If you’re looking to pursue a career in nursing, then chances are you’ll have to take the TEAS exam. This exam is used to assess your knowledge of basic academic skills in areas like math, science, English, and reading comprehension, all of which are essential for success in nursing school.
But don’t worry, with the right preparation and study resources, you can ace the TEAS exam and get one step closer to achieving your nursing career goals.
In this article, we’ll provide you with key information about the TEAS exam, including what to expect from the exam content and how scoring and results work. We’ll also give you tips for success on the exam, such as how to manage your time effectively and what to do if you encounter difficult questions. Plus, we’ll share some of the best study resources available to help you prepare for the TEAS exam and boost your confidence before test day.
So, let’s dive in and start understanding the TEAS exam for nursing.
Key Takeaways
- The TEAS exam assesses basic academic skills in math, science, English, and reading comprehension for pursuing a career in nursing.
- The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, is timed for four hours, and measures proficiency in reading, math, science, and English language usage.
- Time management and effective test-taking strategies are crucial for success on the TEAS exam.
- Study resources such as online practice tests, study guides, and flashcards are important for preparing for the exam.
Overview of the TEAS Exam
So, you’re about to jump into the deep end of pre-nursing admissions and the first thing you need to know is that the TEAS Exam is a crucial component of the process.
The Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS, is a standardized exam that measures your proficiency in reading, math, science, and English language usage. It’s designed to evaluate your readiness for nursing school and assess your academic skills in these core subject areas.
Before you can take the exam, you’ll need to register for it. The registration process is simple and can be completed online. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time.
The TEAS exam format consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and is timed for four hours. It’s important to note that the TEAS exam is not a pass or fail test, but rather a tool to assess your strengths and weaknesses in preparation for nursing school.
Understanding the Exam Content
Get ready to dive into what’s on the test! You’ll want to know what you’re up against before you start studying.
The TEAS exam is a multiple-choice test consisting of 170 questions that are timed for four hours. Here are some things you should know about the test format:
- The exam is computer-based, and you’ll be provided with scratch paper and a calculator.
- The test is broken down into four sections: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.
- You’ll have 64 minutes to complete the Reading section, 54 minutes for the Math section, 63 minutes for the Science section, and 28 minutes for the English and Language Usage section.
Now that you know the format, let’s talk about the types of questions you can expect to see on the TEAS exam. The test is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in various subjects, including anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Here are the question types you’ll encounter:
- Multiple-choice questions with one correct answer
- Multiple-choice questions with multiple correct answers
- Ordered response questions (where you must select the correct answer from a list in a specific order)
- Fill-in-the-blank questions
- Drag-and-drop questions
Make sure to familiarize yourself with these question types and practice answering them before test day. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of success on the TEAS exam.
Scoring and Results
Ready to see how well you did on the test? Let’s talk about how the scoring and results work for the TEAS exam.
The TEAS exam grading is done on a scale of 0-100%, and the passing score varies depending on the institution or program you’re applying to. Generally, a passing score is around 65-75%, but it’s always best to check with your school or program to confirm their specific requirements.
Once you’ve taken the exam, you’ll receive your score immediately. This will include your overall score, as well as scores for each section of the exam (reading, math, science, and English language usage).
If you don’t pass the exam, don’t worry – you can retake it after a certain amount of time has passed. Just make sure to use the resources available to you, such as study guides and practice exams, to help improve your score and increase your chances of passing on your next attempt.
Tips for Success on the TEAS Exam
To succeed on the TEAS exam, you need to have a solid understanding of time management, test-taking strategies, and study techniques. These three key points can make all the difference in your performance on the exam.
By prioritizing your time, utilizing effective study techniques, and applying smart test-taking strategies, you can maximize your chances of achieving a high score and reaching your nursing education goals.
Time Management
You’ll want to make sure you manage your time effectively when taking the TEAS Exam to ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some effective strategies to help you manage your time wisely:
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Create a time schedule: Before starting the exam, take a few minutes to create a time schedule. Allocate enough time for each section, and make sure to stick to the schedule.
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Don’t get stuck: If you get stuck on a difficult question, don’t waste too much time on it. Skip the question and move on to the next one. You can always come back to it later if you have time.
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Use your scratch paper: Use your scratch paper to write down important information or formulas, especially for the math section. This will help you save time and avoid having to redo calculations.
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Practice time management: When practicing for the exam, make sure to practice time management as well. Use a timer and try to complete practice exams within the allotted time to get used to the time pressure.
By following these strategies, you can avoid common mistakes such as running out of time or spending too much time on one question. Remember, time management is key to success on the TEAS Exam.
Test-Taking Strategies
As you begin the TEAS Exam, it’s important to implement effective test-taking strategies to maximize your performance and achieve a successful outcome.
