What Is the TEAS Exam? Complete Guide to the ATI TEAS Test for Nursing School

The TEAS exam is a standardized entrance test required for students who are applying to nursing and allied health programs. This test is administered by ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) to test students’ skills. There are four main sections in this exam that measure academic skills in Reading, Math, Science, and English and language usage, which help the schools decide who is ready for healthcare coursework.

If you are confused about what is the TEAS exam, we have made a comprehensive guide for the ATI TEAS exam, and in this, you will learn:

• What the TEAS exam tests and how it’s structured
• TEAS exam format, timing, and question types
• How scoring works and interpreting results
• How to complete TEAS exam registration (school, ATI, or PSI)
• TEAS exam cost, retakes, and attempt policies
• How to study effectively with a 4-week plan
• FAQs and official resources for clarity

For the official ATI TEAS overview, visit the ATI TEAS official overview.

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What does the TEAS exam stand for, and why do nursing schools use it?

To fully understand what is the TEAS exam, it helps to know what the name stands for and why schools use it.

The TEAS exam stands for the Test of Essential Academic Skills. The current version of the exam is called “ATI TEAS 7,” and it was launched in 2022. Nursing schools and allied health programs widely use this test to measure students’ skills and to assess if they have the foundational knowledge and skills that are needed to succeed.

While most of the nursing programs require you to take the TEAS test, there are also some schools that don’t require it. Also, each school and program decide themselves how much weight they give to your TEAS exam score for admission. That’s why it is necessary for you to understand the expectations and requirements of your specific program.

What the TEAS measures:

Along with testing your academic skills to check your readiness for nursing programs, the test also measures whether you can manage the long test and apply the knowledge under the pressure of the exam.

• Academic Stamina: It tests if you can stay focused for the full exam that is 3.5 hours long.
• Critical Thinking: It checks how well you can solve problems, especially in reading and science questions.
• Curriculum Readiness: It shows whether you understand the core subjects taught from grades 7 to 12.
• Application Skills: It tests if you can apply what you learned to real-world nursing situations.

The ATI TEAS exam is designed in a way to help schools admit those students who will be able to manage the demands of healthcare education. For official details on the TEAS purpose and what it measures, see the ATI TEAS overview.

TEAS quick facts (questions, time, sections) — verified

The TEAS exam format includes different types of questions that help to assess your understanding of a concept. The question types include:

1. Multiple choice questions
2. Alternate Item types: Multiple select items, Supply answer items (fill in the blanks), Hot spot items, ordered response items

ATI TEAS Exam Quick Facts

How long is the TEAS exam? You have 209 minutes total, with a 10-minute break after the Mathematics section.

How many questions are on the TEAS exam? There are 170 questions, 150 of which are scored.

Are there unscored questions on the TEAS? Yes, 20 pretest items do not affect your score but are used for future test versions.

Knowing the TEAS exam format and the specific types of questions you will need to answer in the exam helps you prepare for those questions exactly.

For official ATI numbers and guidance, check the ATI TEAS Examinee Handbook.

What is on the TEAS exam? TEAS exam subjects and what each section tests

To know what is on the TEAS exam, you need to understand TEAS exam subjects and the common topics they cover.

TEAS Exam Subjects

Section Tips:

• Reading Tip: watch for words like “always” or “never” and avoid mistakes from skimming.
• Math Tip: The 4-function calculator is your only tool, so practice using it before the exam.
• Science Tip: focus on Anatomy & Physiology and practice applying ideas to real nursing situations.
• English Tip: Check sentence clarity and punctuation carefully.

For official subject guidance, see the ATI TEAS Content Outline.

TEAS scoring explained (and how schools set TEAS exam score requirements)

Understanding what is the TEAS exam also means knowing how scoring works and how schools set score requirements.

What scores will you see?

When you receive your result, you will get the following scores in your report:

• Total Score: You will get the total score, which is the combined score from all of the sections.
• Content Area Scores: You will get separate scores for all the sections, such as Reading, Math, Science, and English. This helps you to know which areas you have good skills in and which area is weak and need more practice.
• Sub-Content Area Scores: These scores show your performance on specific skills within each section, like understanding main ideas in Reading or solving basic algebra in Math.

Understanding “Equating”

Equating means ATI adjusts your score to keep things fair if some test versions are harder than others. Because of this, your total score is not a simple calculation and cannot be figured out by adding up your other scores.

No universal pass score

There is no universal passing score or percentage for the TEAS exam. Each nursing school sets its own TEAS exam score requirements for its programs. There are some schools that will also accept lower scores, but more competitive programs need higher scores and percentages.

