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?

You must request that ATI Testing send your TEAS transcript to Towson University. 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 send your score depending on the method of testing. 

You are responsible for making sure that your transcript is sent to TU. Scores must come directly from ATI Testing; submissions from students will not be accepted.

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?

If you previously applied to the nursing major, the TEAS score for your prior application can be used for your new application. The score must be from the TEAS Version 7, and it must have be no older than two years at the time of your application. Any previously submitted TEAS scores from prior versions of the test are no longer valid for admission review.

It is your responsibility as the applicant to notify the department if you want to reuse a TEAS score for a new application. You must email nursingadmissions AT_TOWSON by the materials deadline (February 1 for fall applicants; September 1 for spring applicants). You must provide your name as it appears on the TEAS transcript and the date of the exam in your email.