The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a critical examination for individuals seeking entry into nursing and allied health programmes. For UK-based candidates, accessing reliable and cost-free preparation materials is a significant step towards achieving a passing score. This article provides a comprehensive overview of free TEAS practice tests and preparation resources available online, focusing on the structure, content, and benefits of these tools as derived from verified source materials. It aims to guide prospective students through the available options without incurring costs, ensuring they are well-prepared for the examination.
Understanding the TEAS Examination
The ATI TEAS (Assessment Technologies Institute Test of Essential Academic Skills) is designed to evaluate a candidate's readiness for the academic demands of a nursing curriculum. The examination has evolved, with the current version being TEAS 7, which replaced the previous TEAS 6 in early 2022. This evolution reflects updated educational standards and ensures the test remains a relevant tool for assessing fundamental academic skills necessary for success in healthcare-related college programmes.
The TEAS exam is administered by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). It is a common requirement for students aspiring to enter nursing schools or other health science programmes. The test measures basic academic skills across four primary areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. A passing score demonstrates that a candidate possesses the foundational knowledge and abilities required to undertake the nursing school curriculum successfully. The examination is structured to indicate to the school whether the applicant is prepared with the necessary skills before commencing their studies.
TEAS 7 Test Structure and Format
Understanding the structure and format of the TEAS 7 is crucial for effective preparation. The examination is standardised, but ATI employs multiple versions to prevent candidates from encountering the same test twice. Despite this, each variation adheres to the same overall structure and content breakdown.
Examination Sections and Question Distribution
The TEAS 7 consists of four distinct sections, with a total of 170 questions. Of these, 150 are scored, and 20 are unscored pretest questions. It is important to note that candidates will not be able to identify which questions are scored during the exam; therefore, every question should be approached with the intention of providing a correct answer. The unscored questions are interspersed with the scored items. The breakdown of questions and time allocation for each subject is as follows:
- Reading: 45 total questions (39 scored, 6 unscored) with a time limit of 55 minutes. This section is further divided into Key ideas and details (15 questions), Craft and structure (9 questions), and Integration of knowledge and ideas (15 questions).
- Mathematics: 38 total questions (34 scored, 4 unscored) with a time limit of 57 minutes. The sub-content areas are Numbers and algebra (18 questions) and Measurement and data (16 questions).
- Science: 50 total questions (44 scored, 6 unscored) with a time limit of 60 minutes. This section covers Human anatomy and physiology (18 questions), Biology (9 questions), Chemistry (8 questions), and Scientific reasoning (9 questions).
- English and Language Usage: 37 total questions (33 scored, 4 unscored) with a time limit of 37 minutes. This section is divided into Conventions of standard English (12 questions), Knowledge of language (11 questions), and Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing (10 questions).
The total time for the examination is 209 minutes, which is equivalent to 3 hours and 29 minutes. The questions are predominantly multiple-choice, where a candidate selects one correct answer from four options. Some questions may include charts, exhibits, or graphics to test interpretation skills.
New Question Types in TEAS 7
The TEAS 7 introduced new question types to enhance the assessment of a candidate's skills. These include:
- Multiple-select questions: These questions provide four or more answer choices, and more than one answer may be correct. A prompt will explicitly ask the candidate to "select all that apply." To answer correctly, a candidate must select all correct answers. Selecting any incorrect answer or failing to select all correct answers results in the question being scored as incorrect, with no partial credit awarded.
- Supply answer questions: These questions do not provide answer choices. Instead, the candidate is required to "fill in the blank" or provide a direct answer to the question.
Logistics and Policies for TEAS Candidates
Candidates preparing for the TEAS must be aware of certain logistical details, including costs, testing environment rules, and result timelines.
Examination Costs and Retakes
The cost to take the TEAS can vary depending on the location and the specific institution administering the test. Prices typically range from £50 to £120 (converted from $60 to $140). It is advisable for candidates to check with their specific testing centre or the school to which they are applying, as there may be additional fees or discounts available for students.
If a candidate does not pass the TEAS, the retake policy varies by school. Each institution sets its own rules regarding how often a candidate can retake the test and the waiting period between attempts.
