The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a standardized entrance exam required by most U.S. nursing schools and many allied health programs (e.g., RN, LPN, ADN, BSN, dental hygiene, radiologic technology). Administered by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), it predicts academic readiness for rigorous health science curricula. The latest version, TEAS 7 (effective June 2022), replaced TEAS VI and aligns with updated NCLEX-RN blueprints and evolving healthcare education standards.
The exam consists of 170 questions (150 scored, 20 unscored pretest items) across four core subjects, with a total time limit of 209 minutes. A four-function calculator is provided on-screen for designated math problems.
- Reading (55 min | 45 items) Evaluates information literacy critical for patient charts, research, and evidence-based practice. Tasks include identifying main ideas, inferences, summarizing passages, interpreting graphs/maps, following directions, and integrating knowledge from multiple sources.
- Mathematics (57 min | 38 items) Focuses on quantitative reasoning used in medication dosage, IV rates, and lab values. Covers numbers/operations, algebra, measurement/conversions (metric, household), data interpretation (charts, graphs), ratios, proportions, percentages, and basic geometry. No advanced calculus.
- Science (60 min | 50 items) The most content-heavy section, emphasizing human body systems (anatomy/physiology across 11 systems), biology (cells, genetics), chemistry (atoms, reactions), physics principles, and scientific reasoning (hypotheses, variables, conclusions). Reflects clinical knowledge needed for safe patient care.
- English & Language Usage (37 min | 37 items) Assesses communication clarity vital for documentation and patient education. Includes grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, contextual word use, spelling, and writing conventions.
Context & Strategy: Scores are reported as percentiles (national/program). Competitive programs often require 70%+ overall and 60%+ per section. ATI provides official study manuals, online practice tests, and smart prep modules with detailed blueprints. Retesting is allowed (check school policy—typically 14–45 day wait).