Should I take the TEAS test without studying?
The ATI TEAS Exam is an important first step in your nursing school or allied health journey, and just like any test you take, studying beforehand will boost your chances of success. However, studying for the TEAS isn't just helpful, it's crucial – approximately 40% of students have to take the TEAS more than once!
We recommend allowing at least 6 weeks of preparation prior to taking the TEAS.
Many test takers have found the Reading and English section to be moderately difficult. However, many TEAS takers vouch that the Science and Math section are more complex and challenging. The timed nature of the exam can be difficult for some.
Many students find that math and reading are the hardest parts of the TEAS exam. These sections are difficult because there are many different topics covered and students are pressed for time.
Nationally, the average TEAS test score is about 60 percent. For students applying to an associate's degree program, the typical score is about 66 percent. Students applying to a bachelor's degree program have an average score around 70 percent.
The Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) recommends that students allow at least six weeks of preparation and study before taking the TEAS.
Students who say "I have failed the TEAS test three times, when can I retake it again?" will likely need to wait for the next application cycle before they can retake the TEAS.
The average number of attempts allowed on the TEAS Exam is 3 times per year. However, the school sets that number of attempts, so it varies from school to school. Be sure to contact the school in which you are applying to understand its important deadlines and the number of attempts allowed to pass the ATI TEAS Exam.
The TEAS math section covers your knowledge of high school mathematics. Nurses are expected to compute and verify dosages as well as graphical data, so the questions reflect the need for knowledge in arithmetic, measurements, interpretation of graphs, and basic algebra.
The TEAS exam is high stakes in that it's a big component to your admission into a nursing program. But it's not an all-or-nothing, single opportunity. As long as you're willing to pay for the assessment, you're allowed to retake the test.
What is a good TEAS score for nursing?
What TEAS Exam Score Do I Need For Nursing School? In general, a score between 59% and 79% would normally be considered “proficient”. At this level, you are regarded to have the necessary nursing knowledge, and most are qualified to attend medical school programs.
The TEAS test is no more challenging than the SAT or ACT, but you may find sections of the TEAS more challenging than others. For example, if you struggled with reading and comprehension during high school, you may find the reading section harder. The mathematics section might trip you up if numbers aren't your thing.

You can come back to questions that you aren't sure about, so skip questions whenever they threaten to slow you down or to steal time from the other questions. There is no penalty for a wrong answer on the TEAS, so make sure to answer every question before time is called, even if you have to guess on some questions.
The TEAS exam is not a pass or fail test. Students completing the TEAS exam must earn a Proficient (minimum of 58.7% overall score) or higher in the ATI Academic Preparedness Category as a minimum for admission.
5. Can I use a calculator when taking the ATI TEAS? The calculator is embedded in the exam. Personal calculators are not allowed.
Academic Preparedness Levels for TEAS | TEAS Score Range |
---|---|
Developmental | 0.0%-40.7% |
Basic | 40.7%-58.0% |
Proficient | 58.7%-79.3% |
Advanced | 80.0%-91.3% |
If you have taken the test previously and wish to take it again to improve your score there is a two week waiting period from the time you complete the exam until you can retest. Your retest must still be scheduled 72 hours in advance of the scheduled TEAS exam date.
It really varies school-by-school. For example, one school that you are applying to may have a higher required score than another one that you are applying to. When will I get my TEAS test results? This depends on the permissions set by the school.
TEAS Test Format
In total, test takers will have 209 minutes (3 hours and 29 minutes) to answer all 170 questions. However, each content area of the TEAS test has its own specific number of questions and time limit.
TEAS Score Ranges
The national mean composite score is different with each test administration, but it usually falls somewhere between 65% and 75%.
What percentage do you need to pass TEAS?
Although the passing score for each nursing school may differ, the general range of minimum passing TEAS test scores for most nursing schools is between 55%-70% (composite score). The Total Score, Content Score, and Sub-Content Score are the three components of the ATI TEAS scores.
You should get your TEAS Score immediately upon finishing your exam*. If you took a paper-pencil version of the ATI TEAS Test, ATI Nursing Education will score the test within 24 business hours of receiving it from the testing site. Scores should be posted within 48 business hours.
TESTING RULES
1) Once you take ATI TEAS and pass, you must wait at least 365 days before re-testing to improve your score. Once you retest, the most recent score will be taken and accepted.
Academic Preparedness Level | Score Range |
---|---|
Basic | 40.7% to 58.0% |
Proficient | 58.7% to 79.3% |
Advanced | 80.0% to 91.3% |
Exemplary | 92.0% to 100.0% |
TEAS Test : Science
The Science section is 60 minutes, and is comprised of 50 questions that cover three areas: scientific reasoning, human anatomy and physiology, and life and physical sciences.
- Know What to Expect.
- Get a Study Buddy, or Form a Study Group.
- Utilize Online Test Prep Resources.
- Take an In-Person Test Prep Class.
- Get Printed Study Guides.
- Organize Your Study Time.
- Take Breaks.
- Take Care of Yourself.
Generally, TEAS scores are valid for two years. However, this is a school policy - so you must check with the school(s) where you will be applying. TEAS Exam scores are usually valid for two years.
Please Note: You may not retake a specific section of the TEAS. To provide an overall score and academic preparedness level for schools to use as admissions evaluation, the student must complete all four sections of the TEAS at the time of the exam.
The math section of the TEAS exam is difficult for a lot of students and you might be in the same boat. Nursing and allied health schools want to make sure you can handle the course load during your program.
teas is harder than nclex. because teas is a weed out exam, it is used to decrease the number of students. that actually get into nursing school. so you have very little prep material available.
Is the ATI TEAS 6 or 7 harder?
Will Version 7 be harder than version 6? No – the ATI TEAS, Version 7 is not designed to be any more difficult than the previous version of the TEAS exam. These tests are equated, which means they are comparable to each other and have roughly the same degree of difficulty.
TEAS quick tips
If you are taking the online version, a four-function drop-down calculator is built into the exam (multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division). If you are taking the paper-pencil version of the TEAS, a four-function calculator will be provided to you by the proctor.
TEAS Academic Preparedness Levels
Basic: 40.7% to 58% Proficient: 58.7% 79.3% Advanced: 80% to 91.3% Exemplary: 92% to 100%
Here are some of the formulas and concepts you may need to know for the math section of the exam: Fractions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Decimals: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Percentages: conversions, finding percentages of numbers, and percentage increase or decrease.
ATI uses multiple methods of detection to uncover test cheating and theft. Web-crawling processes. Every day, ATI examines the Internet for unauthorized postings of ATI assessment materials. When found, ATI swiftly takes steps to have that content removed.
- Take a TEAS practice test first so that you can determine what areas you are weakest in.
- Determine the hours that you will be unavailable for study. For example, you won't be able to study during your work or school schedule.
- Figure out what resources you will use to study.
Proper preparation for the TEAS 7 test would entail at least five weeks of studying leading up to your scheduled exam date. We recommend giving yourself a minimum of one week per subject. Ideally, you would want at least one additional week after that to review all of your study materials again.
- Know What to Expect.
- Get a Study Buddy, or Form a Study Group.
- Utilize Online Test Prep Resources.
- Take an In-Person Test Prep Class.
- Get Printed Study Guides.
- Organize Your Study Time.
- Take Breaks.
- Take Care of Yourself.
Like any test you take, studying beforehand will boost your chances for success. But, approximately 40% of students must take the TEAS more than once, so prepping for the TEAS isn't just helpful; it's crucial.
You are allowed to take the ATI TEAS up to 3 times in a calendar year. 10. Do I have to pay a fee each time to take the ATI TEAS? Yes, the cost is $93 for each testing.
What is a good TEAS score for nursing students?
What TEAS Exam Score Do I Need For Nursing School? In general, a score between 59% and 79% would normally be considered “proficient”. At this level, you are regarded to have the necessary nursing knowledge, and most are qualified to attend medical school programs.
- Collect general information about the TEAS.
- Schedule your time to study.
- Utilize TEAS test prep resources.
- Talk with your friends.
- Take our free TEAS practice test 2023.
The TEAS exam is not a pass or fail test. Students completing the TEAS exam must earn a Proficient (minimum of 58.7% overall score) or higher in the ATI Academic Preparedness Category as a minimum for admission.
The Math section of the TEAS requires you to use algebra, numbers, measurements, and data to solve problems successfully.
The TEAS test is no more challenging than the SAT or ACT, but you may find sections of the TEAS more challenging than others. For example, if you struggled with reading and comprehension during high school, you may find the reading section harder. The mathematics section might trip you up if numbers aren't your thing.