How Hard Is the TEAS Exam? The Honest Answer
The ATI TEAS 7 (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is the standardized exam nursing schools and allied health programs use to assess a candidate's readiness (ATI), and your score can affect whether you get accepted, waitlisted, or denied.
So how hard is it? Here is the honest truth: the TEAS is moderately difficult, but it is passable with focused preparation. There is no universal passing score: each school sets its own minimum (ATI). Your score report shows how you compare, with the national mean and your national percentile rank.
The exam is not designed to trick you. It tests foundational academic knowledge in four subjects you have encountered before: reading, math, science, and English. The challenge comes from the breadth of topics, the time pressure, and the science section, which has the most scored items (44).
Let us break down exactly what you are up against.
TEAS Exam at a Glance
Here is the full breakdown of the ATI TEAS 7 exam structure, confirmed against ATI's official TEAS Exam Details page:
| Section | Total Questions | Scored Questions | Unscored (Pretest) | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 39 | 6 | 55 minutes |
| Mathematics | 38 | 34 | 4 | 57 minutes |
| Science | 50 | 44 | 6 | 60 minutes |
| English & Language Usage | 37 | 33 | 4 | 37 minutes |
| Total | 170 | 150 | 20 | 209 minutes |
Key details to know:
- The exam takes 3 hours and 29 minutes of actual testing time
- You get one 10-minute break, after the Math section (ATI)
- Important: You can go back and forth within a section, but once you close a section and move to the next, you cannot return to it
- A basic on-screen calculator is built into every section
- There is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question
- The 20 unscored pretest questions are mixed in, so treat every question as if it counts
- The TEAS 7 includes newer question types: select-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, ordering, and hot spot questions in addition to traditional multiple choice
Score Breakdown: What's a Good TEAS Score?
The TEAS does not have a universal pass/fail score. Each nursing program sets its own minimum requirement. However, ATI categorizes scores into five Academic Preparedness Levels:
| Level | Score Range | What ATI Says It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Exemplary | 92.0% - 100% | A very high level of overall academic preparedness |
| Advanced | 80.0% - 91.3% | A high level of overall academic preparedness |
| Proficient | 58.7% - 79.3% | A moderate level of overall academic preparedness |
| Basic | 40.7% - 58.0% | A low level of overall academic preparedness |
| Developmental | 0% - 40.0% | A very low level of overall academic preparedness |
ATI says your school will most likely want you at the Proficient level or above.
(Note: ATI's equated scoring leaves small gaps between bands, so you will not see a score between, for example, 58.0% and 58.7%.)
Your score report includes:
- Total score (equated from all 150 scored items, 0-100%)
- Individual section scores (Reading, Math, Science, English)
- Sub-content area scores (detailed breakdown within each section)
- National and program percentile rankings, plus the national mean (the average score of all examinees) and the mean for your program type
Those comparisons tell you where you stand against other test-takers. For competitive programs, check the scores of admitted students that some schools publish.
Score Requirements by Program Type
ATI: "There is no universal passing score. Each school sets its own minimum, and many weigh the TEAS alongside GPA and other factors." Minimums vary widely from program to program, as the school examples below show, and some programs also set minimums for individual sections.
Important: meeting the minimum score does not guarantee admission. Many schools weigh the TEAS alongside GPA and other factors (ATI), and some rank applicants by points: Sacramento State requires a 75% minimum, but the average TEAS score of students it selected for fall 2025 was 93.22%.
Sample Score Requirements by Nursing Program
Here are TEAS requirements from nursing programs' own admissions pages (checked 2026-10-28):
| School | Program | Minimum TEAS Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento State | Traditional BSN | 75.0% | Avg. admitted score: 93.2% (Fall 2025) |
| Texas Woman's University | BSN | 64% per section | Must meet 64% in every individual section |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Accelerated BSN | 65% | Score valid within 1 year of application |
| UTHealth Houston (Cizik) | Pacesetter BSN | 60% (recommended) | Score valid within 2 years |
| University of Bridgeport | ADN | 58.7% (Proficient) | Proficient starts at 58.7% (ATI) |
| Los Angeles City College | ADN | 62% overall | Accepts only the first attempt; after remediation every section must reach 62% |
| Kennesaw State University | BSN | Varies | Highest score used, valid up to 5 years |
| Moberly Area CC | ADN | Program-specific | Testing fee at MACC: $75 |
| Northern Virginia CC | Nursing | Section minimums: Reading 73%, Math 65%, Science 58%, English 62% | $70 per attempt; up to 3 attempts a year, 1 month apart |
| Texas State University | BSN (Fall 2027) | 70% (85% for priority admission) | Two attempts, 30 days apart; HESI replaces the TEAS from fall 2028 |
The takeaway: Always check your specific program's requirements. A score that gets you into one school may not be enough for another, even in the same state.
