What Is the TEAS Test and How Can You Prepare for It?
If you’re here, you’re probably also looking at the requirements for nursing school. You’ve been working hard to keep up your GPA, you’ve requested recommendation letters, but now you’re seeing an exam on the requirements that you’ve never heard of. So, what is the TEAS test? This standardized exam is meant to gauge your comprehension of essential skills for nursing school.
While some schools use the TEAS, others use the HESI for the same purpose. (Our in-depth article compares the difference between HESI vs. TEAS exams.) Not every school requires these exams, but if yours does, you’re probably wondering — what does the TEAS contain? How should you prepare? Let’s find out.
Exactly What Is the TEAS Test?
TEAS stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills, and it’s a 170-question test that many nursing schools use as part of their application process. Schools use this exam (and the HESI) because studies have shown that students who do well on it tend to do well in nursing classes. Both associate’s and bachelor’s programs use these tests to assess your readiness, along with your:
- Grade-point average (GPA)
- Performance in prerequisite courses
- Personal recommendations
You’re probably already aware that nursing school admission is competitive. Even if you’re qualified, you could be rejected because of the sheer number of applicants and the lack of instructors. Thousands of qualified applicants are turned away from BSN, ADN, and diploma programs every year. We don’t say this to discourage you but rather to say that if you don’t get in the first time, know that it’s not because you shouldn’t be a nurse.
To give yourself the best chance of getting into nursing school, you’re going to need a competitive TEAS score. If you have test anxiety, standardized exams can feel intimidating. But proper preparation and a clear understanding of the test can help you go into test time feeling as confident as possible.
TEAS Test FAQs
How long is the TEAS test?
The newest version of the TEAS test is 170 questions, and you’ll have a total of 209 minutes to complete them all. Twenty of these questions are experimental, so only 150 questions are counted towards your final score. These include multiple choice, select all that apply, fill in the blank, and other question formats.
What is on the TEAS test?
The exam covers four areas:
- Reading (45 questions, 55 minutes): You’ll read a section, and then answer questions that assess your ability to integrate ideas and information from the text.
- Mathematics (38 questions, 57 minutes): Questions include numbers, algebra, data, and measurements.
- Science (50 questions, 60 minutes): Questions cover anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, and scientific reasoning.
- English and language usage (37 questions, 37 minutes):You’ll answer questions related to standard English, language knowledge, and writing.
Is the TEAS test hard?
How difficult the TEAS will be for you depends on your skills and preparation before the exam. You’ll likely find some sections harder than others, and some people need to take the test a few times before they get a score they’re happy with. But this takes time, and it’s expensive. Properly preparing for the exam can save you time and money on retests.
How many times can you take the TEAS test?
There’s no technical limit to how many times you can take the test, and on average, students take it three times per year. Retesting policies vary by your testing institution:
- Whether you took the test in person or at home with a school, contact them for their retake policies. Many schools require you to wait 30 days before retesting.
- If you took the test at the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI), you can go ahead and schedule your retest, but there’s a 14-day waiting period before you can sit for the exam again.
What is the TEAS test registration cost?
The TEAS enrollment charge varies by institution, but on average, expect to pay $120 per exam. You may also pay additional fees for proctors, scheduling, rooms, and remote exams.
Can you use a calculator on the TEAS test?
Yes, but it will be the one provided by your testing institution. If you’re taking a paper test, you’ll be given a calculator. If you’re testing on a computer, there will be a drop-down calculator on the screen.
Where can I register for the TEAS test?
Register at the ATI website to take the TEAS test one of four ways:
- Online, proctored by the ATI remote proctoring service
- Online, proctored by an institution (such as your nursing school)
- In person, proctored by an institution (such as your nursing school)
- In person, proctored at a PSI testing center
What should I bring to take the TEAS test?
On test day, you’ll need to bring a valid, hard copy of an approved government-issued photo ID. This includes online exams.
How to Study for the TEAS Test: 5 Steps
Take it from ATI: “The biggest mistake you can make on the TEAS is not preparing for the exam.” But what is the TEAS test studying protocol that can help you make sure you’re ready on test day? Here’s four steps:
1. Start Early
If you’re applying to nursing school in the next year, register now and start studying to give yourself the most time to prepare. Research shows that taking more study time (rather than cramming a few weeks before the exam) helps you retain information longer. Do yourself a favor and set aside time each day to look over exam content and test questions.
2. Familiarize Yourself With The Test Sections
Check out the APIs website to learn more about the TEAS test and what you can expect from each section. These learning areas won’t be new, but you might not have been tested on them in quite a while. API carries test prep packets, online courses, and more TEAS content to help you understand the core content areas and question formats.
3. Study Content Areas You Need to Review
There will likely be areas of the test you feel confident in and others you’re less sure of. Focus on the areas you need to review and answer sample questions to assess your knowledge. You might want to break down each section into specific areas to review. For example, in the math section, you might feel comfortable with basic arithmetic but need a review on geometry. Again, taking an hour a day to study this material will put you miles ahead of the crammers.
4. Take Several Practice Tests
Take at least one (and preferably several) TEAS practice tests before exam day. API and many other sites have free and paid practice exams to help you get used to taking the exam. First, try taking a TEAS practice test in full to see how it feels. Then, you can start timing yourself and making sure you can complete the questions for each section. In the weeks before the exam, take several practice tests to lower your test anxiety on testing day.
5. Exam-Day Techniques
It’s common for students to sleep less the night before a big exam, but research recommends the opposite. Try to get a full night’s sleep before your exam so that you’re clearheaded the day of. Don’t look at any more study material, and try to think positive thoughts about the test and your preparation. Arrive early with the materials you need to get started. Read the exam instructions carefully, and pace yourself. You’ve got this!
Flexible Jobs for Nursing Students
What is the TEAS test? Now that you’ve got your answer, you’re ready to take the first steps to become a nurse. Once you’re a nursing student, you’ll need a job that fits your busy schedule. Find flexible opportunities with IntelyCare.