The ATI TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is the entrance exam many nursing and allied health schools use to decide who gets in. This guide explains what the ATI TEAS exam is, what is on each section of TEAS 7, how long it takes, what it costs, how scoring works, how to register and how to prepare, with a 6-week study plan, original sample questions and links to all of our free ATI TEAS practice exams.
| ATI TEAS at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS®), Version 7 |
| Published by | ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) |
| Questions | 170 total (150 scored, 20 unscored pretest questions) |
| Testing time | 209 minutes across 4 timed sections |
| Sections | Reading, Mathematics, Science, English and Language Usage |
| Question types | Multiple choice, multiple select, fill in the blank, ordered response and hot spot |
| Cost | $120 plus tax when booked with ATI or PSI; schools set their own price |
| Where | Online with a remote proctor, or in person at a school or PSI testing center |
| Scores | Total, section and sub-section scores from 0% to 100%; your school sets the minimum |
Table of Contents
- What Is the ATI TEAS Exam?
- ATI TEAS 7 Exam Format and Sections
- ATI TEAS Practice Exams by Section
- How Much Does the ATI TEAS Exam Cost?
- How to Register for the ATI TEAS Exam
- ATI TEAS Scores Explained
- How Long Is the ATI TEAS Exam?
- Is the ATI TEAS Exam Hard?
- Retaking the ATI TEAS
- How to Study for the ATI TEAS: A 6-Week Plan
- ATI TEAS Sample Questions
- ATI TEAS Study Guides and Prep Resources
- ATI TEAS Exam Day Tips
- ATI TEAS Exam FAQ
What Is the ATI TEAS Exam?
The ATI TEAS is a timed, computer-based test of the academic skills you need in nursing school: reading, math, science and English. It is made by ATI, the same company behind the ATI Content Mastery and Comprehensive Predictor exams that many nursing programs use later on. Schools use your TEAS score to rank applicants, so it can decide whether you get a place in a competitive program.
The current version is ATI TEAS 7 (TEAS Version 7). If you see older guides that mention TEAS 6 or TEAS V, the content and question counts on this page are the ones that apply now. The TEAS is used mostly by nursing programs (ADN, BSN, diploma and LPN), but some allied health programs such as respiratory therapy, radiography and surgical technology also require it.
Some schools use the HESI A2 instead of the TEAS. If your program uses HESI, see our HESI Practice Exam guide.
ATI TEAS 7 Exam Format and Sections
According to ATI’s TEAS exam details, the ATI TEAS exam has 170 questions and 209 minutes of testing time. Each section is timed separately, and each includes a few unscored questions that ATI is trying out for future tests. You will not know which questions are unscored, so answer every question as if it counts.
| Section | Questions | Unscored | Time | Content covered (scored questions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 6 | 55 min | Key ideas and details (15), craft and structure (9), integration of knowledge and ideas (15) |
| Mathematics | 38 | 4 | 57 min | Numbers and algebra (18), measurement and data (16) |
| Science | 50 | 6 | 60 min | Human anatomy and physiology (18), biology (9), chemistry (8), scientific reasoning (9) |
| English and Language Usage | 37 | 4 | 37 min | Conventions of standard English (12), knowledge of language (11), using language and vocabulary to express ideas in writing (10) |
| Total | 170 | 20 | 209 min | 150 scored questions |
A four-function calculator is built into the math section. Anatomy and physiology is the largest single part of the science section, so it deserves extra study time.
ATI TEAS Practice Exams by Section
Use these free ATI TEAS practice tests to work through each section. Start with the July 2026 sets, which are the newest.
| Section | Free ATI TEAS practice tests |
|---|---|
| Reading | Reading (July 2026), Reading Section 2026, TEAS Reading V7, Reading TEAS V7 |
| Mathematics | Math (July 2026), Math 2026, TEAS Math V7, Math TEAS V7 |
| Science | Science 2026, TEAS Science V7, ATI TEAS V7 Science, Science TEAS V7 |
| English and Language Usage | English (July 2026), Language 2026, ATI TEAS V7 Language, English and Language TEAS V7 |
Want a bigger set of questions with answers? See the TEAS question banks in our shop: Reading, Math, Science, English and Language Usage, or browse the full ATI TEAS 7 category.
