How to study for the TEAS

What’s on the TEAS 7

The ATI TEAS 7 has 170 questions in 209 minutes, across four sections:

• Reading: 45 questions in 55 minutes. Key ideas, craft and structure, and using information from more than one source.
• Math: 38 questions in 57 minutes. Numbers, algebra, measurement and data. An on-screen calculator is provided.
• Science: 50 questions in 60 minutes. Human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry and scientific reasoning.
• English and language usage: 37 questions in 37 minutes. Grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Science is the largest section, and anatomy and physiology is the biggest part of it, so it usually needs the most study time.

Know your target score

Each nursing program sets its own minimum TEAS score, and some look at section scores too. Check your program’s requirement first, so you know how much you need to improve.

A 4-week plan

• Week 1: take a practice test to find your weak sections, then start science, beginning with anatomy and physiology.
• Week 2: more science, plus math every day. Short daily math practice works better than one long session.
• Week 3: reading and English, keeping up a little science and math. Do timed section practice.
• Week 4: a full timed practice test early in the week, then review your mistakes. Light review only in the last two days.

Most people plan 30 to 80 hours in total, about 1 to 2 hours a day. The free TEAS study plan generator builds this from your own test date and hours.

Study smarter, not longer

• Test yourself instead of re-reading. Read a topic once, close the book, write what you remember, then check.
• Use flashcards for anatomy terms and science facts.
• Time yourself. The English section gives you about a minute per question, so pace matters.

Source: ATI. About the ATI TEAS 7, atitesting.com/teas.