TEAS Tuesday: Is the ATI TEAS, Version 7 more difficult than the current version?

Date Published: May 24, 2022

The ATI TEAS, Version 7 exam launches on June 3, 2022, and test-takers want to know: will the ATI TEAS, Version 7 exam be more difficult than the current version? We have some clarification for you below.

Need a refresher on all of the changes coming to the TEAS? Check out our guide: What to expect with the updated version of the ATI TEAS exam.

Why is the ATI TEAS exam changing?

Nursing and allied health programs rely on the TEAS to evaluate applicants’ academic preparedness for their studies. It is ATI’s responsibility to make sure the exam accurately tests for that preparedness. That’s why every few years, the TEAS content outline is reviewed to ensure it is doing its job properly. During its 20-year existence, the TEAS has undergone 6 major revisions.

To create Version 7, ATI conducted research with subject matter experts in nursing education, math, science, reading, and English and language usage to ensure the test blueprint (a.k.a. the questions on the exam) reflects evolving Common Core State Standards, as well as nursing and allied health program criteria. These experts were recruited nationally and represent all program types.

Will Version 7 be harder than version 6?

No – the ATI TEAS, Version 7 is not designed to be any more difficult than the previous version of the TEAS exam.

These tests are equated, which means they are comparable to each other and have roughly the same degree of difficulty. ATI equates two tests by adjusting their scores to have the same meaning or interpretation. Let’s say, for example, you receive a total score of 87% on the current version of the TEAS exam. If you put the same amount of time and effort into studying for the ATI TEAS, Version 7, you would be expected to score right around 87% on the new exam, as well.

The ATI TEAS, Version 7 will be different due to the question types and distribution of questions, but not due to a higher level of difficulty.

Won’t the alternate item type questions be more difficult?

Alternate item type questions are not designed to be difficult or to trick you. They are simply there to help assess your level of understanding of some topics better than traditional multiple-choice questions can. Tests that you will take throughout your nursing school journey, including the NCLEX, will also contain alternate item type questions, so preparing to tackle these questions on the TEAS will help set you up for success in the future.

The best way to make sure you are prepared to take on alternate item type questions is to familiarize yourself with each of the different formats, make sure you follow the directions carefully, and practice, practice, practice! Check out our guide to alternate item type questions and how to tackle them for some helpful tips (and a discount on prep materials)!

Here’s the bottom line:

The ATI TEAS exam is designed to test your readiness to be a nursing or allied health student. The TEAS is rigorous, but so is nursing school! With enough time to prepare and the right prep materials, you can feel confident taking the ATI TEAS, Version 7 to earn your highest score.

How do I prepare?

Official ATI TEAS Prep by ATI is the only prep from the creators of the TEAS exam. You’ll get access to the most comprehensive prep materials available, all based on the content and format of the actual ATI TEAS, Version 7 exam.

Visit www.atitesting.com/teas-prep to find official study materials aligned to the ATI TEAS, Version 7 exam. All of our prep includes the new question types being introduced on the ATI TEAS, Version 7 exam: alternate item types.

Want more practice with alternate item type questions? Follow us on Facebook and take part in answering the TEAS Question of the Week now through June 5, 2022!

You can learn more about ATI TEAS, Version 7 by visiting our ATI TEAS FAQ Center Help Center.

Submit your questions about the ATI TEAS, Version 7 below!

We will be in touch to make sure you feel prepared to earn your best score on the ATI TEAS, Version 7 exam.