The Test of Essential Academic Skills is a crucial exam for students pursuing nursing or allied health careers, as it assesses their readiness for the medical field and their performance in healthcare roles. ATI, the Assessment Technologies Institute, conducts this exam, which evaluates essential technical and analytical skills needed for success in healthcare programs.
For many aspiring nursing students, the TEAS exam can feel overwhelming. Recognizing its importance can help students feel more confident that with the right preparation, success is achievable, reducing stress and uncertainty.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the TEAS exam, including exam requirements, scoring systems, study techniques, preparation plans, and proven success strategies to help you perform at your best.
What is the TEAS Exam?
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a standardized entrance exam used by nursing schools and healthcare programs to evaluate applicants’ academic preparedness and help students understand what is expected of them.
The exam is designed to measure foundational skills necessary for success in nursing education and healthcare-related studies. Many nursing programs across the United States require TEAS scores as part of their admissions process.
Purpose of the TEAS Exam
The primary goals of the TEAS exam are to:
- Assess academic readiness for nursing school.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in core subjects.
- Help admissions committees evaluate applicants.
- Predict potential success in healthcare education programs.
Strong TEAS scores can significantly boost your application, increasing your chances of acceptance into competitive nursing programs and helping you stand out among other applicants.
TEAS 7 Exam Format: Structure, Sections & Timing
Before you start preparing for the exam, you must know the exam pattern and what is included in the exam.
Exam Overview
The TEAS 7 consists of 170 questions across four sections, with a total testing time of 209 minutes. Knowing this structure helps students feel more in control and prepared for the exam day.
Subjects to Study for the TEAS Exam
- Reading: Reading comprehension, key ideas, details, and interpreting passages.
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, percentages, ratios, fractions, and basic data interpretation.
- Science: Biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.
- English & Language Usage: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, vocabulary, and writing conventions.
Who Needs To Take The TEAS Exam?
The exam helps programs evaluate whether applicants possess the academic foundation necessary to succeed in rigorous healthcare coursework. While not every healthcare program requires the TEAS exam, it remains one of the most commonly accepted entrance assessments for nursing and allied health education across the United States.
Understanding whether you need to take the TEAS exam is an important first step in planning your healthcare education journey. The exam is typically required for students applying to various nursing and healthcare-related programs, each with its own admission standards and score expectations.
Students Applying to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
One of the most common groups who take the TEAS exam is those seeking the Associate Degree in Nursing. These exams prepare students to perform well initially in their nursing careers, which take around 2 years to complete.
The maximum number of students who apply to the Associate degree program is due to this competition; the admissions committee uses the TEAS exam to screen for students who can handle the pressures of a nursing career and demonstrate a strong critical and analytical mindset. Students who have performed well in the exam can distinguish themselves and have a better chance of acceptance into the nursing career.
- Students applying to ADN programs are expected to demonstrate strong knowledge in key academic areas, including:
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Communication and Language Skills
- These subjects are directly assessed on the TEAS exam, making it an important measure of a student’s readiness for nursing education.
- Nursing schools use TEAS scores as a reliable indicator of a candidate’s potential for academic success in an ADN program.
- Many community colleges and technical institutions consider TEAS scores a critical component of the admissions process.
- In some programs, TEAS exam results contribute significantly to an applicant’s overall admission ranking and selection criteria.
- Higher TEAS scores can strengthen an applicant’s chances of securing admission into competitive ADN nursing programs.
Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are increasingly becoming the preferred pathway for individuals seeking long-term nursing careers. These four-year degree programs provide more extensive education in nursing theory, leadership, patient care, research, and healthcare management.
Due to the competitive nature of BSN admissions, many universities require TEAS scores as part of their application process. Admissions committees often use the exam to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds and assess their preparedness for challenging nursing coursework.
Students applying to BSN programs frequently face higher academic expectations than those entering some associate degree programs. As a result, institutions may establish more competitive TEAS score requirements. Applicants who achieve strong scores demonstrate their ability to manage the demanding academic environment associated with a bachelor ‘s-level nursing education.
For prospective BSN students, performing well on the TEAS exam can significantly strengthen an application, especially when combined with strong grades, prerequisite coursework, and healthcare-related experience.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Programs
Students seeking careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) may also be required to take the TEAS exam. These programs focus on providing the practical skills and foundational knowledge necessary for patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
LPN and LVN programs typically emphasize:
- Basic nursing care
- Patient monitoring
- Medication administration
- Clinical procedures
- Healthcare communication
Although these programs are generally shorter than ADN or BSN pathways, they still require students to possess strong academic skills. The TEAS exam helps institutions evaluate whether applicants have the reading, mathematics, science, and language abilities needed to complete the curriculum successfully. Vocational schools and nursing colleges use TEAS scores as part of a comprehensive admissions process. Strong exam performance can demonstrate a student’s commitment to academic excellence and readiness for healthcare training.
Vocational Nursing Programs
Vocational nursing programs provide career-focused education for students interested in entering the healthcare workforce relatively quickly. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates to provide essential patient care services.
Because vocational nursing programs are often intensive and fast-paced, schools need confidence that students can handle the academic demands. The TEAS exam serves as an objective assessment tool that measures the foundational skills necessary for success.
