What is the test of essentiality?
Asked by: Levi Marvin MD | Last update: February 7, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (50 votes)
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized, multiple-choice entrance exam used by nursing and allied health schools to evaluate the readiness of applicants. Developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), it assesses fundamental academic skills in four key areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage.
What is the T test for nursing?
The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a basic aptitude test most nursing programs require prospective students to take. The results of the TEAS exam provide nursing schools with objective information to determine if prospective students have what it takes to think critically like a nurse.
What is a good score on the TEAS?
A good TEAS score depends heavily on the nursing program, but generally, above 70% is competitive, with scores in the 80-90%+ range (Advanced or Exemplary) making you highly competitive for top-tier schools, while many programs consider 60-70% (Proficient) as a passing or minimum score. Aiming for the "Advanced" (80-90%) or "Exemplary" (90%+) levels significantly boosts your chances, as national averages are around 60%, and competitive programs look for much higher scores.
What is the TEA exam for?
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam is a standardized entrance exam used by nursing and allied health programs to assess if prospective students have the foundational academic skills needed for success in their programs, covering Reading, Math, Science, and English/Language Usage. It helps schools gauge readiness for health science fields by testing critical thinking and core subject knowledge, acting as a key part of the admission process for programs like nursing, physical therapy assistant, and radiography.
What is a Test of Essential Academic Skills?
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam is a test made by ATI that is taken by nursing students as a pre-admission exam. TEAS is used by nursing schools to help assess nursing students' knowledge in math, science, English and reading and to assess a student's preparedness entering the health science fields.
𝟑 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 - 𝐓𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐢𝐥𝐬. 𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞?
What happens if you fail the TEAS?
Yes, you can retake the TEAS. However, there may be a waiting period between attempts, which varies depending on the testing location and the nursing school or allied health program you're applying to. It's important to check the retake policy for your specific program.
Is TEAS harder than Nclex?
TEAS is 100% Harder than NCLEX! But study for both. You can Order Quick Facts for TEAS,HESI A2, an Medical Entrance exam at this link : https://bit. ly/QFforTEAS.
How hard is it to pass the TEA exam?
The TEAS test difficulty varies by individual, but it's generally considered challenging because it covers broad high school material (Reading, Math, Science, English) under timed, standardized conditions, with about 40% needing to retake it, though proper study with ATI practice exams can make it manageable. Some find it easy, while others struggle, especially those out of school for a while or with test anxiety, with Science and English often cited as toughest sections.
Who requires the TEAS test?
When applying to nursing school, candidates may need to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as an admission requirement. While not all nursing schools expect applicants to submit TEAS scores, many do. Therefore, prospective students should prepare for the TEAS exam.
What are the 4 parts of the TEAS test?
The ATI TEAS test is comprised of 170 questions set up in a multiple-choice format with four-option answers. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills you will need to perform in class in the areas of: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.
What is the hardest part of the TEAS test?
The hardest part of the TEAS test varies by student, but many find Reading for time management and Science due to its broad biology/chemistry content to be challenging, while others struggle with English grammar, complex sentence structures, or Math's word problems and formulas under pressure, often with Reading and English being surprisingly difficult because of time constraints and specific question types like SATA.
What TEAS score gets you into nursing school?
TEST RESULTS
Students will receive a print out of the results once they have completed the TEAS. A minimum overall score (“Adjusted Individual Total Score”) of 60 is required to apply to the RN program.
How do I pass the TEAS test?
Take Practice Exams
Practice tests are one of the most essential study tips for the TEAS test. Many test preparation companies offer free tests that mimic the format and question style of the TEAS. Practice tests will give you an idea of which areas you need to focus on.
What is the hardest test in nursing?
The toughest nursing exams often cited are the NCLEX-RN (the gateway to becoming a registered nurse, testing critical thinking in high-pressure scenarios) and advanced certifications like the CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), which demands deep knowledge of complex, multi-system critical care, with many finding the intensive study and difficult concepts challenging. Other difficult areas include pharmacology and medical-surgical subjects within nursing school itself, which weed out many students.
