Every year students preparing for nursing school find themselves asking the question “What is the TEAS test?” If all the core classes, applications, and fees aren’t enough, many nursing programs add an exam called the TEAS test to the nursing school application process. Since the process of applying to nursing school can be very competitive, having another facet to review a potential nursing student’s skills can be helpful. It can also help students who may have a lower GPA to get a more competitive chance in the application process. So what is the TEAS test?
What is the TEAS Test?
The TEAS test is referred to by many names including:
- T E A S exam
- TEAS test
- TEAS V test
- TEAS V exam
According to Medtech.edu:
“TEAS, which stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills, is administered through Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Nursing Education. The test is a basic aptitude test designed to identify students who would succeed in nursing school and who have the ability to think like a nurse.”
The TEAS test (or TEAS exam) is comprised of 4 components including:
- Reading (40 questions, 50 minutes)
- Math (45 items, 56 minutes)
- Science (30 items, 38 minutes)
- English and Language Usage (55 items, 65 minutes)
What is a Passing Score for the TEAS Test?
There is no passing score for the TEAS test. Instead, each section is given a composite score, and a score is given for content. It is agreed that the reading and math section are the most important. The test can be taken via a computerized version or through the more traditional paper. One advantage of taking it on a computer is that tests are scored immediately and automatically sent to the school where the test was administered. Since the test is not pass-fail, your score is used in conjunction with other components of your nursing school application to determine whether you will be accepted into the nursing program. However, there are often minimum score requirements that may be found on your school’s website. For example, Wichita State University requires the following minimum passing scores:
- Reading – 69%
- Math – 63%
- Science – 45%
- English – 60%
These minimum passing scores vary by your institution, and you should verify the specifics with your nursing school application coordinator.
Why is the TEAS Exam Hard?
Some people find the TEAS exam to be difficult because they struggle to perform well on standardized tests. Others have difficulty with the breadth of the subject matter. In general, the TEAS test is difficult because nursing school is competitive. The difficulty of the tests allows schools to select students to have the best chances to succeed academically. Nursing school is hard. This test is one of the first steps of the nursing school process, so it’s no surprise that it would be one of the many difficult hoops that future nurses will have to jump through to secure their place as healthcare professionals.
How Can I Study for the TEAS Test?
There are many online resources for the TEAS. There are also several great TEAS review books that many find helpful. However, it is really important to focus on the overall strategy of taking the TEAS test as well as practicing sample test questions. Some people find that taking a prep course really helps them. Achieve Test Prep offers a great TEAS exam prep course. When you’re preparing to enter nursing school, passing the TEAS exam is one of those items you have to check off. Ensuring that you know the content and are confident to pass the test is critical to success.
TEST Test Review Course
Taking a TEAS test review course like is a great strategy for many. Most people benefit from the auditory and visual components of lectures combined with interactivity. Review books are helpful, but I would often fall asleep trying to study by them alone. Finding a great TEAS test review course is a great strategy to help you learn all the content to pass the test.
Great TEAS Test Prep Books
Getting a great TEAS book for nursing can really help you feel more confident to take the exam. Below you’ll find some great TEAS study material and you’ll be able to find the best TEAS review book for you.
HavinATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide: TEAS 6 Complete Study Manual, Full-Length Practice Tests, Review Video Tutorials for the Test of Essential Academic Skills, Sixth Edition
ATI TEAS Review Manual: Sixth Edition RevisedNursing Teas Guide (Quick Study Academic)ATI TEAS Test Study Guide 2017: ATI TEAS Study Manual with ATI TEAS Practice Tests for the ATI TEAS 6ATI TEAS Strategies, Practice & Review with 2 Practice Tests: Online + Book (Kaplan Test Prep)ATI TEAS Study Guide Version 6: TEAS 6 Test Prep and Practice Test Questions for the Test of Essential Academic Skills, Sixth EditionNursing School Entrance Exams (Kaplan Test Prep)ATI TEAS Practice Questions: Two TEAS 6 Practice Tests & Review for the Test of Essential Academic Skills, Sixth EditionATI TEAS 6 Essentials Study Guide: TEAS Review Manual and Practice Questions for the ATI TEAS Version 6
Before you start nursing school, you should check out our article on 15 Things Every Nursing Student Should Know. It can save you time, money, and stress!
Do you have to complete perquisite classes prior to taking the TEAS test? I’m an LPN have taken some prerequisite classes but not all and have been an LPN FOR 29 years.
The TEAS test is typically used for entrance into nursing school. There are not typically any prerequisite classes needed for this test.
There are pre-reqs for the actual ADN program; but you can take the TEAS as long as you QUALIFY for the pre-reqs. What this means is that you must have the ACT/SAT scores or school specific test scores to make you eligible for the pre-reqs if you don’t have them. In my case I had already completed all pre-reqs accept math, but since I met the minimum test scores I was allowed to enroll into the program and take the TEAS. As long as you meet pre-req ELIGIBILITY you may take the TEAS, AND enroll in the ADN program. I had so sit down with admissions for an hour to understand how to get in as a transfer student from a University.
I’m getting ready to take the AIT teas test what book it s best to buy to study for test. I been a nurse for 10 years lpn and g.j king back to finish up my RN I have all of my pre classes done .
do you need to take the TEAS exam for undergraduate school or only if you’re pursuing you LPN?
Not every school requires the TEAS test. But it would be when applying for nursing school to get your RN.
hello I have decided to go to school for my LPN, I wanted to know the best study guide you can recommend for the teas,test as I haven’t been to school in over 30 years.
Dojetta, congratulations for going back for your LPN. As for a study guide for the TEAS Test, I have several listed in the post that I recommend. Which works best for you depends on your study style and how behind you think you may be. I would look through the ones listed and pick one that you feel best mirrors your learning style.
Hi! I am getting ready to take the TEAS test in May. That gives me about 2 1/2 months to study. I took all of my pre-requisite classes for nursing and achieved a GPA of 4.0, BUT that was about 17 years ago! I am excited to go back and am trying to figure out the best way to brush up and study for this test after being out of school for so long. I have been a stay at home Wife and Mom for the last 16 years. Do you have any suggestions for me? I am already studying the ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide. Thank you so much!
I think you’ll likely do great. Try a few practice tests in addition to studying the topics outlined in the guide.
Hi Nicole,
I’m in the same boat as you. I will be starting classes in a bit to take refresher courses because of a 5 year recency requirement on Biology courses. Also will be taking the TEAS test next month to finish up the application for Nursing school.
How was the test for you? When do you start nursing classes?
I am a medical assistant of 20 + years. I am very committed to obtaining my RN. I am a bit…actually VERY nervous about returning to school and taking the TEAS test. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Procrastinator Pam. ?
Pam, you can do it. My biggest piece of advice is to look through the resources in the post and find one that works for you. Set aside time to study at least a little bit every day.
Hm…I am looking for more information about this new kind of certification and then I found your blog. Thank you for sharing.