Introduction

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) test is a standardized exam that evaluates the academic readiness of prospective nursing students. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) offer TEAS exam as a requirement for admission to most nursing programs in the United States.
While the TEAS test has many essential benefits, many students still find it challenging. This article provides a breakdown of the TEAS test's difficulty level and TEAS test preparation tips for success.

Understanding the Difficulty Level of the TEAS Test

The TEAS test consists of four sections: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. Each part is timed, and the entire exam takes approximately 3.5 hours.

The reading section of the TEAS test assesses your ability to understand and analyze academic texts. Questions range from interpreting labels and directaions to identifying the main idea and supporting details. This section is challenging because of the time constraints, and the need for you to read quickly and carefully before answer the questions.

Math quetsions in TEAS test assesses your knowledge of basic math concepts such as algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. Time limits and the complexity of the questions make the mathematics section challenging. When it comes to the TEAS science exam, it covers a lot of topics, and sometimes the questions can be confusing. The subjects include basic concepts of life sciences, physical sciences, chemistry, and physics.

Finally, the TEAS test's English and Language Usage section evaluates your knowledge of basic grammar, punctuations and language usage concepts. It’s challenging because of the complexity of the English questions and varaity of skills being tested.


Which TEAS Section is the Hardest?

TEAS test is not more challenging than the ACT and SAT , but most individuals will find some sections difficult to handle. In that case, if during your high school life, you were used to struggling with reading, you will find the reading and comprehension section hard. Furthermore, maths might trip you if numbers and formulas are not your things.

According to experts, most students struggle with TEAS science tests because it comprises complex topics like biology, physics, chemistry, and physiology. However, the good news is that with proper TEAS test preparation, even the most complex section won't scare you. TEAS practice tests will help you know your knowledge gaps and the areas to which you should pay more attention.

Apart from determining students' eligibility for admission into nursing school, the TEAS test is also used in the distribution of financial aid and the award of scholarships. Involved parties need assurance that the prospective students will perform well academically. Therefore, the TEAS test establishes students' suitability for any health-related course.

Minimum TEAS Score Requirements

Once you complete the TEAS exam, scores are forwaded to the school of your choice. Test-takers are expected to confirm their school choice, which the testing center will verify before the test.

If you score lower than your institution's established requirements, you can usually retake the TEAS exam. Each school has its own set of rules governing retakes, but most of them allow up to three retakes per year.

It's easier to pass the second attempt of the TEAS test. However, you should consider taking the first failure positively. That will help you step out of your comfort zone and learn something new for the upcoming test.

Is the Second TEAS Test Attempt Harder?

Don't give up if you didn't score the required grade during your first TEAS exam attempt. TEAS test retakes are acceptable; you can do it up to three times following at least 30 days after the previous exams.

There are minimal chances for you to get the same questions during a TEAS test retake since different exam versions are available. That shouldn't worry you because all questions follow a similar format.

It’s worth noting that students are required to pay a fee each time they retake the exam. Therefore, take the right steps to prepare for TEAS exam and avoid retakes. TEAS test preparation will help manage anxiety and master TEAS test-taking skills that directly affects exam difficulty.

Expect you to perform better during the next exam if you failed the first TEAS test. That means you try changing your weakness into strengths. Of course, you will have the upper hand in owning TEAS test-taking skills from experience.

It's crucial to organize yourself and refocus. Please go through the questions that you got wrong, and ensure that you understand them wholly. Even if you won't encounter the same questions in the next TEAS test, you will find something closely related. Ultimately, no one likes failure, but we should learn from our experiences and make the next available chance countable.

TEAS Test Preparation Tips for Success

teast checklist

Now that you understand the difficulty level of the TEAS test, it's time to start preparing for the exam. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Register Early
Register at least two weeks before the application deadline. Scheduling a testing appointment two months before the deadline ensure you get a seat in the exam hall. Additionally, registering early for TEAS exam provides ample time to prepare, prevent stress and help you go into the exam with a clear head.

2. Familiarize Yourself With a TEAS Study Guide
A TEAS study guide will help you determine exam topics, exam duration, and exam type. Many free study guides are available online to summarize the information you need to know for the TEAS test. TEAS study guides divide information into concise sections to make it easier to focus on math, English, science, or reading at once.

3. Take TEAS Practice Tests
TEAS test best practice before the exam date helps you identify gaps in your knowledge. That determines whether you need to refocus your study efforts, build stamina, learn the test format, track progress, confirm your strengths, and retain information. Take a practice TEAS test once a week before your exam date, and review your performance after each test.

4. Test Yourself With TEAS Flashcards
Free flashcards for the TEAS are a quick, fun way to determine which subjects you're acing and which need more work. You can use them alone or in a study group.

5. Simulate the Testing Environment
The best way to prepare for exam day is to simulate the testing environment. Set up a quiet, well-lit area and let everyone at home know you need absolute silence. You should visit your local library if you live in a noisy household. If you’ll do the test at home, remove your phone, turn off the music, and take away snacks to avoid further distractions. Timing your test will help you understand which sections take you the longest, how to pace yourself during the exam, and how to build your stamina.

Final thoughts

TEAS test is a challenging exam, but with proper preparation, you can succeed. Understanding the difficulty level of each section and using the tips and resources in this article will help you achieve a high score on the exam. Remember, the TEAS test is a critical component of the nursing school admissions process, and a good score will take you into the nursing program of your choice. Good luck.

Breaking Down the TEAS Test

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Further reading

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