What is the ATI TEAS test?
ATI TEAS is the most common exam required to enter nursing school. ATI is the company that offers the test, while TEAS stands for 'Test of Essential Academic Skills.' Its goal is to test your preparedness in primary academic areas and assess your readiness to apply for health science programs.
How is the TEAS structured?
The TEAS is structured to cover four sections: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.
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This is the outline for each section:
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Reading
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Key Ideas & Details (15 questions)
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Craft & Structure (9 questions)
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Integration of Knowledge & Ideas (15 questions)
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Unscored Items (6 questions)
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Math
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Numbers & Algebra (18 questions)
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Measurements & Data (16 questions)
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Unscored Items (4 questions)
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Science
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Human Anatomy & Physiology (18 questions)
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Biology (9 questions)
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Chemistry (8 questions)
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Scientific Reasoning (9 questions)
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Unscored Items (6 questions)
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English & Language Usage
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Conventions of Standard English (12 questions)
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Knowledge of Language (11 questions)
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Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing (10 questions)
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Unscored Items (4 questions)
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What should you expect on the ATI TEAS?
When taking the ATI TEAS 7 (Test of Essential Academic Skills), you can expect the following:
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1. Four main content areas - The TEAS test covers four main subject areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. Questions in each section assess your understanding and proficiency in these areas.
2. Variety of question types - Within each content area, you may encounter different question types, including reading comprehension passages, mathematical word problems, scientific analysis, and grammar-based questions. These questions will have different formats, such as: multiple-choice, multiple-select, supply answer, hot spot, and ordered response. Familiarize yourself with these other question formats to be prepared.
3. Time limit - The exam is timed, which means that there is a set window during which you have to finish. The total duration is approximately 209 minutes (3 hours and 29 minutes). However, the exact time allocation for each section may vary:
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Reading: 55 min
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Mathematics: 57 min
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Science: 60 min
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English and language usage: 37 min
4. Range of difficulty - The questions in the ATI TEAS exam cover a range of difficulty levels, from basic knowledge and comprehension to more complex problem-solving and analysis. Be prepared to encounter questions of varying difficulty throughout the exam.
What topics are on the TEAS test?
The topics you will be tested on during the TEAS are:
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Reading
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Math
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Science
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English and Language Usage
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We detail and break down each section and their respective sub-sections here.
What is the passing TEAS score?
There is no score that indicates that you passed the TEAS. The TEAS is not a test that you can pass or fail. Based on your answers, you receive a score that is meant to reflect your academic readiness to apply to nursing school.
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On a national level, as of February 2023, the average TEAS test score is approximately 60%. However:
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When aiming to pass the TEAS test, it's essential to understand how your nursing program defines passing. Each program selects its own criteria for considering a passing score.
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Some programs may require a TEAS score of around 65 percent for passing, but this score might not be sufficient for admission in other cases.
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On average, many nursing programs may look for TEAS scores in the range of 60% to 80%.
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Some highly competitive programs may have higher score requirements, while others with more lenient admission criteria may accept lower scores.
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Keep in mind that the TEAS score is just one factor considered in the nursing school application process. Other factors, such as your GPA, letters of recommendation, previous healthcare experience, and interview performance, may influence the admission decision.
Can I retake the TEAS?
You can retake the TEAS, both online and in person. Make sure to check your institution's policies to see how many attempts you are allowed since this varies from program to program.
How many times can I take the ATI TEAS test?
The amount of times you are allowed to take the TEAS is set by your institution. Usually, you are allowed 3 attempts per year, but remember to check with your program, as some programs will allow more attempts. Remember that if your TEAS was scored, it counts as an attempt, even if you don't submit the score to your institution.
Is the TEAS difficult?
The TEAS covers many materials and subjects, so it can be considered difficult. It is a standardized test that requires you to manage your time efficiently and perform well in science, language use, and math. You also have to spend a significant amount of time preparing for it, and all these factors can make TEAS a complex and often overwhelming experience.
What is the hardest part of the TEAS test?
Many students find that the Science part of the TEAS is the hardest. It covers human anatomy and physiology, and students claim that they were surprised by the complexity of this section. However, many students say they scored the lowest on the English and Language Usage section. Make sure you take the time to properly review all subjects that will be covered on the test since the sections that seem the easiest can often cause the most problems.
