The ATI TEAS exam covers four subject areas: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. It contains 170 total questions and gives you 209 minutes to complete them. Most nursing programs require this test as part of their admissions process, and each section tests foundational academic skills rather than nursing-specific knowledge.
How the Test Is Structured
The four sections are always presented in the same order, each with its own time limit. Here’s how the questions break down:
- Reading: 45 questions
- Mathematics: 38 questions
- Science: 50 questions
- English and Language Usage: 37 questions
About 80% of the questions are standard multiple choice with a single correct answer. The remaining 20% use alternate formats: multiple-select (where more than one answer is correct), fill-in-the-blank, hot spot (clicking the correct area of an image), and ordered response (dragging items into the right sequence). No partial credit is given on any of these alternate question types. You either get it fully right or it counts as wrong.
What the Reading Section Covers
The Reading section is the second largest at 45 questions. It tests your ability to understand written passages, not memorize facts. You’ll read short texts and answer questions about main ideas, supporting details, and what the author is really saying. Some questions ask you to draw conclusions or make inferences that aren’t stated directly in the passage.
Beyond comprehension, this section also tests how well you evaluate the structure of writing. That includes identifying an author’s purpose, recognizing the difference between fact and opinion, and understanding how specific word choices shape meaning. A handful of questions ask you to pull information from graphics like charts, tables, or diagrams and connect it to written content. If you’re comfortable reading textbook-level material and picking apart arguments, this section plays to your strengths.
What the Math Section Covers
The Math section has 38 questions and focuses on the kind of math you’ll actually use in a healthcare setting, along with some algebra and geometry. The major categories include:
- Arithmetic fundamentals: Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals. Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Ratios and proportions: Setting up and solving problems that compare quantities, which mirrors dosage calculations in nursing.
- Algebra: Solving for unknown variables, working with linear equations in slope-intercept form, and handling basic quadratic equations.
- Geometry and measurement: Calculating area, perimeter, circumference, and volume for common shapes like rectangles, triangles, circles, and cylinders. The Pythagorean theorem also shows up.
- Statistics: Finding the mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation of a data set.
- Unit conversions: Switching between metric and imperial units for length, weight, and volume.
You won’t need to memorize every formula. Some are provided, but knowing how to apply formulas like the distance formula or simple interest formula will save you time. The math here tops out at a high school algebra level. If you can handle word problems that require two or three steps to solve, you’re in good shape.
What the Science Section Covers
Science is the largest section at 50 questions, and it’s the one that trips up the most test-takers. The content spans three broad areas: human anatomy and physiology, life and physical sciences, and scientific reasoning.
Anatomy and physiology makes up the biggest chunk. Expect questions on all the major body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive. You’ll need to know what each system does, how its key organs function, and how systems interact with each other. For example, a question might ask how the kidneys help regulate blood pressure, or what role the pancreas plays in blood sugar control.
The life and physical sciences portion covers biology basics like cell structure, genetics, and biological molecules (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids). On the physical science side, you may see questions about atomic structure, chemical reactions, states of matter, and basic physics concepts like energy and force. These tend to be less detailed than the anatomy questions but still require solid foundational knowledge.
Scientific reasoning questions test whether you can interpret experiments. You’ll look at a study design or data table and answer questions about variables, controls, and what conclusions the data actually support. This is less about memorizing facts and more about thinking like a scientist.
What the English Section Covers
The English and Language Usage section is the shortest at 37 questions, but it covers a lot of ground in grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. You’ll need to know the conventions of standard written English: correct punctuation (including tricky ones like the Oxford comma), proper subject-verb agreement, and how to use pronouns without creating confusion.
Sentence structure questions test whether you can identify independent and dependent clauses, recognize run-on sentences, and fix fragments. You might be asked to combine two sentences correctly or choose the version that’s grammatically sound. Some questions deal with commonly confused words, including homophones like “new” and “knew” or words that are spelled the same but have different meanings depending on context.
Vocabulary questions typically give you a word in context and ask you to determine its meaning. Knowing common prefixes, suffixes, and root words helps here, since many medical and scientific terms are built from Latin and Greek roots. This skill directly transfers to nursing school, where you’ll encounter unfamiliar terminology constantly.
How Scoring Works
There is no universal passing score for the TEAS. Each nursing program sets its own minimum, so the number you need depends entirely on where you’re applying. That said, a competitive score is typically around 70% to 75%, which ATI considers a “proficient” level of preparedness. More selective BSN programs often expect scores above that range, while some ADN programs accept slightly lower marks. Your score report breaks down performance by section and by content area within each section, so you can see exactly where you were strong and where you lost points.
Not every question on the exam counts toward your score. Some are unscored “pretest” items that ATI uses to evaluate potential future questions. You won’t know which ones are scored and which aren’t, so treat every question as if it counts.
Testing Format and Logistics
You can take the TEAS either in person at a testing center or remotely from home. Both options require a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID, and the name on it must match the name you used when you registered.
If you test remotely, you’ll need a laptop, desktop, or iPad with a supported operating system (Chromebooks are not allowed). You’ll install a lockdown browser that prevents you from opening other applications during the test. ATI recommends logging in 30 minutes before your scheduled start time, because if you don’t begin within 30 minutes of the official start, you forfeit your attempt. You’re allowed one blank sheet of paper or a small dry-erase whiteboard for scratch work, and you must destroy or erase it when you finish. Headphones are not permitted unless you have an approved accommodation.
For in-person testing, the rules are similar regarding ID and permitted materials, but the testing center handles the proctoring and technology. Either way, expect a structured, timed environment with no breaks between sections unless the testing site specifies otherwise.