Check out this list of our most frequently asked questions about the TEAS.

The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a standardized test used by many nursing schools and allied health programs to assess a candidate’s readiness for their program. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the ATI TEAS Exam:

1. What is the ATI TEAS?

The ATI TEAS is a standardized test used to evaluate a candidate’s basic academic skills, such as reading, math, science, and English language usage. It is designed to assess whether a candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in a nursing or allied health program.

2. How is the TEAS structured?

The TEAS is divided into four sections: reading, math, science, and English and language usage. The test-taker answers questions about each of these topics in the specific order just shown. Each section of the exam is timed separately, so you must complete a section before moving on to the next section. You can go back and forth to questions within a section. However, once you close that section and move on to the next part of the exam, you cannot go back and change any answers. The test has 170 questions with 20 unscored pretest questions. (Pretest questions are ones that may appear on future exams. In answering them, you are helping to ensure they are accurate. You won’t know which questions they are, and they aren’t counted in your score whether you get them correct or incorrect.) You’ll have an overall time of 209 minutes to take the exam.

3. What is the passing score for the TEAS?

No universal passing score exists for the TEAS because each nursing school or allied health program sets its own minimum score requirement. However, a competitive score is typically around 70%-75%. It’s important to check with the specific program to which you’re applying to understand what their minimum score requirement is.

4. How do I register for the TEAS?

First, check with the school(s) where you plan to apply. Each school determines how you should register and take the TEAS. Some schools choose to handle registration and execution of the TEAS exam themselves, while others choose to use ATI for registration and exam proctoring. (Exam proctoring is the method used to oversee the security of the test to ensure cheating doesn’t happen.) For all testing methods, you’ll need to create an account with ATI to get your results and transcripts.

5. How much does the TEAS cost?

The cost of the TEAS varies depending on the testing location and any additional services you choose. Typically, the exam fee ranges from $65 to $125.

6. How should I prepare for the TEAS?

A variety of resources are available to help you prepare for the TEAS, including study guides, practice tests, and online courses. It’s a good idea to create a study plan, focusing on your weaker areas, and dedicate consistent time to studying in the weeks leading up to the exam. We highly suggest using the ATI TEAS SmartPrep self-paced tutorial. It begins by giving you a pretest that determines your strengths and weaknesses within the TEAS content areas. Next, SmartPrep produces a study program based on your personal results.

7. Can I retake the TEAS if I don’t achieve my desired score?

Yes, you can retake the TEAS. However, you may need to wait a certain number of days between your first and next attempt. The wait time varies depending on the testing location and the nursing school or allied health program to which you’re applying. It’s important to check the retake policy for your specific program.

8. How long are TEAS scores valid?

TEAS scores are typically valid for 2 years, but some schools have different requirements. It’s best to check with the program to which you’re applying for their specific policy on TEAS score validity.

9. When will I receive my TEAS scores?

You will receive your TEAS scores immediately upon completing the computer-based test. However, it may take up to 48 hours for your scores to be available in your ATI account. Some schools choose not to allow automatic scoring to those who take the exam. So, again, it’s best to check with the program to which you’re applying to understand its policies.

10. How do I send my TEAS scores to schools?

You can send your TEAS scores to schools through your ATI account. You may need to pay an additional fee to send scores to multiple schools or to send scores after the initial test date. Once again, check with the specific program to which you’re applying for their requirements on score submission.

11. Do I need a calculator?

No. A calculator will be provided. If you are taking the exam via a computer, a calculator is built into the exam. If you are taking a paper/pencil exam, the proctor will provide a calculator. The same calculator you will use during the TEAS is a part of our ATI TEAS Online Practice Tests, as well as our ATI TEAS SmartPrep Tutorial.

12. Can I have a drink, snack, or tissues on my desk during the exam?

No. Whether you are taking your TEAS at home or at a school/testing center, you can only have a clean sheet of 8½ x 11 scratch paper on your desk, along with two No. 2 pencils. You should not have anything else on your desk during the exam.

13. Can I take a break during my TEAS?

Yes, you can take a short 10-minute break following the completion of the math section. During this time, you can use the restroom, get a quick drink of water, etc. This break is available during remote (at-home) testing and in person at an institution or testing center.

Have more questions about the ATI TEAS? Check out our TEAS FAQ Center.