TEAS Study Guide: Complete Prep for Nursing School

Getting into nursing school starts with one important test – the TEAS exam. This test shows schools if you’re ready for their nursing program.

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) covers four main subjects. You’ll answer questions about reading, math, science, and English.

Most nursing schools require a good TEAS score before they accept you.

What Is the TEAS Exam?

The TEAS exam is made by ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). Nursing schools across the country use this test to pick their students.

The current version is called TEAS 7. It replaced TEAS 6 in June 2022. This newer version has more questions and different sections than the old test.

The test takes about 3.5 hours to complete. You’ll answer 170 questions total, but only 150 count toward your score. The other 20 are practice questions that don’t affect your grade.

TEAS Exam Structure and Timing

Each section of the TEAS has a different number of questions and time limit. Here’s how the test breaks down:

Reading Section: 45 questions in 55 minutes
Math Section: 38 questions in 57 minutes
Science Section: 50 questions in 60 minutes
English Section: 37 questions in 37 minutes

You get one 10-minute break after the math section. During this break, the timer stops completely. You can’t access any personal items during your break time.

The science section has the most questions. Many students find this section the hardest. The English section has the fewest questions but moves very fast.

TEAS Reading Study Guide

The reading section tests how well you understand written text. You’ll read passages and answer questions about them.

This section has three main parts:

Key Ideas & Details (15 questions)
Craft & Structure (9 questions)
Integration of Knowledge & Ideas (15 questions)

Key Ideas & Details

This part tests if you can find the main points in what you read. You need to pick out important facts and details.

You’ll practice finding the main idea of paragraphs. You’ll also learn to summarize what you read in your own words. Some questions ask you to follow written directions step by step.

Charts and graphs appear in this section too. You need to read these visual aids and answer questions about them. Practice reading tables, bar charts, and line graphs.

Craft & Structure

This section looks at how authors write their texts. You’ll identify if something is a fact or just an opinion.

You need to figure out why an author wrote something. Was it to inform, persuade, or entertain readers? You’ll also identify the author’s point of view or bias.

Word meaning questions appear here too. You’ll figure out what words mean based on how they’re used in sentences.

Integration of Knowledge & Ideas

This part tests your ability to connect information from different sources. You might compare two different passages about the same topic.

You’ll make predictions based on what you read. You’ll also evaluate if sources are trustworthy and reliable. Some questions ask you to identify themes or main messages in stories.

Reading Study Tips

Read different types of materials every day. Try newspapers, magazines, and online articles. Practice reading both fiction and non-fiction texts.

Time yourself while reading passages. You only have about one minute per question. Don’t spend too much time on any single question.

Take notes while you read longer passages. Write down main ideas and important details. This helps you answer questions faster.

For more detailed reading strategies and practice questions, check out our TEAS 7 Reading Study Guide.

TEAS Mathematics Study Guide

The math section covers topics you learned in high school. You don’t need advanced calculus or trigonometry knowledge.

This section has two main parts:

Numbers & Algebra (18 questions)
Measurement & Data (16 questions)

Numbers & Algebra

This part focuses on basic math operations and simple algebra. You’ll work with fractions, decimals, and percentages.

You need to solve word problems using ratios and proportions. You’ll also work with basic equations that have one unknown variable. Some questions involve estimating and rounding numbers.

Practice converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages. For example, know that 1/4 equals 0.25 and 25%. These conversions appear frequently on the test.

Measurement & Data

This section tests your ability to work with measurements and interpret data. You’ll convert between different measurement systems.

You need to read charts, graphs, and tables to answer questions. Some questions involve basic statistics like finding averages or identifying trends in data.

Geometry questions appear here too. You’ll calculate areas, perimeters, and volumes of basic shapes. Know the formulas for rectangles, triangles, and circles.