Testing Environment and Rules
The TEAS can be taken at a testing centre or remotely via online proctoring. For remote examinations, a proctor will monitor the candidate through their computer’s webcam to ensure the integrity of the exam. Candidates may be required to show their workspace to the proctor before beginning, so it is important to set up the area according to the guidelines provided by the testing agency.
Regarding the use of a calculator, most schools permit its use during the test. However, candidates cannot bring their own calculator. Instead, a basic four-function calculator (add, subtract, multiply, divide) is provided on-screen, similar to a calculator app on a phone or computer.
Candidates are allowed a 10-minute bathroom break after completing the Mathematics section. During this break, they cannot access personal items such as cell phones or notes, and taking excessive time may lead to a review of the exam. After the break, the candidate proceeds to the Science section. The exam sections follow this order: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage.
Receiving Results
Scores for the TEAS exam are typically posted within 48 business hours after completion. This allows candidates to receive feedback relatively quickly to proceed with their application processes.
Free TEAS Practice Tests and Preparation Resources
Several online platforms offer free TEAS practice tests and preparation materials. These resources are invaluable for candidates seeking to familiarise themselves with the exam format, identify areas needing improvement, and improve their timing.
Mometrix Academy
Mometrix Academy provides a free TEAS practice test accessible via their website. Upon visiting the page, candidates can click a “Start Test” button to begin. The practice test includes questions designed to give a better idea of what to study for the actual exam. Mometrix also offers subject-specific practice tests for those needing extra practice in particular areas. Their resources outline the TEAS 7 test structure and detail the question types, including multiple-choice, multiple-select, and supply answer questions.
Online TEAS Prep
Online TEAS Prep offers a free ATI TEAS 7 practice test. The platform provides an overview of the TEAS, explaining its purpose for nursing and healthcare field candidates. It highlights that the TEAS 7 is the current version, replacing TEAS 6. The site emphasises the importance of achieving a passing score to demonstrate readiness for nursing school. The practice test is designed to help candidates gauge their knowledge and identify study needs.
NurseHub
NurseHub provides free TEAS 7 practice tests and supports candidates throughout their preparation journey. The platform states that its practice tests are made as close as possible to the real TEAS 7 exam to ensure candidates are well-prepared. NurseHub teaches all concepts that will appear on the exam, aiming to build confidence. They also offer a pass guarantee, though details are not provided in the source material. The platform suggests that preparation time can vary; while ATI recommends six weeks, some candidates succeed with just a week of study. NurseHub recommends starting with their free practice test to identify areas needing focus and to guide a study plan. The subjects tested are broken down into Reading (Key ideas and details, Craft and structure, Integration of knowledge and ideas), Math (Numbers and algebra, Measurement and data), Science (Human anatomy and physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Scientific reasoning), and English and Language Usage.
BoostPrep
BoostPrep offers free TEAS practice tests and highlights the benefits of using them. According to their material, practice exams help candidates improve timing by making them more comfortable with the timed aspect of the exam. They also assist in narrowing down problem subjects by allowing candidates to see which areas cause the most difficulty. Furthermore, answering more questions increases familiarity with the types of questions on the actual exam. BoostPrep provides an overview of the TEAS, noting it is a requirement for nursing school entry and is administered by ATI. They list fast facts, including the number of sections (4), total questions (170), and total time limit (209 minutes). Their FAQ section covers details such as the number of questions per section (Math: 38, English: 37, Science: 50, Reading: 45) and the provision of an on-screen calculator.
Conclusion
Free TEAS practice tests are an essential resource for UK candidates aiming to enter nursing or allied health programmes. Platforms such as Mometrix Academy, Online TEAS Prep, NurseHub, and BoostPrep provide valuable, no-cost tools that mirror the structure and content of the official ATI TEAS 7 exam. These resources allow candidates to understand the test format, practice under timed conditions, and identify key areas for study, ultimately contributing to a higher likelihood of achieving a passing score. By utilising these free materials, prospective students can approach their examination with greater confidence and preparedness.