Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Overview

The Test of Essential Academic Skills is an academic assessment test that some nursing schools and academic programs use to determine whether or not you are likely to be successful in their certificate or degree program. The test covers reading, math, science, and English and language usage, resulting in an overall score that can be used by some schools as a way of judging your eligibility for admission. The test is administered by ATI Nursing Education but is offered at many university and testing locations around the country.

The TEAS test is composed of four sections with a total of 170 test items. In the reading section, you are allowed 50 minutes to complete 40 questions that cover areas such as reading comprehension, analyzing and inferring information, and drawing logical conclusions based on what you have read. In the math section, you have 56 minutes to answer 45 questions that assess your knowledge of topics such as ratios, proportions, percentages, algebra, and basic math concepts such as fractions, decimals, and whole numbers. In the science section, you have 38 minutes to answer 30 questions related to general science, science reasoning, chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, and basic physical science. In the English language and usage section, you have 65 minutes to answer 55 questions covering grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, contextual meaning of words, and spelling.

To register for the test, you go to the ATI website at ATItesting.com. Choose the state where you live or where you want to take the test and then select the city where you would like to take the test. A list of testing dates and sites will appear. When you arrive to take the test, you will need a valid photo ID such as a state-issued driver’s license or ID card. You will want to bring at least two #2 pencils and arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of the exam’s scheduled start time. You will not be allowed to bring a calculator into the exam. If you do not pass the exam or if you are not happy with your score, you can take the test once more in the same admission cycle.