Essential Math Formulas

Memorize these key formulas before test day:

Distance: d = rt (distance = rate × time)
Area of rectangle: A = lw (area = length × width)
Perimeter of square: P = 4s (perimeter = 4 × side)
Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
Circumference of circle: C = 2πr

Math Study Tips

Practice basic arithmetic without a calculator first. Then use the calculator to check your work. The test provides a calculator, but basic skills help you work faster.

Review order of operations (PEMDAS). Many students make mistakes by doing operations in the wrong order. Remember: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.

Work through word problems step by step. Identify what the question is asking. Then figure out what information you need to solve it.

For comprehensive math review and practice problems, visit our TEAS 7 Mathematics Study Guide.

TEAS Science Study Guide

The science section is often considered the hardest part of the TEAS. It covers a lot of material from biology, chemistry, and anatomy.

This section has four main parts:

Human Anatomy & Physiology (18 questions)
Biology (9 questions)
Chemistry (8 questions)
Scientific Reasoning (9 questions)

Human Anatomy & Physiology

This is the biggest part of the science section. You need to know about all the major body systems.

Study the skeletal system and how bones connect. Learn about muscles and how they help us move. The nervous system controls everything, so understand how the brain and nerves work.

Know the cardiovascular system inside and out. This includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood circulation. The respiratory system brings oxygen into our bodies and removes carbon dioxide.

The digestive system breaks down food for energy. The endocrine system uses hormones to control body functions. Each system works together to keep us healthy.

Biology

This section covers basic life science concepts. You’ll answer questions about cells and how they work.

Understand cell structure and the job each part does. Learn about DNA and how traits pass from parents to children. This involves Mendel’s laws of genetics.

Know about different types of molecules in living things. Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats all have important jobs. You’ll also learn how germs cause diseases.

Chemistry

Chemistry questions focus on atoms and how they combine. You need to understand basic atomic structure.

Learn about acids and bases and how they’re different. Understand how chemical reactions work and what affects their speed. Know the different states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.

Water has special properties that make life possible. Understand how water behaves and why it’s so important for living things.

Scientific Reasoning

This part tests your ability to think like a scientist. You’ll analyze experiments and draw conclusions from data.

Practice reading scientific charts and graphs. Learn to identify cause and effect relationships. Understand how scientists use the scientific method to test ideas.

Know how to make predictions based on scientific evidence. You’ll also practice measuring things accurately using scientific tools.

Science Study Tips

Make flashcards for anatomy terms and body system functions. Review them daily until you memorize the information. Visual aids help you remember complex systems.

Draw diagrams of body systems and label the parts. This helps you understand how everything connects. Use different colors to show how blood flows or how nerves connect.

Practice reading scientific passages and graphs. Many questions give you information and ask you to interpret it. Don’t just memorize facts – understand how they relate to each other.

For detailed science content review and practice questions, explore our TEAS 7 Science Study Guide.

TEAS English and Language Usage Study Guide

The English section tests your grammar, spelling, and writing skills. You need to know the rules of standard English.

This section has three main parts:

Conventions of Standard English (12 questions)
Knowledge of Language (11 questions)
Using Language and Vocabulary (10 questions)

Conventions of Standard English

This part focuses on basic grammar rules and correct spelling. You’ll identify and fix grammar mistakes in sentences.

Learn the different types of sentences: simple, compound, and complex. Understand how to use commas, periods, and other punctuation marks correctly. Practice identifying subject-verb agreement errors.

Spelling rules help you write words correctly. Know how to make words plural and when to add prefixes or suffixes. Learn common spelling patterns and exceptions.

Knowledge of Language

This section tests how well you can write clear, effective sentences. You’ll practice combining sentences and improving unclear writing.

Learn to identify your audience when writing. Formal writing uses different language than casual conversation. Practice adjusting your writing style for different situations.

Understand how paragraphs work together. Each paragraph should have one main idea. Practice writing topic sentences and supporting details.

Using Language and Vocabulary

This part focuses on word choice and meaning. You’ll figure out what words mean based on context clues.

Learn to break down unfamiliar words into parts. Prefixes, roots, and suffixes give you clues about word meanings. For example, “pre-” means before, and “post-” means after.

