The TEAS nursing test is a test that assesses a nursing candidates proficiency in the areas of reading, math, science, and English and language usage.
Students who wish to attend nursing school will need to do well on the TEAS exam to gain acceptance into their nursing program.
Although the TEAS test seems intimidating, you can easily ace it by knowing the in’s and out’s of the test. This article will serve as your guide for what to expect on this exam.
Learn more about the TEAS test with our complete guide below. If you want more study help, consider using our TEAS prep course.
What is the TEAS Test?
TEAS testing…what exactly is it? The TEAS test, sometimes referred to as the TEAS entrance exam, is taken as a means for nursing schools/programs to evaluate a candidates intelligence in the areas of reading, math, science, and English and language usage.
The test gives nursing schools/programs a way to evaluate a prospective candidate outside of their GPA and extracurriculars.
The TEAS test is designed to evaluate how the students brain works not only when under pressure, but also how the students brain works after prolonged use.
Think of the TEAS like you would think of the ACT… Most likely you know all of the material, but you are under a time constraint and need to manage your time efficiently.
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What Does TEAS Stand For?
TEAS stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills. The test is designed to ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills to perform well in nursing school.
What is on the TEAS Exam
The TEAS 7 exam has 4 sections:
- Reading: 45 Questions
- Key ideas and details, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas
- Math: 38 Questions
- Numbers and Algebra, and Measurement and Data
- Science: 50 Questions
- Human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning
- English and language usage: 37 questions
- Conventions of English, knowledge of language, and using language and vocabulary
If you want to practice some of these questions, use our TEAS practice test to begin your studies.
How Many Questions are on the TEAS Exam?
In total, there are 170 questions on the TEAS nursing exam. However, of those 170 questions, only 150 count for your score.
The test-taker does not know which ones are not scored and the unscored questions are used for internal testing purposes.
How Long is the TEAS Exam?
The TEAS test is 209 minutes long, and each section has a time limit. Test-takers get a 10-minute break after the second section. This 10 minutes is not included in the total 209 minutes of the 4 sections.
- Reading: 55 minutes
- Math: 57 minutes
- Science: 60 minutes
- English and language usage: 37 minutes
What is the Difference between TEAS 6 and TEAS 7?
The TEAS 7 test has the same 4 categories, but it added 3 sub-categories. For the science section they added a Biology sub-category and a Chemistry sub-category.
For the English and language usage section they added a sub-category called “Using Language and Vocabulary”
Another difference between the TEAS 6 and TEAS 7 is the TEAS 6 only had one type of question: multiple choice. The TEAS 7 exam now has 5 possible question types:
- Multiple Choice
- Multiple Select: There may be more than one answer choice that is correct.
- Fill in the blank questions: No answer choices are provided and you need to write in the correct answer.
- Hot spot items: this question includes an image with clickable areas, where the test-taker must click on the right item.
- Ordered Response: You are given 4-6 options and you must drag them into the correct order.
Why Do I Need to Take the TEAS Exam?
You need to take the TEAS exam because it is a component of getting into your nursing or allied health organization.
Schools require the TEAS because studies show that those who perform well on their TEAS also perform well in their nursing program.
Common TEAS Nursing Test Questions
How much does the TEAS exam cost?
The cost varies from about $65 to $140 dollars. The cost depends on where you take your TEAS entrance exam.
How many times can you take the TEAS exam?
The number of times that you can take the TEAS test depends on the institutions you are applying to.
Most institutions allow for 2, but some allow you to take more than 2.
Can you use a calculator on the TEAS test?
You are allowed the use of a calculator; however, do NOT bring your own calculator. When taking the test, a calculator will be provided for you.
What should I bring to the TEAS nursing exam?
The proctors of the test provide the test-taker with a calculator, scrap paper, a computer, and writing utensils.
The only thing that the test-taker needs to bring with them is one form of identification.
Is the TEAS exam difficult?
The TEAS test is the same difficulty as the ACT or SAT.
You most likely know all the material, but you are under a time constraint. The best way to beat the time constraint is to practice.
Practice with these free TEAS practice questions.
What is a passing TEAS score?
There is no set passing score for the TEAS exam. Most institutions have a minimum score that you need to reach, with majority of institutions being in the 65%-80% range.
Higher institutions require you to score in the 80% range and even the 90% range. Read our guide to TEAS scores for more information.
How do I pass the TEAS test?
To pass the TEAS test it is recommended that you start prepping early.
Doing 200 practice questions the night before the exam will not help.
We recommend you take a TEAS prep course to ensure you ace the TEAS.
