How Hard Is the TEAS Exam? The Honest Answer
The ATI TEAS 7 (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is one of the most important exams you will take on your path to nursing school. About 60% of U.S. nursing programs require the TEAS as part of their admissions process, and your score can determine 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 absolutely passable with focused preparation. The national average composite score hovers around 60-65%, which means a significant portion of test-takers are not scoring well. Students who study strategically for 4-6 weeks typically score in the 75-85% range, which is competitive for most BSN programs.
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 catches most students off guard.
If you are reading this article, you are already ahead of the students who walk in unprepared. 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:
| 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 a 10-minute break between sections
- 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 four-function calculator is provided on-screen for the Math section only
- There is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question
- The 20 unscored pretest questions are mixed in randomly, 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 four Academic Preparedness Levels:
| Level | Score Range | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Exemplary | 91.3% - 100% | Exceptional readiness for college-level coursework |
| Advanced | 78.0% - 91.3% | Strong academic preparation, competitive for most programs |
| Proficient | 58.7% - 77.9% | Adequate preparation, meets minimum requirements for many programs |
| Below Proficient | 0% - 58.6% | Significant gaps in academic readiness, unlikely to meet program requirements |
Your score report includes:
- Composite score (overall percentage across all 4 sections)
- Individual section scores (Reading, Math, Science, English)
- Sub-content area scores (detailed breakdown within each section)
- National and program percentile rankings
The national average is approximately 60-65%, but students applying to BSN programs tend to average around 70%. For competitive programs, admitted students often have scores of 80-90%+.
Score Requirements by Program Type
Different nursing programs have vastly different expectations for your TEAS score:
| Program Type | Typical Minimum Score | Competitive Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN (Associate Degree) | 55% - 65% | 70%+ | Community colleges, lower minimums |
| BSN (Bachelor's Degree) | 62% - 75% | 80%+ | Most 4-year universities |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | 70% - 80% | 85%+ | Highly competitive, higher standards |
| Graduate Entry MSN | 75% - 85% | 90%+ | For career-changers with bachelor's degrees |
| LPN/LVN Programs | 50% - 60% | 65%+ | Generally lower requirements |
Important: meeting the minimum score does not guarantee admission. Nursing programs are highly competitive, and many programs rank applicants by TEAS score. A student with a 75% at a program requiring 62% minimum may still be waitlisted if other applicants scored higher.
Sample Score Requirements by Nursing Program
Here are actual TEAS score requirements from nursing programs across the country:
| 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 | BSN | 58.7% (Proficient) | National average benchmark: 70% |
| Los Angeles City College | ADN | 62.0% | Must pass 62% in each subject on first attempt |
| Kennesaw State University | BSN | Varies | Highest score used, valid up to 5 years |
| Moberly Area CC | ADN | Program-specific | Lower cost testing: $75 |
| Reynolds Community College | ADN | Program-specific | Testing fee: $70 |
| Texas State University | BSN (Fall 2026) | Required | Two attempts allowed, 30 days apart |
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 Hardest Section (44 Scored Questions, 60 Minutes)
The Science section is where most students lose the most points, and it is the section that separates competitive applicants from average ones.
Why it is so hard:
- 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: The Second Hardest Section (34 Scored Questions, 57 Minutes)
Math is the second most challenging section, primarily because many nursing applicants 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 four-function calculator is basic, meaning no scientific functions
- You need strong mental math skills for estimation and checking answers
- About 1.5 minutes per question, which is more generous than Science
Reading: Moderate Difficulty (39 Scored Questions, 55 Minutes)
The Reading section is manageable for most students but can be surprisingly tricky.
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 1.4 minutes per question including reading time
English & Language Usage: The Easiest Section (33 Scored Questions, 37 Minutes)
English is generally the highest-scoring section for most test-takers, but the tight time limit catches people off guard.
Why you should not underestimate it:
- 60 seconds per question — a comfortable pace, but 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
Hardest TEAS Topics (Ranked by Student Difficulty)
Based on student performance data and common feedback, here are the topics that cause the most trouble:
Top 10 Hardest TEAS Topics
- 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 is hard because many nursing applicants 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?
About 60% of nursing programs use the TEAS, while most of the remaining programs 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 | Up to 9 sections (school chooses) |
| Total Questions | 170 (150 scored) | ~350 (varies by school) |
| Time | 209 minutes (3 hr 29 min) | ~4 hours (varies) |
| Science Focus | Heavy A&P, Biology, Chemistry | Varies by school selection |
| Math Difficulty | Basic math + algebra | Similar level, fewer questions |
| Question Types | Multiple choice, select-all, fill-in, ordering, hot spot | Primarily multiple choice |
| Scoring | Composite percentage | Percentage per section |
| Cost | $70-$140 | $40-$100 |
| Retake Policy | 14-day waiting period | Varies by school (often 2x/year) |
| Standardization | Same exam everywhere | Customized per school |
| Pass Score | Set by school (typically 58-75%) | Set by school (typically 75-80%) |
Which Is Actually Harder?
