6 Steps on How to Prepare for the TEAS Test
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How to Study and Pass the TEAS Test

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (including registered nurses, physicians, and surgeons) make a median annual salary of $77,760. They can expect to see about 1.8 million job openings projected each year to 2032.

Thus, it’s no surprise many students seek to enroll in healthcare schools and degree programs to pursue these in-demand careers.

However, starting one’s career in a healthcare program often involves passing the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). This standardized exam evaluates students’ readiness for various healthcare programs, including nursing.

Read on to discover what students can expect from the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as well as six tips on how to study and prepare for this examination.

What is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that tests students’ readiness for enrollment in healthcare-related programs, such as nursing.

The exam covers four key areas:

English and Language Use (28 minutes): Measures one’s knowledge and understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and written communication skills in relation to communication with patients and in healthcare settings.
Math (54 minutes): Tests the student’s proficiency in basic mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills often used in the healthcare industry.
Reading (64 minutes): This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to comprehend and analyze healthcare-related texts.
Science (63 minutes): Tests the understanding of fundamental biological and anatomical concepts.

Many healthcare schools consider a student’s score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills to be evidence of their problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. As such, passing this test also often reveals a student’s academic skills and shows prospective nursing programs that they can provide high-quality patient care.

Every nursing and healthcare program’s admission requirements will vary, so students should research when applying to understand what will be required. For example, at Goodwin University, our prospective nursing students will need to pass the TEAS test before beginning their program.

6 tips on how to study and pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Successful students should want to succeed on any exam, including the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). To do so, students should make sure they are prepared so they can pass on their first attempt. Follow these tips for success as you study and prepare for the TEAS exam.

Tip #1: Make a plan

Before diving into studying, create a personalized plan that will utilize your strengths and improve any weaknesses. Consider the following as you make your study plan:

Learning style: Do you excel in group settings, individual study, or work best with a tutor?
Resources: Use online tutorials, study guides, and practice tests offered by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) and other test prep programs.
Study timeline: How much time do you have before you take the test? While it’s recommended that students aim for at least six weeks, they can adjust based on their needs.
Weaknesses: Identify the sections of the test you may need more time with and prioritize those sections accordingly.

Tip #2: Don’t wait until the last minute

Now you’ve got a plan, it’s time to follow through! Cramming is never the solution. Instead, build consistent study habits to retain and recall information, as well as avoid the stress of procrastination and cramming. The American Technologies Institute (ATI), which creates and writes the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), recommends students take at least six weeks of preparation before taking the exam.

Students should identify their ideal study time—morning, afternoon, or evening—and schedule sessions accordingly.

Tip #3: Use resources and take TEAS practice tests

The American Technologies Institute (ATI) offers study guides, online tutorials, study manuals, learning strategies, and practice tests to help students prepare for and pass the TEAS test.

These materials help students familiarize themselves with each section’s question format, content, and time constraints. Students can then analyze their performance to identify the areas that have given them trouble and refocus their studying accordingly.

Tip #4: Understand your learning style

Just as every student is different, so too is every student’s learning style. Students should utilize various study methods to discover how and in what ways they learn best. For example:

Auditory learners: Listen to study guides or record yourself reading key concepts
Kinesthetic learners: Rewrite notes by hand or practice answering questions while you walk or move around.
Visual learners: Utilize flashcards, diagrams, and flowcharts

Understanding your learning style will not only help for the TEAS exam, but also will help you throughout your collegiate and professional career.

Tip #5: Answer every question

The TEAS exam does not penalize students for wrong answers, so students should answer every question, even if they may not know the answer.

Students can also strategize to save time by leaving unanswered questions until the end of each section. Then, read the question again carefully, try not to overthink the answer, and attempt to answer the question mentally before you look at the multiple-choice answers.

Tip #6: Take breaks

Be sure to give yourself breaks throughout your studying and preparation. Doing so will maximize retention, keep cramming to a minimum, and avoid sickness and burnout.

Always balance studying with physical activities or time with friends and family, and be sure to get enough sleep, especially in the days leading up to the exam.

The TEAS requirement at Goodwin University

At Goodwin University, we believe in supporting future nurses every step of the way. Our nursing programs prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in this in-demand and rewarding field.

We offer the following Nursing programs:

Additionally, we require all incoming nursing students to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) before beginning their program. Students may only test once per application cycle, and if they are unsatisfied with their score, they must wait until the next application cycle to retake their test.

Contact us today for more information about our Nursing degree programs and how we can help you prepare for and pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). We’re ready when you are!