TEAS Exam Guide

Many nursing programs require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for admission. Not every school asks for it, but enough do that you should plan to take it and prepare seriously. The exam measures whether you have the academic skills to handle a health sciences degree, covering four areas: reading, math, science, and English and language usage.

The current version, TEAS 7, runs 209 minutes (about 3.5 hours) and has 170 questions, per ATI, the company that administers the test. Only 150 are scored; the other 20 are unscored pretest items mixed in, and you will not know which is which. The four sections break down like this:

• Reading: 45 questions, 55 minutes
• Mathematics: 38 questions, 57 minutes
• Science: 50 questions, 60 minutes
• English and language usage: 37 questions, 37 minutes

Reading and science carry the most weight, together making up more than half the scored questions. Plan your study time accordingly, but do not neglect math or English.

A lot of students retake the TEAS, so do not assume you will pass on instinct. Even if these subjects come easily to you, prepare anyway. For many students it has been years since they studied this material.

How to Study for the TEAS

Build a study plan that fits your schedule, or use ATI's six-week plan, which lays out weekly topics and suggests how many hours to put in. Either way, identify your weak areas first and spend the most time there.

Published study guides and full-length practice exams are widely available, and your local or school library often carries them for free. If you prefer working alone, read a guide and build your own flash cards.

Use your school's resources. Many instructors offer tutoring in reading, math, science, or English, and most campuses have a student resource center that does the same, usually at no cost. Study groups help too.

Give yourself at least six weeks of preparation. Do not cram.

Five Tips for Passing the TEAS

Start early. Schedule your test slot and begin studying weeks, not days, ahead. Waiting too long limits your study time and may force you into a test date that does not work for you, which only adds stress.

Know what test day looks like before you arrive. Understand how the exam is scored, what to bring, and whether your testing site offers breaks. Walking in with a clear picture removes a lot of avoidable anxiety.

Use a practice test and a study guide. ATI's practice options simulate the real exam, so you get a feel for the format and question style before it counts.

Rest. Taking the exam tired hurts your focus and your score. Sleep well and eat a real meal beforehand.

Pace yourself across the four timed sections. Each has its own clock, so do not let one section eat into the time you have for the rest.

How to Register for the TEAS

Decide where and when you want to test before you register. You have three options: at your school, through an online proctored test, or in person at a PSI testing center.

For the online option, you need a stable internet connection. Proctors watch through your webcam and audio and may use monitoring software, so make sure your space is quiet and free of materials.

If you prefer testing in person, check PSI center locations and ask whether your school hosts the exam on campus. Once you decide, register through ATI's website.

Test-Taking Resources

ATI publishes practice assessments, study manuals, and tutorials, often sold in bundles, and its free six-week study plan is a good place to start. Independent test-prep organizations offer guides and practice exams as well. Mix free library and school resources with paid materials based on how much structure you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I take the TEAS? Each school sets its own limit on attempts and its own passing score, and many require a waiting period between tries. Check your program's rules before scheduling.

Can I take the TEAS online? Yes, ATI offers proctored online sessions. Confirm your school accepts online scores before you sign up for a remote test.

How is the TEAS scored? ATI uses a method called equating, which weights questions so that scores stay comparable across versions of the exam. You will not know which questions carry more weight as you go.

What do I bring on test day? Bring your ATI login information, two sharpened No. 2 pencils, and photo identification. Without valid photo ID, proctors will not let you in. If you need accommodations, notify the testing company well before your test date.

Is there a break? You may take an optional 10-minute break after the math section. It does not count against your exam time.