No, you do not need to memorize the entire periodic table for the ATI TEAS 7 Science section. The exam—administered by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)—prioritizes applied scientific reasoning over rote recall. According to the official TEAS 7 Test Blueprint (updated 2023), the Science portion includes 50 scored questions (53 total with 3 unscored), of which approximately 7–9 fall under Chemistry (14–18%). These questions align with high school–level general science and nursing prerequisite knowledge.
Official Context from ATI:
- A simplified periodic table is provided on-screen during the digital exam.
- You cannot bring external references, but the built-in table includes element symbols, atomic numbers, and atomic masses for the first 100 elements.
- The focus is on interpreting the table, not reproducing it from memory.
TEAS Chemistry Content Domains (Relevant to Periodic Table):
| Domain | % of Science Section | Periodic Table Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Reasoning | 20% | Using trends to predict properties |
| Chemistry Fundamentals | 16% | Bonding, reactivity, periodicity |
| Physical & Chemical Changes | 10% | States of matter, solutions |
What You Must Understand (Not Memorize):
- Periodic Trends:
- Atomic radius increases down a group, decreases across a period.
- Electronegativity and ionization energy increase across a period, decrease down a group.
- Element Families:
- Group 1 (Alkali metals): Highly reactive with water (e.g., Na + H₂O → NaOH + H₂).
- Group 17 (Halogens): Form −1 ions, react with metals (e.g., Cl₂ + 2Na → 2NaCl).
- Noble Gases (Group 18): Inert due to full valence shells.
- Common Elements in Biology/Chemistry:
- H, C, N, O (organic molecules, pH, respiration)
- Na, K, Ca, Cl (electrolytes, nerve impulses)
- Fe (hemoglobin), I (thyroid)
Evidence-Based Study Strategy:
- ATI TEAS Study Manual (7th Ed.): Recommends pattern recognition over memorization.
- Practice Question Example: “Which element has the highest electronegativity?” → Use table: F (fluorine) is top-right (excluding noble gases).
Efficient Preparation (300 Words):
Focus on 15 high-yield elements (H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca). Use interactive tools (Khan Academy, Quizlet TEAS decks) to drill trends. Practice 20–30 ATI-style chemistry questions—identify if you’re using the table correctly. Skip flashcards for all 118 elements; instead, draw blank tables and label trends with arrows.
Bottom Line: The TEAS tests functional literacy with the periodic table, not photographic memory. Leverage the provided resource, master trends, and prioritize clinical relevance (e.g., electrolytes, acid–base balance). This targeted approach maximizes your score efficiently.