Practice the writing process from start to finish. This includes planning, drafting, revising, and editing your work. Good writers go through multiple drafts to improve their writing.

English Study Tips

Read your writing out loud to catch mistakes. Your ears often hear problems that your eyes miss. This helps you find run-on sentences and unclear phrases.

Learn common grammar rules and practice them daily. Focus on subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, and verb tenses. These concepts appear frequently on the test.

Build your vocabulary by reading diverse materials. When you encounter unfamiliar words, look them up and practice using them. Keep a vocabulary journal for new words.

For complete grammar review and practice exercises, check out our TEAS 7 English and Language Usage Study Guide.

Creating Your TEAS Study Plan

A good study plan helps you cover all the material without feeling overwhelmed. Start planning at least 6-8 weeks before your test date.

Week 1-2: Assessment and Foundation

Take a practice test first to see where you stand. This shows you which subjects need the most work. Don’t worry if you don’t do well – this is just your starting point.

Focus on your weakest subject first. If science is hard for you, spend extra time on anatomy and biology. If math is challenging, review basic arithmetic and algebra.

Set up a study schedule that works for your life. Study for 1-2 hours each day rather than cramming for long periods. Short, regular study sessions work better than marathon sessions.

Week 3-4: Content Review

Dive deep into each subject area. Use study guides, textbooks, and online resources to review key concepts. Take notes as you study to help you remember important information.

Make flashcards for terms you need to memorize. This works especially well for anatomy terms and math formulas. Review your flashcards daily during short breaks.

Practice explaining concepts in your own words. If you can teach something to someone else, you truly understand it. This technique helps identify gaps in your knowledge.

Week 5-6: Practice and Application

Take more practice tests to track your progress. Focus on timing yourself and working under test conditions. This helps reduce anxiety on test day.

Review your mistakes carefully after each practice test. Understand why you got questions wrong and how to avoid similar mistakes. Keep a log of your common errors.

Practice with different question types. The TEAS includes multiple choice, multiple select, and other formats. Make sure you’re comfortable with all question styles.

Week 7-8: Final Review and Test Prep

Focus on your remaining weak areas during the final weeks. Don’t try to learn completely new material at this point. Instead, reinforce what you already know.

Take a final practice test under real test conditions. Time yourself strictly and take the same breaks allowed on test day. This gives you confidence and identifies any last-minute issues.

Prepare your test day materials and plan your route to the testing center. Get everything ready the night before so you’re not stressed on test morning.

Understanding TEAS Scoring

The TEAS uses a complex scoring system that considers question difficulty. Not all questions are worth the same number of points.

Score Categories

Your TEAS score falls into one of five categories:

Exemplary: 92-100% (Excellent preparation)
Advanced: 80-91% (Very good preparation)
Proficient: 59-79% (Adequate preparation with some gaps)
Basic: 41-58% (Limited preparation)
Developmental: 0-40% (Significant preparation needed)

What Schools Look For

Most nursing programs want students who score in the Advanced or Exemplary range. Some competitive programs require scores of 85% or higher.

However, each school sets its own requirements. Some programs accept Proficient scores if other parts of your application are strong. Research your target schools’ specific requirements.

Don’t focus only on your total score. Some schools also look at individual section scores. They might require minimum scores in science or math regardless of your overall performance.

Retaking the TEAS

You can retake the TEAS if you’re not happy with your score. Most schools allow 2-3 attempts per year, but policies vary.

Wait at least 30 days between attempts at most institutions. Use this time to identify your weak areas and study more effectively. Don’t retake the test immediately without additional preparation.

Each attempt appears on your transcript that schools receive. Some programs consider your highest score, while others look at all attempts. Check your target schools’ policies before retaking.

Common TEAS Study Mistakes to Avoid

Many students make the same mistakes when preparing for the TEAS. Learning from these common errors can improve your preparation.

Studying Too Close to Test Day

Starting to study just a few weeks before the test rarely leads to success. The TEAS covers too much material to learn quickly.

