Preparing for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) can feel overwhelming, particularly for students aiming to join nursing or allied health programs. This guide will help you develop an effective study plan, offering tips and strategies to boost your performance and help you pass the TEAS test with confidence.
Why the TEAS Test Matters
The TEAS test assesses essential academic skills across four core areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English Language Usage. Many nursing and allied health programs in the U.S. use it as a key admission criterion, so performing well is crucial to getting into your desired program. Since the test covers a wide range of topics in a limited time, it’s important to study strategically and efficiently.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find tips and proven methods to help you excel, regardless of your learning style—whether you’re a visual learner, prefer hands-on practice, or thrive in group settings. Let’s dive into how to optimize your preparation for the TEAS test.
See: A Sorority House: Everything to Know About
Table of Contents
- 15 TEAS Test Prep Tips to Help You Pass
- Understanding Your TEAS Score
- TEAS Test Dates 2023-2024
- Conclusion
15 TEAS Test Prep Tips to Help You Pass
1. Take Practice Tests
Practice tests are one of the best ways to prepare for the TEAS test. You can find free options online or through paid resources, such as study guidebooks and online courses. For example, Smart Edition Academy offers a free practice test that simulates the timed nature of the actual exam, helping you pinpoint areas that need improvement and providing a personalized study plan based on your results.
According to Nurse Melissa, a co-founder of Smart Edition Academy, choosing high-quality practice tests is essential. Some free tests online may not accurately reflect the format or difficulty of the actual TEAS test. Opt for tests that are timed, realistic, and closely mimic the actual exam to ensure you’re well-prepared.
2. Peruse YouTube
YouTube is a great, free study resource. You’ll find channels focused on TEAS-specific topics like math and science. For example, Smart Edition Academy’s YouTube channel offers hundreds of videos covering each section of the exam. If you’re a visual learner, video explanations can simplify complex topics and help reinforce what you’ve studied.
3. Take an Online Course
Online courses have become a popular study option due to their interactive nature. Many online TEAS prep courses, like Smart Edition Academy’s ATI TEAS online course, offer comprehensive resources such as lesson modules, video lessons, practice tests, flashcards, and question banks. These courses cater to different learning styles and help students test their knowledge in a format similar to the actual exam.
4. Know What to Expect
The TEAS test consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, divided into four sections: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English Language Usage. You have 209 minutes (3 hours and 29 minutes) to complete the test. Be aware that 20 of the 170 questions are unscored and may be used for future test development, but you won’t know which ones they are.
5. Get a Study Buddy or Join a Study Group
Group study can be highly effective. Forming a study group with fellow test-takers allows everyone to share strengths and weaknesses. Together, you can cover more material and practice problem areas. Collaborative study sessions also help keep you accountable.
6. Utilize Online Test Prep Resources
Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), the developer of the TEAS test, provides excellent study materials including online lessons, mock exams, and study guides. Start with their website, and also explore other well-reviewed online resources. Before investing in any online TEAS prep, check reviews or ask peers for recommendations.
7. Take an In-Person Prep Class
Some students thrive in in-person settings. Check local colleges or private organizations for prep courses that offer face-to-face interaction. These classes may provide you with valuable tips from instructors and a structured environment to stay on track.
8. Use Printed Study Guides
Printed study guides remain a reliable and budget-friendly option. You can take notes, highlight important sections, and annotate directly on the pages. Smart Edition Academy also offers printed guides, which can be useful for students who prefer physical study materials.
9. Organize Your Study Time
Create a TEAS test study schedule that allocates time for each subject area. Try to study at the same time each day to build a routine. Use digital or physical planners to track progress, ensuring that no subject is overlooked. Scheduling “study appointments” with yourself can also help maintain consistency.
10. Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks improves concentration and prevents burnout. A brief walk or a short mental break every hour or two can refresh your mind and keep your study sessions productive.
11. Take Care of Yourself
Eating well, exercising, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are key to keeping your mind sharp during study sessions and on test day. Don’t forget to spend time with loved ones to avoid burnout.
12. Take Your Time
During the exam, read each question carefully and take your time to think through the answers. However, be mindful of the time limits for each section and pace yourself accordingly.
13. Maintain Confidence
Confidence plays a huge role in test success. You’ve likely covered the majority of the material during your prerequisite courses. Trust in your preparation and knowledge when taking the exam.
14. Access Reliable Study Materials
Ensure that your study materials are up-to-date and reliable. Trusted sources like ATI Testing Resources or college websites that offer official TEAS prep materials are a great place to start.
15. Don’t Schedule the Test Until You’re Prepared
Many colleges have specific policies regarding how many times you can retake the TEAS test, often with mandatory waiting periods between attempts. Make sure you’re fully prepared before scheduling the test to avoid unnecessary delays.
Bonus: Speak to a Nursing Advisor
Advisors at your prospective school can provide additional resources and tips for preparing for the TEAS test. They may offer insight into study materials or even host TEAS prep workshops.
See: 21 Easy Classes at UW Madison To Boost Your GPA
Understanding Your TEAS Score
Once you complete the test, online test-takers can access their scores immediately, while paper test-takers might need to wait 48 hours. Each school sets its own score requirements, so make sure to check with the program you’re applying to. Keep in mind that meeting the minimum score doesn’t guarantee admission, as other factors may also be considered.
TEAS Test Dates 2023-2024
For the upcoming test dates, here is the schedule (remote proctoring available via Proctorio):
- Thursday, November 2, 2023 – 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday, November 7, 2023 – 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Thursday, November 9, 2023 – 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday, November 14, 2023 – 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
…
Conclusion
Studying for the TEAS test requires careful planning, consistency, and access to high-quality materials. By utilizing the strategies above, you can set yourself up for success and feel confident when it’s time to take the test.
