TEAS Test Study Guide

Jump to Sections

1. How many sections does the TEAS test have?
2. TEAS Reading Section
3. TEAS Math Section
4. TEAS Science Section
5. TEAS English and Language Usage Section
6. What to Look for in a TEAS Test Study Resource

One of the most critical parts of getting into nursing school is the Assessment Technologies Institute’s Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS). The TEAS score indicates a candidate’s ability to succeed in a nursing program, so many nursing schools use this standardized admissions test to evaluate potential students.

This is why a TEAS test study guide can be useful if you’re looking to enter nursing school.

To help you make the most of your test preparation, we’ll dive into each section of the TEAS exam, including question formatting and what you can expect on test day. We’ll also tell you what to look for in your prep materials so you’ll have a better chance of passing the TEAS the first time.

How many sections does the TEAS test have?

The sixth edition TEAS test covers four subject areas: reading, math, science, and English. The exam consists of 170 total questions, 150 of which are scored. These will be multiple-choice questions, and you’ll be given three hours and 29 minutes (209 minutes) to complete the test.

Here’s how the seventh edition of the TEAS (released in June 2022) is broken down:

The TEAS Reading Section

The reading section of the TEAS exam tests overall reading comprehension. The general format will be reading passages that usually contain multiple paragraphs, followed by a set of questions relevant to each passage.

You’ll also need to show that you can read in other formats, such as graphs, directions, charts, and maps. Questions will center around things like:

• Interpreting authorial intent
• Identifying opinion versus fact
• Making inferences and drawing conclusions
• Picking out main ideas, supporting details, and themes
• Defining vocabulary terms
• Locating information in indices and tables of content
• Following sets of sequential directions
• Interpreting information represented in graph forms

TEAS Reading Question

Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smartphones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations.

Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smartphones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ringtones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl.

This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives.

The term “frivolous” implies that the author…

• is fascinated by the endless capabilities on smartphones.
• hopes that technology ceases to expand its scope.
• believes that the average individual does not need a smartphone.
• has a smartphone.
• wants to see more developments added to smartphone technology.

The TEAS Math Section

On the mathematics portion of the TEAS test, you’ll need to show that you have a working knowledge of data interpretation, measurements, algebra, and numbers and operations. You might also have to give rationales for presented sums and convert figures between fractions, percentages, and decimals.

Other mathematics objectives might include:

• Solving problems based on the rate of change, ratios, and proportions
• Converting figures between Roman and Arabic numbers
• Converting measurements
• Estimating metric quantities
• Adding and dividing mixed numbers and fractions
• Solving for absolute values
• Solving for unknown variables
• Calculating weight, volume, and dimensions of objects
• Organizing and interpreting information taken from charts, tables, and graphs

TEAS Math Question

If Jessica can read 15 pages in 10 minutes, how long will it take her to read 45 pages?

• 20 minutes
• 30 minutes
• 40 minutes
• 50 minutes

The TEAS Science Section

The science segment of the TEAS exam is designed to assess your knowledge of the physical, life, and Earth sciences, as well as the human body and scientific reasoning.

Most of this portion will ask for descriptions of functions belonging to the digestive, nervous, respiratory, immune, and circulatory systems. Your answer explanations will be a bit longer than in other sections and may require you to include rationales for some.

Other objectives include:

• Interpretation of the biological classification system
• Utilization of taxonomy
• Determination of the properties of matter
• Description of physiological concepts and general anatomy
• Contrasting photosynthesis and respiration
• Understanding DNA and RNA
• Interpretation of pH scale values
• Understanding adaptation and natural selection
• Description of the parts of an experiment
• Determination of force and motion
• Usage of Punnett square and Mendel’s laws of genetics
• Interpretation of scientific arguments
• Contrasting mitosis and meiosis
• Calculation of molarity and diffusion
• Application of the periodic table of elements
• Description of the properties of atoms
• Understanding of cell parts and corresponding functions

TEAS Science Question

Which vitamin is mainly synthesized within the human body?

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E

The TEAS English and Language Usage Section

In the English and language usage segment of the TEAS exam, you’ll be tested on spelling, contextual words, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. In addition, the English and language usage section covers:

• Changing from passive to active voice
• Usage of accurate verb tenses
• Interpretation of subject-verb agreement
• Identification of correct name capitalizations, addresses, and titles
• Distinguishment between simple, compound, and complex sentences
• Determination of parts of speech to include adjectives, adverbs, possessives, pronouns, nouns, and verbs
• Identification of frequently misspelled words, irregular plurals, and compound and hyphenated words

TEAS English Language and Usage Question

Of these sentences, which is the best example of a compound sentence?

• Although Amy and Annie wanted to ride the bus to class, they needed the required bus fare.
• Andy worked hard to complete his exam.
• Carolyn went to the grocery store, but Andy decided to go to the market instead.
• Because Gerald was late for school, he could not take the test.

What to Look for in a TEAS Test Study Resource

Passing the TEAS is about much more than simply understanding the test itself. It also involves having high-quality study materials that serve your unique learning needs.

There are several TEAS test prep programs and TEAS practice tests online, but not all are created equal.

The following segments feature insights into choosing the best TEAS test study resources.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best TEAS test study resource for you.

1. An easy-to-use online portal

It’s a universal truth that nursing students are forever short on time. So, the last thing you want is a study tool that wastes your time.

When choosing your TEAS test prep materials, make sure you have access to an online portal so you can log in anywhere and at any time. The online portal should also be easy to use.

2. Access to practice exams

Access to TEAS practice exams can spell the difference between success and failure on testing day. Good TEAS prep materials offer practice exams in multiple durations and with various practice test questions so you can get valuable study time in, whether you have 10 or 30 minutes to spare.

3. Video Lessons

Maybe you’re a visual learner and need to see instructional content to best process it. In that case, you might benefit from video lessons when it comes to preparing for the TEAS. A good TEAS test prep program will offer real-life video instruction and tutorials with test tips and memory tricks built in.

4. Innovative learning techniques

Any strong TEAS prep course will offer a variety of creative ways to prepare for the actual test beyond just study manuals and flashcards.

Improve Your TEAS Test Score Today

When it comes to the ATI TEAS exam, you need first-rate support to increase your odds of success. That’s where SimpleNursing comes in. We offer e-learning technology that provides you with the knowledge and online resources you need to pass the TEAS the first time.

At SimpleNursing, we’ve researched 5,000 TEAS questions to help isolate the most highly tested topics. You can even build your own quizzes that focus on the subjects you’d like to improve on. The platform also offers an assessment exam to see where you stand and if you’re ready to take the real test. You can also review your performance on any previous tests you’ve taken.

For aspiring nurses looking for a fully immersive, integrative TEAS prep program, SimpleNursing stands apart for its many bespoke elements, simple hacks aimed at getting the most out of every minute of study time, and free signup.

Sign up for free and get access to dynamic TEAS exam preparation.