What Makes the TEAS Hard: Section-by-Section Breakdown
Science: The Largest Section (44 Scored Questions, 60 Minutes)
The Science section has the most scored items (44), so it carries the most points.
Why it takes the most preparation:
- You must cover four scientific disciplines in just 60 minutes
- Human Anatomy & Physiology alone accounts for approximately 18 scored questions
- Questions require application of knowledge, not just memorization
- Topics span 11 body systems, cell biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning
- Time pressure means roughly 1.2 minutes per question with no room for extended deliberation
Topic breakdown:
| Science Sub-Topic | Approximate Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy & Physiology | ~18 | 41% of Science |
| Biology | ~9 | 20% of Science |
| Chemistry | ~8 | 18% of Science |
| Scientific Reasoning | ~9 | 20% of Science |
Mathematics (34 Scored Questions, 57 Minutes)
Math can be challenging, especially if you have not taken a math course in years.
Why it is hard:
- Topics range from basic arithmetic to algebra and data interpretation
- Word problems require translating real-world scenarios into equations
- The on-screen calculator is basic, not scientific or graphing (ATI)
- You need strong mental math skills for estimation and checking answers
- About 1.5 minutes per question, which is more generous than Science
Reading (39 Scored Questions, 55 Minutes)
Reading gives you 55 minutes for 45 questions (ATI), about 73 seconds each, and the passages take time to read.
Why some students struggle:
- Long passages require sustained focus under time pressure
- Questions test inference and analysis, not just comprehension
- You must identify author's purpose, tone, and structural elements
- About 1.2 minutes (73 seconds) per question including reading time
English & Language Usage (33 Scored Questions, 37 Minutes)
English has the shortest time limit, 37 minutes for 37 questions (ATI), so the pace catches people off guard.
Why you should not underestimate it:
- 60 seconds per question — the tightest pace of any section, so don't linger
- Tests grammar rules, sentence structure, and vocabulary in context
- Requires familiarity with formal English conventions, not conversational English
- Easy to lose points on obscure grammar rules
Topics Worth Extra Review
These topics are worth extra review:
10 Topics to Review Carefully
- Endocrine System - Hormone functions, feedback loops, gland locations
- Immune System - Innate vs adaptive immunity, antibody types, lymphatic organs
- Chemistry - Periodic table, chemical bonds, reaction types, solutions
- Cardiovascular System - Blood flow pathway, cardiac cycle, vessel types
- Algebra Word Problems - Setting up equations from word problems
- Scientific Reasoning - Experimental design, variables, data interpretation
- Cellular Biology - Mitosis/meiosis, organelle functions, DNA replication
- Nervous System - Neurotransmitters, CNS vs PNS, reflex arcs
- Ratios and Proportions - Dosage calculations, unit conversions
- Author's Purpose and Tone - Distinguishing subtle differences in passage analysis
Why These Topics Are Hard
The endocrine and immune systems trip up students because they involve interconnected processes that require understanding relationships between organs, chemicals, and feedback mechanisms. You cannot just memorize a list; you need to understand how the systems work together.
Chemistry can be hard if you have not taken chemistry recently (or ever). Even basic concepts like balancing equations or understanding pH scales feel foreign.
TEAS vs HESI A2: Which Is Harder?
