The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is the gatekeeper to most nursing programs across the United States. Whether you're applying to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, your TEAS score is one of the most critical numbers on your application.

This guide covers ATI TEAS Version 7 (the current version as of 2025), which is more rigorous than previous versions. We break down every section, provide targeted strategies, and give you a realistic roadmap to scoring well above the typical acceptance cutoff.

Understanding TEAS Version 7: Overview and Format

The ATI TEAS Version 7 consists of 170 questions (150 scored + 20 unscored pretest questions) across four subject areas:

• Science — 50 questions, 63 minutes (human body, biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning)
• English and Language Usage — 37 questions, 37 minutes (grammar, vocabulary, spelling)
• Mathematics — 38 questions, 57 minutes (numbers, algebra, measurement, statistics)
• Reading — 45 questions, 55 minutes (key ideas, craft and structure, integration of knowledge)

Total testing time is approximately 3.5 hours including breaks. The test is available in computer-based and paper-based formats at proctored testing centers and select schools.

What Score Do You Need?

Score requirements vary significantly by program and school. Here's a general breakdown:

• Below 58%: Unlikely to gain acceptance to most programs
• 58-67%: Basic / Developing — acceptable at some programs with strong GPAs
• 67-78%: Proficient — meets the requirement for most ADN programs
• 78-90%: Advanced — competitive for BSN programs
• 90%+: Exemplary — highly competitive for selective programs

The national average TEAS score is approximately 66%. Most competitive BSN programs want to see scores of 75% or higher. Aim for 80%+ if you're applying to selective schools.

TEAS Science: The Most Challenging Section

Science is where most nursing applicants struggle — and where proper preparation makes the biggest difference. TEAS Version 7 significantly expanded the science section compared to previous versions.

Human Anatomy and Physiology (~35% of Science)
This is the highest-weighted subsection. You need to understand:

• All major body systems and their functions (nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, immune, digestive, reproductive, musculoskeletal, integumentary, renal/urinary)
• Major organs, their structures, and physiological processes
• Homeostasis mechanisms and feedback loops (positive and negative)
• Disease processes at the system level

Biology (~17% of Science)
Focus on: cell structure and organelle functions, DNA replication and protein synthesis, mitosis vs. meiosis, genetics (Mendelian inheritance, Punnett squares), and basic ecology.

Chemistry (~17% of Science)
Know: atomic structure, periodic table basics, chemical bonding (ionic vs. covalent), pH scale and acids/bases, basic chemical equations, and states of matter.

Scientific Reasoning (~17% of Science)
Practice reading experimental designs, interpreting data tables and graphs, identifying controls and variables, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

Science Study Strategy

Spend 40% of your total TEAS prep time on Science. Use ATI's official TEAS study manual as your primary resource for anatomy and physiology. Supplement with:

• Khan Academy's Biology and Health & Medicine sections (free)
• Anatomy coloring books for visual learners
• Crash Course Biology and Crash Course A&P on YouTube
• Practice questions daily — minimum 30 science questions per study session

TEAS Mathematics: Build the Foundation

Unlike the GED or GRE, TEAS Math focuses on practical numerical skills. You are not expected to know calculus or advanced algebra. The calculator is allowed for most questions.

High-Priority Math Topics:

• Fractions, decimals, and percentages — converting between forms, operations
• Ratios, proportions, and unit conversion (critical for nursing dosage calculations)
• Basic algebra — solving for x, two-step equations
• Measurement — metric and imperial unit conversion
• Data interpretation — mean, median, mode, range from data sets
• Basic geometry — area, perimeter, volume

If you're planning to enter nursing, the math you study for the TEAS is the math you'll use in clinical practice — dosage calculations, IV drip rates, and unit conversions are all tested here. That should be strong motivation to master it now.

TEAS Reading: Reading for Purpose and Detail

TEAS Reading tests your ability to comprehend informational text at a college level. Questions cover main ideas, supporting details, author purpose and tone, text structure, and inference.

Top Strategies:

• Practice reading dense non-fiction: science articles, health journals, professional texts
• For every passage, identify: main idea, author's purpose, key supporting details
• Look for transition words that signal text structure (however, therefore, in contrast, for example)
• For inference questions, answers must be supported by the text — never add external knowledge
• Practice eliminating obviously wrong answers first

TEAS English and Language Usage

This section is a strong opportunity to gain points if you study the right material. It covers:

• Grammar rules: subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb tense consistency
• Sentence structure: independent vs. dependent clauses, comma splices, run-ons, fragments
• Punctuation: commas, semicolons, apostrophes, quotation marks
• Vocabulary: context clues, prefixes, suffixes, and roots in healthcare terms
• Spelling conventions: common misspellings and homophones

Medical terminology roots are worth studying specifically for vocabulary questions. Learn roots like: cardi/o (heart), pulmon/o (lung), hem/o (blood), neur/o (nerve), hepat/o (liver), nephr/o (kidney), oste/o (bone).

Building a 60-Day TEAS Study Plan

Week 1-2: Diagnostic test → identify weak areas → start with Science A&P
Week 3-4: Continue Science (Biology, Chemistry) + begin Math daily practice
Week 5-6: Reading strategies + English grammar rules + two full practice tests
Week 7-8: Review weak areas from practice tests + final review of all sections
Day before test: Light review only, sleep 8+ hours, eat well

Using Bigman's TEAS Resources

Our TEAS Complete Prep Pack includes 500+ practice questions, full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations, anatomy and physiology cheat sheets, and a 60-day study calendar. Our expert tutors specialize in TEAS preparation and have helped hundreds of nursing school applicants achieve the scores they need.

Browse our TEAS study materials or book a TEAS tutoring session to get personalized help where you need it most.