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The Definitive Practice Test Guide for the TEAS
- About the TEAS
- Sections of the TEAS
- What to Expect on Test Day
- Best Ways to Study for the TEAS
- TEAS Tips and Tricks
- TEAS FAQ:
About the TEAS
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) covers four subjects to assess general knowledge. It is designed for test-takers who would like to pursue a career in health or nursing. The test is designed and administered by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), and the current one being used (as of June 3, 2022) is the seventh version. The total testing time is three hours and 29 minutes and the paper-and-pencil version consists entirely of multiple-choice questions (with four potential responses). The online version of the TEAS 7 also incorporates several other question formats:
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Multiple-select questions: You will need to choose more than one answer from four to six choices.
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Supply answer questions: You will need to type the answer into a blank space. There will be no answers to choose from.
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Ordering questions: It will be necessary for you to put items in the correct sequence. This will be accomplished by dragging and dropping them or by matching and numbering the answer choices.
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Hot spot questions: To answer this type of question, you’ll need to click on the correct spot in an image and submit your answer.
The test sections will be administered in the following order and there will be a 10-minute break after the Mathematics section. You will not be able to access your personal items during this time. Here is a description of the sections and their allotted times
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Reading (55 minutes/45 questions): This section covers key ideas and details in reading passages, the craft and structure of sentences, and the integration of knowledge and ideas.
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Mathematics (57 minutes/38 questions): This section covers numbers, algebra, measurement, and data.
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Science (60 minutes/50 questions): This section covers human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning. The TEAS 6 also included life and physical sciences content, but this has been omitted in the TEAS 7.
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English and Language Usage (37 minutes/37 questions): This section covers the conventions of standard English, knowledge of language, and vocabulary. While the TEAS 6 focused on general vocabulary, the TEAS 7 specifically emphasizes knowledge of language and vocabulary to express ideas in writing.
Potential entrants to the health sciences field will find that the TEAS 7 assesses their preparedness for a variety of chosen careers. Preparing for and understanding the elements of this test can help ensure that you achieve a desirable score on the TEAS and open up your future career opportunities.
The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is administered by colleges and universities in the United States and Canada to assess an applicant’s readiness for a career in the health sciences. Currently in its seventh version, the test may be referred to as the “TEAS 7.” The test is composed of 170 multiple-choice questions and covers four subjects: English and Language Usage, Mathematics, Science, and Reading.
Sections of the TEAS
English and Language Usage
The English portion of the ATI TEAS (TEAS 7) is called the “English and Language Usage” section. Questions are concerned with the conventions of standard English, basic language and grammar knowledge, and vocabulary competence, including the ability to use these skills in writing. You will have 37 minutes to answer 37 questions during this section of the TEAS 7.
Mathematics
The Mathematics section of the ATI TEAS (TEAS 7) test comprises about 23% of your total testing efforts. You will have 57 minutes to complete 38 questions. Topics covered come from areas of math that you should have studied during grades 7 through 12 in school. The concepts addressed include arithmetic, algebra, measurement, and data.
You will be allowed to use a four-function calculator during the Math section of the TEAS 7. One will be included in the online version and you will be issued one at the testing center during a paper-and-pencil test. Do not bring your own calculator from home.
Reading
The Reading section of the ATI TEAS (TEAS 7) test comprises about 26% of the entire test. The test has 45 questions that you have to complete in 55 minutes. To do well, you need to be able to read for the comprehension of key ideas, as well as details. The TEAS 7 also has questions regarding the author’s purpose, style, and point of view. Finally, you will be asked to take the knowledge you gain from reading and extend it through strategies such as prediction and analysis.
Science
The Science section of the ATI TEAS (TEAS 7) test comprises about 29% of the entire test. In this section, you will need to answer 50 questions in 60 minutes. The major portion of content covered in this test includes concepts relating to human anatomy and physiology. There will also be items requiring knowledge of biology and chemistry, as well as those assessing competence in scientific reasoning.
Taking the TEAS is an important step in the path toward pursuing a career in health sciences. Potential applicants should do their best to understand what to expect and prepare themselves as much as possible to achieve a great score on the test.
What to Expect on Test Day
You may be eligible to take the TEAS either digitally or by using a paper and pencil version. The school you attend will determine how you take the TEAS exam. Currently, there are three options:
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In-person at your school, taking either the online or paper-and-pencil version of the test
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In-person at a PSI Testing Center
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At-home one using ATI remote proctors
The school you attend (or hope to attend) will be the best resource to determine which TEAS test type you should register for. Double check you are registering for the correct test type and date, as refunds for rescheduling are not typically issued. If you are taking the TEAS test at home, be sure you’ve reviewed the system requirements before exam day. If you are taking the exam in person, know where the testing center is located. It’s always a good idea to leave early in case you need extra time to find your way. before exam day. If you are taking the exam in person, know where the testing center is located and leave early in case you encounter traffic or other delays.
