Key Takeaways
- TEAS 7 is the current version of the nursing admission exam
- 170 total questions with 150 scored and 20 unscored pretest items
- Four sections: Reading, Math, Science, English (in that order)
- Total time is 209 minutes with a 10-minute break after Math
- No official passing score—each school sets its own minimum
About the ATI TEAS Examination
The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a standardized admission assessment used by nursing and allied health programs across the United States. Administered by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), the TEAS evaluates your readiness for the academic demands of healthcare programs.
Exam Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Version | TEAS 7 (launched June 2022) |
| Administering Body | Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) |
| Total Questions | 170 questions |
| Scored Questions | 150 questions |
| Pretest Questions | 20 questions (unscored) |
| Total Time | 209 minutes (3 hours 29 minutes) |
| Testing Options | In-person or remote online |
| Exam Fee | $100-150 (varies by location) |
Why Schools Use TEAS
Nursing programs use the TEAS to:
- Predict academic success in rigorous healthcare curricula
- Compare applicants using a standardized metric
- Identify strengths and weaknesses before admission
- Ensure readiness for college-level science and math
Exam Format
The TEAS 7 includes four content areas tested in a fixed order:
| Section | Questions | Scored Items | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 39 | 55 minutes |
| Mathematics | 38 | 34 | 57 minutes |
| Science | 50 | 44 | 60 minutes |
| English & Language Usage | 37 | 33 | 37 minutes |
| Total | 170 | 150 | 209 minutes |
Important: There is a 10-minute break after the Mathematics section.
Question Types
The TEAS 7 includes various question formats:
| Question Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | Select one correct answer from 4 options |
| Multiple Select | Select ALL correct answers (may be 2+) |
| Supply Answer | Type in a numerical answer |
| Hot Spot | Click on the correct area of an image |
| Ordering | Arrange items in correct sequence |
Scoring
The TEAS uses a percentage-based scoring system:
- Composite Score - Overall percentage across all sections
- Section Scores - Individual percentage for each content area
- Content Area Subscores - Performance on specific topics
There is no official "passing score"—each school sets its own minimum requirements, typically ranging from 60% to 80% composite.
Retake Policies
- Most testing sites allow retakes after 30-60 days
- Schools may limit how many attempts they accept
- Retake policies vary by institution
- Some schools average multiple attempts; others take highest score
How many total questions are on the ATI TEAS 7 exam?
In what order are the TEAS sections presented?