Is Kaplan harder than TEAS 7?

Not universally. Kaplan is shorter (91 questions vs 170) but has a Writing section TEAS doesn't, and its Reading items are more critical-thinking-heavy. TEAS demands more A&P.

Do nursing schools accept both TEAS and Kaplan?

Some do, but most US programs only accept the ATI TEAS 7. Always check your specific program's admissions page.

Can I prep for both at the same time?

Partially — Math and basic Reading prep transfers. Science and the formats differ enough that you should pick one as your primary.

Which exam costs more?

TEAS 7 (~$115) is slightly more expensive than the Kaplan Nursing Admission Test (~$95).

How is Kaplan scored?

Kaplan reports a cumulative percent score with no proficiency bands. Most programs want 65%+.

TEAS 7 vs Kaplan

TEAS 7 vs Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam — Honest 2026 Comparison

The Kaplan Nursing Admission Test is the other major nursing-entrance exam in the US — used by some Kaplan-affiliated and private programs as an alternative to the ATI TEAS 7. Here's how they actually compare.

Last updated August 27, 2026 · Reviewed by TEAS Academy

TEAS 7: 170 Qs

Kaplan: 91 Qs

Both 4 sections

TEAS more common

Different scoring

TEAS 7 vs Kaplan at a glance

Publisher	ATI Nursing Education	Kaplan Test Prep
Question count	170	91
Total time	209 minutes	165 minutes
Sections	Reading, Math, Science, English	Reading, Math, Writing, Science
Scoring	Composite % + 5 proficiency levels	Cumulative % score (no levels)
Calculator	On-screen four-function	On-screen four-function
Cost	~$115	~$95
Used by	1,300+ nursing programs	Kaplan-affiliated and select private programs
Retake wait	Typically 30 days	Typically 30 days

Content differences

TEAS 7 goes deeper on anatomy & physiology — roughly half of Science is A&P.
Kaplan has a dedicated Writing section (not on TEAS); its Science is broader but shallower.
Math is similar on both — pre-algebra and basic algebra with a four-function calculator.
Kaplan Reading leans more heavily on critical thinking than the TEAS.

Which one is easier?

Neither is universally easier. TEAS 7 is longer and demands deeper A&P knowledge; Kaplan is shorter but expects stronger writing and critical-thinking skills. The right choice is whichever your target program accepts — most US programs only accept the TEAS.

Which exam should you take?

Check your program's admissions page. If they list "TEAS" without qualification, take the ATI TEAS 7. If they specify Kaplan, take the Kaplan. A few programs accept either — in that case take whichever you have more recent practice with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & references

This page is maintained by the TEASAcademy Editorial Team — ATI TEAS 7 prep specialists. Content reviewed against the current ATI TEAS specification.

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