The answer depends on your strengths:
- TEAS is harder if you are weak in science, especially anatomy and physiology. The TEAS has a larger, more comprehensive science section.
- HESI A2 is harder if you struggle with vocabulary, medical terminology, or need to take additional specialized sections your school requires.
- Both are similar in reading and math difficulty.
The general consensus among nursing students is that the TEAS feels harder for students who have not taken anatomy and physiology courses, while the HESI A2 feels harder for students who lack medical-specific vocabulary and terminology.
Bottom line: Neither exam is significantly harder than the other. Your personal academic background matters more than the test format.
TEAS vs NCLEX: How They Compare
Many students wonder 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 | ~88% first-time pass rate (2024) |
| Cost | $70-$140 | $200 |
| Study Time | 2-6 weeks | 4-12 weeks |
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.
If you can pass the TEAS and succeed in nursing school, you will be well-prepared for the NCLEX. Think of the TEAS as the foundation that everything else builds on.
How Long Should You Study for the TEAS?
ATI officially recommends at least 6 weeks of preparation before taking the TEAS. However, the right study timeline depends on your academic background:
| Your Background | Recommended Study Time | 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?
Most successful TEAS test-takers study 10-15 hours per week for 4-6 weeks. That breaks down to roughly 2 hours per day, 5-6 days per 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 evidence-based strategies used by students who score in the Advanced and Exemplary ranges:
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) and is the hardest section. Spend 40% of your study time here.
-
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 - Many students have not done algebra in years. 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. Active study methods are 2-3x more effective than re-reading notes.
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 only available in the Math section. Double-check your entries and calculations.
-
Trust your preparation - If you studied consistently for 4-6 weeks, you are more prepared than the average test-taker. 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 requires a 14-day minimum between attempts
- Many schools allow 2-3 attempts per application cycle
- Some schools use your highest score, while others use your most recent score (check your program's policy)
- You can retake the TEAS as many times as ATI allows, but each attempt costs $70-$140
Apply to Different Programs
- Programs have vastly different minimums (58% vs 80%)
- Consider ADN programs if your score is in the 60-70% range, then bridge to BSN later
- Community college nursing programs often have lower TEAS requirements
- Out-of-state programs may accept scores that in-state schools reject
Remediation and Improvement
- Use your score report to identify exact weak areas
- ATI offers remediation plans based on your results
- Focus study time on your lowest-scoring sub-content areas
- Many students improve 10-15 percentage points on their second attempt with targeted studying
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
- Most programs accept TEAS scores that are 2-3 years old
- 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 exam (at a testing center) | $70 base fee |
| TEAS exam (ATI remote proctored) | $120 |
| TEAS exam (PSI remote proctored) | $120 |
| Proctoring/admin fee (varies by location) | $25-$65 |
| Total cost per attempt | $70-$140 |
| Additional score transcript | $27 each (1 free included) |
| ATI TEAS Prep (30-day access) | $21.99 |
| ATI TEAS Prep (90-day access) | $46.99 |
Pro tip: Taking the exam at a college testing center is often cheaper ($70-$95) than remote proctoring ($120). Some colleges also offer discounted rates for their own students.
Why OpenExamPrep for TEAS Prep
Everything You Need, 100% Free
Most TEAS prep courses charge $100-$300 for question banks and study materials. OpenExamPrep gives you everything for free:
- 500+ TEAS practice questions across all 4 sections
- Detailed explanations for every answer (right and wrong)
- AI-powered study assistant that explains any concept you are struggling with
- Timed practice tests that simulate the real exam experience
- Progress tracking to monitor your improvement over time
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? The AI creates a personalized schedule based on your weak areas
- Want more practice? Generate unlimited questions on any topic
Built for Nursing Students
We understand the TEAS because we built our entire platform around helping healthcare students succeed. Every question is written to match the TEAS 7 format, and our content is updated continuously to reflect the latest exam specifications.
Final Thoughts
The TEAS is a challenging exam, but it is far from impossible. The students who struggle most are the ones who walk in without a plan. The students who succeed are the ones who:
- Start studying early (4-6 weeks minimum)
- 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 (retakes and improvement are normal)
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.