Why there is no single price
The TEAS is a product of ATI, but not exclusively run by ATI's centres. You may take tests as part of your program, such as: - Directly on ATI's own online proctoring. - Within a PSI testing centre (Third party network partnering with ATI) Institutional (On campus) provides the opportunity to take tests through your program's own testing center with an institutional agreement. The price for each path depends on the cost of administering and proctoring the exam, hence the price for the same exam to be taken by two students in the same school may vary considerably.
Base Registration Fee
Testing directly through ATI or PSI: $120 (standard rate, both online and at a PSI facility) Testing at a campus testing center in your school: Costs are determined by your school and generally range between $70 and $110. This may be subdivided into an ATI fee and an institutional fee, or just one fee. The wide range is due to a school-run center taking some of the costs into tuition, or a standalone PSI or ATI-direct exam charging for proctoring and platform costs separately. Don't simply take your best shot at a price quoted by another program or testing center, as this one figure can make the difference of $40 or more in your total. Includes: The entire exam (4 sections, 170 questions) A proctor is required for in-person exams and can be done remotely for exams with an open book. - One official transcript sent to the school you register with at registration
Hidden costs
1. Additional Transcripts – Your fee will cover only one transcript. When you apply to more than one program, you will have to pay for each additional program separately, generally $27-$30 per school from the ATI store after you take your exam. Hint: Make a list of all of the programs that you're realistically applying to prior to taking your tests, as it will avoid the shock of having to pay for extra transcript costs. 2. Rescheduling and no show fees. - Rescheduling fee: This is usually about $15, and is generally only available upon adequate notice (usually at least 48 hours). No-show/lately cancellation: You may lose all of your exam fee, and must pay the entire exam fee again. Each testing center has different policies so check with your testing center. Tip: If your appointment is like a flight, you must know your center's policy and remind yourself of it BEFORE you reach the deadline. 3. Retake Costs No discount on the fee and there is a waiting period (usually ~30 days) to retake. If unbudgeted, an unsuccessful attempt to start might be a valuable cost and time escalator. Hint: Design a retake buffer in your budget and timeline right from the beginning and test too early to risk getting a lower than expected test score to miss the application deadline. 4:Sales Tax Sales tax may ship with your purchase automatically – small individually, but another way it can make your final purchase price higher than advertised, depending on your State. 5. Study Materials and Prep Courses The biggest and most variable category and the one you have the greatest control over: - Basic guides/question bundles: $25–$50 - Basic level packages (practice tests, flashcards, video): $50-$150 Comprehensive courses with instructor support and guarantees: up to/maximum $250+ Tip: Use a diagnostic practice test to determine which materials you need to work on, instead of thinking that the most expensive is the best.
Realistic Budget Table
Expense | Typical Range | |---|---| | Registration (ATI/PSI direct) | $120 | Registration (school testing center) | $70 – $110 | | Extra transcript (per school) | ~$27–$30 | | Rescheduling fee | ~$15 | Examination fee may be refunded up to the full extent if no show. Retake | Whole fee again | | Sales tax | Varies | | Study materials | $25–$250 | One student test once at school center, sent to 2 schools, with a mid-range study guide: approximately $150 – $250 total. Student testing through ATI/PSI direct (applies generally), extensive preparation course: $350-$450+
Common problems and solutions
- 1. The cost of my school is different from what I've seen online. Use on-line prices as a guide; check directly: School v Direct testing can be up to $40 different.
- 2. I didn't know it was "extra" transcripts! Make a list of the number of programs to which you want to apply prior to registration, and budget accordingly.
- 3. When you have to reschedule, "what will the cost be?" Look at your policy right away—most will require a notice of about 48 hours to not lose your full fee.
- 4. I didn't think that I needed to pay a full price for a Retake. Make plans for this — it's not being pessimistic, it's being realistic!
- 5. Whether to use a prep course or free resources? Don't take a diagnostic test for granted and go with the price, rather than the effectiveness.
- 6. The amount I paid at check out was more than I was expecting. Please check the sales tax detail and quantity of the transcripts before paying.
How to Budget Without Overspending
- 1. Confirm that you are correct with your actual base fee for your particular testing route.
- 2. Be sure to count your target schools before, not after, testing.
- 3.At registration, read your rescheduling/no show policy and set up a rescheduling date.
- 4. Do a diagnostic test before purchasing study materials.
- 5. Make allowances for retakes in your budget and schedule.
- 6. Look at your itemized sum before payment
Final Thoughts
TEAS cost is not a single price, but rather a base fee that is dependent upon the type of testing path, with many students not finding out until after signing up. Most of them are easy to predict, if you have done some preliminary research - check your fees, work out your transcripts, find out your cancellation policy, and select your study material based on a true diagnostic assessment, not guesswork.
