WHAT IS A TEAS EXAM?

If you are thinking about going to nursing school, there is a good chance you will have to take a standardized exam called the Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS exam. 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. Universities use this test because studies have shown that those who perform well also perform well academically in higher education.

SECTIONS OF THE TEAS EXAM

1. Reading: 45 questions- Including questions on the integration of knowledge and ideas
2. Math: 36 questions- Questions include measurements, numbers, and algebra
3. Science: 53 questions- Human anatomy and physiology, life sciences, and scientific reasoning
4. English and language usage: 28 questions- Knowledge of language and vocabulary

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT A TEAS EXAM

How Many Times Can You Take the TEAS exam?

Every institution has its own rules and requirements for how many times a student can take the TEAS exam and how long you must wait between exams. Some universities allow students to take the test one or two times, but others may allow for more. Speak with the institution you plan to attend to find out what their program allows. 

Can You Use a Calculator for the TEAS Exam?

You cannot bring a calculator with you to take the exam. There will be a calculator for you to use on your computer. If you are taking a paper exam, there will be a desk calculator provided to you.

What is a Passing Score for the TEAS Exam?

There is no standard passing score on the TEAS. Each university has its own passing requirements, and some may require a higher score in certain areas than others. You must speak with the institution you plan to attend to ensure you know their requirements. Universities vary in what they consider a passing score, but most are above 60%. You should know that questions on the TEAS exam don’t have equal weight. Some questions will hold more points than others, and you will not know which ones they are while taking the test. 

How Long Does it Take to Get TEAS Results?

If you take the TEAs exam at an on-campus location, you may receive your score immediately, along with your report. Keep in mind that your university may choose not to show students their scores following the exam. In that case, you may need to check with your school to see when you will get your score. 

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 Exam? 

Failing scores can vary between schools. You must check with your school to determine what their failing score is. However, you can always retake the exam if you want to try and achieve a higher score.

5 TIPS FOR PASSING YOUR TEAS

1. Don’t skip studying: Some students approach the exam without studying, but it is important to review all topics, including strength areas. Amiel adds that studying not only helps test-takers review their knowledge of these subjects for the test but also helps boost confidence before entering the testing room. Students that do not study have a greater chance of not passing the test as first-time test-taker.
2. Plan ahead: Do not wait until the last moment to prepare. Planning ahead means scheduling a testing time slot and beginning study sessions weeks (or months) before the testing date.
3. Ask questions: Make sure you know exactly what to expect on the date of your test. Consider how ATI scores answer, what you should take to the testing room, and whether your testing facility provides breaks during the test.
4. Practice Test: Practice and test and use a study guide. The ATI/TEAS site has a number of different study options that students can choose from which are a great place to start.
5. Get a good night’s sleep: This is another tip you might hear often. Taking an exam when you're tired can affect your ability to focus, which of course can affect your outcomes

WHAT IS A TEAS READING TEST

The TEAS Reading test will evaluate your skills in paragraph comprehension and informational source comprehension. For paragraph comprehension, you will be asked to read a passage of text and then answer a series of questions about the text. The informational source questions will be based on graphics or statements.

WHAT’S ON THE READING TEAS TEST?

• The ATI TEAS 7 Reading section has 45 total questions. Of these, 39 questions are scored. The TEAS 7 Reading section is smaller than previous versions.
• You won’t know for sure what is scored or not scored, and the TEAS test mixes up all the question types.
• That said, you will have a standardized breakdown of your scored questions.