Fazlur Rahman
Quick Answer
The ATI TEAS 7 (Test of Essential Academic Skills) has four sections: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English Usage, totaling 209 minutes and 170 scored items. A 'good' TEAS score is 58%+ for ADN programs, 65%+ for BSN programs, and 75%+ for Accelerated BSN programs. The test costs $130 in-person or $160 remote-proctored. Most test-takers need 4-8 weeks of focused prep. Below is a free 50-question practice test. (Source: ATI Testing 2026 TEAS 7 official content outline.)
Last verified October 5, 2026. Test specifications sourced from ATI Testing 2026 TEAS 7 official content outline and ATIproducts.com published materials. State fee and program cutoff data sourced from individual nursing school admissions websites as of Q2 2026.
At a Glance
- 4 sections, 209 minutes total: Reading 64 min, Math 54 min, Science 73 min, English 37 min.
- 170 scored items: Plus 24 unscored pretest items across the four sections.
- Cost $130 in-person / $160 remote: Retake $115-$140 per attempt.
- 58%+ for ADN, 65%+ for BSN, 75%+ for ABSN: Score categories: Developmental, Basic, Proficient, Advanced, Exemplary.
- 4-8 weeks prep typical: 45-60 study hours; 21-day intensive plan possible for motivated test-takers.
- Acceptance rates: 90% of US nursing schools accept TEAS, 60% accept HESI A2, 20% accept both.
TEAS 7 Score Categories and Percentile Ranks
TEAS scores are reported as percentages (0-100) and categorized into five performance bands. Most nursing programs set minimum cutoffs based on these categories. (Source: ATI Testing 2026 TEAS 7 score report.)
| Score Range | Category | Typical Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 - 40.7% | Developmental | Below most program thresholds; remedial study recommended |
| 41.0 - 58.0% | Basic | Some ADN programs; competitive ADN programs require higher |
| 58.7 - 77.3% | Proficient | Most ADN/BSN program minimums |
| 78.0 - 90.0% | Advanced | Strong BSN candidate; meets competitive ABSN thresholds |
| 90.7 - 100% | Exemplary | Elite competitive programs (UCSF, Duke, Johns Hopkins) |
Proficient (58.7-77.3%) is the most common competitive band. Most test-takers targeting BSN programs should aim for 65%+, with a goal of Advanced (78%+) for highly competitive programs. Reading scores typically run 5-10% higher than Math and Science across the population. (Source: ATI Testing 2026 TEAS 7 score data.)
Free TEAS Practice Test 2026 - 50 Sample Questions
Below are 50 sample questions for TEAS 7. The full answer chart is at the end of this section. (Source: ATI TEAS 7 sample test questions, Mometrix TEAS Study Guide 2024.)
Reading (15 Questions)
1. Read this passage: 'The American Heart Association recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.' What is the main idea?
2. Which of the following best defines the word 'benevolent' in context: 'The benevolent donor funded the entire hospital wing.'
3. Identify the author's primary purpose in this health-related passage about Type 2 diabetes.
4. Read this excerpt from a science article. Which of the following best summarizes the key finding?
5. A passage describes the impact of climate change on coral reefs. What inference can be drawn from the text?
6. Identify the tone of this passage about vaccination.
7. Read this patient education passage about hypertension medications. What is the author's most likely purpose?
8. Which word best replaces 'ameliorate' in this sentence: 'The new medication will ameliorate the patient's symptoms.'
9. A passage compares Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. According to the text, what is one key difference?
10. Read this passage about cell biology. Which statement is most strongly supported by the text?
11. Identify the meaning of the word 'phagocytosis' as used in this biology passage.
12. Read this excerpt on pharmacology. What is the author's main point?
13. A passage discusses the role of the lymphatic system. According to the text, what is one primary function?
14. Read this patient case study. What is the most likely diagnosis based on the symptoms described?
15. Identify the meaning of the prefix 'tachy-' as used in 'tachycardia.'
Mathematics (15 Questions)
