Exam guide · Nursing school admissions

The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is the most widely used entrance exam for nursing and allied-health programs. The current version — TEAS 7 — tests four academic areas in a long, multi-format sitting. Here's the structure, how scoring is read by programs, and how to prepare the science and math that carry the most weight.

The four sections

Two things stand out. First, Science is the largest section (50 questions) and leans heavily on human anatomy and physiology — it's the section that most often decides a competitive TEAS score. Second, TEAS 7 uses more than plain multiple choice: multiple-select, fill-in-the-blank, ordered-response, and hot-spot items mean you can't rely purely on recognition; some answers you have to produce.

How scoring works

You receive a total composite score plus a percentage for each content area, along with performance categories. There is no universal passing score — each nursing or allied-health program sets its own minimum, and competitive programs often expect composites in the "proficient" range or higher. Because programs vary widely, the only target that matters is the one your specific school publishes; check it before you build your plan, and note whether they weight Science separately.

Registration and retakes

You register through ATI and choose an in-person center or online proctored session. Retake rules are set by ATI and, often, by the program you're applying to — many schools cap the number of TEAS attempts they'll accept within an application cycle and require a waiting period between them. Confirm both ATI's current retake policy and your target program's limit before you first sit, so you don't spend an attempt you'll wish you'd saved.

Preparing — lead with Science and Math

Because Science is the biggest and most discriminating section, and it's dominated by anatomy and physiology, TEAS preparation rewards front-loading that content. A&P is classic memorization-and-systems material — exactly what audio review handles well, and exactly what fits into the busy lives of pre-nursing students who are usually working or finishing prerequisites.

The TEAS AudioLearn review covers the exam's four content areas, and you can weight your listening toward Science to match its outsized role. Run content review during commutes and downtime; reserve desk sessions for timed practice tests that expose you to the multi-format questions and the 209-minute endurance demand. Pair with our guides on active listening and studying around a full-time job.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions is the TEAS, and how long?

170 questions (150 scored, 20 unscored) across 209 minutes of testing, split into four timed sections.

What's a passing TEAS score?

There's no single passing score — each program sets its own minimum. Competitive nursing programs often look for composites in the proficient range or above. Check your target school's requirement.

Which section matters most?

Science is the largest (50 questions) and heavily anatomy-and-physiology based, so it often has the biggest effect on a competitive score. Many programs also look at the Science subscore specifically.

Can I retake the TEAS?

Yes, subject to ATI's policy and — importantly — your program's limits on attempts per application cycle. Confirm both before your first sitting.

Is it all multiple choice?

No. TEAS 7 includes multiple-select, fill-in-the-blank, ordered-response, and hot-spot questions, so practice with those formats matters.

How should I use audio for the TEAS?

Lead with Science and Math content in audio during your in-between hours, then do full timed practice tests at a desk. Weighting your listening toward anatomy and physiology matches where the points are.