About the TEAS exam
What is the TEAS 7?
The TEAS 7 (Test of Essential Academic Skills, version 7) is a standardized admissions exam published by ATI Nursing Education. It is required by most nursing programs in the United States — both BSN and ADN — to assess academic readiness in four content areas: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. The current version, TEAS 7, replaced TEAS 6 in 2022.
Who publishes the TEAS exam?
The TEAS is published by ATI Nursing Education (formerly Assessment Technologies Institute). ATI also publishes other nursing education products including HESI alternatives and clinical assessment tools. ATI is the sole owner and administrator of the TEAS.
How is the TEAS different from the HESI A2?
Both are nursing admissions exams testing similar content — math, science, reading, and English. The TEAS is published by ATI; the HESI A2 is published by Elsevier. The TEAS has 170 questions across 4 sections; the HESI A2 has 326 questions across up to 8 sections. Programs typically require one or the other (rarely both). About 70-80% of nursing programs use the TEAS; 20-30% use the HESI A2.
How is the TEAS different from the NCLEX?
The TEAS is an entrance exam taken before nursing school. The NCLEX-RN is a licensure exam taken after graduating from nursing school. The TEAS tests general academic skills (reading, math, science, English). The NCLEX tests clinical nursing knowledge and judgment. They serve completely different purposes and you take them years apart.
How many questions are on the TEAS 7?
The TEAS 7 has 170 questions total, distributed across four sections: Reading (45 questions, 55 minutes), Math (38 questions, 57 minutes), Science (50 questions, 60 minutes), and English and Language Usage (37 questions, 37 minutes). Total testing time is 209 minutes (3 hours 29 minutes).
How long is the TEAS 7?
Total exam time is 209 minutes (3 hours, 29 minutes). With short breaks between sections, expect to spend about 3.5 to 4 hours at the testing center. The exam is delivered on a computer at proctored testing locations, including some online proctored options.
Is the TEAS proctored?
Yes. The TEAS must be proctored. ATI offers in-person proctoring at PSI testing centers and at participating nursing schools, plus online proctoring through ATI's remote proctoring platform. Self-administered, unproctored TEAS attempts are not accepted by nursing programs.
TEAS scoring
How is the TEAS 7 scored?
The TEAS 7 is scored as a percentage on each of the four sections (Reading, Math, Science, English) plus an overall composite percentage. ATI also provides a "preparedness level" (Proficient, Advanced, Exemplary) and percentile rank. Most programs care about the composite score and may also require minimums on specific sections — typically Science.
What is a good TEAS 7 score?
A "good" TEAS score depends on your target program. Most programs require 60-70% minimum composite. Competitive BSN programs at major universities expect 75-85%. Elite programs may require 80%+. A composite score of 75% would be competitive at most programs but not at top-tier universities. Always check your specific program's requirements.
What is the average TEAS 7 score?
The national average composite score on the TEAS 7 is approximately 65-70% based on aggregated ATI data. The average admitted student at competitive programs typically scores 75-85% on the composite, with Science scores at or above the composite. Average scores have been relatively stable since the TEAS 7 launched in 2022.
Which TEAS section is weighted most for nursing admissions?
Science is the most heavily weighted section at most nursing programs because it is the largest section (50 questions vs. 37-45 for others) and best predicts success in nursing school science courses. Many programs require minimum Science scores in addition to composite minimums. A weak Science score is the most common reason students retake the TEAS.
Do TEAS scores have to be sent directly from ATI?
Most programs require official TEAS scores sent directly from ATI through their TEAS Transcripts service. Score reports printed from your ATI account are unofficial. ATI charges a per-school fee (around $30) to send official scores. Plan ahead — sending scores can take several days to a week.
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Do all nursing programs require the TEAS?
No. About 70-80% of nursing programs in the US require the TEAS. The remaining programs use the HESI A2 (about 20-30%) or have no standardized admissions exam (small minority of holistic-review programs). Some programs accept either TEAS or HESI A2. A growing number of competitive university programs are dropping standardized exams entirely in favor of holistic review.
Which Texas nursing schools require the TEAS?
Roughly 33 Texas nursing programs require the TEAS, primarily at community colleges and smaller universities. Houston and DFW area programs more often use the HESI A2 (59 programs). Texas schools that require the TEAS include University of Texas at Tyler, Texas Woman's University (some programs), El Paso Community College, and many community college ADN programs. Always verify directly with your specific program.
What TEAS score do I need for community college nursing?
Community college ADN programs typically require composite TEAS scores of 60-70%. Many use the TEAS as a ranking factor where higher scores improve your position in the applicant pool. A 70%+ composite is usually competitive at most community college nursing programs.