What to Bring
The TEAS does have a fee, which varies depending upon where you are located. Typically this fee is around $115 and the results can be sent to one school. Test-takers can pay an additional $27 for each additional school they would like to receive their scores. On the day of your exam, it is crucial that you have a method to pay the fees, and that you bring legal identification, such as a state-issued driver’s license or a passport. In addition to payment and identification, examinees need several sharpened number 2 pencils.
What Not to Bring
Do not bring calculators, electronics, personal items, food, or drinks. These items are not permitted during the exam. Exceptions are made for food and drinks if there is a medical necessity. No backpacks or purses are allowed. Additional unnecessary apparel, such as jackets and hats, are also restricted.
Examinees may use a four-function calculator and scratch paper while they are completing the exam, but these will be provided by the testing site.
Best Ways to Study for the TEAS
Take TEAS Practice Tests
Taking TEAS practice exams prior to your test date is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam and ensure you reach your goals in terms of your final score. Not only can you familiarize yourself with the type of content to expect and the format of the test, but you will gain confidence in your abilities to answer the questions correctly. Prior to taking any online practice tests, be sure that they are coming from a reputable source and a company with a proven track record of assisting examinees in preparing for the TEAS.
Use Alternative Study Methods
Because the pencil-and-paper version of the TEAS 7 is in an all multiple-choice format and the online version contains many multiple-choice questions, studying lends itself well to alternative study materials if you find they work better for you. Other formats, such as study guides, online books, and flashcards may be useful additional resources to help you study and prepare to take the TEAS. As with the practice tests, you will want to verify that any alternative study material comes from a reputable source.
Simulate the Testing Experience
At over three hours long, the TEAS 7 is a prolonged testing experience, and all of it is taken in one sitting with only short breaks allowed. During your preparatory period leading up to the date of the exam, it’s always a great idea to simulate the testing experience, including timing yourself on each section and completing an entire practice exam in one sitting. This will give you an idea of how much time the questions generally take you to answer so that you can gauge how much time to allow for each question when taking the actual test.
TEAS Tips and Tricks
Get Sufficient Rest the Night Before the Exam
You can do all the test preparation and studying in the world, but if you don’t get enough sleep the night before the exam, you may find it hard to focus. While some examinees think their time is best spent doing some final cramming to prepare, provided that you have been doing sufficient studying and completing practice tests, a good night’s rest will more likely result in better performance than a final cramming session.
Register for the Exam Early
The earlier you register for the TEAS, the more time you will have to study and prepare. The test creator will send a study guide once you have registered, which lets you really hone in and identify the areas you need to spend time studying. Giving yourself extra time to adequately prepare can keep your stress level low leading up to the test, meaning your head will be clear and focused.
Use TEAS Prep Resources
While there are plenty of reputable and helpful resources that can help prepare individuals for the TEAS, it’s surprising how many people choose not to take full advantage of the availability of these resources. Study guides, practice exams, flashcards, and other test prep materials can truly help you prepare better and ensure you achieve a better score on test day.
TEAS FAQ:
1. What score do I need to get on the TEAS?
The TEAS is scored as a percentage. The score you need will depend upon the school to which you apply. Schools are responsible for setting their minimum score requirements, and these can vary greatly from one school to another.
2. How long will it take to get my results?
Most students receive their scores immediately after the test; however, some testing centers don’t release them until a defined time period has lapsed (e.g., three business days after the exam). You can inquire about this from your identified testing center prior to taking the exam.
3. If I don’t get the score I had hoped for, can I take the TEAS again?
Yes, ATI does not limit the number of times an examinee can take the TEAS, but some testing centers do put restrictions on how long you must wait between testing attempts. You can check with the testing center at your school for more information.
4. Can I share my TEAS score with more than one school?
Yes, you can share your TEAS score with as many schools as you would like, but there is a $27 charge for each additional school after the first school. To begin this process you will need to purchase a transcript credit in you ATI Testing account.
5. How do I register for the TEAS?
The TEAS test can currently be taken online at home, online at your learning institution, in-person at your learning institution, or in-person with a proctor at a PSI Testing location. Check with your school before you register for the TEAS to be the exam administration you select is accepted by your program.