TEAS Test for LPN Programs: Is It Required?

Wondering whether you need to take the TEAS to apply to an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) program — or whether there is a special version of the TEAS for LPN candidates? There is not. Students applying to RN and LPN programs take the same ATI TEAS 7 exam; the only real difference is that RN programs usually require a higher passing score. This guide covers when the TEAS is required for LPN programs, how it differs from the NCLEX-PN you take after graduation, and how it compares to the RN path.

Do LPN programs require the TEAS?

It depends on the school. Many LPN programs require the TEAS as part of admissions, others require the HESI A2 instead, some use a different admission test, and a few have no entrance exam at all. Before you register for anything, check your school’s admissions page or contact the admissions office to confirm which exam the program requires, the minimum score you need, whether retakes are allowed, how many, and the wait time between attempts. Checking those details up front saves you time, money, and studying for the wrong exam.

If your LPN program asks for the TEAS, the ATI TEAS 7 is the current version you will take. There is no LPN-only registration, no special question set, and no easier version — you register through ATI, sit the same exam as every nursing applicant, and send your scores to your chosen school.

There is no separate LPN TEAS

Many students search online for an "LPN TEAS," but it does not exist. ATI offers one TEAS exam, and every applicant — LPN, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — takes the same test: four sections (Reading, Math, Science, and English & Language Usage), with the same number of questions, section time limits, and topics for everyone. The only difference is the score your program requires, because each nursing school sets its own admissions standards. One LPN program might accept a lower TEAS score than a highly competitive BSN program; another LPN program might require a score similar to an RN program. What matters is your final score, so build a study plan around your target — our TEAS test tips and how to study for the TEAS guides help you focus on your weaker sections and score above your program’s minimum.

TEAS vs. NCLEX-PN: two completely different exams

Applying to an LPN program means encountering two exams with similar-sounding names at two different points in your journey — and they are not the same thing.

The TEAS is an admission exam made by ATI (an education and testing company). If your school requires it, you take it before your LPN program begins, as part of applying. It measures reading comprehension, math, science knowledge, and language skills — the basic academic abilities needed for nursing school. It has nothing to do with nursing knowledge or patient care; it asks, "are you ready to start this program?" The NCLEX-PN is a licensing exam made by NCSBN — a separate organization — that you take after graduating from your LPN program to become a licensed practical nurse. It checks what you learned in your nursing classes and whether you can make safe nursing decisions; it asks, "are you competent to care for patients?"

Both exams matter, but they are built for different purposes, cover different topics, and are prepared for and taken at different stages. Think of it this way: the TEAS helps you get into nursing school, while the NCLEX-PN helps you become a licensed LPN.

What score do LPN programs require, and how to prep

Because some schools use the TEAS as an entrance exam, the next question is what score you need — and it depends entirely on the program, since each school sets its own minimum. Check your program’s admissions page or contact the office directly, because scores you see online may not apply to your school. Once you know your target, build a study plan: start with sample TEAS questions to find your strengths and weaknesses, focus on the sections that feel hardest, then move to full-length timed practice. Testavia’s TEAS 7 prep provides practice tests with rationales — correct answers and why the others are wrong — so you can close your weak spots.

A simple prep sequence:

1. Confirm your program’s required TEAS score (and whether it uses the TEAS or HESI A2).

2. Take a diagnostic set of sample questions to find your weakest sections.

3. Study by section, weakest first, reading the rationale for every missed question.

4. Finish with full-length, timed practice to build pacing and stamina.

Frequently asked questions

Do LPN programs require the TEAS?

It varies. Some LPN programs use the TEAS as an admission exam, others use the HESI A2, and some require no entrance exam. Check your school’s admissions requirements before registering.

Is there a special LPN version of the TEAS?

No. LPN and RN applicants sit the same ATI TEAS 7 exam, with the same format, sections, and question types. Only the minimum score required by each school differs.

Is the TEAS the same as the NCLEX-PN?

No — they are different exams at different stages, with different purposes and governing bodies. The TEAS is an entrance exam to get into an LPN program; the NCLEX-PN is a licensing exam taken after graduation to become a licensed practical nurse.

What TEAS score do LPN programs require?

There is no universal score — each school sets its own minimum. Check your program’s admissions page or contact the admissions office for the exact requirement.

How do I prepare for the TEAS for an LPN program?

The same way any TEAS taker does: start with sample questions to find your weak sections, focus your study there, then take timed full-length practice exams before test day.

What if my LPN program uses the HESI A2 instead of the TEAS?

Then prepare for the HESI A2. Some schools prefer it, and a few accept either — confirm what your program specifies and study for that exam.

Do I take a different TEAS for LPN vs. RN?

No. LPN, ADN, and BSN applicants all take the same ATI TEAS 7; only the score your program needs differs.

Can I use RN TEAS prep materials for an LPN program?

Yes. Because the exam is identical for LPN and RN applicants, the same study guides, practice tests, and resources work for both — there are no separate LPN-only TEAS materials.

When should I start prepping for the TEAS?

As early as you can. How long you need depends on your current knowledge and your program’s required score, so starting early gives you time to close gaps without cramming.

Bottom line

There is no separate LPN TEAS — every nursing applicant takes the same ATI TEAS 7, and the only difference for LPN candidates is the passing score your program sets. Confirm whether your school requires the TEAS or the HESI A2, find your target score, and prepare section by section, weakest first. Do that well and you will clear the entrance exam and move on to the program itself — and, eventually, the NCLEX-PN that licenses you.