Begin your preparation at least 6-8 weeks before your test date. This gives you time to learn new concepts and practice applying them. Rush preparation leads to surface learning that doesn’t stick.

Focusing Only on Weak Subjects

While you should spend extra time on challenging subjects, don’t ignore your strengths completely. Skills can get rusty without practice.

Maintain your strong subjects while improving weak ones. Spend about 60% of your time on weak areas and 40% reviewing strong subjects. This balanced approach prevents any section from declining.

Memorizing Without Understanding

Simply memorizing facts without understanding concepts leads to problems on test day. The TEAS asks you to apply knowledge, not just recall it.

Focus on understanding why things work the way they do. This deeper learning helps you answer questions even when they’re phrased differently than you expect.

Skipping Practice Tests

Practice tests are one of the most valuable study tools available. They show you exactly what the real test feels like and where you need improvement.

Take practice tests regularly throughout your preparation. Start with one every two weeks, then increase to weekly tests as your test date approaches. Always review your mistakes thoroughly.

Not Managing Time During Practice

Many students practice without timing themselves, then struggle with time management on test day. The TEAS has strict time limits for each section.

Always time yourself during practice sessions. This builds your internal clock and helps you pace yourself appropriately. Practice moving on from difficult questions to avoid running out of time.

Additional TEAS Study Resources

Beyond the basic study guides, many other resources can enhance your preparation. Use a variety of materials to keep your studying interesting and comprehensive.

Official ATI Materials

ATI offers official study packages with practice tests and study guides. These materials match the actual test format most closely.

The official materials can be expensive, but they’re often worth the investment. They give you the most accurate practice experience available.

Free Online Resources

Many websites offer free TEAS practice questions and study materials. While these vary in quality, they can supplement your main study resources.

Look for sites that explain why answers are correct or incorrect. This helps you learn from your mistakes and understand the reasoning behind correct answers.

Study Groups and Tutoring

Studying with others can provide motivation and different perspectives on difficult concepts. Form a study group with other pre-nursing students.

Consider hiring a tutor if you’re struggling with specific subjects. A good tutor can explain concepts in ways that click for your learning style.

Mobile Apps and Flashcards

Use study apps on your phone to review during short breaks throughout the day. This helps maximize your study time without requiring long study sessions.

Digital flashcards are convenient for memorizing terms and formulas. Many apps use spaced repetition to help you remember information longer.

Preparing for Nursing School Success

The TEAS is just the first step in your nursing education journey. The study habits you develop for this test will serve you well in nursing school.

Building Strong Study Habits

Nursing school requires excellent time management and study skills. Start developing these habits now during your TEAS preparation.

Learn to break large amounts of information into manageable chunks. This skill will be essential when you’re studying multiple nursing subjects simultaneously.

Understanding the Healthcare Field

Use your TEAS preparation to start learning about healthcare careers. This knowledge will help you in interviews and during your first nursing courses.

Read about current healthcare topics and challenges. This background knowledge will enhance your understanding of nursing concepts later.

Developing Critical Thinking

Nursing requires strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The TEAS tests these abilities, especially in the science and reading sections.

Practice analyzing information and drawing logical conclusions. These skills are fundamental to safe nursing practice and will be tested throughout your education.

Final Thoughts on TEAS Success

Success on the TEAS requires dedicated preparation, effective study strategies, and confidence in your abilities. Remember that this test is designed to predict your success in nursing school.

Trust your preparation and stay calm during the test. You’ve worked hard to get to this point, and good preparation leads to good results.

The TEAS is challenging, but thousands of students pass it every year and go on to successful nursing careers. With the right preparation and mindset, you can join them.

Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing facts. This approach will serve you well not only on the TEAS but throughout your nursing education and career.

Your journey to becoming a nurse starts with passing the TEAS. Put in the effort now, and you’ll be rewarded with admission to the nursing program of your choice.

Remember to use our comprehensive study guides for each section:

Good luck with your TEAS preparation and your future nursing career!