How to plan a competitive target

Before the exam, you can set a target score according to the required score of the program.

Target Score = Program Minimum + Safety Buffer + Program Competitiveness

For example, if a school’s minimum is 70%, add a 10% buffer and aim for 80%. For competitive programs where the average admitted student scores 90%, you should aim higher.

Checklist: How to confirm your school’s TEAS score requirements

Before you take the exam, check:

• Where to find it: Check score requirements on the program website, admissions PDF, or ask an advisor.
• Version: Ask if the school only accepts ATI TEAS 7, or if they also accept older versions of exams as well.
• Minimums: Do they only consider total scores, or do they have specific score requirements by sections also?
• Validity: How recent must your score be? Most schools accept scores from the last 2 years.
• Attempts: Are multiple attempts allowed, and which score counts (highest or most recent)?

You can check the exact details here: official ATI help center: How is the TEAS scored?

TEAS exam registration and where you can take it (school, PSI, remote)

You can register for the ATI TEAS exam in a few ways, depending on your school and preference.

Registration pathways

• Through your school: You can register through your school or institution portal.
• Through your ATI account: You can do TEAS exam registration directly online via the ATI TEAS portal.
• Testing center partner (PSI): You can also register through PSI, only if your programs allow.

Location modes

• On-campus proctored: You can take the exam at your school under supervision.
• Testing center: You can take it at a testing center as well, through PSI.
• Remote/at-home proctored: Some programs allow taking the exam at home via Proctorio, but it depends on whether your school allows and if you have the technical setup.

Tech + ID Readiness Checklist

Before your exam, make sure you have all of these things ready:

• ID match: Your name must match your ATI account. Check what forms of ID are accepted.
• Device requirements: Laptop or desktop with webcam and microphone if you are giving a remote test.
• Internet: The connection to the internet should be stable.
• Environment: have a quiet place without any distractions.

How to register online

You can do your TEAS exam registration directly through the ATI TEAS Registration Portal.

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TEAS Exam Cost, Rescheduling, Refunds, And What Can Change By Testing Site

The TEAS exam cost depends on the location you choose to give the exam and what registration method you use. There is no fixed amount, so you need to check with your specific school to know the actual pricing. The cost can depend on the following factors:

• Where you register: The base fee depends on where and how you register.
• Score sends: Some programs may charge if you need to send scores to multiple schools.
• Prep materials: Optional ATI prep resources may have additional costs.
• Retake fee: If you need to retake the exam, check the cost for additional attempts.

Rescheduling and refunds

The rules for rescheduling and for getting a refund depend on how you registered:

• Through ATI: ATI sets the rules based on when and how you booked the exam.
• Through your school: Some schools have their own deadlines and change policies.
• Through testing centers (like PSI): These centers may have separate rules for rescheduling or cancellations.

Key points to remember

• The fee, refund, and retake rules vary, so confirm before you register.
• To plan your budget for TEAS exam registration, you need to consider the exam fee, any score sends, prep materials, and retakes.

Retakes and attempt limits — how many times can you take the TEAS exam?

If you don’t get the score you want on the TEAS test, you can retake the exam. But how many retakes you can take and the waiting periods between retakes depend on your nursing program. Each school has its own rules about the waiting periods, the number of reattempts allowed, and how they will consider the previous scores.

Common retake policies

It is important to check your specific program policies regarding retakes so you can give the exam again without wasting your fee or time.

Mini guide: Retake planning

• When to retake: First, work on the areas that need improvement before you attempt a retake.
• What to change in prep: Study the areas in which you scored low and do practice tests to improve your speed.
• Budget and schedule: Make a budget plan by considering the factors such as exam fees, score, and time for preparation before you schedule your next attempt.

When you know how many times you are allowed to take the TEAS exam and what the waiting period is, then you can plan your retake smartly. You must check your specific program policy regarding retakes.

Calculator, scratch paper, breaks, and accommodations

Knowing the rules for tools, breaks, and accommodations can make the ATI TEAS exam less stressful and help you perform your best.

Calculator policy

Can you use a calculator on the TEAS exam? Yes, but only the one provided in the test software for the Math section. Personal calculators are not allowed. If you’re testing on paper at a school or center, confirm whether a basic calculator is provided or allowed. Always verify with your program or testing site.

Scratch paper

Policies for scratch paper vary:

• On-campus or testing center: Scratch paper and pencils are usually provided.
• Remote/at-home testing: Digital scratch paper may be available within the test software; physical paper may not be allowed.

