TEAS Nursing Help

You are interested in pursuing a health science course at college or university, and you have probably heard of the entrance exams. Whether you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), or Nurse Practitioner (NP), you will find the read useful.

This article seeks to answer all the questions you might have regarding one of the tests required to take for admission to a nursing program—the TEAS exam. It may sound complex, but you needn’t worry because you will be well-informed once you’re done reading.

While we would want to console you further assuring you of how easy the TEAS exam is, it is important to remain practical. The nursing entrance exam will require proper preparation as you had to do for the many tests you have taken so far.

By now, you are informed that any candidate intending to pursue nursing must take an entrance test. Different institutions ask for different tests, and it’s important that you know which one is needed given that the TEAS is one of the most preferred qualifier exams.

Let’s get started.

What Is The TEAS Test?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is administered to examine candidates' legibility to join the nursing school and other health science courses. It is a standardized exam developed and issued by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). Therefore, don’t be surprised when you hear of the ATI TEAS exam, which refers to the same assessment.

Also, ATI offers preparation services for all students determined to pass the entrance exam. Nursing students benefit more by buying the study guides when undertaking the test prep. Stellar results in the assessment will be a prerequisite for how well you will excel in the nursing programs.  

What Are The Available Options To Take The TEAS Exam?    

As a test-taker, you are spoilt for choice regarding the options you have to take the exam. You can take the exam online via the ATI-approved proctoring service (taken remotely and proctored by the candidates’ institution), go to an ATI testing site (proctored by ATI), or in person at the nursing school. 

Another option is taking the TEAS exam at a PSI National Testing Center. One advantage of taking it online is that tests are scored immediately, and results are sent automatically to the school responsible for administration.

So, you need not worry about being unable to make it to a testing center for various reasons. But you will need to confirm with the specific institution you are taking the exam for the options they allow. Some institutions of higher learning allow multiple options; others are very particular about the alternatives they accord students.

How Many Times Is One Allowed To Take The TEAS?

The nursing schools determine the number of attempts you can take. Accordingly, it varies from one institution to another. Some will allow two annual retakes and others multiple retests. ATI allows you to retest after 30 days, but that duration might change depending on the nursing school you aspire to join. 

Therefore, you will need to confirm the details with the college or university administering the exam.

How Long Is The TEAS Test Valid For?

No single answer is available for the expiration of TEAS test results. Every nursing school will determine the TEAS test they still consider valid. Some institutions only consider scores achieved in the last year. Other nursing schools consider TEAS test results useful for two years.

In rare cases, tertiary institutions consider the exam results valid for up to five years. Individuals with TEAS test scores dating more than five years may be required to retake the exam.

Terms Of Validity

The date when you take the exams marks the beginning of the validity period of the exam. However, some institutions only consider the validity to start counting from the date you applied for the assessment. 

You will need to seek clarification from the institution you are seeking admission by contacting the admissions office. That is a move you make if the website is unclear about the validity issue.     

TEAS Test Cost

So, how much are you expected to pay for the TEAS test? Several factors determine the exam fee. These determinants include the institution offering the assessment, the number of transcripts they request, and any additional fees or purchases for materials made through ATI. Therefore, it is not a one-shoe-fit-all situation. Every student will incur unique exam fee costs following the highlighted variations.

Below is a breakdown of the associated costs that make up the TEAS test fee.   

How Much Does The ATI TEAS Test Cost?

Firstly, your preferred proctoring option has cost implications. Individual testing centers in universities and colleges will ask for approximately 100 US dollars. However, TEAS assessments conducted by ATI or at PSI centers will cost 115 US dollars. 

When you opt for ATI proctored exam, you can pay the exam fee at the time you are registering. Payments can be through credit or debit cards. ATI accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Cards.

Some nursing programs require you to register through the nursing school you intend to join. The payment is typically made at the time you are going to take the exam. You can do that by selecting 'Add Product' and entering the Assessment ID code provided to you by the institution.

In that case, the institutions will ask you to pay through a debit or credit card. All test-takers should verify their billing and shipping addresses before placing the order.

Additional ATI TEAS Test Fees

Other fees may be added if a student decides to take the exam at an institution. For instance, they may include proctor charges, room fees, or scheduling fees. Again, these costs vary with nursing schools and testing centers.

The TEAS test fee is inclusive of one transcript. However, you will need to pay an extra $27 for additional transcript credits. These credits are non-refundable but do not expire. What does that mean? You can send them at any time after taking the exam.

One crucial detail to note is that the tests cannot be rescheduled, nor are they refundable. In that regard, if you miss the assessment, you will have to repay the fees.

How Much Does The TEAS Retake Cost?

You will pay the same amount paid when doing the first take. No discounts exist for candidates retaking the assessment. If you select a different method in the second trial, you may experience differences in the exam costs.  

