The TEAS test, also known as the Test of Essential Academic Skills, is a standardized admissions test used by many nursing schools to evaluate potential candidates for admission.
The exam is given to students before they enter nursing school and is used to determine who is a good candidate for nursing school.
Key Information: There are 4 sections tested on the TEAS:
- Math
- Science
- Reading
- English
If you want to prepare for the exam, visit our free ATI TEAS practice test page.
Purpose of the TEAS Exam
The purpose of the TEAS exam is for nursing programs to ensure they are admitting students who are ready for the rigors of nursing school. The exam serves a similar purpose as the SAT or ACT, but for nursing programs.
Nursing programs have to follow strict guidelines (for accreditation purposes) in terms of their students successfully completing their nursing program. The TEAS exam helps nursing schools ensure they are admitting students who are ready.
Sections on the TEAS Exam
The TEAS exam covers 4 different subjects – math, reading, science, and English. Each subject is given out separately and has its own time limit.
The TEAS test was updated from TEAS 6 to TEAS 7 in June of 2022. The ATI TEAS 7 consists of the following number of questions and time limits:
| Subject | Total Number of Questions | Time Limit (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| TEAS Math | 38 | 57 |
| TEAS Science | 50 | 60 |
| TEAS Reading | 45 | 55 |
| TEAS English | 37 | 37 |
| Totals | 170 Questions | 209 Minutes |
If you want to practice any of these sections, visit our TEAS practice test home.
Math
The math subject of the TEAS exam is broken down into the following:
- Numbers and Algebra: 18 Questions
- Measurement and Data: 16 Questions
- Unscored Questions: 4 Questions
Some topics you may be tested on in the math section include:
- Convert between decimals, fractions and percents
- Add and divide fractions and mixed numbers
- Solve math problems containing ratios, proportions and rate of change
- Convert between Roman and Arabic numbers
- Solve equations with one unknown variable
- Solve equations and inequalities containing absolute values
- Organize and interpret data from tables, graphs and charts
- Convert measurements
- Estimate metric quantities
- Measure the dimensions, weight and volume of objects
Science
The science subject of the TEAS exam is broken down into the following:
- Anatomy and Physiology: 18 Questions
- Biology: 9 Questions
- Chemistry: 8 Questions
- Scientific Reasoning: 9 Questions
- Unscored Questions: 6 Questions
Some topics you may be tested on in the science section include:
- Describe the functions of the following systems: circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems.
- Describe general anatomy and physiology concepts
- Understand natural selection and adaptation
- Interpret the biological classification system
- Understand the parts of a cell and its corresponding functions
- Understand DNA and RNA
- Contrast respiration and photosynthesis
- Contrast meiosis and mitosis
- Utilize taxonomy
- Use Mendel’s laws of genetics and the Punnett square
- Apply the periodic table of elements
- Describe the properties of atoms
- Determine the properties of matter
- Calculate diffusion rates and molarity
- Interpret pH scale values
- Determine force and motion
- Describe the parts of an experiment
- Interpret scientific arguments
Reading
The reading subject of the TEAS exam is broken down into the following:
- Key Ideas and Details: 15 Questions
- Craft and Structure: 9 Questions
- Integration of Knowledge: 15 Questions
- Unscored Questions: 6 Questions
Some topics you may be tested on in the reading section include:
- Identify author’s intent
- Identify themes, main ideas, and supporting details
- Differentiate opinion from fact
- Draw conclusions and make inferences
- Identify structure and text features
- Define Vocabulary
- Follow a set of directions
- Interpret graphic representations of information
- Determine where information may be found from an index of table of contents
English
The English subject of the TEAS exam is broken down into the following:
- Convention of English: 12 Questions
- Knowledge of Language: 11 Questions
- Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing: 10 Questions
- Unscored Questions: 4 Questions
Some topics you may be tested on in the English section include:
- Interpret subject verb agreement rules
- Determine the meaning of words form their context in a sentence
- Identify and use various parts of speech including: possessives, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives
- Use verb tenses accurately
- Determine the correct spelling of: irregular plurals, compound or hyphenated words, and frequently misspelled words
- Identify the correct capitalizations of names, titles, and addresses
- Differentiate between simple, compound, and complex sentences
- Identify the correct punctuation of sentences
- Change from passive to active voice
Practice makes perfect. Visit our free TEAS practice hub to find exams you can use.