Breaks

Breaks also depend on the mode and program rules. Some schools allow scheduled breaks, while remote proctoring may limit or prohibit unsupervised breaks. Always check your testing instructions in advance.

Testing accommodations

Students with documented needs can request accommodations through ATI’s official ADA process. This may include extra time, extended breaks, or alternative test formats. Submit requests well in advance and provide the required documentation.

Learn more about ATI testing accommodations.

How Soon Do You Get TEAS Results, And How To Send TEAS Scores To Schools

If you are wondering how soon do you get TEAS results, then the results depend on the medium through which you took your ATI TEAS exam:

• If you took the test through your school, then you can see the result right after the test, unless your school has delayed access.
• If you chose the paper-and-pencil test, then your score will be posted in 3 business days.
• If you took the ATI test at home, proctored by ATI, then you can see your scores immediately.
• If you took the test through the PSI testing center, then your scores will be available within 72 hours.

Where to find your results

You need to open your ATI account and check under the results tab. Make sure you have added the correct login and save your results to keep in your record.

How to send TEAS scores to schools

• Submitting to multiple programs: ATI allows you to send scores directly to more than one school.
• What schools typically need: Most programs request the test date, test version (like TEAS 7), and your student ID. Confirm with each school what their specific requirement is, or check their website to make sure you have sent everything that is needed.

You can check the official site if you have any questions about scores: ATI Testing: How and when will I get my TEAS scores?

How to study for the TEAS exam (diagnostic + 4-week plan + resources)

Step 1: Diagnostic TEAS Practice Test

Take a full-length practice test to see the areas you are weak at and start working on improving those areas.

Step 2: Error Log

Keep tracking your errors you are making by taking tests, and keep your priority on those areas where you still need improvement.

Step 3: 4-Week Mastery Plan

• Week 1: Take a diagnostic test and start reviewing all sections. Focus extra time on weak areas.
• Week 2: Study all subjects like Reading, Math, Science, and English. Do practice questions and small drills daily.
• Week 3: Continue content review and increase timed practice. Mix strong and weak sections each day.
• Week 4: Take full-length practice tests, practice pacing, and review mistakes carefully.

Resource Guidance:

• Use the official ATI TEAS content outline for scope
• Prioritize high-quality TEAS practice test questions over volume

Common Mistake: Don’t make this common mistake of only reading textbooks passively without actively reviewing mistakes.

Download our printable TEAS study schedule and take your free TEAS practice test today.

TEAS exam vs HESI (which one do you need?)

What is the TEAS exam and HESI exam. Both TEAS and HESI exams are taken to get admission into a nursing school. You need to check which one of them your specific program accepts, or if they accept both.

TEAS Exam: It is more focused on science subjects like Anatomy & Physiology

HESI: This one is more focused on reading, vocabulary, and general knowledge

Decision Tip: Your decision can be made easier by seeing which one of them your program accepts, and if it accepts both, then you should go with the one you feel is easier for you.

After the TEAS exam — next steps for nursing school applications

• Save your Individual Performance Profile PDF
• Send scores to every school on your nursing school application checklist
• Update your application packet
• If your score is below the target, then consider retaking the test or talking to the admissions office

Conclusion

The TEAS exam is a standardized admission test required for nursing schools and healthcare programs. You are tested on Reading, Math, Science, English, and language usage. The scores and passing marks vary by different nursing schools, so you need to check your specific program requirements. After confirming the exact scores, you need to start preparing and scheduling your exam.

FAQ’S

Q1: What is the TEAS exam?
The TEAS exam is a standard admission test required for nursing schools and health care programs. It tests your skills in Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.

Q2: What does the TEAS exam stand for?
The TEAS exam stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills.

Q3: What is on the TEAS exam?
The TEAS exam has four sections: Reading, Math, Science, and English/Language Usage, each testing important skills for nursing school.

Q4: How long is the TEAS exam?
The TEAS exam takes 3.5 hours to complete, covering all four sections in that time.

Q5: How many questions are on the TEAS exam?
There are 170 questions, 150 scored, and 20 pretest items for future exams.

Q6: Can you take the TEAS exam at home?
Yes, you can take the TEAS exam at home, but it depends on your school. You need a computer, webcam, stable internet, and a quiet space.

Q7: What is a good TEAS score for nursing school?
A good TEAS score for nursing school varies by program: 60–70% for some colleges, 75–80% for competitive programs, and 80–90%+ for top schools.

Q8: How many times can you take the TEAS exam?
It depends on your school. ATI doesn’t limit retakes, but programs may have rules on attempts and waiting periods.