Your Guide to Nursing Entrance Exams

Test of Essential Academic Skill Examination (TEAS)

The TEAS assessment is another prevalent exam for nursing school applicants, both RNs and LPNs. This multiple-choice test comprises four distinct sections:

• Reading
• English & language use
• Math
• Science

The TEAS exam demands a completion time of 209 minutes. Online resources for preparation include Naxlex nursing study guides, practice tests, and ATI's TEAS prep materials.

Participants respond to 170 questions encompassing high school-level subjects in each category. In the reading segment, you will answer 53 questions related to passages, maps, and graphs. Math session 36 questions cover general problem-solving, algebra, statistics, and geometry. Science consists of 53 questions spanning physiology, anatomy, life and physical sciences, and scientific reasoning. The English section evaluates the grasp of language conventions and vocabulary.

You can take the TEAS nursing entrance exam online, at specific testing centers, or via your desired school. The associated fee for the TEAS exam ranges from $35 to $70.

National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Test (PAX)

A frequently administered nursing school entrance test is the PAX exam, designed for aspiring RNs and LPNs seeking certificates, associate, or bachelor's degrees in nursing. This assessment evaluates verbal knowledge, mathematical proficiency, and your proficiency in scientific concepts. The exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions spanning three subjects:

• 40 math questions
• 60 science questions
• 60 questions in word knowledge and reading comprehension

You have 120 minutes to complete PAX  to pass this exam; look for companies that offer study guides and practice tests like Mometrix. Registering for PAX is easy and costs between $60 to $100.

Read More: How much is Pediatric Nurses Salary

Health Education System Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI A2)

The HESI A2 nursing school entry exam is predominantly employed by students aspiring RNs and LPNs. The exam comprises nine sections which you must complete within three hours;

• Grammar
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Reading comprehension
• Math

The exam assesses your knowledge of what you learned in high school, focusing mainly on science. Additionally, the exam includes sections on personality and learning styles. To prepare for this exam, you need adequate preparation with materials tailored for HESI A2. One of the reputable sites for HESI A2 prep resources is Naxlex. They have HESI A2 practice tests and HESI A2 study guides. The amount to pay for the exam varies depending on your location, but most school charges between $40 and $65.

Nursing Entrance Test (NET)

The NET is another prevalent nursing school assessment applicable to LPN and RN programs. NET is divided into six sections; test takers are allotted 155 minutes for completion. Much like the PAX, this exam gauges mathematical aptitude and reading speed. Additionally, it evaluates learning preferences, social decision-making, and coping with stress-inducing situations.

The mathematical section encompasses concepts often taught in high school math courses, typically warranting extra study time. The remaining five segments encompass a wider array of non-nursing subjects. Success in these sections relies on your overall academic skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and reading comprehension. A study guide with practice questions can aid in your exam preparation.

Securing a score of 65 in math and 55 in reading renders you a competitive applicant for nursing school. Schools assess scores in the remaining four sections according to their benchmarks for passing grades. The cost of the NET nursing entrance exam varies based on the institution.

Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test

The Kaplan nursing school examination evaluates students' potential success in LPN or RN programs, even without prior nursing education.

It comprises four sections with a total of 91 multiple-choice questions; the exam appraises proficiency in;

• Writing
• Reading
• Math
• Science
• Critical thinking

Completing the Kaplan nursing school admission test requires up to 180 minutes, with a fee ranging from $50 to $70. Typically, a passing score falls within the 60%-70% range, although each school sets its scoring criteria.

Many test-takers opt to review high school-level subjects in reading, writing, math, and science. Numerous students preparing for the Kaplan nursing school exam employ resources such as the Kaplan study guide, TEAS preparation books, instructional videos on platforms like YouTube, and materials designed for SAT readiness, as Lansing Community College's nursing program suggested.

Explained: What is TEAS Exam Preparedness Report?

PSB Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam

This is an entrance for students who want to join healthcare programs, like LPNs, who want to enroll in vocational nursing programs. The test will evaluate your skills in

• Vocabulary
• Non-verbal comprehension
• Math
• Spelling
• Natural science
• Practical nursing comprehension
• Judgement

The exam has 360 questions that you need to complete in 105 minutes. Just like other nursing entrance exams, you must prepare for PSB. You can find study materials online. This exam is about $25.

After entering into a nursing program, you still need to perform well. Unfortunately, you will find the nursing course frustrating if you don’t have the right study resources. That’s why you should look for a reputable platform to make nursing enjoyable and spiced with high grades.