What Subjects Does The TEAS Exam Examine?

The best way to prepare for what lies ahead is by knowing the subjects you will face in the assessment. TEAS examines test-takers in four areas. They include Math, Science, Reading, and English and language usage. 

It is important to note that reading and science comprise a significant part of the total TEAS score, 62%. Math accounts for 21%, and English for 17%. That means that students must allot considerable study time for the two study areas.

How Many Questions Are In The TEAS?

The exam constitutes 170 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four options. Also, only 150 scored questions are considered. 

However, that doesn’t mean that you can choose to answer only 150 questions because you can’t tell which are the unscored questions. That would be unwise. Answer all the questions in the exam, and showcase your essential academic skills. 

How Long Is The TEAS Exam?

Perhaps you are wondering how long it will take you to complete the exam. You will have three and a half hours to complete the assessment. That duration is ample as long as you prepare for the exam thoroughly.

The Reading section contains 45 questions timed for 55 minutes, while the TEAS Math section has 38 questions with a time limit of 57 minutes. The Science part constitutes 50 questions timed at 60 minutes, and the English and Language Usage part carries 37 questions with a 37-minute timing. 

These sections allow a 10-minute break after the first two sections. The gap is not counted in the exam time limit.  

Topics Tested In The TEAS

We mentioned that TEAS examines students on math, reading, English language and usage, and science. It is crucial to know about the topics you should focus on during the exam preps. Have a look at the table below for the specific topic highlights.  

Is Using A Calculator Allowed During The TEAS?

You are not allowed to bring your own calculator during the exam. Usually, the institution or exam center will provide one for you. If you are taking an online test, a digital calculator will also be available.  

What Is The Passing Score Of The TEAS Test?

Typically, ATI issues a composite score which is your main score. The score combines the results for the performance of every TEAS test section. ATI Inc. assigns a certain weight to each question, which is how the exam is scored. 

Also, ATI will describe your academic preparedness level to get a sense of how ready you are to enroll in the health science program.

Every nursing school has a preference for a passing score. For instance, Wichita State University requires the following minimum passing grades: Reading – 69%, Math – 63%, Science – 45%, and English – 60%. However, most schools require you to score at least 70% composite score for admission into the health sciences program.

The score report also includes the national average for the total score on the specific version of the TEAS exam you took. ATI also publishes the national percentile rank for the program type you are applying for, which will let you know how you compare to other candidates. 

They will also provide the program percentile rank for all participants in the same health science discipline you want to study.

TEAS Scores And Ranges

Ideally, the TEAS exam is not about “passing” or “failing” per se. The grading system shows the level of preparedness you have to attend the diploma or bachelor’s program of choice. Your score report will indicate your score and associated preparedness level. 

Your overall composite score is what ATI uses to determine how prepared you are. Look at the list below for the score ranges and preparedness levels.

• Developmental - 0.0% to 40.7%
• Basic - 41.3% to 58.0%
• Proficient - 58.7% to 77.3%
• Advanced - 78.0% to 90.0%
• Exemplary - 90.7% to 100.0%

An Interpretation Of ATI TEAS Preparedness Levels

“Developmental” is the lowest level of preparedness and indicates that the student is not academically ready to enroll in the nursing program or allied health sciences courses. The “Basic” level reveals an extent of readiness, but where the student will require more help getting ready for the TEAS. The two levels often mean that you will have to retake the test.

A “Proficient” level score means that the candidate is moderately prepared, while those with “Advanced” scores are relatively highly prepared to train in the health sciences programs. These students do not need extra help to get admission. 

The “Exemplary” TEAS scores, which every test-taker hopes to achieve, reveal that they are highly prepared to take on and succeed in studying nursing. It is an excellent score that guarantees acceptance into most nursing schools.

Given that you have an idea of the scoring and the subjects tested, it is paramount that you exert significant effort to prepare for the TEAS test. Many students enroll in a TEAS prep course to ensure they realize good results. That doesn’t mean you will fail if you decide to study without help.

If you study hard long before the exam day, you will still perform well. Careful study and preparation will enable you to confidently take the test and prove that you are capable of becoming the next health professional.

It is a high-stakes assessment, but don't get too anxious about it. The following section discusses how you can train for it. Remember, adequate preparation counts greatly in any undertaking within or without the academic sphere. Besides, our team here at Ace My Homework is always willing to provide help whenever you need it. 

Preparing For TEAS Exam  

Previous participants and ATI instructors recommend at least six weeks of study time to adequately get ready for the assessment. You can plan for your study duration based on your preferred date for taking the test. 

Your program’s admission deadlines will influence when you opt to take the exam. While checking these details, you need to know the passing score, how long it takes to get the results, the last date allowed for your score submission, the institution's second-attempt policy (usually 30 days between test days), and the number of TEAS trials you are allowed per year.

