The Golden Rule: Your ID Determines Whether You Test At All
This is the requirement which leads to the most preventable terminations. Your ID must be:
- Government-issued – driver's license, state ID or passport. Student ID and any other non-government ID are not accepted.
- The original physical document (not a photo or photocopy).
- Valid and not expired, and includes a photo of yourself.
- Must contain an exact match with the name on your ATI account and registration.
This is true for in person or online testing, even students will have their physical ID reviewed by the proctor from their home.
Hint: Do this right now! Check the exact ID that you will be using to compare with your ATI account name. If there is any discrepancy, such as a misspelled name in the middle, a nickname, etc., please correct your account right away. Testing centers will not make exceptions for "close enough.
What to Bring
- Government photo ID (required, no other acceptable forms)
- Your ATI username and password.
- Your registration confirmation (some centers may need a printed copy - see confirmation email)
- If taking a paper-based version (becoming increasingly unpopular; ask your format) then 2 Nos. 2 pencils sharpened are required.
Hints: Pack the night before. Losing your ID is completely preventable if you just hurry to look for it 10 minutes before you leave.
What NOT to Bring
The following items are not allowed at test centers:
- Cell phones, smartwatches and other electronics
- purses and backpacks/bags.
- A personal calculator will be allowed (one will be provided during Math).
- Any notes or reference material, whether they were written by you or someone else, is acceptable.
- Jackets, coats, hats and sunglasses (inhaling allowances for religious clothing with discretion)
- Food and drinks, unless written medical permission is given.
HINT: Play as if you mean to interpret these rules literally. If you need a jacket for warmth, wear one underneath rather — there's no time to test the rooms you're going to at the last minute.
Dress Code and Conduct
Proctors are on the lookout for disruptive behaviour and if you are caught up to anything disruptive, you can be dismissed and the attempt can be cancelled. Normal behaviors (such as checking a clock) are not signaled, but continued behavior that is unusual may be attended. Raising your hand anytime (outside your break) will allow you to ask a question or technical support.
All of the following is on a pro tip for you: If your computer or environment malfunctions, you will report on a proctor and not try to fix it yourself, or risk losing the ability to get it fixed.
Breaks: What's Allowed
There is one official break of 10 minutes after Mathematics in the TEAS. This is a time where your timer will stop, but you are usually not able to reach personal items during this time as well. On days out of this window, requests for the use of the restroom typically can be made by raising a hand, but the timer will continue to run.
Tip: If you have any breaks that go beyond the official break, it is bonus thinking time that will come from your section's allotted time.
In-Person Testing: What to Expect
- Register with ID & Registration (up to 30 minutes during peak times).
- Lock items that are not allowed.
- Be seated and log into your ATI account.
- Do all 4 pieces – taking a break after Math.
- Submit and exit.
Hint: You should research your test centre's address and parking beforehand; getting there under stress because of a long commute is an added disadvantage.
Remote Testing: What's Different
Additional requirements apply:
- A charged device that has a reliable internet connection
- An organized system that is fully functional and functioning properly well before exam day.
- A dry run (mock check-in with proctoring) completed.
- A private, quiet, well-lit room (away from others, away from notes, away from additional monitors or devices that can be reached)
- All your physical IDs are available for camera review.
Login at least 30 minutes prior to an examination session to finish a pre-exam check, which can consist of an ID check and/or a room scan.
Note: Ensure you do a whole practice session in the actual test environment like a few days before, not a technical check. It is probably easier to discover an unplugged second monitor or a family member who might walk in before rather than during the exam.
Common Problems and Solutions
- The ID does not correspond with what is in my ATI account. Register right away, if you get a mistake, you won't be able to get a refund.
- I don't know whether or not I need a paper confirmation in my center. Look for confirmation in your email or call to confirm.
- I want a jacket in a cold room, but they are not allowed. Wear layers that can be removed, rather than layers that go over.
- I'm taking my test at home and concerned about the environment. Read through the requirements carefully and conduct a trial run in the actual space, listening for noise, additional monitors, and others.
- Need food or water during the exam for medical reasons. Plan for this in advance — don't expect a proctor to make up a special case as it happens.
- I'm afraid that I won't get a chance to take a break for short call. Work around the clock and remember that it'll continue to tick when the break is officially called.
Night-Before and Morning-Of Checklist
- Night before: Double check time/location/format, pack ID, double check login information, print/save confirmation, check remote setting if applicable, pack multiple alarms, pack layered clothing.
- Morning of: Eat before the time of the test, do not eat or drink anything during the test, arrive or log in 30 minutes early, only bring your ID and necessary documentation into the testing area, take a few deep breaths before beginning.
Final Thoughts
Obviously, getting ready for the exam is an important part of passing the TEAS, but being well prepared for the test day is much different—you don't want to be caught off guard by the rules. The details above should be done a few days before the exam so that you can concentrate on the test.