Some nursing programs use the TEAS, and others use the HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment). Here is how they compare:
| Feature | ATI TEAS 7 | HESI A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | 4 fixed sections (ATI) | The school selects which sections to include (Elsevier) |
| Total Questions | 170 (150 scored) | Depends on the sections selected |
| Time | 209 minutes (3 hr 29 min) | Depends on the sections selected |
| Science | Always included: A&P, Biology, Chemistry, Scientific Reasoning | Only the science sections the school selects |
| Question Types | Multiple choice, select-all, fill-in, ordering, hot spot | Varies by section |
| Cost | $120 plus tax via ATI; school prices vary | Set by the school or testing site |
| Retake Policy | No ATI waiting period; schools set limits | Set by each school |
| Pass Score | Set by each school; no universal passing score (ATI) | Set by each school |
Which Is Actually Harder?
The answer depends on your strengths:
- The TEAS always tests Science (44 scored items, 18 of them Anatomy & Physiology, per ATI), so a weak science background matters more on the TEAS.
- The HESI A2 can include a Vocabulary and General Knowledge section of 55 items built on vocabulary used in health care (Elsevier), plus any other sections your school selects.
- Both test reading and math when your school includes those HESI sections.
Bottom line: Which exam feels harder depends on your background and on the sections your school requires.
TEAS vs NCLEX: How They Compare
Here is how the TEAS compares to the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), which you take after graduating nursing school.
| Feature | ATI TEAS 7 | NCLEX-RN |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Nursing school admission | Nursing license after graduation |
| When You Take It | Before nursing school | After completing nursing school |
| Content | General academic knowledge | Clinical nursing knowledge |
| Difficulty | Moderate (academic foundations) | High (clinical application + critical thinking) |
| Format | Fixed 170 questions | Adaptive: 85-150 questions |
| Time | 209 minutes | Up to 5 hours |
| Scoring | Percentage-based | Pass/Fail |
| Pass Rate | No universal pass/fail | 86.7% first-time U.S.-educated RN pass rate (2025) |
| Cost | $120 plus tax via ATI | $200 |
| Study Time | At least 6 weeks recommended (ATI) | Varies |
Key difference: The TEAS tests whether you are academically prepared to enter nursing school. The NCLEX tests whether you are clinically prepared to practice as a nurse. The TEAS is a hurdle to start your education; the NCLEX is a hurdle to start your career.
How Long Should You Study for the TEAS?
ATI recommends allowing at least six weeks of preparation, starting with its free online practice test and your weakest subjects. If you have less time, ATI suggests spending it on practice tests and the areas where you scored lowest. This table is OpenExamPrep's rough guide by background:
| Your Background | Suggested Study Time (OpenExamPrep) | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Recent A&P course + strong academics | 2-3 weeks | Practice tests, time management |
| Some college science, rusty on math | 4-6 weeks | Science review, math fundamentals |
| No recent science courses | 6-8 weeks | Full science curriculum, math basics |
| Returning to school after years | 8-12 weeks | All sections, build from foundations |
| Retaking after a low score | 3-4 weeks | Target weak sections identified in score report |
Recommended Weekly Study Schedule
Weeks 1-2: Diagnostic and Foundation
- Take a full-length diagnostic practice test
- Identify your two weakest sections
- Begin content review for Science (start with A&P)
- Review basic math operations and algebra
Weeks 3-4: Deep Content Review
- Continue Science review (Biology, Chemistry, Scientific Reasoning)
- Work through Math practice problems daily
- Read passages and practice Reading section strategies
- Review English grammar rules
Weeks 5-6: Practice and Polish
- Take 2-3 full-length practice tests under timed conditions
- Review every wrong answer and understand why you missed it
- Focus on your lowest-scoring sub-topics
- Practice time management strategies
How Many Hours Per Week?
ATI recommends at least six weeks and says most students do well with regular, shorter sessions spread across the week. Quality matters more than quantity: focused, active study (practice questions, flashcards, teaching concepts back to yourself) beats passive reading every time.
How to Pass the TEAS on Your First Attempt
Here are 12 strategies to prepare and to use on test day:
Before the Exam
-
Take a diagnostic test first - You cannot fix what you do not measure. A diagnostic shows you exactly where to focus.
-
Prioritize Science above all else - Science has the most scored questions (44). Give it the largest share of your study time.
-
Start with Anatomy & Physiology - It is the largest sub-topic in Science (~18 questions). Master the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine systems first.
-
Do not ignore Math basics - If you have not done algebra in years, start early. Brush up on fractions, percentages, ratios, and word problems.
