Academics Nursing

What is the TEAS Exam?

November 16, 2022 |

AdventHealth University

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For those interested in pursuing their education in nursing, odds are your nursing school will require you to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).

Sometimes known as the TEAS exam, the standardized test designed to gauge a student's readiness for nursing school. Though not all programs require the TEAS exam, you should be prepared to take the exam regardless.

Here, we’ll review the Test of Essential Academic Skills contents, how to prepare for the test, what score you need to pass, and other questions associated with the exam.

What is the Test of Essential Academic Skills?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS, is a standardized exam that nursing programs use to assess applicants. The idea behind the exam is to test an applicant's readiness for nursing school.

The TEAS exam covers four main content areas: reading, math, science, and English and language usage. Each content area consists of a different number of questions and has its own time limit.

The total amount of time for the exam is 209 minutes or 3 hours and 29 minutes.

How to Prepare for the TEAS Exam

Now that you know what will be on the Test of Essential Academic Skills, it is time to start preparing for it.

The best way to prepare for the TEAS exam is to first understand the content areas that will be covered. Once you know what types of questions will be on the exam, you can begin looking for resources to help you study.

There are a number of books and online resources that can help you prepare for the Test of Essential Academic Skills. Look for practice exams and questions so you can get an idea of what to expect on test day.

In addition to content-specific resources, there are also general tips and strategies that can help you do your best on any standardized exam. Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before the TEAS exam and eat a nutritious breakfast on test day.

During the exam, be sure to read the instructions carefully and budget your time wisely. Don't spend too much time on any one question and be sure to answer all of the questions.

If you finish the Test of Essential Academic Skills early, use that time to go back and check your work. Make sure you have answered all of the questions and that your answers are legible.

What is a Passing Score on the TEAS Exam?

A passing score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills varies from nursing program to nursing program. However, AdventHealth University considers a score of 62.5% or above to be a passing score.

It is important to score as high as possible on the exam as a high score will make you stand out from other applicants and indicate to nursing faculty that you are ready for the rigorous coursework you will find in their nursing classes.

What Happens if I Don't Pass the TEAS Exam?

If you don't pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills, applicants may take the TEAS (administered by the Assessment Technologies Institute) three times within 12 months with a minimum of 30 days between attempts.

It is important to check with the nursing programs you are interested in to see their policies regarding the Test of Essential Academic Skills.

How Much Does the TEAS Exam Cost?

The cost of the Test of Essential Academic Skills varies depending on the testing center. However, the average cost is about $70.

Some nursing programs may cover the cost of the TEAS exam for their applicants. It is important to check with the nursing programs you are interested in to see if they have any policies regarding the cost of the exam.

What’s Next After Passing The TEAS Exam?

After you have passed the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam , you can begin applying to nursing programs. Be sure to check the application requirements for each program to ensure that you are including all requested information. Some of the programs below do not require TEAS for admission.

AdventHealth University's School of Nursing offers a variety of nursing programs that can help you start or advance your nursing career. We offer hybrid full time programs such as our three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing day and evening program, and online programs like our post licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program. We also offer post-graduate degrees in nursing education, management and leadership, and advanced practice nursing. Our faculty is committed to your success, and our student support services team is here to help you every step of the way.