Scoring of the Exam
You will receive 3 scores when you take the exam:
- Total Score
- Content Area Score
- Sub-Content Area Score
The total score is scored on a scale from 0% to 100%. This is not the average of all 4 sections. It is a weighted score from the 4 sections.
Every school has different minimum scoring requirements. Some schools may require you to score a certain percentage in each content area (math, science, reading, and English.) Other schools may require you to have a total score above a certain percentage.
You should try to score at least 75% on each section of the exam. Most schools use 75% as their minimum passing score.
Review our guide on TEAS scores for a complete breakdown of how the exam is scored.
Registration and Test Dates
The TEAS exam is administered by ATI. The exam can be administered at multiple locations including:
- In person at your school
- In person at an ATI testing site
- Online with the assistance of a proctoring service
Every school administering the exam has their own rules and regulations. Some schools will leave it up to you while other schools will have strict rules regarding administration of the exam.
The nursing program typically specifies the date in which you will take the exam. Prior to taking the test, candidates must create an account on the ATI website.
Fees for the exam will vary, but you can typically expect to pay about $120.
Preparing for the Exam
We recommend the following steps when preparing for this exam:
- Get a Baseline: Take a free TEAS practice exam to get an idea of where you stand.
- Narrow Down Struggle Areas: Review your exam results and see which area you struggled with the most.
- Choose Your Prep: Find a prep program that works for you. Our TEAS prep course is a great (affordable) option to consider.
- Schedule Your Study Time: Figure out how much time you have before your exam and build out a schedule. Stick with your schedule.
- Take a Final Exam: After you have spent some time studying, take a final exam and see where you stand. If you score well, you are ready for the exam. If not, continue studying.
For more information on preparing, read our guide on studying for the TEAS exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TEAS test used for?
The TEAS test is used for students who will be applying to nursing school or a nursing program. These schools and programs use the TEAS exam as a way to evaluate and compare prospective candidates.
How much is the TEAS exam?
The cost of the exam will vary depending on where and how you take it. However, you can expect it to cost around $120.
How many times can you take the TEAS exam?
The amount of times you can take the TEAS exam depends on the school or program giving the exam. On average, a student can take the exam 3 times per year.
However, different schools and programs have different rules. These schools will set their own requirements on how many times you can take the exam and how long you have to wait between attempts.
It is important to be aware of your school’s requirements on retakes before taking the actual exam.
How many questions are on the TEAS exam?
There are 170 questions on the TEAS exam. All 4 of the subjects are given separately. Each section has a different number of questions:
- Math: 38 Questions
- Science: 50 Questions
- Reading: 45 Questions
- English: 37 Questions
How long is the TEAS exam?
Students will be given 209 total minutes to complete the TEAS exam. Each section has a time limit:
- Math: 57 Minutes
- Science: 60 Minutes
- Reading: 55 Minutes
- English: 37 Minutes
How many sections are tested on the TEAS test?
There are 4 sections tested on the TEAS test. Those 4 sections are math, science, reading, and English and language usage.
Do I need to take all sections of the exam?
Yes, you will need to take all 4 sections of the exam.
What is a passing score on TEAS test?
There is no “set” passing score for the TEAS test. Every school and program will set their own standards. With that being said, schools typically require a score above 75%.
Remember, the higher you score on this exam, the better your chances are of getting into your program of choice.
Can you use a calculator on the exam?
Yes, you can use a calculator when taking the TEAS test. If you are taking the exam via paper and pencil, a proctor will provide you with a calculator. If you are taking the TEAS exam on a computer, the calculator will be available to you on the screen.
The calculator provided for the TEAS test is a simple four-function calculator.
