What the TEAS Actually Tests and What It Doesn’t: Your Guide to the TEAS Exam

The TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is one of the most critical hurdles for those aspiring to enter nursing school. Understanding exactly what the TEAS tests and, just as importantly, what it doesn’t test can make all the difference in how you prepare. At The Exam Hive, we want to provide clarity about the test content, so you can focus on the areas that truly matter and approach your study sessions with confidence.

In this article, we’ll break down what the TEAS exam assesses and what’s outside its scope. Let’s dive in!

What the TEAS Actually Tests

The TEAS exam tests essential academic skills that you’ll need as you enter nursing school. It covers four main areas:

1. Reading Comprehension (53 questions)

   • This section tests your ability to understand and analyze written material. You’ll encounter a range of passages followed by questions that assess your skills in identifying the main idea, drawing conclusions, and understanding the author’s intent.

   • What you need to know: Practice reading comprehension strategies, such as how to identify key ideas, understand context, and make inferences based on the text. It’s about applying your ability to understand and interpret information that will be critical in nursing.

2. Mathematics (36 questions)

   • The math section tests your ability to perform basic arithmetic, algebra, and solve word problems. Topics include fractions, percentages, ratios, and measurement.

   • What you need to know: You’ll need to brush up on fundamental math concepts that are regularly used in nursing, such as dosage calculations and basic mathematical operations that are key to understanding medical data.

3. Science (53 questions)

   • The science section focuses primarily on Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, and Chemistry. Questions assess your knowledge of human body systems, cell biology, chemical reactions, and more.

   • What you need to know: It’s crucial to focus on the Anatomy and Physiology content, especially the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems, as these topics are heavily tested. A solid understanding of basic biology and chemistry principles will also help.

4. English and Language Usage (28 questions)

   • The English section tests your understanding of grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and vocabulary. This section also assesses your ability to edit and revise written content.

   • What you need to know: You’ll need to be familiar with grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and word usage. Review vocabulary, especially medical terminology, to excel in this section.

What the TEAS Doesn’t Test

While the TEAS exam covers a wide range of essential academic skills, there are several topics that are not tested on the exam. Understanding what isn’t tested helps you avoid wasting study time on irrelevant material.

1. Advanced Math Concepts

   • What’s not tested: Higher-level math topics like calculus or advanced algebra. You won’t need to solve complex equations or work with advanced mathematical concepts.

   • What to focus on: Focus on basic arithmetic, fractions, percentages, and word problems. These are the foundational math skills you’ll need for nursing tasks like medication dosages.

2. Complex Medical Terminology

   • What’s not tested: The TEAS exam doesn’t focus on highly technical or complex medical terms. Instead, it tests your ability to understand basic medical terminology that’s relevant to nursing and healthcare.

   • What to focus on: Study basic anatomical terms (e.g., heart, lungs, circulatory system) and common medical terminology related to the human body. You don’t need to memorize disease-specific terms or advanced clinical language.

3. Advanced Science Topics

   • What’s not tested: The TEAS exam doesn’t dive into advanced scientific topics like genetics, biotechnology, or advanced chemistry.

   • What to focus on: Focus on Anatomy and Physiology, basic biology, and general chemistry concepts. You’ll need to understand the function of body systems, the basics of cell biology, and simple chemical reactions.

4. Essay Writing

   • What’s not tested: The TEAS exam does not include an essay section. You won’t be required to write essays or extended responses, which means you won’t have to focus on developing essay-writing skills for the exam.

   • What to focus on: While there is no essay section, it’s still important to practice your writing skills for the English and Language Usage section, where you’ll need to revise and correct grammar and sentence structure.

5. Deep Nursing Knowledge

   • What’s not tested: The TEAS does not require in-depth knowledge of nursing practices, clinical protocols, or advanced medical procedures.

   • What to focus on: While the exam tests basic science and English knowledge, you won’t need to be familiar with the day-to-day tasks of a nurse or specific clinical techniques.

How to Focus Your Study Time on What Actually Matters

Now that you understand what the TEAS exam actually tests and what it doesn’t, it’s time to focus your study sessions. Here are some study tips to help you concentrate on the areas that matter most:

1. Take a Practice Test: The Exam Hive offers TEAS practice tests that simulate real exam conditions. Use these tests to assess your strengths and weaknesses. This will give you a clear idea of where to focus your studies.

2. Review Key Concepts in Science: While you don’t need to dive deep into advanced medical topics, focusing on the core Anatomy and Physiology content is crucial. Make sure you understand how body systems work and interact.

3. Brush Up on Math Fundamentals: The TEAS exam doesn’t require advanced math, but it does assess your ability to solve basic math problems quickly and accurately. Focus on fractions, percentages, and ratios as these are commonly tested.

4. Practice Reading Comprehension: To excel in the reading section, practice reading academic and medical passages. Focus on identifying the main ideas and making inferences based on the information presented.

5. Work on Grammar and Sentence Structure: The English and Language Usage section will test your understanding of grammar and punctuation. Review the rules of subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, and word usage to improve your score.

Conclusion: Stay Focused and Confident

Knowing exactly what the TEAS tests and what it doesn’t test will help you streamline your study efforts and reduce unnecessary stress. Focus on the math, science, reading, and English sections, and use The Exam Hive’s practice tests and study materials to sharpen your skills.

By focusing your preparation on the key areas that the TEAS exam evaluates, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the exam with confidence and secure your place in nursing school.

At The Exam Hive, we’re here to help you succeed. Our tailored practice tests and study guides are designed to give you the best preparation possible for the TEAS exam. Get started today and take the first step toward your nursing career!