TEAS Test

What is the TEAS?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized exam administered by ATI Testing. It is designed specifically to assess a student’s preparedness to enter nursing and allied health programs. The ATI TEAS is comprised of 170 questions set up in a multiple-choice format with four-option answers. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills you will need to perform in class in four content areas: reading, math, science, and English and language usage.

Who is required to take the TEAS?

All applicants for the undergraduate nursing basic/pre-licensure program must submit a TEAS score report from the current version of (ATI TEAS 7). If you do not submit a TEAS transcript, your application for basic/pre-licensure admission will not be reviewed.

If you are applying to ATB, please refer to the admission requirements of the ATB partner you are applying for to determine if you must submit a TEAS transcript to the community college program. ATB applicants do not need to submit their TEAS transcript to the TU Department of Nursing.

How do I register for the TEAS?

You must register with ATI Testing before you take your first TEAS. While you may take the TEAS more than once, you only need to create an account one time.

Where do I take the TEAS?

ATI Testing offers the TEAS in two formats: in-person at a testing center or online through their site. You will have the option to register for either the TEAS with PSI at a testing center or the TEAS at ATI for a virtual test. The Department of Nursing accepts both formats for admission.

Towson University does not administer the TEAS and is not a testing center. If you have difficulties navigating the ATI Testing web site, please call ATI directly for assistance at 800-667-7531.

Can I obtain testing accommodations for the TEAS?

The TEAS is provided by a third-party not affiliated with Towson University's Office of Accessibility & Disability Services. If you need to obtain testing accommodations for the TEAS, you must contact ATI directly. Please refer to their site for guidance on how to request testing accommodations based on the type of exam you are planning to take (in-person or remote/online).

How much does it cost?

The testing fee for the TEAS is determined by ATI and the testing location. It is paid upon registration for the test.

When should I take the TEAS?

You should register for and take the TEAS before the nursing application deadline of the term you wish to apply for. This will allow you time to submit your TEAS score prior to the application material deadline or to schedule a re-test if you feel it is necessary.

How can I study for the TEAS?

ATI offers preparation products for a cost. Additionally, TEAS resources and materials are offered by other vendors. We strongly encourage preparation for the exam, but we do not recommend any specific preparation materials. You should identify and select test prep materials that suit your individual study habits and needs.

What score do I need to pass?

The TEAS is not a pass or fail test. Based on your total score between 0-100%, you are assigned an Academic Prepared Level of Basic, Proficient, Advanced, or Exemplary. The minimum required for admission is a total score ranked as Proficient, which requires a total score of 58.7 or higher. Students should aim for higher than the minimum to be competitive for admission. On average, a competitive TEAS score is 85%-86%. We do not require minimum content area scores, but it is recommended that you aim for a proficient score in all areas.

How do I submit my score?

TEAS transcripts must be sent to Towson University via your ATI Testing account. The method for requesting your TEAS transcript will vary based on whether you take the test at a testing center (in-person or remotely proctored) or online through ATI. Visit the TEAS transcript site to learn more about how to obtain your transcript depending on the method of testing.

Students should report their score information in the Standardized Tests section of NursingCAS so that it can be easily located within our received TEAS files and attached to their application.

Please note that the scores of remotely proctored exams are not available immediately. Final scores for remote exams are only available after 3 business days. 

How many times may I take the TEAS?

We will only accept scores from two attempts per application period. We will use the higher score of the two attempts submitted. Any more than two attempts will not be taken into account during admission review. Note that you are required to pay each time you take the TEAS. We do not require any waiting period between attempts. However, we strongly encourage you to allow yourself sufficient time for remediation and test preparation prior to retaking the TEAS.

What if I already submitted a TEAS transcript for a previous application?

It is your choice as the applicant whether you want to reuse a score from a prior application. To reuse a previously submitted score, you must ensure that the score information has been reported in the Standardized Tests section of NursingCAS. The Admissions Manager will use that information to retrieve the score from our records.

If I took the TEAS a while ago, can I use that score?

TEAS scores are only accepted for two years. Any scores must dated within two years of the program materials deadline (February 1st for fall and September 1st for spring).