-
Practice under timed conditions - The real exam has strict time limits. If you only study without timing yourself, you will panic on test day.
-
Use active recall, not passive reading - Quiz yourself, use flashcards, teach concepts out loud. A 2013 review of study techniques rated practice testing high utility and rereading low (Dunlosky et al.).
On Test Day
-
Answer every question - There is no penalty for guessing. Never leave a question blank.
-
Do not spend too long on any single question - Flag it and move on. Come back if time allows.
-
Read every answer choice - Even if you think A is correct, read B, C, and D. Eliminate wrong answers to confirm your choice.
-
Watch for "select all that apply" traps - These TEAS 7 question types require more careful thinking. Evaluate each option independently.
-
Use the on-screen calculator wisely - It is available in every section, but most useful in Math. Double-check your entries and calculations.
-
Trust your preparation - If you studied consistently for six weeks or more, trust that work. Confidence matters.
What Happens If You Don't Score High Enough
A low TEAS score is not the end of your nursing career. Here are your options:
Retake the Exam
- ATI does not require a waiting period between attempts; schools may limit attempts or require time between them
- Your program decides how many attempts it accepts (ATI)
- Some schools use your highest score, while others use your most recent score (check your program's policy)
- Each attempt is a new registration at full price ($120 plus tax through ATI; school prices vary)
Apply to Different Programs
- Programs set very different minimums, so compare the published numbers
- An ADN program followed by an RN-to-BSN bridge is another route to a BSN
- Out-of-state programs may accept scores that in-state schools reject
Remediation and Improvement
- Use your score report to identify exact weak areas
- Your score report lists the topics to review (ATI)
- Focus study time on your lowest-scoring sub-content areas
Consider the HESI A2
- Some nursing programs accept the HESI A2 instead of the TEAS
- If you are stronger in vocabulary and general knowledge than in science, the HESI may play to your strengths
- Check which programs in your area accept each exam
TEAS Score Validity
- Schools decide how long they accept a score; ATI says two years is common, but policies vary
- Some programs (like TWU) require scores from within 12 months
- Kennesaw State accepts scores up to 5 years old
- Always verify the validity period with your target programs
TEAS Exam Cost and Logistics
Understanding the full cost helps you plan and budget:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| TEAS at ATI (remote, proctored by ATI) | $120 plus tax |
| TEAS at PSI (PSI test center or PSI remote) | $120 plus tax |
| TEAS at a school or testing center | Set by the school |
| Reschedule (exams booked on atitesting.com, 48+ hours ahead) | $15 |
| Additional score transcript | $29.99 each (1 included with TEAS at ATI or PSI) |
Pro tip: A school's price can be higher or lower than $120, and some schools fold it into an application fee, so confirm the full cost with the school before you register (ATI).
Why OpenExamPrep for TEAS Prep
Everything You Need, 100% Free
Paid TEAS prep can cost far more (Mometrix's online TEAS course, for example, is $79.99 a month). OpenExamPrep's TEAS practice is free:
- 500+ TEAS practice questions across all 4 sections
- Explanations for every question
- AI-powered study assistant that explains any concept you are struggling with
- Practice sets you can time yourself
- Progress tracking on your dashboard when you sign in
AI That Actually Helps You Learn
Our AI tutor does not just give you answers. It helps you understand the why behind every concept:
- Stuck on the endocrine system? Ask the AI to break it down with analogies
- Confused about a chemistry problem? Get step-by-step explanations
- Need a study plan? Ask the AI tutor to draft a schedule around your weak areas
- Want more practice? Ask the AI tutor for extra practice questions (10 free AI requests a day)
Built for Nursing Students
Our TEAS practice questions follow ATI's four content areas.
Final Thoughts
The TEAS is a challenging exam, but it is far from impossible. To give yourself the best chance:
- Start studying early (at least six weeks, per ATI)
- Prioritize Science (especially Anatomy & Physiology)
- Practice under timed conditions (simulate the real exam)
- Use their score report to target weak areas
- Do not give up after a low score (you can retake it, and ATI sets no waiting period)
Your TEAS score is one number, but it represents your commitment to becoming a nurse. Every hour of study brings you closer to the career you want. Start today, and make it count.
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