You look forward to making a positive impact in the healthcare industry. As an aspiring nurse, you are excited to develop the skills and expertise needed to successfully care for diverse patients. However, this journey extends further than you might anticipate, beginning before you even embark on your nursing school journey.
The first step to success in your path to becoming a nurse is passing the TEAS exam. This standardized test represents a critical milestone many aspiring nurses never stop considering, but its role in guiding your nursing school experience should not be underestimated. Fail to prepare for this exam, and you may struggle to achieve a passing score. This could leave you scrambling as you apply for nursing programs.
Thankfully, the prospect of sitting for the TEAS exam does not need to feel overwhelming. Although challenging, this test offers many hidden advantages, including a roadmap to success in your nursing program. Once you’ve passed, you will feel confident in your ability to navigate challenging nursing school coursework. As you begin your TEAS exam prep, feel free to check out these helpful TEAS exam tips:
Understanding the TEAS Exam
The TEAS Exam underscores a push for standardized testing in program-specific college admissions. Although associated with nursing school admissions, this test is not exclusive to aspiring nurses. It does, however, confirm that students can handle difficult nursing or allied health coursework. This test covers many topics but generally focuses on foundational skills and critical thinking.
What Is the TEAS Exam?
Developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is widely trusted by nursing and allied health programs as a key indicator of academic readiness.
Proctored online or in person, this exam involves four main categories deemed relevant to the nursing school experience, including reading, math, science, English, and language usage. A strong score increases the likelihood of admission to college-level nursing programs.
Importance of the TEAS for Nursing School Admissions
Many factors demonstrate that applicants are ready for nursing school. Admission requirements typically include high school diplomas (or equivalencies) verified by official transcripts. Additionally, nursing school applicants may be asked to complete drug screenings or background checks. Some programs rely on interviews to gather additional insights into applicants’ interests, personal qualities, and academic readiness.
Together, these elements help tell the story of aspiring nurses, revealing why they want to enter the field and whether they have the background knowledge and academic skills needed to pass introductory nursing courses. Still, admissions teams may require additional insights. This is because diplomas and grades only reveal so much, especially as high school curricula and grading standards can vary so dramatically.
Ultimately, a strong TEAS score inspires confidence among students and nursing programs, offering a positive start to a rewarding nursing school journey.
Essential Resources You’ll Need
A structured approach can hold you accountable while also helping you know exactly what to study. Don’t enter this process empty-handed, as you risk wasting valuable time delving into skills or concepts irrelevant to this particular exam. Helpful resources include:
Study Guides and Practice Tests
Studying on your own can feel aimless, so look to approved resources to keep you on track. Thankfully, many resources are available, including an official study guide provided directly through ATI, the creators of the TEAS exam. This study guide encourages test-takers to study smarter and not harder, offering comprehensive coverage along with practice opportunities like end-of-unit quizzes.
Although not official, other study guides can still provide valuable guidance, offering a wider range of instructional strategies and numerous price points. These study guides are available through trusted providers such as BoostPrep and Kaplan. Free practice tests are also available online. While these resources are generally not as robust as their paid counterparts, they can be helpful study supplements.
Online Courses and Tutorials
If you need a more immersive or accessible approach to TEAS exam prep, consider enrolling in online courses that offer personalized feedback or direct instruction. Many courses involve hours of video content, along with live review sessions and guidance from teaching assistants. Some programs also promise access to online communities or forums, where you can discuss your study strategies with other aspiring nurses.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for the TEAS Exam
No matter which courses or study guides you select, you must be intentional about every aspect of exam prep. This begins with learning as much as possible about the test, but should also include a daily commitment to focused studying. Follow these TEAS exam tips to ensure you feel fully prepared when exam day arrives.
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With the Exam Format
The better you understand the structure of the TEAS, the more confident you’ll feel as the big exam approaches. This should limit surprises and may help you tailor your study strategy based on the realities of the exam.
First, it’s important to clarify the available exam formats and testing locations. Several options are available, including both onsite and online tests. These are proctored directly by ATI or by in-person proctors (either through institutions or PSI Testing Centers).
Online testing may seem more convenient, but it comes with its own share of hurdles, including tech-driven complications. Some testers express discomfort with being in the view of a webcam for the scheduled portions of the exam, a key requirement of the online format. However, other testers may find in-person locations more distracting and appreciate the lack of a commute.
Ultimately, this decision comes down to personal preferences, with both exams covering similar content. We’ve identified content areas and sub-content areas below:
- Reading: Key ideas and details, craft and structure, integration of knowledge
- Math: Numbers and algebra, measurement, and data
- Science: Human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning
- English and language usage: Conventions of standard English, knowledge of language
Step 2: Develop a Study Schedule
No matter your preferred format, you can expect to dedicate long hours to studying for the TEAS. Sporadic studying will limit your progress, so commit to scheduled sessions. ATI recommends spending at least six weeks studying.
Depending on how far in advance you begin, you can block out study sessions that span one or two hours each. Plan to study at least three times a week. Schedule time for breaks so you can recharge. Many students swear by the Pomodoro technique, which is 25 minutes of focused studying, followed by a brief break.
Step 3: Focus on Weak Areas
Chances are, you naturally feel confident about some content areas. Perhaps reading comprehension questions come easily, or maybe you already have a strong grasp of anatomy and physiology. Other areas may spark frustration, especially in high-stakes situations.
Your strongest subjects are worth addressing, but the bulk of your study time should involve academic weaknesses. These could ultimately stand in the way of a strong test score, so your goal is both mastery and confidence.
