Taking the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) examination is the first step toward pursuing a healthcare career. While this entry exam can seem intimidating at first, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can feel confident when it comes time to take the test.
East Ohio College (EOC) is here to help guide you through how to prepare for the TEAS exam by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the TEAS exam and offering useful tips on how to get ready beforehand. Keep reading this blog to have your TEAS test questions answered!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TEAS exam?
The Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS for short, is an evaluation exam created by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) to test a student’s level of knowledge needed to enter a specialized healthcare education program.
It consists of four sections: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. The exam is designed to evaluate the general knowledge needed to succeed in a healthcare training program.
How long is the TEAS exam?
Students are given 209 minutes (3 hours and 29 minutes) total to complete the exam; however, each section has its own specific time limit. The Reading section must be completed in 55 minutes; the Math section in 57 minutes; the Science section in 60 minutes; and the English and Language section in 37 minutes.
How many questions are on the TEAS exam?
The TEAS exam consists of 170 questions, but only 150 are counted toward a participant’s final score. The 20 ungraded questions are included for ATI’s internal use and assessment.
There are five types of questions a student will encounter on the TEAS exam: multiple-choice, multiple-select, fill-in-the-blank, ordered-response, and hotspot questions.
How hard is the TEAS exam?
The TEAS exam is designed to be challenging, but not impossible. It is important to take the time to thoroughly study before attempting the exam for the first time. ATI suggests that students spend at least 6 weeks studying before taking the exam.
Can you use a calculator on the TEAS exam?
A personal calculator is not permitted for use on the TEAS exam; however, an integrated four-function calculator is available for use during the Mathematics portion of the test.
How often can you take the TEAS exam?
The number of attempts and the testing timeline depend heavily on the educational institution you choose. At East Ohio College, we allow up to 3 attempts per year, with no waiting period between attempts. This means that students who do not pass the TEAS on the first or second attempt can retake the exam as soon as they feel ready.
How To Prepare For The TEAS Test
Learn your strengths and weaknesses
A great place to start when preparing for the TEAS exam is to take a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. EOC’s sister school, WVJC, has a free online practice test that helps you get a clear picture of where you currently stand.
Learning where you need extra help gives you the opportunity to see where to focus your studies and where you may not need extra review.
Find what study method works
Discovering what learning style suits you best is another important step in preparing to take the TEAS exam and enter higher education. Taking an online quiz is an excellent way to determine whether you are a visual learner, auditory learner, or kinesthetic learner; it will also give suggestions on study habits based on your learning style.
Create a plan
Once you have identified your strengths, areas for improvement, and learning style, it is time to create an action plan to prepare for the exam. ATI offers a 6-week study plan that can serve as a guide, but it is essential to prioritize the areas where you need extra help. Additionally, WVJC offers a free Online TEAS Prep course, also available to East Ohio College and United Career Institute students, for individuals who have taken the TEAS exam once but did not receive a passing score.
East Ohio College Supports You!
Don’t let the intimidation of the TEAS exam stop you from pursuing the career of your dreams! With the right preparation and determination, along with support from East Ohio College, you can feel confident taking this next step in your journey.
Take the first step today by requesting information to learn more about EOC’s healthcare training programs and discover firsthand how our team is here for you!