Is the TEAS Test Hard?

Did you know there are almost 3 million registered nurses registered nurses employed in the U.S?

Deciding to become a nurse is a highly rewarding career choice. Nurses have the opportunity to help people at some of their most vulnerable times.

But before you become a nurse, you need to apply to nursing school. And to do that, you need to take a pre-nursing test, otherwise known as the TEAS test.

But is the TEAS test hard?

Ultimately, it depends on your learning style and how well you prepare. The best way to do this is by taking a TEAS practice test.

Learn more about the TEAS test and how you can successfully pass.

What Is on the TEAS Test?

The TEAS test is a college entrance exam to judge your readiness for enrollment in healthcare-related programs. The TEAS helps nursing schools select the most competitive students ready to take on the challenge.

Not every college requires the successful completion of the TEAS. But it is helpful to take the TEAS either way as it can make you a more competitive applicant. And with nursing school applications on the rise it pays to stand out from the crowd.

One of the first things you can do is familiarize yourself with the exam format and content. That way, you know what to expect on exam day.

The TEAS test sections consist of 170 questions over four subjects:

• Mathematics

• Science

• English and Language Usage

• Reading

The mathematics section includes 36 questions on measurements, numbers, and algebra. The science section has 53 questions and touches on human anatomy, life sciences, and scientific reasoning.

The English and language usage section has 28 questions and tests your knowledge of language and vocabulary. Finally, the reading section comprises 53 questions that ask you to use multiple sources to address a question or solve a problem.

There are two ways to take the test: electronic or hard copy. The type of test you take depends on what your institution stipulates.

Each question is set up in a multiple-choice format with four answer options. The questions are designed to test your basic academic knowledge within 209 minutes.

What Section of the TEAS Is the Hardest?

The TEAS test is no more challenging than the SAT or ACT, but you may find sections of the TEAS more challenging than others.

For example, if you struggled with reading and comprehension during high school, you may find the reading section harder. The mathematics section might trip you up if numbers aren’t your thing.

But, it does appear that students struggle the most with the science section. The questions focus on physiology and biology – both complex topics.

The good news is that the “hard” sections won’t be as daunting with enough TEAS test prep. This is where a practice test comes in handy.

A TEAS practice test can help you identify the gaps in your knowledge and what areas you need to concentrate on.

Is the TEAS Harder to Pass the Second Time?

If you don’t pass the TEAS the first time, don’t despair! You are allowed to retake the exam up to three times, with a minimum of 30 days between attempts – although every school is different.

It is unlikely that you will get the same test the second time. There are several different versions of the TEAS test. But don’t worry, they all follow the same format.

The good news is that it is not harder to pass the TEAS on your second attempt. View your first failure as a positive; you stepped out of your comfort zone and learned something new.

One of the benefits of failing the TEAS the first time is knowing what to expect when retaking the exam. You know what you struggled with, and it’s time to target those weaknesses.

Refocus and reorganize. Take a look at the question you didn’t get right, review it and make sure you fully comprehend it. Even though that specific question won’t be on your next TEAS test, something very similar will be.

No one likes to fail, but you’ve learned from your experiences, and it’s time to make the next one count!

How to Do Well on the TEAS

The TEAS test is an essential step towards your career in healthcare. That’s why you need to take the time to prepare and give yourself the best chance of success.

Here is some helpful advice to make the TEAS test as painless as possible.

Register Early

TEAS scores are an essential consideration in healthcare program admissions. That’s why it’s essential to plan and register before your application deadline.

You should register at least two weeks ahead of time. Some schools will even recommend scheduling a testing appointment two months before the deadline to ensure you get a seat at the exam hall.

Registering early will help prevent stress and provide you with enough time to prepare. There’s nothing worse than going into an exam stressed when all you need is a clear head.

Make a Plan

Before you start preparing for the TEAS, make a plan. It can be easy to underestimate how much time you’ll need to dedicate to studying.

Building a realistic study plan that you can stick to can make a massive difference to your exam success. A practical study plan will:

• Establish short-term and long-term goals

• Outline the topics you need to study for

• Describe what needs to be done to achieve your learning goals

• Separate information into bite-sized chunks

When creating your study plan, consider how many hours you can study each week and how much time you should dedicate to each subject.

This will allow you to anticipate challenges and better prepare yourself for the exam. It also helps you schedule time to get your study done.