Which areas need extra attention? Taking a practice test right away may help. This reveals differences between core content areas, giving you a basic idea of how you might fare when you sit for the test. This should also help you gauge how long it takes to answer specific types of test questions. Ideally, you will take another practice test later to reveal whether you’ve improved in speed and accuracy.
Step 4: Take Practice Tests Regularly
Many hardworking students fail exams even after spending long hours studying. Their core problem does not involve a lack of knowledge but test-day nerves that prevent them from thinking critically. Therein lies the need for practice tests, which can reveal gaps between what you actually know and how you perform under pressure. As you continue to take practice tests, exam scenarios will begin to feel less intimidating.
If you plan to take the online test, be prepared to complete a dry run in addition to practice tests. This dry run helps you avoid potential technical test-taking issues. When exam day arrives, you can promptly begin taking the test online.
Step 5: Join Study Groups or Forums
Struggling to get motivated? Study groups bring a social element to the TEAS exam prep process, offering much-needed support and encouragement. As you embark on your exam prep journey, join an existing group or start your own. Use courses, materials, or practice exams to guide joint study sessions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your unique perspective. Think of this study group as your safe space and a solid source of camaraderie.
If you’re unable to participate in face-to-face study groups, make the most of online resources. As we’ve mentioned, many online courses and programs offer forums, but you can also explore the r/TEAS and r/Prenursing Subreddits, where you’ll find helpful insights from other users studying for (or have already taken) the exam.
Tips for Exam Day
You’ve dedicated long hours to studying for the TEAS, and finally, exam day has arrived. Set yourself up for success by skipping the overnight cram session and getting plenty of sleep instead. Other helpful day-of tips for the TEAS exam include:
What to Bring to the Exam
Whether you take the exam online or in person, you won’t want to show up empty-handed. You will only be admitted to your testing session if you can display government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or a passport. If you take the exam online, you’ll need login information. Otherwise, plan to bring multiple No. 2 pencils, which should be sharpened and should include attached erasers.
As you consider what to bring to an in-person exam, be mindful of the various items best left at home. Electronics (such as cell phones) are strictly prohibited in the test-taking area, as are purses, backpacks, and even coats or jackets. Don’t worry about bringing a calculator; this will be provided onsite.
Effective Time Management During the Exam
Time management is crucial not only when preparing for the TEAS, but also on exam day, when you’re granted a maximum testing timeframe of 209 minutes. This equates to 3 hours and 29 minutes total, but the time limits are also broken down by subject:
- Reading: 55 minutes
- Mathematics: 57 minutes
- Science: 60 minutes
- English and Language Usage: 37 minutes
Now, imagine completing 37 to 50 questions for each of these subjects. This equates to about one question per minute. In other words, timing is crucial. If a particular question stumps you, resist the urge to waste time pondering the answer. Move on — if you still have time left at the end, you can return to unanswered questions.
After the Exam
Once you submit your answers, take a moment to acknowledge all you’ve accomplished, regardless of your score. You’ve demonstrated a clear commitment to your academic progress, and the skills you’ve gained along the way will serve you well once you begin taking college-level classes.
Understanding Your Score
The TEAS uses a variety of scores to provide insight into test-takers’ skills and knowledge. While many test-takers focus on the total score, content scores also matter. These reveal knowledge in specific areas, providing a more nuanced glimpse into college readiness.
Even if you pass, variations in your content scores can inform your approach to future college coursework, demonstrating areas you might want to brush up on to ensure success as a nursing student.
Remember, there is no official passing score. Every college and program establishes its own unique minimum requirements. That being said, ATI refers to scores between 70 and 75 percent as “competitive.” At Florida Technical College, the minimum requirement is a TEAS score of 58.7.
Retaking the TEAS if Necessary
Planning for the worst-case scenario may actually help calm your pre-exam jitters. With the TEAS, this scenario involves not passing the exam on the first try. The good news? You are allowed to retake the test, so a low score need not prevent you from gaining admission to your preferred nursing program.
Keep in mind that you will need to wait at least 30 days. This allows you plenty of time to continue studying so that you can pass your second exam. This waiting period could delay nursing school acceptance, so it’s still worth your while to strive for a first-time exam success.
Take the Next Step on Your Path to a Nursing Degree
Ready to begin the exciting journey to becoming a registered nurse? Florida Technical College offers plenty of support, beginning long before you’re actually enrolled. We’re happy to guide you through the admissions process, so you know exactly what to expect.
We offer multiple programs to support and inspire both future and current nurses. The Associate of Science in Nursing is a great fit for aspiring RNs, who can gain clinical knowledge and enjoy a seamless transition into the healthcare workforce. We also promote career advancement through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which provides a deeper dive into evidence-based practice and leadership training.
No matter your nursing goals, you can count on Florida Technical College for guidance every step of the way. Reach out to learn more about our nursing programs and admission requirements.
Sources
https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/associate-of-science-in-nursing/
https://ftccollege.edu/program/bachelors-degree/science-nursing/
https://www.atitesting.com/teas/exam-details
https://help.atitesting.com/what-to-bring-for-an-ati-teas-in-person-exam/
https://www.atitesting.com/teas/study-manual
https://atinursingblog.com/taking_the_ati_teas_remotely_the_faqs/
https://www.atitesting.com/teas/6-week-study-plan
https://help.atitesting.com/what-is-the-ati-teas-exam-and-other-faqs/
https://help.atitesting.com/how-is-the-ati-teas-test-scored/