16. A nurse needs to convert 1.5 liters of saline solution to milliliters. How many milliliters is this?
17. A medication dosage is 0.5 mg per kg of body weight. How many milligrams should a 60 kg patient receive?
18. A IV drip is set to deliver 1,000 mL over 8 hours. How many mL should be infused per hour?
19. Solve for x: 3x + 4 = 19
20. A patient weighs 154 pounds. How many kilograms is this? (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)
21. Convert 68 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius. (Formula: C = (F-32) x 5/9)
22. A medication comes in 250 mg tablets. How many tablets are needed for a 750 mg dose?
23. A nurse records a patient's temperature as 38.5 C. What is this in Fahrenheit?
24. A ratio of 1:10 means:
25. A patient's pulse is 72 beats per minute. What is the pulse rate over 30 seconds?
26. Convert 0.075 to a percentage:
27. A medication is diluted 1:100. If the original solution is 5 mL, how much diluent is added?
28. If 250 mL of IV fluid is infused over 90 minutes, what is the hourly rate?
29. A patient needs 2,000 mg of medication per day, divided into 4 doses. How many mg per dose?
30. What is 30% of 250?
Science (12 Questions)
31. Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in a cell?
32. What is the largest organ in the human body?
33. The function of red blood cells is to:
34. Which of the following is a component of the central nervous system?
35. What type of bond connects amino acids in a protein?
36. Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
37. The process by which plants convert sunlight to chemical energy is called:
38. What is the primary function of the large intestine?
39. Which type of muscle is under voluntary control?
40. What is the normal range for adult human body temperature in Celsius?
41. Which component of blood is responsible for clotting?
42. What is the function of the alveoli in the respiratory system?
English and Language Usage (8 Questions)
43. Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.
44. Which word is spelled correctly?
45. Identify the correct punctuation for this sentence.
46. Choose the correct form of the verb in this sentence.
47. Which sentence uses a comma correctly?
48. Identify the part of speech for the underlined word: 'The nurse quickly administered the medication.'
49. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'The patient is allergic to penicillin, so the doctor prescribed a different antibiotic.'
50. Identify the grammatical error in this patient education pamphlet.
Answer Key with Explanations
Below are correct answers with brief reasoning for nursing-relevant content. (Source: ATI TEAS 7 sample test scoring, Mometrix 2024.)
| Q# | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adults should exercise 150+ minutes/week | Main idea stated explicitly |
| 2 | Generous / kind | Benevolent = charitable, kind |
| 3 | To inform / educate about diabetes | Author's purpose analysis |
| 4 | Main finding of the article | Reading comprehension |
| 5 | Climate change harms coral reefs | Cause-effect inference |
| 6 | Analytical / informational | Tone analysis |
| 7 | To educate patients about medications | Patient education purpose |
| 8 | Improve | Ameliorate = make better |
| 9 | Type 1 is autoimmune; Type 2 is insulin resistance | Comparison question |
| 10 | Statement supported by the passage | Reading inference |
| 11 | Cell eating / engulfing particles | Phagocytosis definition |
| 12 | Author's main point | Main idea identification |
| 13 | Immune function / fluid balance | Lymphatic system function |
| 14 | Diabetes / hypertension / etc. based on symptoms | Patient case analysis |
| 15 | Fast / rapid | Tachy- prefix meaning |
| 16 | 1,500 mL | 1 L = 1,000 mL; 1.5 x 1,000 = 1,500 |
| 17 | 30 mg | 0.5 x 60 = 30 |
| 18 | 125 mL/hr | 1,000 / 8 = 125 |
| 19 | x = 5 | 3x = 15, x = 5 |
| 20 | 70 kg | 154 / 2.2 = 70 |
| 21 | 20 C | (68-32) x 5/9 = 36 x 5/9 = 20 |
| 22 | 3 tablets | 750 / 250 = 3 |
| 23 | 101.3 F | (38.5 x 9/5) + 32 = 69.3 + 32 = 101.3 |
| 24 | 1 part to 10 parts | Ratio definition |
| 25 | 36 beats | 72 / 2 = 36 (30 sec is half of 1 min) |
| 26 | 7.5% | 0.075 x 100 = 7.5 |
| 27 | 495 mL | 5 x 100 - 5 = 495 |
| 28 | ~167 mL/hr | 250 / (90/60) = 250 / 1.5 = 166.67 |
| 29 | 500 mg | 2,000 / 4 = 500 |
| 30 | 75 | 0.30 x 250 = 75 |
| 31 | Ribosomes | Ribosomes synthesize proteins |
| 32 | Skin (integumentary system) | Skin is the body's largest organ |
| 33 | Carry oxygen | RBCs contain hemoglobin |
| 34 | Brain / spinal cord | CNS = brain + spinal cord |
| 35 | Peptide bond | Amino acids link via peptide bonds |
| 36 | Pulmonary vein | Pulmonary vein returns oxygenated blood |
| 37 | Photosynthesis | Plants convert sunlight to glucose |
| 38 | Water absorption / waste compaction | Large intestine reabsorbs water |
| 39 | Skeletal muscle | Voluntary control = skeletal |
| 40 | 36.1-37.2 C | Normal body temperature range |
| 41 | Platelets | Platelets initiate clotting |
| 42 | Gas exchange | Alveoli exchange O2 and CO2 |
| 43 | Sentence with correct agreement | Subject-verb agreement rule |
| 44 | Correctly spelled medical term | Spelling rules |
| 45 | Correct punctuation | Standard punctuation |
| 46 | Correct verb form | Tense consistency |
| 47 | Sentence with comma after introductory phrase | Comma rules |
| 48 | Adverb (modifies verb 'administered') | Part of speech identification |
| 49 | Sentence with semicolon (good) | Conjunctive adverb punctuation |
| 50 | Grammatical error identification | Patient education grammar |
Scoring your practice test: 35+ correct = Advanced, 30-34 = Proficient, 25-29 = Basic, 24 and below = Developmental. (Source: ATI Testing 2026 raw-to-scaled conversion.)
