Introduction: The TEAS in 2026

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is the most widely used nursing school admission exam in the United States. Developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), the TEAS evaluates whether prospective nursing students possess the foundational academic skills needed to succeed in a rigorous nursing program. More than 500 nursing schools require the TEAS as part of their admissions process, and your score can make or break your application.

In 2026, the landscape of TEAS preparation has fundamentally shifted. AI-powered study tools now allow students to convert their science lecture recordings into organized flashcard decks, generate practice quizzes from textbook content, and identify knowledge gaps through adaptive testing algorithms. Students who leverage these tools report cutting their study time by 30-40% while achieving higher scores than those who rely solely on traditional study methods.

This guide provides a complete roadmap for TEAS preparation, with special emphasis on the Science section, which is the most heavily weighted component for nursing school admissions. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a career changer entering nursing, or a student retaking the exam to improve your score, you will find actionable strategies tailored to your situation. For a broader overview of how AI is transforming nursing education, see our AI study tools for nursing students page.

Understanding the TEAS Exam Structure

The current TEAS exam (ATI TEAS Version 7) consists of 170 questions across four sections, administered over 209 minutes. Understanding the structure and weight of each section is essential for allocating your study time effectively.

The TEAS produces both a composite score (overall percentage) and individual section scores. Most nursing programs set minimum thresholds for the composite score, but many also examine the Science section score independently. Scores are reported as a percentage of correctly answered questions, with the national average typically falling between 60-65%. The highest achievable score is 100%.

Science Section: The Key to Nursing School Admission

The Science section is the most important part of the TEAS for nursing school admission. It accounts for 50 of the 170 questions and covers the foundational knowledge you will build upon throughout your entire nursing education. Admissions committees give disproportionate weight to this section because it directly predicts success in nursing courses like pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing.

The Science section breaks down into four major content areas: human anatomy and physiology (the largest portion), biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning. Let us examine each in detail.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (Approximately 32 Questions)

A&P constitutes the largest portion of the Science section. You need to understand the structure and function of all major organ systems. This is not surface-level memorization. The TEAS expects you to understand how systems interact, what happens when homeostasis is disrupted, and how the body responds to various stimuli.

Biology (Approximately 8 Questions)

The biology content on the TEAS focuses on cellular biology, genetics, and the molecular basis of life. While there are fewer questions than A&P, these topics form the foundation for understanding how the body works at a cellular level, which is critical for nursing practice.

Chemistry (Approximately 6 Questions)

TEAS chemistry is relatively basic compared to college-level chemistry courses, but the concepts are essential for understanding pharmacology and fluid balance in nursing. Focus on the fundamentals rather than complex calculations.

Scientific Reasoning (Approximately 4 Questions)

Scientific reasoning questions test your ability to interpret experimental data, understand the scientific method, and draw conclusions from evidence. These questions often present you with a scenario or data set and ask you to identify variables, evaluate hypotheses, or predict outcomes. While there are fewer of these questions, they are often the most challenging because they require critical thinking rather than content recall.

Reading Section: Strategies & AI Tools

The Reading section of the TEAS evaluates your ability to comprehend written passages, identify key ideas, analyze arguments, and integrate information from multiple sources. With 39 questions in 55 minutes, you have approximately 1 minute and 25 seconds per question, which means efficient reading strategies are essential.

Unlike the Science section, Reading improvement depends less on content memorization and more on developing systematic approaches to passage analysis. The TEAS Reading section tests three major skill areas: key ideas and details, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas.

Reading Strategies That Work

The most effective Reading strategy for the TEAS is the "skim-then-target" approach. First, quickly skim the passage (30-45 seconds) to understand its main idea and structure. Then, read the questions and go back to the passage to find specific answers. This prevents wasting time re-reading entire passages for each question. For nursing-specific passages, pay particular attention to cause-effect relationships and procedural sequences, as these mirror the clinical reasoning you will use in nursing practice.

Practice reading healthcare-related articles and textbooks daily. The more familiar you are with medical and scientific vocabulary, the faster you will process TEAS passages. Many TEAS Reading passages use healthcare-adjacent topics such as public health reports, scientific studies, and patient education materials.

Math Section: Concepts & Practice

The TEAS Math section contains 36 questions in 57 minutes, covering two main areas: numbers and algebra (approximately 65%) and measurement and data (approximately 35%). The math content is roughly at a high school algebra level, but the challenge lies in doing calculations without a calculator for most questions and managing your time effectively.

An important note: a four-function calculator is available only for certain questions. The exam will indicate when you can use it. This means you need strong mental math skills and the ability to work through arithmetic problems by hand. This is non-negotiable for a strong Math score.

Math Study Tips

English & Language Usage Section

The English & Language Usage (E&LU) section is the fastest-paced section of the TEAS, with 37 questions in just 37 minutes (exactly one minute per question). This section evaluates your understanding of grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and writing conventions. While it may seem like the least "nursing-related" section, strong communication skills are fundamental to nursing practice, from documenting in patient charts to communicating with physicians and educating patients.

A particularly effective strategy for the vocabulary portion is learning medical word roots. Understanding that "cardio" means heart, "hepato" means liver, "-itis" means inflammation, and "-ectomy" means removal gives you a powerful toolkit for decoding unfamiliar medical terms. This skill not only helps on the TEAS but becomes invaluable throughout your nursing education when you encounter thousands of medical terms.

4-8 Week TEAS Study Timeline with AI Integration

The ideal TEAS study timeline depends on your existing knowledge base and target score. Students with a strong science background and recent prerequisite courses may need only 4 weeks. Those who completed prerequisites more than a year ago, or who find science challenging, should plan for 6-8 weeks. Below are detailed plans for both timelines.

Best AI Tools for TEAS Prep in 2026

The right combination of AI tools can dramatically improve your TEAS preparation efficiency. Here are the best options for each aspect of your study plan, with special focus on the Science section that matters most for nursing admissions.

Score Improvement Strategies: From 60% to 80%+

Improving your TEAS score follows a predictable pattern. The most efficient gains come from focusing on your weakest areas, particularly in the Science section. Here is how to systematically raise your score based on your current level.

Common TEAS Study Mistakes to Avoid

After analyzing the study habits of hundreds of TEAS test-takers, these are the most common mistakes that prevent students from reaching their target scores:

Test Day Tips & What to Expect

The TEAS can be taken at a testing center or through remote online proctoring, depending on your nursing program's requirements. Either way, proper preparation for test day can prevent unnecessary stress and help you perform at your best.

Remember that some questions on the TEAS are unscored "pre-test" items that ATI is testing for future exams. You will not know which questions are scored and which are not, so treat every question as if it counts. Your results are available immediately after completing the exam, and you will see both your composite score and individual section scores.

Frequently Asked Questions About TEAS Prep