Free TEAS Practice Test - Prepare for Your Nursing School Entrance Exam

Understanding the TEAS Exam

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized test used by nursing schools to assess a student's preparedness for entering the health science fields. It measures basic essential skills in the academic content areas of reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage.

TEAS Test Structure

The current TEAS 7 consists of four main sections:

• Reading: 45 questions (55 minutes) - Key ideas & details, craft & structure, integration of knowledge & ideas
• Mathematics: 38 questions (57 minutes) - Numbers & algebra, measurement & data
• Science: 50 questions (60 minutes) - Human anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning
• English and Language Usage: 37 questions (37 minutes) - Conventions of standard English, knowledge of language, vocabulary acquisition

TEAS Scoring System

The TEAS is scored on a scale from 0% to 100%, with each section receiving its own score. Most nursing programs look for a composite score of at least 60-70%, with competitive programs requiring scores of 80% or higher.

History of the TEAS

The TEAS was developed by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) to help nursing school admission boards assess applicants' academic readiness for nursing programs. The exam has undergone several revisions, with the latest version (TEAS 7) being released in 2022.

The test has evolved to better reflect the skills needed in modern nursing education, with increased emphasis on critical thinking and clinical judgment that are essential for success in nursing programs and clinical practice.

TEAS vs. Other Nursing Entrance Exams

While the TEAS is the most commonly required nursing entrance exam, some programs may accept alternatives:

• HESI A2: Another popular nursing entrance exam that includes similar content areas plus physics and personality profiling
• PAX-RN: Used by some programs, particularly in the northeastern United States
• Program-Specific Tests: Some nursing programs develop their own entrance examinations

How to Prepare for the TEAS

Effective TEAS preparation involves several strategies:

• Take Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and timing
• Review Content Areas: Focus on anatomy & physiology, basic algebra, grammar rules, and reading comprehension
• Learn Test-Taking Strategies: Develop approaches for different question types and time management
• Identify Weak Areas: Use practice tests to pinpoint content areas needing improvement
• Create a Study Schedule: Plan regular study sessions in the weeks leading up to your exam

TEAS Question Types

The TEAS includes several specific question types:

• Multiple Choice: Standard four-option questions across all sections
• Multiple Select: Questions requiring selection of all applicable options
• Fill in the Blank: Questions requiring typed numerical answers (math section)
• Ordered Response: Questions requiring sequencing of steps or events

When to Take the TEAS

Most students take the TEAS during their sophomore or junior year of college, after completing prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and basic mathematics. You can take the TEAS up to three times in a year, with at least 30 days between attempts.

FAQ: TEAS Testing

How long is the TEAS?

The TEAS takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete, including breaks between sections.

How many times can I take the TEAS?

You can take the TEAS up to three times in a year. Most nursing programs will consider your highest score.

What's a good TEAS score?

A "good" TEAS score depends on the nursing programs you're applying to. Generally, scores above 70% are considered competitive for many programs, while top-tier nursing schools often look for scores above 85%.

Can I use a calculator on the TEAS?

Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided for the mathematics section of the TEAS. You cannot bring your own calculator.

How is the TEAS scored?

You earn points for correct answers, and there's no penalty for wrong answers. Your score is calculated based on the number of questions answered correctly in each section.

TEAS Test Day Tips

• Get plenty of sleep the night before the test
• Eat a healthy breakfast on test day
• Arrive at the test center early with all required identification
• Pace yourself during the test - the TEAS is timed for each section
• Answer every question since there's no penalty for guessing
• Use process of elimination on difficult questions
• Take advantage of the breaks between sections to relax and refocus