Applicants to vocational nursing programs may be evaluated on:
- Reading comprehension abilities
- Basic scientific knowledge
- Mathematical proficiency
- Written communication skills
Strong performance in these areas suggests that students are more likely to thrive in both classroom and clinical environments.
Allied Health Program Applicants
The TEAS exam is not limited to nursing students. Many allied health programs also require or recommend TEAS scores during the admissions process.
Allied health professions encompass a wide range of healthcare careers that support patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. These professionals play a critical role within the healthcare system and often work alongside physicians, nurses, and other medical specialists.
Examples of allied health programs that may require TEAS scores include:
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Physical Therapist Assistant Programs
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs
- Surgical Technology
- Dental Hygiene
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Medical Laboratory Technology
These programs often involve extensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, and healthcare sciences. As a result, admissions departments use the TEAS exam to assess whether applicants possess the academic skills necessary to succeed in these specialized fields.
For students considering allied health careers, thorough preparation for the TEAS exam can provide a competitive advantage in the application process.
Healthcare Technician and Support Programs
A growing number of healthcare technician programs also incorporate TEAS scores into their admissions requirements. These programs prepare students for essential healthcare support roles that contribute to patient care and medical operations.
Examples may include:
- Patient Care Technician Programs
- Dialysis Technician Programs
- Medical Assistant Programs
- Pharmacy Technician Programs
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Programs
- Cardiovascular Technician Programs
Although specific admission requirements vary, many institutions use TEAS results to evaluate an applicant’s readiness for healthcare-related coursework and training.
Healthcare technician programs often require students to interpret medical information, perform calculations, understand scientific concepts, and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams. The TEAS exam measures many of these foundational competencies.
Students Seeking Competitive Admissions Advantages
Even when a healthcare program does not explicitly require the TEAS exam, some institutions may accept TEAS scores as supplemental application materials. In highly competitive admissions environments, a strong score can help demonstrate academic capability and commitment to a healthcare career.
Applicants who may benefit from submitting TEAS scores include:
- Students with average GPAs
- Career changers returning to education
- Applicants with limited healthcare experience
- Students seeking admission to highly selective programs
A strong TEAS performance can provide admissions committees with additional evidence of a candidate’s potential for success.
Transfer Students Entering Nursing Programs
Transfer students moving from one college or university to another may also encounter TEAS requirements. Nursing schools often evaluate transfer applicants separately from first-time students, but many still require standardized assessment scores as part of the admissions process.
For transfer students, the TEAS exam can help demonstrate continued academic readiness and confirm mastery of foundational skills. Even students who have completed prerequisite coursework may be asked to submit current TEAS scores before acceptance into a nursing program.
Because transfer admission policies vary significantly among institutions, students should carefully review the requirements of their intended schools.
TEAS Exam Logistics: Registration, Testing Options & Retake Policies
How to Register
You register for the TEAS through ATI’s website at atitesting.com or, in some cases, directly through your nursing school if they administer the exam on-site. Check your target programs first; some schools require you to take the TEAS at their testing center rather than at an independent location or remotely.
Testing Formats
The TEAS 7 is available in two formats:
- In-person at a testing center or school: The traditional proctored format. Bring a government-issued ID and verify which materials are permitted with your testing site in advance.
- Remote proctored (at-home): Available through ATI’s remote proctoring platform. You’ll need a quiet space, a reliable internet connection, a compatible device with a webcam, and a clean testing environment free from notes and unauthorized materials.
Retake Policies
Retake policies vary by institution. ATI itself allows students to retake the exam. Still, the specific waiting period between attempts and the maximum number of attempts permitted are often set by the nursing program you’re applying to. Some schools accept your highest score; others take the most recent score. Verify your target program’s retake policy before your first attempt. This affects how aggressively you prepare and whether you should delay if you’re not feeling ready.
Score Reporting
Scores are posted within 48–72 hours of the test date. If you’re working against an application deadline, schedule your exam at least one week ahead of the deadline to allow time for score processing and any administrative issues.
What Happens After the TEAS?
Once your scores are posted, you’ll submit them to your nursing programs as part of your application package. Your TEAS score is one component of your overall application alongside GPA, prerequisite coursework, recommendation letters, and any interviews or essays the program requires.
If your score falls short of a target program’s requirement, you have options. Many students retake the exam after an additional 4–8 weeks of focused preparation and meaningfully improve their scores. The detailed sub-content score breakdown in your score report tells you precisely which areas cost you points, making your second round of studying highly targeted.
If your score exceeds your target program’s threshold, use it to your advantage. Include it prominently in your application, and consider applying to programs with higher average accepted scores than you originally planned.
Final Word: The TEAS Is Designed to Be Passed
The ATI TEAS is challenging, but it covers content that every nursing student has encountered before; nothing on the exam is brand new material. It tests whether you can retrieve and apply information, and how your critical thinking works under certain circumstances. That’s a trainable skill.
The students who score in the Advanced and Exemplary ranges are not necessarily the most naturally gifted test-takers. They’re the ones who took an honest look at their baseline, built a realistic study plan, practiced under timed conditions, and reviewed their mistakes with genuine curiosity.
You have the same capacity. Use this guide as your starting point, invest the weeks ahead of you wisely, and walk into that testing room knowing you prepared.