What is the best tea for sleep?
The best teas for sleep are often caffeine-free herbal infusions like Chamomile, known for its calming antioxidant apigenin; Valerian Root, a strong sedative; and Lavender, prized for its soothing aroma and anxiety reduction, with blends containing Passionflower also popular for promoting relaxation. These teas work by calming the nervous system, reducing stress, and easing anxiety, helping you transition into sleep more naturally.
Do all nurses have to take the TEAS test?
Most nursing schools require applicants to take either the TEAS or HESI exam as part of the admissions process. These standardized tests help schools evaluate academic readiness. However, not every program follows this route, preferring approaches like holistic admissions instead.
What disqualifies you from being a nurse?
You can be disqualified from nursing due to serious criminal offenses like violent crimes, sexual offenses, fraud, or major drug-related felonies, as well as issues with honesty, substance abuse, or abuse/neglect of vulnerable populations, though specific rules vary by state board of nursing and often involve case-by-case review, considering the offense's nature, age, and rehabilitation. Other disqualifiers include making false statements on applications or license discipline in other states.
What is the easiest nursing school to get into?
The "easiest" nursing schools often have high acceptance rates, like Georgia State University, UTEP, and Aspen University, which report near 100% acceptance for qualifying applicants, alongside options like University of New Mexico, Sam Houston State University, and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, though "easy" is relative, as all programs require meeting prerequisites and demonstrating capability. Community colleges (ASN) and some online programs also offer more accessible entry points than highly competitive university programs.
Are the cameras on during TEAS online?
Yes, cameras are on during online ATI TEAS exams; you are monitored via webcam, microphone, and screen recording by proctoring software (like Proctorio) for the entire duration to ensure academic integrity, requiring you to show your ID and scan your room before starting, and you must remain in view of the camera.
Can I study for the TEAS in 3 days?
Yes, you can study for the TEAS in 3 days, but it's extremely challenging; success depends on your starting point (take a diagnostic test!), focusing intensely on weak areas (like Science/Math), prioritizing high-yield topics (A&P, fractions, ratios), using short, focused study sessions with breaks, and leveraging practice tests for immediate feedback, though ATI recommends 6 weeks for thorough prep.
What if I fail the TEA exam?
1. Retaking the TEAS test can make a difference. The ATI® TEAS exam reports that schools will typically allow you to take the TEAS test three times a year. Your prospective nursing school or healthcare program gets the final say on the number of attempts you can make, however, so be sure to check with them to verify.
What level of math is on the TEA exam?
The main goal of the Math section of the TEAS 7 exam is to evaluate the test taker's proficiency in mathematical skills. This section covers concepts related to numbers and algebra, as well as measurement and data.
Is 2 months enough to study for TEAS?
Yes, 2 months is generally enough time to study for the TEAS exam, especially if you create a focused study plan, but ATI recommends at least 6 weeks, so 2 months allows for deeper understanding, more practice tests, and time to focus on weaker areas. Consistency is key, so use that time to break down content, practice consistently, and review mistakes thoroughly to achieve your best score.
Which nursing school doesn't require TEAS?
List of the Best Nursing Schools with No TEAS or HESI Exam Requirement for 2026
- 1. California State University, Fullerton - Traditional BSN. ...
- Drexel University - BSN-Co-op. ...
- Northern Illinois University - B.S. ...
- Oregon Health & Science University - B.S. with a Major in Nursing.
What's the hardest part of the TEAS test?
The hardest part of the TEAS test varies by student, but many find Reading for time management and Science due to its broad biology/chemistry content to be challenging, while others struggle with English grammar, complex sentence structures, or Math's word problems and formulas under pressure, often with Reading and English being surprisingly difficult because of time constraints and specific question types like SATA.