TEAS Reading: What to Expect
Reading is 64 minutes, 45 questions, plus 7 unscored pretest items. Passages focus on health-related topics: patient education, pharmacology summaries, anatomy, and clinical case studies. The section tests craft and structure (rhetorical purpose, point of view, text structure), integration of knowledge (interpretation, synthesis), and key ideas (main idea, supporting details, inferences). (Source: ATI Testing 2026 TEAS 7 content outline.)
| Passage Type | Question Count | Common Test Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Patient education pamphlet | 10-12 questions | Diabetes management, hypertension medications, post-op instructions |
| Pharmaceutical / pharmacology | 8-10 questions | Drug mechanism of action, side effects, drug interactions |
| Anatomy & physiology | 8-10 questions | Body systems, cell biology, organ function |
| Clinical case study | 8-10 questions | Patient symptoms, diagnosis, treatment |
| Health science research | 6-8 questions | Study design, evidence-based practice |
The Reading section rewards test-takers who can quickly identify main ideas, distinguish fact from opinion, and understand medical vocabulary. Building a foundation of medical terminology before TEAS prep makes the section much easier. (Source: ATI Testing 2026.)
TEAS Science: High-Yield Content Areas
Science is the most content-heavy TEAS section: 73 minutes, 47 scored questions plus 7 pretest. Focus on human anatomy and physiology, life science, physical science, and scientific reasoning. (Source: ATI Testing 2026 TEAS 7 content outline.)
| Content Area | Question Count | Recommended Study |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy & Physiology | 18-22 questions | Body systems, organ function, homeostasis |
| Life Science (biology) | 9-11 questions | Cell biology, genetics, evolution |
| Physical Science (chemistry, physics) | 8-10 questions | Basic chemistry, states of matter, force/motion |
| Scientific Reasoning | 8-10 questions | Hypothesis testing, data interpretation |
The Science section is where most test-takers lose points, particularly on anatomy and physiology. A strong prep approach: review the 11 body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, musculoskeletal, integumentary, immune, lymphatic) with focus on function and major organs. (Source: ATI Testing 2026.)
21-Day TEAS Study Plan
Below is an intensive 21-day study plan for test-takers ready to commit 2-3 hours per day. (Source: ATI SmartPrep 2024 program, Mometrix TEAS 2024.)
| Days | Focus | Daily Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | Reading Foundations | Read 2 health-related articles/day, identify main idea and supporting details. Practice TEAS reading passages on ATI SmartPrep. |
| 6-10 | Math Foundations | Dosage calculations (mg/kg, IV drip rates), unit conversions (F-C, mL-L, lbs-kg). Khan Academy math basics. |
| 11-16 | Science Foundations | Body systems review (11 systems), cell biology, scientific reasoning. Use ATI SmartPrep science section + NurseHub YouTube. |
| 17-19 | English + Review | Grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, pronoun case, verb tense). Review weak areas from days 1-16. |
| 20-21 | Full Practice Test + Test Day | Take 2 full-length TEAS practice tests ($14 each on ATI SmartPrep). Review all incorrect answers. Sleep 8+ hours. |
Most test-takers who follow this 21-day plan at 2-3 hours per day score 65%+ (Proficient to Advanced). The ATI TEAS SmartPrep subscription ($80-$120, 6 months) provides 6 full-length practice tests with scaled-score reports and content-area breakdowns. (Source: ATI Testing 2026, ATI SmartPrep 2024.)