What TEAS score do I need for BSN programs?
University BSN programs typically require composite scores of 70-78% minimum, with competitive admissions at 80-85%+. Highly competitive BSN programs (UT Austin, NYU, Vanderbilt, Penn) often expect 85%+ alongside strong GPA, prerequisites, and other factors. The published minimum is rarely the actual admitted average.
Are there nursing programs that do not require the TEAS or HESI?
Yes, but they are a minority. Some elite programs (UT Austin, Texas Tech, parts of UCLA) have moved to holistic review without standardized exams. Direct entry programs sometimes waive the requirement. Accelerated BSN programs for second-career students may not require the TEAS. Always check individual program requirements — policies change annually.
TEAS sections and content
What is on the TEAS Reading section?
The TEAS Reading section (45 questions, 55 minutes) tests main idea identification, inference, vocabulary in context, author purpose and tone, and interpreting visual information (charts, graphs, infographics). Passages are typically 100-300 words.
What is on the TEAS Math section?
The TEAS Math section (38 questions, 57 minutes) covers arithmetic (fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions), algebra (solving equations, inequalities, word problems), measurement and data (unit conversions, reading tables and charts), statistics (mean, median, mode), and basic geometry. A four-function calculator is provided.
What is on the TEAS Science section?
The TEAS Science section (50 questions, 60 minutes) is the largest section and tests human anatomy and physiology (~50% of questions, dominant content area), biology (cells, genetics, macromolecules), chemistry (atomic structure, bonding, reactions, acids/bases), and scientific reasoning (experimental design, data interpretation). A&P is the highest-yield topic.
What is on the TEAS English section?
The TEAS English and Language Usage section (37 questions, 37 minutes) tests grammar (subject-verb agreement, pronoun case, modifier placement), punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling conventions. The shortest section, but very fast-paced — about 1 minute per question.
What is the hardest TEAS section?
Science is the hardest for most students because it is the largest (50 questions) and covers the most diverse content (A&P, biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning). Math is the second hardest because of strict timing (about 90 seconds per question). Reading and English tend to be easier on average, though Reading's pace can be tight.
Preparing for the TEAS
How long should I study for the TEAS 7?
Most students need 6-12 weeks at 10-15 hours per week. Students with recent college-level Science (Biology, Chemistry, A&P) may need only 6 weeks. Students who have not taken science in several years should plan for 10-12 weeks. The key variable is your Science foundation — everything else can be prepared for more quickly.
What should I study first for the TEAS?
Science first — always. It has the most questions (50 of 170) and the widest difficulty range. Within Science, prioritize anatomy and physiology, which appears in roughly half of Science questions. Starting with Math or Reading first is the most common TEAS study mistake.
How many practice tests should I take for the TEAS?
At minimum, take 2 full-length timed practice exams: one early to establish your baseline, and one in the final week to simulate test day. More is better if time allows. Each practice exam should be taken under realistic conditions — timed, no notes, no interruptions.
Are there free TEAS practice tests?
Yes. StudyBuddy offers a free TEAS practice test with email registration at /exams/teas/practice-test. ATI also offers a free practice assessment with limited features. Most full-length TEAS practice exams require purchase or paid platform access.
Is the official ATI TEAS study guide worth buying?
The official ATI study materials are useful for understanding the exam format and question style since ATI makes the TEAS. The official study manual is often criticized for limited explanations on wrong answers. Many students use ATI for format familiarity and a platform like StudyBuddy for content depth and AI-powered weak-area targeting.
TEAS retakes
Can I retake the TEAS?
Yes. ATI policy requires a 30-day waiting period between TEAS attempts. Most nursing programs allow 2-3 attempts per application cycle. Some programs use your highest score; others use your most recent score. Always verify your specific program's retake policy before testing.
How long are TEAS scores valid?
TEAS scores are typically valid for 2-3 years for admissions purposes, though policies vary by program. Some programs accept scores up to 5 years old; others require scores within 1 year. If you took the TEAS more than 2 years before applying, verify with your program whether your score is still valid.
How much does the TEAS 7 cost?
The TEAS 7 typically costs $70-115 per attempt depending on the testing location and format. Online proctored attempts may have different pricing than in-person. ATI also charges per-school fees ($30) to send official scores. Plan for $100-150 total per attempt including score reporting.
Where do I take the TEAS?
You can take the TEAS at PSI testing centers (the most common option), at some nursing schools that host TEAS sessions, or via ATI's online proctored testing platform. Schedule through ATI's atitesting.com website. Available dates and locations vary by region.
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