Why TEAS Practice Scores Can Change From One Test to Another

The changes in your TEAS scores are not indicative of the amount of study. The most widely accepted theory is that it is a change of supplier and a comparison between two different measuring instruments. Getting a score of 72% is not bad, but if you get 68%, then you are bound to feel that you are not doing so well. But it’s possible that a more challenging test or the way the content was distributed could account for the disparity. Don’t assume you have lost knowledge; you first need to know what each number means. Understanding the reasons behind changes in TEAS practice scores will help you to make correct interpretations and not get caught up in every percentage change. The first step is to analyze the results of your TEAS practice tests to know what the results mean.

Two Numbers, Two Different Rulers

No one practice test score applies to all TEAS practice scores. Each provider has a unique question pool, difficulty distribution, and scoring system. It’s not possible to compare results across different providers since they’re measured with different rulers.

The difference between the first and second practice test could be due to the questions tested, not your progress. Third-party assessments can aid in determining gaps in knowledge, but cannot accurately predict the final score. A better approximation is provided by ATI’s official practice test, however, since they demonstrate the assessment model used by ATI.

Monitor outcome from one provider to create meaningful baseline data. Comparisons will be less reliable if the sources change in the middle of the preparation. The use of the scoring method that generated your score report must also be taken into consideration when interpreting your score.

ATI Equates; Most Practice Tests Don’t

ATI equates the difficulty of official exam forms with equated scoring. The Adjusted score Individual Total is not a percentage of correct answers, but is displayed as a percentage.

Raw scores are the number of correct item responses. Any score changes due to the equating process are reflected in an adjusted score. These numbers cannot be switched around.

The majority of third-party evaluations present the percentage of the questions that are answered correctly. Thus, a simple practice test could give you a higher raw score than a challenging practice test, even if your ability is comparable. The goal of equating is to make official scores of forms comparable.

Knowing the format, sections, and scoring of the TEAS allows for an understanding of the differences between raw and adjusted performance. No individual change in the scores for the TEAS alone accounts for all the changes in TEAS practice scores.

170 Delivered, 150 Scored

There are 170 questions in the 7: 150 TEAS practice scores, and 20 are unidentified pretest items. The 38 questions that appear are only counted toward the result in math. Candidates will not be able to distinguish the items that are not to be scored.

This is important because if a difficult area is on the same paper as experimental questions, that will not impact your grade. It is not possible to predict what questions were marked, and so only relying on the difficulty of the exam will not be a reliable way of judging performance.

Many practice test providers include each of the scored questions, which is another distinction between practice tests and the actual test. Thus, when you are preparing in a similar manner, your practice scores for TEAS could vary. Understand the number of scored questions that are included on the TEAS.

Your Section Scores Don’t Add Up to Your Total

Content-area results may not add up to your overall score on your official score report. This is intentional. Overall result and individual content area scores are equated separately; they will not be the same when added together and averaged.

Percentiles are not percentages. Compares performance with a reference group (not percentage of questions correct). The percentile may not change, but your percentage could change due to the changing of the reference group.

It is important to remember that Content-area results and percentile at the topic level can indicate areas of strength and challenge, but are not to be used to calculate your official result.

Small Forms, Big Swings: Content Luck

The Math Section has only 34 scored questions. One form may have more algebra questions and a deficiency in ratio questions that will be partly filled by another form.

This is due to form variation. The raw score could drop due to changes in the questions – not necessarily due to a fall in your knowledge. The reverse is also true: A familiar question distribution can result in a positive jump in your TEAS practice scores.

When reading repeated results, don’t consider section totals. If it’s a similar topic that seems to be a problem time and time again, then it should be taken up. The value of a single practice test will not determine the improvement or otherwise.

The Noise Band

All assessments have measurement error. Small changes may be due to everyday variation and not be a true sign of learning or forgetting. The number of points considered to be “noisy” is not universal and does not apply to all TEAS candidates.

Apply this rule that’s easy to follow:

• One consequence: a reading, rather than a verdict.
• When the number of results is small, and they go in opposite directions, it doesn’t look like there’s any trend.
• A more reliable signal is provided by 3 or more results that are all in the same direction.

Prepare a minimum of three full-length assessments from the same source that are spread throughout your practice test preparation. Don’t test back-to-back; this may cause fatigue. Having multiple TEAS practice scores that are all consistent gives more information than a single high or low score.

Conditions Change the Measurement

The official TEAS practice scores is 209 minutes long, comprised of four separate sections with an optional 10-minute break between the math section and the other three sections. A one-hour untimed practice test is a different performance than a one-hour timed practice.

Results may be affected by sleep, time of day, availability of a calculator, scratch paper, and tiredness. Have at least 2 practice sessions that are similar to testing conditions. To get some tips on how to prepare, please check out mirror test conditions.

What Your School Counts Decides What a Score Means

Nursing programs have their own requirements for admission and re-takes. Some think that the first-try TEAS practice score is the best, some second try, and some first try. Don’t presume that one policy is in effect in all places.

Check each program’s written policy before making a retake appointment. A readiness rule that is to be adhered to the first time is particularly relevant because if they make a better grade later, it may not be the same first grade. Your score report is used to record your performance, but the impact of this depends on the school’s policy. Review the TEAS retake guidance prior to considering taking the exam again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my TEAS practice score drop?

Switching providers or getting more difficult questions can cause TEAS practice scores to decline. Make comparisons using each practice test from the same source from 3 sittings before making assessments of progress.

Are TEAS practice tests accurate predictors?

Practice tests can detect learning gaps, and the accuracy of the results from third-party tests is not guaranteed in relation to the results of the official test. It is important to note that the adjusted score will be better understood through ATI’s official assessments.

How many TEAS questions are actually scored?

170 delivered questions; 150 are scored questions, and 20 are unidentified pretests. Math: 34/38 questions count for raw score.

Do nursing programs take your highest TEAS score?

Policies differ from program to program. Some take the maximum, some take the average, some only take the first. Please review the requirements for score reports and the written policy prior to scheduling a retake.

Conclusion

Analyze a single source, compare multiple full-length responses, and explore the inadequacies of the topic before understanding movement. There are differences between the adjusted score, raw TEAS practice scores, and the percentile. If you require structured preparation, consider TEAS exam tutoring servicesto enhance your practice test knowledge and understanding and get ready for the exam with confidence.