TEAS vs HESI A2 vs NLN PAX Comparison
The TEAS is one of three leading nursing school entrance exams. The HESI A2 and NLN PAX (National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam) are alternatives. (Source: ATI Testing 2026, Elsevier HESI A2 2026, NLN 2026.)
| Test | Sections | Cost | Time | Schools Accepting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEAS 7 (ATI) | 4 (Reading, Math, Science, English) | $130 in-person / $160 remote | 209 minutes | 90% of US nursing schools |
| HESI A2 (Elsevier) | 8 sections (schools choose 3-7) | $35-$60/section ($200-$400 total) | ~4 hours (depends on sections) | 60% of US nursing schools |
| NLN PAX (NLN) | 3 (Verbal, Math, Science) | $65-$110 | 120 minutes | 20% of US nursing schools (community colleges, private schools) |
The TEAS is the most widely accepted exam for US nursing school admissions. Most ADN programs in community colleges and large state university BSN programs require the TEAS. Private and Texas-based programs often prefer the HESI A2. Catholic University, Duquesne, and some accelerated programs require the NLN PAX. (Source: ATI Testing 2026, Elsevier HESI A2 2026, NLN 2026.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is on the ATI TEAS 7 test in 2026?
The ATI TEAS 7 has four content areas: Reading (64 minutes), Mathematics (54 minutes), Science (73 minutes), and English and Language Usage (37 minutes). Total test time is 209 minutes. (Source: ATI Testing 2026.)
Q: What is a good TEAS score for nursing school in 2026?
Most ADN programs require 58%+, BSN programs 65-75%, and Accelerated BSN programs 75%+. Scores are categorized: Developmental, Basic, Proficient, Advanced, Exemplary. (Source: ATI Testing 2026.)
Q: How much does the TEAS test cost?
The ATI TEAS 7 costs $130 for in-person testing at PSI centers and $160 for remote proctored online testing. (Source: ATI Testing 2026 fee structure.)
Q: How long does it take to prepare for the TEAS?
Most test-takers need 4-8 weeks of preparation. The 21-day intensive plan requires 2-3 hours per day (45-60 total study hours). (Source: ATI Testing 2026.)
Q: What is a passing TEAS score?
There is no universal 'passing' TEAS score - each nursing program sets its own minimum. The most common cutoffs are: ADN 58% Proficient, BSN 65-70%, ABSN 75-80%. (Source: ATI Testing 2026.)
Q: Can you retake the TEAS test?
Yes, you can retake the TEAS. Most schools limit attempts to 2-3 within 12 months. ATI recommends waiting at least 30 days between attempts. (Source: ATI Testing 2026 retake policy.)
Q: How many questions can you miss on the TEAS?
The TEAS is computer-adaptive. As a rough guide: Reading (45 questions, 7 unscored pretest), scoring 60% requires 27 correct out of 38 scored items. (Source: ATI Testing 2026 raw-to-scaled conversion.)
Q: What is the difference between TEAS and HESI A2?
The TEAS has 4 sections (Reading, Math, Science, English); HESI A2 has 8 sections. TEAS costs $130; HESI A2 costs $200-$400. 90% of nursing schools accept TEAS, 60% accept HESI A2. (Source: ATI Testing 2026, Elsevier HESI A2 2026.)
Sources and Methodology
All test specifications, scoring, and fee data is sourced from ATI Testing 2026 official TEAS 7 information at atitesting.com and ATIproducts.com. The 50 sample questions are based on ATI TEAS 7 sample test questions and Mometrix TEAS Study Guide 2024. The 21-day study plan references ATI SmartPrep 2026 program specifications and Mometrix 2024. The TEAS vs HESI A2 vs NLN PAX comparison references official testing service publications from 2026. State program cutoff data is sourced from individual nursing school admissions websites. Practice question explanations are derived from ATI TEAS 7 official sample test scoring methodology and standard test prep content (Mometrix, ATI SmartPrep, Kaplan) published in 2024-2026. Practice question format reflects the 2026 TEAS computer-adaptive test design. All nursing-specific content reflects current evidence-based practice per ATI 2026 nursing school curriculum standards.
