TEAS vs Kaplan: Which Nursing Entrance Exam Should You Take?

TEAS is a comprehensive 170-question exam taking 3.5 hours that costs around $65-$140 and covers four academic areas broadly, while Kaplan is a shorter 91-question exam taking 2 hours 45 minutes that costs under $70 and focuses specifically on nursing-related skills.

TEAS is more widely used and harder, while Kaplan is more nursing-focused and easier to pass.

Quick Comparison

Exam Structure and Format

TEAS 7 Structure

TEAS has exactly 170 questions split into four main academic areas. The exam tests broad academic knowledge needed for healthcare education.

All questions are multiple-choice with some advanced question types like drag-and-drop.

The test includes 20 unscored questions used for future test development. Students must complete all sections in a specific order.

The exam uses various question formats including multiple-select and fill-in-the-blank.

Kaplan Nursing Exam Structure

Kaplan has 91 questions designed specifically for nursing program evaluation.

The exam focuses on skills directly related to nursing success. All questions are traditional multiple-choice format.

The test evaluates basic reading, math, writing, and science skills of students seeking entry into nursing programs.

Questions are more nursing-focused than TEAS. Students can often use calculators during the math section.

Content Areas Comparison

Reading and Language Skills

TEAS tests general reading comprehension using diverse passage types and advanced analysis skills.

The exam includes complex vocabulary and critical thinking questions. English sections cover formal grammar rules and academic writing.

Kaplan has more A&P questions and focuses on healthcare-related reading passages.

The reading section emphasizes nursing communication skills. Writing questions target healthcare documentation abilities.

Mathematics Content

The math portion on TEAS was harder than Kaplan, but a calculator was not allowed.

TEAS includes algebra, geometry, and complex data interpretation. Questions cover academic math skills needed for science courses.

Kaplan math focuses on healthcare calculations like dosages and conversions.

Students can often use calculators during Kaplan math sections. Questions emphasize practical nursing math applications.

Science Knowledge

TEAS has more physical science questions while Kaplan focuses on A&P.

TEAS covers chemistry, physics, biology, and scientific reasoning broadly. The science section requires deep understanding of multiple disciplines.

Kaplan science emphasizes anatomy, physiology, and basic sciences directly related to nursing.

Questions focus on body systems and healthcare applications. The content is more nursing-specific than TEAS.

Administration and Logistics

Where You Can Take Each Test

TEAS can be taken online at home, online at school, or in-person at testing centers.

The exam is available year-round through ATI. Many schools also offer TEAS on specific dates on campus.

Kaplan is usually given at the campus assessment and testing center, but the location could be off-campus at a testing center.

Most schools handle Kaplan administration directly. Testing dates are set by individual schools.

Scheduling and Registration

TEAS has standardized scheduling through ATI’s website or individual schools.

Students can choose from multiple testing dates and locations. The registration process is consistent across different testing sites.

Students work with admissions counselors to schedule Kaplan exams. Each school sets their own testing schedule and requirements. Registration procedures vary by institution.

Scoring Systems

TEAS Scoring

TEAS uses percentage scores with five performance categories. The national average is around 65% which falls in the “Proficient” range. Most schools want scores of 70% or higher for competitive admission.

Scores are reported immediately after testing. Students receive total scores, section scores, and sub-content area breakdowns. Schools can see all testing attempts and scores.

Kaplan Scoring

A passing composite score generally falls between 60% and 70%, but each school maintains its scoring standards. There is no set passing score as schools determine their own requirements.

Results include individual scores for each section and a composite score for the test as a whole.

Students receive immediate feedback after testing. Some schools require specific section scores in addition to overall scores.

Retake Policies

TEAS Retake Rules

TEAS retake policies depend entirely on individual school requirements.

Most schools allow 2-3 attempts per year with waiting periods between tries. Some schools only accept the first score while others take the highest.

ATI testing centers require 14-day minimum waiting periods between attempts. All attempts are visible to schools in score reports. Students must pay full fees for each attempt.

Kaplan Retake Rules

Some schools allow you to retake the exam twice, while others allow candidates three attempts.

Retake policies vary significantly between institutions. Most schools have waiting periods between attempts.

Some schools limit students to one attempt per application cycle. Students must check with their specific program for retake policies. Fees apply for each testing attempt.

Cost Comparison

TEAS Costs

TEAS costs between $65 and $140 depending on whether you take it remotely or at an institution.

Additional fees apply for sending scores to multiple schools. Study materials and practice tests cost extra.

You must pay an additional $27 fee to send scores to institutions other than where you took the test.

The total cost including preparation can exceed $500. Remote testing may have additional proctoring fees.

Kaplan Costs

The cost of the exam varies by school but is generally under $70. Some schools charge $70 non-refundable fees while others may offer it for free. Schools typically handle score reporting without additional fees.

Study materials are available but not required. The overall cost is usually lower than TEAS. Some schools include the exam fee in application costs.

Preparation Time and Difficulty

TEAS Preparation

ATI recommends at least 6 weeks of study time for TEAS. The exam covers extensive content requiring comprehensive review. Students often find the science section most challenging.

Students report TEAS as overall more difficult than Kaplan. The broad content coverage requires significant preparation time. Many students spend 2-3 months preparing for optimal scores.

Kaplan Preparation

Kaplan requires less preparation time due to nursing-focused content. Students with healthcare backgrounds often find it easier. Overall, TEAS and Kaplan were pretty similar in difficulty for some students.

The shorter format and specific focus allow for targeted study. Most students can prepare adequately in 3-4 weeks. Previous healthcare experience helps significantly.

School Preferences and Usage

Which Schools Use TEAS

TEAS is widely adopted across nursing schools nationally. Many state university systems require TEAS for all nursing programs. The exam is becoming the standard for nursing school admissions.

Community colleges and universities both commonly use TEAS. Some schools are transitioning from other exams to TEAS. The standardized format appeals to admissions committees.

Which Schools Use Kaplan

Kaplan is used by nursing programs to predict student success in LPN or RN programs.

Fewer schools use Kaplan compared to TEAS or HESI. Some community colleges and specialized nursing programs prefer Kaplan.

Schools that use Kaplan often value its nursing-specific focus. Some schools use Kaplan to determine if students have academic skills necessary for nursing school success. Usage is more limited geographically.

Final Thoughts

Choose TEAS if your target schools require it, you have strong general academic skills, and you want a widely recognized exam that opens doors to many programs.

Choose Kaplan if your school specifically requires it, you have healthcare background knowledge, and you prefer a shorter, more nursing-focused exam.

TEAS is more challenging but widely accepted, while Kaplan is easier but used by fewer schools.