What's tested on the ATI TEAS?
The ATI TEAS® was developed to evaluate the academic readiness of applicants to health science programs, such as nursing programs. TEAS stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills. ATI is the name of the testmaker and stands for Assessment Technologies Institute.
More programs accept TEAS scores than any other health science admissions test, but some programs want applicants to submit scores from other tests. Therefore, before studying for the TEAS and taking the test, check with the schools you’re interested in to make sure they accept a TEAS score.
What Does the TEAS Test?
The questions you will see on the TEAS assess knowledge and skills that have been identified by health science schools as relevant to assessing your readiness to begin a college program of study. The material tested is typically taught in grades 7–12. The TEAS tests material in four content areas as follows:
| Content Area | Number of Questions (Number of Scored Questions) | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 53 (47) | 64 Minutes |
| Mathematics | 36 (32) | 54 Minutes |
| Break | – | 10 Minutes |
| Science | 53 (47) | 63 Minutes |
| English and Language Usage | 28 (24) | 28 Minutes |
| Total | 170 (150) | 219 Minutes |
The 20 unscored questions are experimental questions included to test their validity. You will not know whether a question is scored or unscored, so do your best on every question.
There is no penalty for wrong answers on the TEAS, so make sure to answer every question. Even if you need to guess, you might get the question right. If you can eliminate one or two answer choices as clearly incorrect, then you increase your chances of guessing correctly.
Check out our section-by-section breakdowns:
- What’s Tested on the TEAS: Reading
- What’s Tested on the TEAS: Mathematics
- What’s Tested on the TEAS: Science
- What’s Tested on the TEAS: English and Language Usage
How Is the ATI TEAS Different From the TEAS V?
The retirement date for the TEAS V is August 31, 2016. After this date, prospective health science students will take the ATI TEAS. There are three key differences between the old and new editions of the test:
- A calculator is now permitted on the Mathematics section. If you are taking the test on a computer, a four-function calculator is embedded in the onscreen test interface. If you are taking the pencil-and-paper version of the test, the proctor will give you a four-function calculator. You may not bring your own calculator to the test.
- The four content areas of the test have not changed. However, the specific competencies emphasized in each have been realigned in response to the feedback of educators about the skills that entry-level health science students should possess.
- The previous test reported all scores as a percentage. The ATI TEAS reports your composite score as a number and continues to report your content area scores as percentages.
How to Register for the ATI TEAS
Be sure to register early because seating for each test administration is limited. One way to register for the TEAS is to go to the testmaker’s website at atitesting.com. You will need to create an account and be logged in to the site to register for the test. Click on the Online Store and select Register for… TEAS. You will be asked where you want to take the test. Then you will be asked for billing information. The fee for the test varies depending on the testing site you choose, but is generally between $50 and $100.
You can also register to take the test at a PSI (formerly Pearson Vue) test center. You will pay for the test and receive a registration number at atitesting.com. Then you’ll go to psiexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267 to schedule the exam. Visit ATI’s website to read detailed instructions for this option. The fee to take the test at a PSI test center is $115.
Another way to register is to contact the school to which you plan to apply and ask for a list of TEAS testing locations. Many nursing and allied health programs administer the TEAS on campus, and registration for the test is sometimes available through the school.
If you register for the test through ATI, your registration is final. To change your test date, you will need to register again and pay the test fee again. If you register through PSI, then to reschedule, you must contact PSI two days before your scheduled test date. If you registered for the test through a school and want to change your test date, contact the school to find out what the policy is.
About the TEAS
When you register for the TEAS, you can request that the school at which you are taking your test receive your score at no additional cost. If you want to submit your score to other schools, go to the testmaker’s website at atitesting.com and use the Online Store to order your transcript(s). The fee is $27 per transcript.
If you want to request accommodations for a disability, contact ATI at 800-667-7531.
