What is the TEAS Exam and How to Prepare For it

If you are considering going to nursing school, you may have to take a standardized exam called the Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS. Understanding what to expect on the TEAS exam will prepare you for success and help lower any test-related anxiety you may have.

In this article, we take a deep dive into the TEAS, including the subjects tested, how to study for it, passing scores, and example questions, so that you can feel confident when the time comes to take this test.

 

The TEAS is an exam that nursing students take when applying for nursing school in the United States. It tests what a nursing student's academic potential may be in nursing school. Currently, nursing schools administer the latest TEAS version seven to assess potential students.

The TEAS is often part of the whole application process that nursing students must take to get into a nursing program, including transcripts, an application, an essay, letters of recommendation, and fees. The TEAS is similar to the Health Education Systems Incorporated Admissions (HESI A2) exam, which some institutions use as part of a student's application.

What Does TEAS Stand For?

TEAS stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills. The exam ensures that the student has the essential academic skills to perform well in nursing school. A good score on the TEAS will help you get into nursing school.

Why Do You Need to Take the TEAS Exam?

Many universities use the TEAS to determine how well a student will perform in a higher academic setting. Studies have shown that students who do well on the TEAS also do well in nursing school. So, while there are a few nursing schools without entrance exams, many still require the TEAS.

The TEAS will test students on various subjects to see if they are academically proficient enough to succeed in an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor Degree of Nursing (BSN) program. 

There are 170 questions on the TEAS, but only 150 of them count in your score. The remaining 20 questions are for internal company purposes only. Students have 209 minutes in total to complete the exam.

The TEAS covers four main sections:

1. Reading

• 45 questions
• 6 unscored questions
• 55 minutes

The reading section assesses your ability to comprehend written passages and answer questions based on the information presented. It includes questions on the integration of knowledge and ideas.

2. Math

• 38 questions
• 4 unscored questions
• 57 minutes

The math section evaluates your skills in basic arithmetic, algebra, and measurement calculations.

3. Science

• 50 questions
• 6 unscored questions
• 60 minutes

The science section tests your knowledge of general science concepts, including anatomy, biology, chemistry, and the scientific method. 

4. English and Language Usage

• 37 questions
• 4 unscored questions
• 37 minutes

The English and Language Usage section focuses on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.

Allow yourself a minimum of 6 weeks to prepare for the exam. There are also many study resources available for purchase and for free on the website. ATI has a recommended study plan for students taking the TEAS:

• Week 1: English and Language usage
• Week 2: Reading
• Week 3: Reading
• Week 4: Science
• Week 5: Science 
• Week 6: Math

Each subject can be studied using a manual, lessons, pre-tests, post-tests, quizzes, and practice assessments. Depending on your comfort level in a particular topic, you may want to spend more time on some subjects and less on others. However, the ATI-recommended study plan includes recommended hours of study as well.

TEAS Prep Courses

ATI offers six unique study packages depending on your level of knowledge and how much you want to study for the TEAS. Each varies in price from $25 to $249, depending on how much study material you need.

It is a great idea to invest in a plan that helps you study and increases your chances of obtaining a higher score. According to the ATI website, about 40% of students end up taking the TEAS at least twice. In many cases, students were not prepared enough to take it the first time.

TEAS Registration & Testing Locations

You can register to take the TEAS online or in person at the ATI testing website. When you register, there are also study materials that you can purchase to help you prepare for the exam. 

Your university may require you to take the TEAS at a specific location, such as on campus. You should always check with your prospective school to ensure you follow its requirements.

Examination location options include:

• In-person at an institution
• In-person exam offered at a PSI testing center with a proctor
• Online exam provided by an institution with a remote proctor
• Online exam proctored by ATI with a remote proctor

TEAS Scoring

The ATI TEAS scoring system is made up of three types of scores: Total score, Content Area scores (Reading, Math, Science, and English), and Sub-Content Area scores (e.g., Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure). Although all scores range from 0.0 to 100%, their calculation methods differ.

Total and Content Area scores are equated, which means they are based on the percentage of correctly answered items, but they are adjusted to account for variations across different versions of the ATI TEAS exam. This equating ensures comparability between scores from one form (test) to another. 

On the other hand, Sub-Content Area scores are calculated based on the percentage of correctly answered questions within each specific sub-content area. Since these scores are not equated across different exam forms, they should not be compared directly.

How Long Does it Take to Get TEAS Results?

In some cases, when you take the TEAS at an on-campus location, you may receive your score immediately. However, not all universities will share your score right away.

Regardless, you will be able to access your score within 48 business hours. If you are testing at a PSI testing center, it may take up to 72 hours.

How Will You Receive Your TEAS Results?

If you do not receive your results immediately on your computer upon finishing the exam, you can find them in your ATI account under "My Results."

What Happens if You Fail the TEAS? 

Failing scores can vary between schools, with many having a minimum required score of 60% to 70%. You must check with your school to determine what their passing score is. However, you can retake the exam if you want to try and achieve a higher score.

 

 

 

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• How Much Does the TEAS Cost?

  • In most cases, the TEAS costs $120. However, costs may vary by university.

• How Many Times Can You Take the TEAS?

  • The amount of attempts you get to pass the TEAS depends on the university you're applying to. Contact the school to find out how many times you may retake the exam.

• Can I Submit my TEAS Score to Multiple Programs?

  • Yes, you can submit your TEAS score to more than one program provided you purchase additional transcripts through the ATI Store.

• Can You Use a Calculator for the TEAS?

  • You can use a calculator to complete the TEAS, but you cannot bring your own calculator. You'll be provided a physical calculator or digital one on your computer to complete the exam.

• What is a Passing Score for the TEAS?

  • This completely depends on your school. Contact your school in order to find out what they consider passing. Most schools require at least a 70%.

• How to Register for the TEAS

  • You can register to take the TEAS online or in person at the ATI testing website. When you register, there are also study materials that you can purchase to help you prepare for the exam. 

• Can I use Scratch Paper?

  • Yes, you are allowed one piece of scratch paper when you take the TEAS.