The journey to becoming a nurse starts with the TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills). This important test assesses your academic readiness for nursing school and plays a pivotal role in your application to nursing programs. If you're preparing for the TEAS exam, you're already on the right path to success.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with a TEAS success plan—a step-by-step strategy to help you prepare, stay focused, and achieve your best score. With the right approach, the TEAS exam doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At The Exam Hive, we’re here to guide you through each stage of the process, ensuring that you're fully equipped to succeed.
Step 1: Understand the TEAS Exam Structure
Before diving into your study plan, it’s essential to understand the structure of the TEAS exam. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time effectively during the test.
The TEAS exam is divided into four sections:
53 questions
64 minutes
Tests your ability to read, understand, and analyze passages of text.
36 questions
54 minutes
Focuses on arithmetic, algebra, fractions, and basic problem-solving.
53 questions
63 minutes
Covers topics like biology, anatomy & physiology, and chemistry.
28 questions
28 minutes
Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
The TEAS exam is a timed test, so it’s important to practice managing your time effectively for each section. Total time: approximately 3 hours and 29 minutes, with a 10-minute break after the Math section.
Step 2: Create a Detailed Study Schedule
To successfully prepare for the TEAS exam, you need a clear and structured study plan. Whether you’re preparing over the course of a few months or a few weeks, it’s crucial to break down your study sessions to cover all sections of the exam.
Here’s how you can structure your TEAS study schedule:
Assess Your Current Knowledge:
Before you begin, take a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to focus more on areas that need improvement while reinforcing your strengths.Plan Your Time:
Set aside 2-3 hours per day for focused study sessions. You can study in blocks of 45-60 minutes with 10-15 minute breaks in between to stay refreshed. Spread out your studying over several weeks to avoid burnout.Focus on One Section at a Time:
Divide your time among the four sections of the TEAS exam. Here’s an example of a weekly study plan:Week 1-2: Focus on Math and Reading Comprehension. Review basic math formulas, practice word problems, and read passages for comprehension.
Week 3-4: Focus on Science (Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry). Review key scientific concepts, take notes, and reinforce your understanding.
Week 5-6: Focus on English and Language Usage. Practice grammar rules, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
At The Exam Hive, we offer study guides and practice tests tailored to each section of the TEAS exam to help you stay organized and focused.
Step 3: Use The Exam Hive’s Resources
The key to a successful TEAS exam preparation plan is using the right resources. Here’s how The Exam Hive can help you build your TEAS success plan:
TEAS Practice Tests:
The Exam Hive offers free practice tests that simulate real exam conditions. These tests will help you assess your current level, familiarize yourself with the question types, and practice pacing yourself under timed conditions.Study Guides and Notes:
Our study guides break down the material into manageable sections. With detailed explanations and easy-to-understand content, The Exam Hive helps you focus on key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.Targeted Practice Questions:
Whether you’re struggling with math, science, reading, or English, The Exam Hive offers practice questions for each section of the TEAS exam. These questions are designed to mirror the actual exam, helping you get comfortable with the format and content.Time Management Strategies:
In addition to practice tests, we provide time management tips to help you work through the exam efficiently. Learning how to allocate your time for each section will help you avoid rushing through questions and improve your chances of success.
Step 4: Practice with Full-Length Timed Tests
One of the best ways to prepare for the TEAS exam is by taking full-length, timed practice tests. These practice exams will help you:
Familiarize yourself with the test structure and pacing.
Build test-taking stamina and avoid fatigue.
Identify areas where you need to improve and refine your strategy.
At The Exam Hive, we recommend taking a full-length practice test every two weeks. As your test date gets closer, increase the frequency of practice exams to one per week.
Step 5: Review and Reinforce Weak Areas
Once you’ve taken a practice test, review your results carefully. Focus on the questions you got wrong and review the explanations provided by The Exam Hive. This will help you understand why your answer was incorrect and how to approach similar questions in the future.
Here’s how to make the most of your review:
Review Incorrect Answers:
For every question you got wrong, understand why the correct answer is right. This will help you reinforce your knowledge and avoid making the same mistakes.Target Your Weak Areas:
If you consistently struggle with specific topics, dedicate extra study time to those areas. For example, if you find anatomy challenging, review diagrams, notes, and practice questions related to the subject.
Step 6: Stay Calm and Confident on Test Day
The final step to a successful TEAS exam is managing test-day anxiety. Staying calm and confident will help you perform at your best. Here’s how to prepare:
Get Plenty of Rest:
In the days leading up to the exam, ensure you’re getting enough sleep. A rested mind will help you stay focused during the test.Eat Well and Stay Hydrated:
On test day, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water to keep your energy up and stay alert.Arrive Early:
Whether you’re taking the exam at home or at a testing center, arrive early and ensure you’re fully prepared. This will reduce stress and give you time to settle in before the exam starts.
Conclusion: Start Your TEAS Journey with Confidence
The TEAS exam is an essential part of your nursing school application, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can conquer it with confidence. Follow this TEAS success plan to structure your study sessions, track your progress, and use The Exam Hive’s resources to guide you through every step of the process.
With consistent practice, a well-organized study schedule, and effective time management strategies, you'll be ready to tackle the TEAS exam and start your journey toward becoming a nurse.
VisitThe Exam Hive today to get started with our free practice tests, study guides, and expert advice. Your nursing school success starts here!