What is the biggest mistake student’s make on the ATI TEAS test?
Overall, students' biggest mistake regarding the TEAS is not preparing enough. Any other mistakes can be avoided if the student takes enough time to understand the materials, the test structure, and the scoring. Preparing thoroughly will give you the best chance of receiving your desired score.
What is the best way to study for the TEAS test?
The best way to study for the TEAS is to plan your prep time before you begin the actual studying. Being organized will help you thoroughly cover all the material.
Using prep resources is just as important. Make sure you take practice tests, and review your results. This will help you understand your weaker areas.
What do I need to study for the ATI TEAS?
To study for the ATI TEAS, you should cover all topics that will be present on the test itself. The four categories you will be tested on are Reading, Maths, Science, and English and Language Usage. Here are some of the things you should review/study for each section:
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Reading: writing a summary, identifying main ideas, comparing and contrasting, making inferences
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Maths: conversions, equations with one variable, estimation strategies, proportions, ratios, percentages, rational numbers, real numbers, rounding
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Science: human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning (methods, measurements, tools)
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English and Language Usage: conventions of standard English, grammar rules, analyzing word parts
Where can I find free TEAS study resources?
You can find free TEAS study resources such as cheat sheets and practice tests if you access the respective categories on the home page. Additionally, ATI might also send you free study materials to your email after you register for your exam.
What is the time limit for the ATI TEAS test?
The time limit for the TEAS is 209 minutes. This time is divided between the four sections: 55 minutes for the Reading section, 57 minutes for the Math section, 60 minutes for the Science section, and 37 minutes for the English and Language Usage section.
How much does the ATI TEAS cost?
You can expect to pay between $65 and $140 to take the TEAS. The price depends on whether you take the test remotely or at an institution/ test center. You should also consider the additional cost of materials, practice tests, and study manuals. If you want to receive more than one transcript, you must pay an additional $27 fee. ATI requires this fee to send your scores to more than one institution. Overall, expect the entire TEAS process, including studying, the test itself, and result submissions, to cost you upwards of $500.
How do I register for the TEAS test?
To register, you should check with your school, as they will have the most updated information about the entire process. If you are ready to register:
- on the ATI website, click the 'Registration' button
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on the registration page, select how you would like to take the test (in person/online)
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​choose if you are applying to a nursing or allied health program
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select your test date and time
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review your information
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review your order
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after you have placed the order, check your email for confirmation and any other additional information sent by ATI
When should I take the ATI TEAS test?
The best time to take the TEAS is at the start of your undergrad program, meaning your freshman year of college. Even if you don't plan on applying for nursing school for another few years, remember that the TEAS is complex, and a lot of people do not get their desired score on the first try. It is better to have the option of retaking the exam if you need to, without being pressed for time.
What do I need for the ATI TEAS?
To take your TEAS exam, you need:
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Government-issued ID (passport, green card, driver's license).
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An ATI student account - You will need to create an account before test day, most likely during registration. You will need to bring your log-in info on test day (username and password).
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Additional items - Some schools require you to bring extra items for test day. Check the confirmation email you received after registering to see if you have any extra requirements.
What to expect on my TEAS test day?
On your test day:
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Your ID will be checked, and you will be admitted to the testing room by the staff.
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Inside the testing room, there will be proctors who are constantly checking for odd/disruptive behavior.
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The proctors will give you a calculator and scratch paper.
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You will be allowed a 10-minute break after the math section (you are not allowed to access any personal items during the break).
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You can raise your hand if you need to leave the room anytime besides break time or if you have any issues and need the proctor.
Can I wear a head covering during the TEAS test?
You are allowed to wear a religious head covering during your TEAS. Make sure that your face and eyes are visible for the entirety of the test, especially if you are taking a remote test.
Head coverings that are not religious apparel, such as hats, caps, or beanies, are not allowed.
Can I apply for accomodations for the TEAS?
You can apply for accommodations for all TEAS exams. Check with your institution to see how and when to submit your accommodation request. Usually, schools require a 30 days notice.
Can I take the TEAS remotely?
You can take the TEAS remotely by selecting the 'Online' option during registration. Before you decide how to take the test, make sure the school you are applying to allows applicants to take the TEAS remotely. Remember also to check if your computer completes all the technical requirements.
