TEAS Exam Format at a Glance
The ATI TEAS Version 7 is made up of 170 questions in 209 minutes (approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes) with a possible 10 minute break. Of the 170 items, 150 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest items. There will be no indication of which is which so answer all questions as if they are important. Your timer stops during a 10-minute break after the Mathematics section (either in-person or online) of the test. Critically: sections once completed will not be revisited — even in the event that another section has been accomplished early. Reading (45 Questions, 55 Minutes) Covers Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure and Integration of Knowledge and Ideas. The pacing is not totally even, as the length of the passages change, but it is about 1.2 minutes per question. Longer passages consume more time and then shorter questions must move quickly. Hint: If you're unsure about a passage, don't re-read it. But read the relevant section if that is relevant — full re-reads are one of the most frequently submitted time-saving errors here. Mathematics (38 Questions, 57 Minutes) Includes Numbers and Algebra, and Measurement and Data. This is the most generous time pacing on the exam, around 1.5 minutes per question and can be multi-step calculations. There is a basic, on-screen calculator with only the four functions — no fraction or scientific functions. Tips: Do some practice conversions of fractions to decimals and do some algebra problems on paper before the test day. Using features that will not be available on the calculator is a disadvantage which can be avoided. Science (50 Questions, 60 Minutes) The largest section of the 50 questions was answered with 44 of the questions receiving marks. Includes Anatomy and Physiology (content area with the greatest weightage), Biology, Chemistry, and Scientific Reasoning. The pace here is about 1.2 minutes per question, similar to Reading, but questions are heavier on content that requires memorization, so this section may be by far the most difficult for many students. Don't try to review A&P (cardio, respiratory, nervous, etc.) as one unit, but instead create a review for each different system — and don't overlook chemistry and biology, which are tested as separate sections. English and Language Usage (37 Questions, 37 Minutes) Includes Conventions of Standard English, Knowledge of Language, and Vocabulary in Writing. This is an extremely tight pace, running at just about one minute per question, which is not very troublesome, especially given that most of the questions are short and straightforward grammar and/or vocabulary, but do not overthink them. When you can't think of anything else – go with your initial impulse – trust it – and go on! The most frequent method of time-wasting for students is overthinking.
The types of questions that may appear on your test.
- Multiple Choice: four options, one answer (most common across all sections).
- Multiple Select ("Select All That Apply") — more than one right answer, no partial credit will be awarded. Most frequently used in Science. Hint: Don't choose any of the options without reading them all first.
- Fill in Blank — there is no choice provided, you type your answer, this is commonly used in Math. Tip: Double check calculations, particularly unit conversions where a misplaced decimal gives a plausible looking answer.
- Hot Spot — click a part of an image, typically to name anatomical parts. Hints: Learn to read and recognize labeled diagrams, instead of just reading the labels in a textbook.
- Ordered Response — Put 4–6 items in a logical order using drag and drop. Hint: pick out what you know is in the middle and start out from there.
Navigation Rules
Answers may be changed freely within open, active section. When you close a section, you will not be able to access it later on — Math Early Finisher does not allow you to recheck Reading. All the four sections should be answered together in one go for getting the composite marks. There is an optional break after Math, so plan accordingly for other sections of the day.
Common problems and solutions.
- “There is always not enough time in one section.” Look for what is the challenge, and why (re-reading, slow manual math, etc.) and focus practice there and not elsewhere.
- I didn't know that I had to stay in a closed area. In all timed practice tests, operate within this exact limit, so you develop the habit of making sure decisions you make are confident and firm within each section's time limit.
- I don't know what a 'select all' or 'hot spot' question is. Utilize TEAS 7 practice questions that contain all 5 question types, including multiple choice.
- “What if I guess or skip a question that I don't know the answer to?” Always guess, no harm done, and if you get a blank answer, it is the same as if you were wrong.
- What do you want to do during your break? Think of it as a reset, not a cramming session — water, walk and deep breaths. But 10 minutes is not sufficient time for any worthwhile study.
The creation of a Pacing Strategy.
- Reading: Spend the time to read longer passages, less reading time for short direct ones; scan, don't re-read.
- Mathematics: Do the multi-step problems at a leisurely pace; practice manual conversions ahead of time.
- Science: Navigate efficiently through A&P recall to free up time to think through scientific reasoning questions requiring careful data reading.
- English – Act on your instincts – This is a fast one-minute time frame, so can't really think things through.
Final Thoughts
The TEAS is not a secret format, it is four sections, 170 questions, 209 minutes, five different types of questions, and five layers of content that needs to be studied. The greatest benefit doesn't come from additional content review — it comes from practicing in the same structure, with the same timing, with the same locked sections, with all the types of questions as you will have on test day. If the format does not create confusion, your brain can be focused solely on the content of the test on test day.
