic math | Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios |
| Biology fundamentals | Cell biology, genetics, ecology |
| Anatomy & physiology | Body systems, structures, functions |
| Vocabulary | Medical/scientific terminology |
Unique to NEX: Percentile-based scoring, no geometry, data interpretation emphasis Unique to TEAS: English & Language Usage as separate section, no calculator Unique to HESI A2: Physics section, Grammar section, on-screen calculator only for math
Which nursing entrance exam is the most widely used, accepted by approximately 1,500+ programs?
Which of the following nursing entrance exams does NOT allow any calculator?
Match each nursing entrance exam to its scoring method.
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right
Which nursing entrance exam includes a separate Physics section?
Which nursing entrance exam is the LEAST expensive?
The NLN NEX has _____ sections: Verbal Ability, Mathematics, and Science.
Type your answer below