Don’t Cram Study

Cramming is the act of memorizing information the night (or morning of) an exam. It is an ineffective strategy used by students who haven’t prepared. Cramming has been proven to increase stress levels and deprive you of sleep.

Some tips to avoid cram studying include:

• Study regularly and briefly

• Create summary documents

• Reward yourself after every study session

• Develop a study routine

• Test yourself under exam conditions

If you are under time constraints, you might like to try the Cram Course for the TEAS. Learn only the most essential information to maximize your study time and pass the TEAS.

Familiarize Yourself With a TEAS Study Guide

A study guide can help you determine what topics will be covered, the exam duration, and what type of exam it is – multiple-choice, open-book, essay, etc.

Think of your study guide as a mini-outline. It will highlight important concepts and summarize the information in a clear and condensed way. This makes it easier for you to study multiple topics at once.

Union Test Prep’s FREE study guides will give you a summary of the information you need to know for the TEAS test. The study guides divide the information into concise sections to make it easier for you to focus on math, English, science, or reading at one time.

Take TEAS Practice Tests

Taking TEAS practice tests before your test date is one of the best ways to prepare for your exam. Having an opportunity to practice helps you identify gaps in your knowledge and determine where to refocus your study efforts.

A TEAS practice test can also help you to:

• Build stamina

• Learn the test format

• Alleviate stress and anxiety

• Track your progress

• Confirm your strengths

• Retain information

You should take a practice test once a week leading up to your exam date. After each test, you should review your performance. Make a note of weak spots and spend time improving those areas before taking your next practice test.

Practice Time Management

Since you have limited time on each test section, you want good time management. To correctly manage your time during an exam:

• Know how much time you have for each section

• Make the most of reading time

• Start with what you know and come back to the rest

• Practice makes perfect

TEAS practice tests can help you understand any time management challenges you may have and work on ways to improve them.

Managing your time in an exam will take off so much pressure and help you avoid making silly mistakes.

Test Yourself With TEAS Flashcards

Studying for an exam can be stressful, but flashcards can ease some stress.

Flashcards are a highly effective self-testing approach. Even the act of making flashcards is a way to digest the information. Students often use flashcards because they:

• Improve language skills

• Are versatile

• Are portable

• Engage active recall

• Engage metacognition

• Allow for confidence-based repetition

Union Test Prep’s 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.

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 might like to go to your local library if you live in a noisy household.

Remove your phone, turn off any music, and take away any snacks to avoid further distractions. You can’t do any of these things during an exam.

Start your timer and do your entire TEAS practice test. Timing your test will help you understand:

• Which sections take you the longest

• How to pace yourself during the exam

• How to build your stamina

Once you’re used to time-sensitive conditions, you’ll feel more confident when it’s time to take the actual exam.

Keep Healthy

Students often forget that it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle during exam study. Studies suggest that healthy students are better learners, but it can also help avoid illness that can delay the completion of your exam.

For example, getting a cold might mean having to reschedule your exam. The problem is that there may be a limited amount of testing seats, and you may have to delay your exam and risk not meeting the application deadline.

You can maintain a healthy lifestyle by:

• Cutting back on other commitments

• Eating a well-balanced diet

• Avoiding excess caffeine

• Getting a good night’s sleep

• Giving yourself study breaks

Studying can be tiring, but making an effort to maintain your health will help keep your stress levels to a minimum.

Minimize Distractions

It’s almost impossible to avoid distractions entirely during your exam study. The good news is that you can take steps to minimize distractions and stay focused.

Here are some tips to help improve your productivity:

• Silent phone alerts

• Keep internet tabs to a minimum

• Use music to cut down outside noise

• Organize your workspace

• Find a quiet space for study

Remember to reward yourself after you finish a particular topic or learn something new. A little motivation can go a long way.

Ready to Take the TEAS Practice Test?

The biggest mistake you can make on the TEAS is not preparing for the exam.

The TEAS Practice Test can help you identify knowledge gaps, quell any anxiety, and track your process. If you’re a college student trying to get into nursing school, we’ve got you covered.

At Union Test Prep, we help you get ready for your exam with helpful study guides and comprehensive content. Use our free TEAS exam materials designed to help prepare you for the the real TEAS exam.

Ready for nursing school? Take our TEAS Practice Test today. A little preparation goes a long way!