How Much Does the ATI TEAS Exam Cost?
Per ATI’s cost FAQ, the ATI TEAS exam costs $120 plus sales tax when you book it directly with ATI (remote, proctored by ATI) or through PSI (in person at a PSI testing center or online with PSI). When you test through a school or testing center, that location sets the price, which may be higher, lower or included in another fee.
- Included: one exam attempt, your score report, and one transcript credit for ATI and PSI exams. School-proctored exams send the transcript to that school automatically.
- Extra transcripts: $29.99 each (see ATI transcripts), needed if you apply to more than one school.
- Rescheduling: $15 each time for exams booked on atitesting.com, at least 48 hours before the exam. There are no refunds.
- Official prep (optional): ATI sells practice tests, a study guide, an app and prep packages separately.
ATI sometimes offers discount codes on its prep products, but check the official site rather than third-party “discount code” pages, which are often out of date.
How to Register for the ATI TEAS Exam
ATI offers the TEAS in four ways (see Register for the TEAS). Check which ones your school accepts before you pay, because some schools only accept scores from their own testing site.
| Option | Where you test | Who proctors |
|---|---|---|
| TEAS Online at ATI | At home or another private room | ATI remote proctor |
| TEAS Online at Institution | Remote, arranged by a school | The school’s remote proctor |
| TEAS at Institution | On campus at a school or testing center | School proctor in person |
| TEAS at PSI | A PSI testing center (or PSI online) | PSI |
- Create an account at atitesting.com and choose your exam option, date and time.
- Bring a physical government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name exactly.
- For remote exams, check the computer, webcam and room requirements and run the system check in advance.
- Read the rescheduling policy: changes must be made at least 48 hours ahead and within 30 days of the original date.
ATI TEAS Scores Explained
Your score report shows a total score, a score for each of the four content areas and scores for each sub-content area, all from 0% to 100%. As ATI explains, the total and section scores are adjusted for differences between test forms, so you cannot calculate the total from the section scores. Your report also shows an academic preparedness level and a focused review of topics to study.
- Passing score: there is no single ATI TEAS passing score. Each school sets its own minimum total score and sometimes minimum section scores. Look up the requirement for every school you apply to.
- Results: TEAS at ATI scores appear right after the exam as “preliminary” and are finalized a few business days later. TEAS at PSI scores usually post within 72 hours.
- How long scores last: scores are usually accepted for about two years, but each school sets its own limit.
How Long Is the ATI TEAS Exam?
The ATI TEAS has 209 minutes of testing time, just under 3.5 hours. With check-in, the tutorial and a short break after the math section, plan for about 4 hours in total.
Is the ATI TEAS Exam Hard?
The content is mostly high-school level, but the TEAS is difficult because of the time limits and the breadth of topics, especially in science. ATI says 30% of qualified applicants are turned away from ADN, diploma and BSN programs and that 40% of test takers end up retaking the TEAS, so a strong score matters. Most students do best by working on their weakest section first and taking several timed practice tests.
Retaking the ATI TEAS
ATI does not set a waiting period between attempts (see ATI’s retake FAQ). Your school decides how many attempts it accepts and how far apart they must be, and some programs only take your first or best score. If you need to retake, use the focused review in your score report to target the topics you missed.
How to Study for the ATI TEAS: A 6-Week Plan
ATI recommends at least 6 weeks of preparation. Here is a simple plan you can adjust to your schedule:
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Take a full timed practice test to find your baseline, then list your weakest sub-sections. |
| Week 2 | Science: anatomy and physiology (all body systems), then biology and chemistry basics. |
| Week 3 | Math: fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, conversions, algebra, and reading charts and graphs. |
| Week 4 | Reading: main idea, inferences, author’s purpose, and comparing sources. English: grammar, punctuation and spelling. |
| Week 5 | Science again plus scientific reasoning, then mixed timed practice sets for every section. |
| Week 6 | Two full timed practice exams, review every missed question, and rest the day before. |
- Study why each answer is right or wrong, not just which letter it is.
- Practice under real time limits; English has only 37 minutes for 37 questions.