One of the most common issues that test-takers experience is test anxiety, which can affect your focus and ability to recall information. To combat this, it’s important to take deep breaths and remind yourself that you’ve prepared for this exam. Additionally, try to eliminate any distractions and focus on the task at hand.
Another effective test-taking strategy is to take practice tests before the actual exam. This will help you become more familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that will be asked. It will also help you identify any areas that you need to focus on during your studying.
Practice tests can be found online or through study resources, and it’s recommended to take multiple tests to get a better understanding of the material. Remember that the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel during the exam.
Study Techniques
Implementing effective study techniques is crucial for success on the TEAS Exam. One important technique is flashcard mastery. Flashcards are a great tool for memorizing important information, such as medical terminology and anatomy. You can create your own flashcards or use pre-made ones.
Practice reviewing them regularly to reinforce your knowledge and make sure you remember the information. Another important study technique is note taking. Note taking allows you to summarize and retain information from textbooks, lectures, and practice tests. Use abbreviations and symbols to make your notes concise and easy to understand.
You can also color-code your notes to help you remember important information. Make sure you review your notes regularly to stay familiar with the material. By mastering flashcards and note taking techniques, you can improve your chances of success on the TEAS Exam.
Study Resources
There are a variety of study resources available to help nursing students prepare for the TEAS exam, including online practice tests and study guides. These resources provide nursing students with a comprehensive understanding of the exam and give them an opportunity to practice their test-taking skills.
If you prefer to study on-the-go, flashcard techniques may be a useful resource for you. Flashcards are a great way to quickly review key concepts and terms. You can create your own flashcards or use pre-made sets available online.
Additionally, taking practice exams is an excellent study resource as it simulates the actual TEAS exam experience. Practice exams allow you to assess your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas that require more attention. You can find practice exams online, or purchase study guides that include practice exams to help you prepare for the TEAS exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any accommodations available for individuals with disabilities taking the TEAS exam?
If you have a disability and need accommodations for the TEAS exam, there are options available. Disability support services are provided by ATI, the company that administers the exam, and they can help you with things like extended time, a separate testing room, or assistive technology.
To request accommodations, you’ll need to submit documentation of your disability and the specific accommodations you need. It’s important to do this well in advance of your exam date to ensure that your request can be processed in time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to ATI if you have questions or concerns about the accommodations process.
How often can I take the TEAS exam?
You can take the TEAS exam up to three times in a year, but you must wait at least 30 days before retaking it. If you take the exam a fourth time within a year, nursing schools may not consider your scores valid.
It’s important to prepare adequately before taking the exam to maximize your chances of success. Knowing the retake policy can help you plan your exam schedule and study strategies accordingly.
Can I use a calculator during the TEAS exam?
Yes, you can use a calculator during the TEAS exam. However, it’s important to note that the calculator is embedded in the exam format and can’t be accessed outside of the math section. This means you won’t be able to use your own personal calculator during the exam.
Additionally, the calculator provided during the math section is a basic four-function calculator and doesn’t include any advanced functions or capabilities. Keep in mind that the TEAS exam is a timed test, so using the calculator efficiently and accurately is crucial to maximizing your score.
What is the process for requesting a re-score of my TEAS exam?
If you want to request a re-score of your TEAS exam, you need to follow the TEAS exam re-score process. Firstly, you should contact the ATI Customer Care Center within 30 days of taking the exam and request a re-score. You’ll need to provide your full name, date of birth, and TEAS exam registration number.
The request for a re-score will cost you $50, which you need to pay online. Once you pay the fee, your exam will be re-scored, and you’ll receive an email with your new scores.
If you have a disability and require accommodations during the exam, you need to submit the request for TEAS exam disability accommodations at least six weeks before your scheduled exam date. You can request accommodations such as extra time, extended breaks, and a separate testing room.
It’s essential to follow the process for requesting accommodations to ensure you have the best possible exam experience.
Are there any specific test-taking strategies that are recommended for the TEAS exam?
To maximize your chances of success on the TEAS exam, there are several effective techniques you can employ.
Timing management is key, so make sure you pace yourself and don’t get bogged down on any one question. You can also save time by skipping difficult questions and returning to them later.
It’s important to read each question carefully and make sure you understand what’s being asked before answering. Another helpful strategy is to eliminate obviously incorrect answers to narrow down your choices.
Finally, don’t forget to take breaks as needed to stay focused and refreshed throughout the exam. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the TEAS and achieve your nursing career goals.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a better understanding of the TEAS exam for nursing and what it takes to succeed on test day. By familiarizing yourself with the exam content, scoring, and tips for success, you can feel more confident and prepared when taking the TEAS exam.
Remember to utilize study resources such as practice exams, study guides, and online resources to help you prepare. By putting in the time and effort to study, you can set yourself up for success and achieve your dreams of becoming a nurse.
Best of luck on your TEAS exam journey!
