Is the TEAS test hard? This question is highly debated among nursing students. We will shed some light on this question.
The TEAS exam itself does not have a minimum passing score – the passing score is set by individual institutions and programs. This makes the exam more difficult for some students as they will need a higher score for their program.
Some institutions may use national mean scores (around 65%-75%), while more competitive institutions will use higher score averages (around 78%-90%) to determine admission into their program.
If you want to make the exam easier, take one of our free TEAS 7 practice exams.
How Hard is the TEAS Test?
The TEAS test is about the same difficulty as the SAT and ACT. Some students will even say it is easier than the SAT and ACT. It is nothing you haven’t encountered before.
The most difficult part of the exam is the timing aspect. Students that do not prepare properly will typically end up running out of time. The number of questions and time limit for each section are:
- Math: 38 Questions and 57 Minutes
- Science: 50 Questions and 60 Minutes
- Reading: 45 Questions and 55 Minutes
- English: 37 Questions and 37 Minutes
Many students find that math and reading are the hardest parts of the TEAS exam. These sections are difficult because there are many different topics covered and students are pressed for time.
Making the TEAS Exam Easier
Here are some way that you can make the exam easier on yourself:
Always Register Early
Once you know the date that you will take your exam, you’ll be able to set up a strict study schedule.
We recommend giving yourself at least six weeks of time to study. This extra time allows you to prepare properly. This will lower your stress levels and allow for a smoother studying process.
You can register for the exam via the official site.
Start by Taking a Practice Test
Always start by taking a TEAS practice test. This will allow you to determine where you are at and what you need to focus on and will serve as the foundation for your entire study plan.
The key to creating the best study plan is to be efficient. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses by taking practice exams.
Assess which subjects gave you the most trouble. You should then focus on those subjects when studying for the exam.
If you want a program to help you study more efficiently, consider our TEAS prep course.
Follow this Advice When Taking the Exam
- Do not cram just before the test.
- Plan your route ahead of time so that you can arrive early. This ensures that you are in the right mindset.
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep on the night before the exam.
- Ensure that you eat a healthy breakfast and that you’re properly hydrated.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Read each question at least twice. A mistake that we see a lot of students make is trying to rush through questions. There is plenty of time to carefully read every question so don’t rush.
- If you don’t know the answer, skip the question and come back to it later. Don’t spend too much time on a single question. There will be some questions that you don’t know the answer to. A big mistake is wasting too much time on those questions.
- Don’t try to keep a mental record of how you’re performing. Just answer each question and then move on.
Minimum Score Requirements
First of all, it’s important to note that there is no passing or failing score on this exam. Each institution will require a different minimum score that changes from year-to-year so it’s essential that you read the application requirements of the school in which you are applying.
Your TEAS score is released to the school of choice once you’ve completed the test. Test-takers are expected to confirm their choice of school. This information will be verified by the testing center before the test.
The makers of this exam (ATI) randomize the weight of questions so students never know the weight of specific questions.
There will be 20 random questions that are not scored at all. Students won’t know which ones are not scored. We recommend taking the test under the assumption that all questions are scored equally.
The scoring system changes nothing in terms of how hard the TEAS test is. You still need to prepare the same way and ensure that you’re equipped with the knowledge to succeed.
Retaking the TEAS
If you score lower than your school’s specific requirements, then you are usually able to retake the exam.
Every school will have its own set of rules, but most of them allow up to three retakes per year. However, students are required to pay a fee each time, so your best bet is to score high the first time.
In addition, most programs require students to wait at least 30 days before retaking the exam.
It is a lot easier for everyone involved if you do not have to retake the exam. It will be well worth your time to study and prepare properly the first time around.
Managing Stress with the TEAS Test
Testing anxiety is a very real and powerful phenomenon that directly affects the difficulty of an exam. What makes this exam particularly stressful is the strict time limit. The only way to mitigate this anxiety is to properly prepare.
Students who are prepared for the exam will have less testing anxiety. It is normal to have some anxiety heading into the exam, but you should feel confident heading into the exam.
Here are some additional resources you can use to help prepare for the exam:
