The TEAS test, explained

TEAS stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills. It is published by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) and used by nursing and health-science programs to compare applicants on reading, math, science and English. The current version is the ATI TEAS 7.

You take it on a computer at a testing center or online with a proctor. Within a section you can change your answers, but when you finish a section or time runs out you cannot go back to it.

The sections come in the order Reading, Math, Science, then English and Language Usage. Besides multiple choice, expect multiple-select, fill-in-the-blank, hot-spot (click the right part of a picture) and ordered-response questions.

Only the 150 scored questions count. ATI reports a total score, a score for each section and subscores for topics inside them, as percentages. It also places the total in a proficiency level: Developmental (below about 41%), Basic (to about 58%), Proficient (about 59% to 79%), Advanced (80% to 91%) and Exemplary (92% and above).

Questions are weighted, and ATI does not publish the weights, so a raw count of correct answers cannot be converted to the exact reported score. Our TEAS score calculator gives a rough estimate only.

There is no national pass mark. Each program decides, and many use the TEAS together with GPA and prerequisite grades. Proficient (about 59%) is a common floor, and competitive programs often ask for Advanced (80%) or at least 70% to 75%. Read the admissions page of every program you are applying to, and note whether they accept only a first attempt or the best of several. See what is a good TEAS score.

Start with a free TEAS practice test to find your weakest section, try the TEAS practice questions, then follow the plan in how to pass the TEAS. Science is the longest section and the one most people under-prepare: allow the most time for the body systems.