- Memorize common conversions (for example 1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 kg = 2.2 lb).
- Do not skip the science section: it has the most questions on the test.
ATI TEAS Sample Questions
These are original ATI TEAS-style practice questions written for this guide. Try each one, then open the answer.
Sample 1: Reading
A passage states: “Although hand washing takes only seconds, it remains the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals.” What is the author’s main point?
- Hand washing takes too long in hospitals
- Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent infection in hospitals
- Hospitals have more infections than homes
- Infection control requires expensive equipment
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
The main idea is stated directly: hand washing is the most effective infection-prevention method. The other options are not supported by the passage.
Sample 2: Mathematics
A recipe uses 3 cups of flour for every 2 cups of sugar. How much flour is needed with 5 cups of sugar?
- 6 cups
- 7.5 cups
- 8 cups
- 10 cups
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
Set up the proportion 3/2 = x/5, so x = 15 ÷ 2 = 7.5 cups.
Sample 3: Mathematics
Convert 0.375 to a fraction in lowest terms.
- 3/8
- 3/5
- 37/100
- 5/8
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
0.375 = 375/1000. Dividing top and bottom by 125 gives 3/8.
Sample 4: Science (A&P)
Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body?
- Right atrium
- Right ventricle
- Left atrium
- Left ventricle
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D
The left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood into the aorta and out to the body. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs.
Sample 5: Science (scientific reasoning)
A student tests whether fertilizer affects plant growth. Which is the independent variable?
- The height of the plants
- The amount of fertilizer
- The type of soil
- The amount of sunlight
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
The independent variable is the one the researcher changes on purpose: the amount of fertilizer. Plant height is the dependent variable; soil and sunlight should be kept constant.
Sample 6: English and Language Usage
Which sentence uses punctuation correctly?
- The nurse checked the chart, then she called the doctor.
- The nurse checked the chart; then she called the doctor.
- The nurse checked the chart then, she called the doctor.
- The nurse, checked the chart then she called the doctor.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
Two independent clauses joined by “then” need a semicolon (or a period). Option A is a comma splice.
ATI TEAS Study Guides and Prep Resources
| Resource | What it includes |
|---|---|
| ATI TEAS Complete Guide | Our overview of TEAS 7 content and test-taking tips |
| Free practice tests (this page) | Reading, Math, Science and English sets, including the July 2026 updates |
| GradeHustler TEAS question banks | Larger question sets with answers for each section |
| ATI official prep | The official study guide, Practice Tests A and B, SmartPrep tutorial, flashcards and mobile app |
ATI TEAS Exam Day Tips
- Arrive (or log in) early with your physical photo ID. Your name must match your registration.
- For remote exams, clear your desk and room, close other programs and use a wired internet connection if you can.
- Use the on-screen calculator and scratch paper allowed by your proctor; personal calculators are not allowed.
- Keep moving: do not spend too long on one question, and answer every question because there is no penalty for guessing.
- Use the break after the math section to reset before science.
ATI TEAS Exam FAQ
What is the ATI TEAS exam?
The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is an entrance exam made by ATI that nursing and allied health schools use to assess applicants in reading, math, science and English.
How many questions are on the ATI TEAS 7?
170 questions: 45 reading, 38 math, 50 science and 37 English and Language Usage. Of these, 150 are scored.
How long is the ATI TEAS exam?
209 minutes of testing time, or about 4 hours with check-in and breaks.
How much does the ATI TEAS exam cost?
$120 plus tax through ATI or PSI. Schools and testing centers set their own price.
What is a passing score on the ATI TEAS?
There is no universal passing score. Each school sets its own minimum, so check every program you apply to.
Where can I take a free ATI TEAS practice exam?
GradeHustler has free ATI TEAS practice tests for every section, linked above. ATI also sells official practice tests.
How soon can I retake the ATI TEAS?
ATI has no required waiting period, but your school may limit how often you can retake it.
Can I take the ATI TEAS online?
Yes. You can take the TEAS at home with an ATI remote proctor, or remotely through a school, if your school accepts that option.
ATI TEAS® and TEAS® are registered trademarks of Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC. GradeHustler is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ATI. Exam details can change, so confirm current rules with your school and ATI.