Overview
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is an exam from Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) that many nursing and allied health schools in the United States use as part of admission. The current version is TEAS Version 7. ATI tells candidates to check their school's requirements before they register.
Exam pattern
The TEAS has 170 questions with 209 minutes of testing time, in four sections. Some questions in each section are unscored. Question types are multiple choice, multiple select (select all that apply), fill in the blank, ordered response and hot spot.
| Section | Questions | Unscored among them | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 6 | 55 minutes |
| Mathematics | 38 | 4 | 57 minutes |
| Science | 50 | 6 | 60 minutes |
| English and Language Usage | 37 | 4 | 37 minutes |
Syllabus
ATI lists the number of questions on each topic in the section.
| Section | Content areas (number of questions) |
|---|---|
| Reading | Key ideas and details (15), craft and structure (9), integration of knowledge and ideas (15) |
| Mathematics | Numbers and algebra (18), measurement and data (16) |
| Science | Human anatomy and physiology (18), biology (9), chemistry (8), scientific reasoning (9) |
| English and Language Usage | Conventions of standard English (12), knowledge of language (11), using language and vocabulary to express ideas in writing (10) |
How to apply
The TEAS is offered in four ways. You can take it online with a remote proctor from ATI, online with a remote proctor from an institution, in person at an institution with an in-person proctor, or in person at a PSI testing center. Registration is on the ATI website, and the registration guide for each format gives pricing.
Before you register, note the following from ATI:
You need a physical copy of a government-issued ID, such as a US driver's license or state ID, a US passport, a US military ID, a permanent resident card, a US visa or a foreign passport.
ATI has a strict rescheduling policy and not every format allows rescheduling, so read it before you pay.
Accommodations may be available for people with documented disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
One free transcript is included with your registration.
After the exam
Your results are sent to schools as a transcript.
TEAS at PSI: scores are normally posted within 72 hours.
TEAS at ATI (online): a preliminary score is available right after you finish, and stays preliminary for a few business days.
Tests taken at an institution, in person or online: the included transcript is sent automatically to that institution.
If you test at ATI or PSI, your registration includes one transcript credit, which you can use for the school you choose. Extra schools need extra transcript credits, and each transcript can be sent only once to an institution.
If you take the TEAS more than once, you can choose which results to share with each school.
Preparation tips
ATI suggests allowing at least six weeks of preparation.
Practise all four sections, since you are tested on reading, mathematics, science and English together.
ATI sells its own preparation products, including an online practice test package, a study guide and a mobile app.
How many questions are on the TEAS?
170 questions in 209 minutes. This includes 20 unscored questions across the four sections.
Can I choose which school gets my score?
Yes, if you test at ATI or PSI, your registration includes one transcript credit that you can send to the school of your choice. If you test at an institution, the included transcript goes to that institution.
Is there a passing score?
The ATI pages used for this page do not give a passing score. ATI advises checking the requirements of the schools you apply to.