How to Ace the TEAS Test for Nursing Entrance Exam

Each year, thousands of students apply to nursing school, eager to pursue their dream of becoming a nurse. 

With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a need for 177,400 more Registered Nurses (RNs) by 2032, nursing employment is expected to grow by 6%, reaching 3.35 million. Nurse Practitioner roles are also expanding, with a 45% increase and 118,600 additional positions. As demand grows, healthcare institutions must focus on retaining current nurses and engaging new RN graduates.

The journey typically begins with an entrance exam. Most nursing schools require the TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills), with the required score varying by school. While some schools may not require the TEAS, most do, making it important for prospective nursing students to understand what the exam entails.

What is the TEAS Test?

The TEAS, or Test of Essential Academic Skills, is a test used by many nursing schools to see if students are ready for nursing school. It covers four main areas: reading, math, science, and English and language usage, with each section having a set number of questions and a time limit. The entire test takes about 3 hours and 29 minutes to complete.

6 Tips for Passing Your TEAS Test

Preparing for the TEAS test can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can boost your confidence and performance. If you're aiming for nursing school or planning for advanced exams like the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) Exam, these 6 tips will guide you through the preparation process to help you succeed.

1. Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute to start preparing for the TEAS exam. Begin studying weeks, or even months, before your test date to ensure you have plenty of time to review all subjects and strengthen your skills. 

Scheduling your test date in advance also gives you a clear deadline to aim for, helping you organize your study sessions and avoid the pressure of last-minute cramming.

2. Give Yourself 6 Weeks to Study

For a thorough study plan, give yourself at least 6 weeks to cover all sections of the TEAS exam. ATI offers a recommended schedule for this timeframe:

• Week 1: Focus on English and Language Usage. This section tests your grammar, sentence structure, and language knowledge.
• Weeks 2 & 3: Dedicate these two weeks to Reading. This part includes passages where you’ll be tested on your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and ability to analyze information.
• Weeks 4 & 5: Study Science, which covers biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology. Since Science can be a challenging section, spending two weeks on it will help reinforce your understanding.
• Week 6: Focus on Math. You’ll need to practice skills like basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, and data interpretation.

You can use a mix of study materials for each subject, including guides, lessons, quizzes, pre-tests, post-tests, and full practice assessments. Adjust your study time if you feel confident or need more review in certain areas.

3. Ask Questions

Know exactly what to expect on test day to feel confident and prepared. Familiarize yourself with the test format, the scoring system, and any specific guidelines or items you’ll need to bring. Also, check if breaks are provided. Clear information can help you avoid surprises, reduce stress, and focus fully on the exam.

4. Practice the Test

One of the best ways to prepare for the TEAS is by using practice tests and study guides. The ATI/TEAS website offers several resources designed to mimic the real test format. 

Practice tests can help you get used to the timing and types of questions on the exam, allowing you to build your test-taking stamina and get comfortable with how the test is structured. This practice will make you more efficient and confident on test day.

5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep 

A well-rested mind is sharper and more focused. Make sure to get a full night’s sleep before the exam. Trying to take the TEAS while tired can lower your concentration and negatively affect your performance. 

In addition, eat a balanced meal before the test to keep your energy up. Avoid high-sugar foods that might lead to an energy crash and opt for foods that will help you stay focused.

6. Review and Adjust as Needed

Some sections may be harder for you than others, so be flexible with your study plan. If you find certain topics particularly challenging, dedicate extra time to review them thoroughly. 

ATI’s study plan provides suggested hours, but don’t hesitate to adjust based on your comfort level. This personalized approach ensures that you’re well-prepared across all areas and ready to succeed on test day.

Effective Strategies for Every Section of the TEAS Test

Here are the practical strategies to help you prepare for each part of the TEAS test:

Reading Section Strategies

• Diversify Your Reading Practice: Read a variety of materials like articles, books, and academic papers to boost reading speed and comprehension.
• Pay Attention to Text Formatting: Look out for bold or italicized words, as they often indicate key points.
• Focus on the Passage Content: Base your answers on the passage details. Don’t let outside knowledge sway your response, even if the information seems incorrect.
• Check Questions Before Reading: Preview the questions to get a sense of what to look for in the passage.
• Watch Out for “Logical Conclusions”: Stick to what the text says and avoid making assumptions beyond the given information.

Math Section Strategies

• Apply the PEMDAS Rule: Follow the correct order of operations—Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.
• Master Conversion Between Measurement Systems: Practice switching between US Standard and Metric units.
• Understand Partial Numbers: Be confident in working with decimals, fractions, and percentages, as they express similar values in different formats.
• Know the Rules of the Test Room: For instance, using a calculator is allowed during the TEAS, so practice with one beforehand.
• Review Basic Math Principles: Familiarize yourself with common rules, like adding fractions with the same denominator.

Science Section Strategies

• Prioritize Anatomy and Physiology: Study the main systems of the human body, as they make up a large portion of this section.
• Solidify Biology & Chemistry Fundamentals: Understand DNA structure, atomic components, and the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma).
• Memorize Key Population Facts: Learn about population growth, decline, and fertility rates.
• Practice Scientific Analysis: Be ready to interpret experiments and answer reasoning-based questions.
• Revisit the Periodic Table: Refresh your knowledge of elements and their properties.

English and Language Usage Strategies

• Review Parts of Speech: Study the roles of nouns, pronouns, conjunctions, and verbs.
• Practice Spelling, Capitalization, and Punctuation: Create a reference list of essential rules to memorize.
• Learn Common Word Prefixes and Suffixes: Understanding these can help you decipher word meanings.
• Utilize Context Clues: Use surrounding words to help determine the meaning of unfamiliar terms and narrow down your answer choices.

A Winning  Nursing Career with Confidence

Acing the TEAS test isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about taking control of your future and setting the foundation for your nursing career. With proper planning, practice, and a focus on your weaknesses, you can turn those nervous moments into confident strides on test day. 

If you're working toward a nursing career or aiming for certifications like the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) Exam, the habits you build now will carry you far. Think of each study session as a step toward your dream job in healthcare. 

So, don’t wait—start today, stay consistent, and let your efforts speak for themselves. For extra support, you can rely on platforms like ChatGPT.Education to provide study tips, resources, and personalized guidance to make your journey smoother. Success is built on preparation, and now you have the tools to succeed!

FAQs

Is the TEAS test required for all nursing programs?

No, the TEAS test is not required for all nursing programs. Some schools may have their entrance exams or may not require any test at all. It's important to check the specific admission requirements of the nursing program you're interested in.

What does the TEAS exam consist of?

The TEAS exam consists of four main sections: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. Each section tests different skills such as reading comprehension, basic math, science knowledge (including biology and anatomy), and grammar.

How hard is the TEAS test for nursing?

The difficulty of the TEAS test for nursing varies by individual, but it can be challenging for many. The test covers a broad range of subjects, so proper preparation is key. Focus on your weak areas and use practice tests to build your confidence and test-taking skills.

Do you get your TEAS scores right away?

Yes, you typically get your TEAS scores right away, especially if you're taking the computer-based version. For the paper-based version, it may take a little longer to receive your results. Make sure to check with the testing center for exact details.