Nursing Math test online

For many considering nursing school, there is one hurdle standing in the way: the dreaded TEAS test. And we totally get it – entrance exams can be intimidating! You’re definitely not alone in having a few hesitations.

As a requirement to get into nursing school, there’s no way of getting around taking the TEAS test. But we’re here to show you that there is no reason to be afraid. With the right preparation and a few tips from nurses who have been there, you can approach the test with confidence before continuing your pursuit of a quality nursing education.

It’s time to put your fears of the TEAS test behind you! Here is some helpful information, as well as a few valuable tips to help you pass the test with flying colors.

TEAS test components

The TEAS test, or the Test of Essential Academic Skills, is a pre-admittance test administered through the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Nursing Education. Colleges and universities utilize the test to screen prospective students’ ability to be successful in a nursing program.

ATI allots 209 minutes, or approximately four hours, to complete the multiple-choice exam. The TEAS test covers material that students should have acquired from their secondary education in the following areas:

• Reading: 42 items / 58 minutes

Topics: paragraph & source comprehension

• Mathematics: 30 items / 51 minutes

Topics: algebra, order of operations, data interpretation & measurement

• Science: 48 items / 66 minutes

Topics: human body, life science, physical science & scientific reasoning

• English language & usage: 30 items / 34 minutes

Topics: grammar & context, spelling, punctuation & structure

Take the TEAS test early

Even if you’re not quite ready to apply for nursing school, it can be helpful to take the TEAS test at the very beginning of your undergraduate studies during your first year of college, suggests Karla Mitchell, current nursing student and administrative assistant at Nevada State College.

“That way you’re familiar with the test, and therefore better prepared for the next time you take it – when you’re actually applying for nursing school, ” she says. Mitchell’s strategy was not only to take the test at the beginning of college, but then to take it once more at least 95 days before her application to nursing school was due. That way if she didn’t pass, she had time to take it again before applying.

Register at least two weeks ahead of time

One of the keys to success is registering for the TEAS test early, says Amy Matthys, dean of the RN to BSN program at Rasmussen College. While you can do plenty of independent preparation beforehand, ATI will send you a study guide once you do officially register for the test.