Nursing school entrance exams can feel confusing at first, since different programs use different tests, and some use more than one. Knowing which exams exist, and why, helps you prepare for the right one from the start.
This guide covers 7 types of nursing school entrance exams, how they compare, and where the HESI A2 fits in.
Why Nursing Programs Use Entrance Exams
Nursing school entrance exams help programs assess whether applicants have the academic foundation needed for a demanding curriculum. Since nursing coursework blends math, science and reading-heavy material, most entrance exams test a mix of these areas rather than a single subject.
7 Common Nursing School Entrance Exams
1. HESI A2
Published by Elsevier, the HESI A2 is one of the most widely used nursing school entrance exams. It’s customizable, so schools choose from sections including math, reading, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology and physics. See our HESI A2 requirements guide for how this works in practice.
2. TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
Published by ATI, the TEAS is another widely used exam with four fixed sections: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. Our HESI A2 vs TEAS comparison breaks down the key differences in detail.
3. NLN PAX (Pre-Admission Examination)
Published by the National League for Nursing, the PAX typically covers verbal ability, mathematics and science as core areas. It’s used by a smaller, though still significant, number of programs. Our HESI A2 vs NLN PAX guide compares the two directly.
4. Kaplan Nursing Admission Test
Some programs use the Kaplan Nursing Admission Test, which generally covers reading, math, writing and science in a format similar to other nursing entrance exams.
5. SAT or ACT
A smaller number of nursing programs, particularly at the undergraduate admission level rather than for nursing-specific entry, may still request SAT or ACT scores as part of a broader application.
6. Institution-Specific Placement Tests
Some schools use their own internally developed placement or readiness exams instead of, or alongside, a nationally recognized test. These are less standardized, so preparation often depends on materials provided directly by the school.
7. No Entrance Exam at All
A number of programs, particularly some accelerated or second-degree tracks, may waive entrance exam requirements entirely in favor of GPA, prerequisite coursework or other admission criteria.
How to Know Which Nursing School Entrance Exam You Need
The only reliable way to know is to check your specific program’s admissions page or contact their admissions office directly. Nursing school entrance exam requirements vary not just by school, but sometimes by specific program track within the same school.
Why the HESI A2 Is Worth Extra Attention
Given how widely it’s used, many applicants will encounter the HESI A2 at some point in their nursing education journey, whether for initial admission or later program milestones. Building strong foundational skills in math, science and reading through HESI A2 preparation often supports success on other nursing school entrance exams too, since the core subject matter overlaps significantly.
How to Start Preparing
- Confirm your required exam directly with your program.
- Take a diagnostic test to find your baseline.
- Build a study plan around your weakest areas.
- Use structured notes paired with practice questions.
If your program requires the HESI A2, our free practice tests and 9-in-1 study bundle cover every section with step-by-step explanations.
FAQ
Do all nursing schools require the same entrance exam?
No. Different nursing school entrance exams are used across different programs, and some schools accept more than one option. Always confirm directly with your specific program.
Can I use HESI A2 prep for other nursing entrance exams?
Core subjects like math, reading and science overlap across most nursing school entrance exams, so HESI A2 preparation can build transferable skills. That said, each exam has its own format, so confirm your actual required exam and tailor your final review accordingly.
Know Your Exam Before You Study
Nursing school entrance exams vary widely, from the customizable HESI A2 to fixed-format options like the TEAS and PAX. Confirm your specific requirement first, then build your study plan around that exact exam.
If the HESI A2 is on your list, explore our complete study bundle and join our HESI A2 study group on Facebook for support.
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