Once you know the date, you start the journey by learning about the exam. Your reading of this article is already part of the preliminary stages of the preparation process. 

Now that you know about the test’s structure and grading criterion, you are in a position to create a study schedule. The study schedule should take into account your strengths and weaknesses. That way, you will know which subject area requires more time allocation.  

How To Pass The TEAS Test

It would help if you utilized the wide range of study resources and study tips available to get a good score. The study guides are particularly vital for learning all you can about the format and content of the test (the article covers that, but the guides give more details). 

Besides, reading the material will be an eyeopener for you to know the topics you need to focus more attention on if you struggle with them.

As you continue studying the content, taking the TEAS prep tests periodically will be vital to monitoring your progress. Typically, you should be scoring higher every time you take the periodical prep tests because your confidence grows the longer you interact with the content.

Practice exams also help test takers get acquainted with the questions in the exam. If you want, you have the opportunity to take timed practice assessments. Continue practicing until a day before your test.

Studying Tips For TEAS

Taking the TEAS can be a daunting endeavor if one is inadequately prepared. Therefore, you will need all the arsenal you can get. That brings us to the next pointers for you to keep in mind.   

• Access Reliable Study Materials

You need to ensure that you are utilizing reputable and reliable resources when studying for the TEAS exam. You want to be certain that the information you're reviewing is a suitable material. The study guides should be developed and authored by educational professionals. 

You have three options when considering reliable sources.

TEAS Study Guides

Firstly, you can access either softcopies or hard book cover TEAS study guides. The goal is to work through all the material covered in the assessment at your convenience and pace. 

The online resources are more flexible as you can access them at any time via your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. You can attend a lesson over lunch breaks or when commuting.

ATI Testing Resources 

Secondly, you can consider utilizing the ATI Testing Resources. The ATI Testing website has study guides and practice tests that you will find handy when studying for your TEAS exam. 

ATI is the creator of the assessment, so you are assured of the reliability of the material. Taking their online practice tests is an additional and effective approach to gauge your readiness to take the assessment.

The Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) is the official provider of the TEAS. Therefore, you will find the ATI TEAS Smart Prep package helpful. ATI’S resource entails digital lessons, practice questions, test-taking tips, and two online practice tests. 

Also, you get to have a personalized study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. Once you purchase the resource at $209, it remains available for the next 90 days.

College Study Materials

Third, you can use the college study materials. Some postsecondary institutions offer the resources needed to take the test with them. 

Most of their websites have helpful information that will be instrumental in your preparation journey. It is possible to access sample test questions, objective test outlines, and other relevant materials. 

It is a good idea to check college websites when gathering sources.

• Join A Study Group Or Find A Study Partner

It's easy to slip away from your study schedule and prep lessons when you’re only answerable to yourself. That’s why you need to have a study partner or be part of a study group, as it will make you accountable for the effort you exert during the preparation stage. 

Also, you will get the motivation needed to continue with test reviewing, especially when things get tough. Your study partner or group members will also help you handle those problematic topics you are sometimes tempted to overlook.

• Have A Study Time Schedule

Here, procrastination is your worst enemy. Don’t imagine that you have plenty of time to prepare that you end up rushing through the review material a week before the assessment. That would be detrimental.

Therefore, the best way to avoid landing in such a mess is by planning a study time schedule that will keep you on track. The move will ensure that you have enough time to prepare for the four subsets examined in the TEAS assessment.  

• Don't Schedule The Test Until You're Prepared

It is very crucial that you excel in your TEAS exam because it determines whether you will get that admission or not, and some nursing schools impose long waiting times before allowing you to retake the test. Did we mention that they also limit the number of attempts per calendar year?

In that light, make sure you schedule the assessment when you are ready and confident of good test results. Don’t waste yourself by rushing into taking the test and jeopardizing your education plans.

• Talk To A Nursing Advisor

Now that is a good idea owing to the fact that these are professionals who are well-informed and experienced. Your secondary school may not have one, but most postsecondary institutions have nursing advisors who help aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals make informed decisions. 

Aside from offering advice on the programs, they can also share review materials that will be indispensable during TEAS test preparation.

Conclusion

The TEAS test is an important exam that demands detailed preparation. The entrance standardized test can be a breeze if you have the correct information and resources. 

As you prepare to take the assessment, it is necessary to stay healthy and get adequate rest. If test anxiety is your undoing, you may need to find specific ways to handle the test day. 

Alternatively, you can reach our team of professional tutors to help you with the assessment and end the anxiety troubles. 

One last pointer, make educated guesses on questions you do not know. It’s unwise to skip questions. If you need any help with your ATI TEAS, we are only a click away