Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

🩺 Overview of TEAS Standards – Reading, Math, Science, and English

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized entrance exam used by nursing and allied health programs to evaluate a student’s readiness for health science education. The exam consists of four sections: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English & Language Usage.

The Reading section measures comprehension and critical thinking through questions on main ideas, supporting details, inferences, and text structure.

The Mathematics section tests knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, ratios, proportions, percentages, and metric conversions, as well as measurement and data interpretation.

The Science section assesses understanding of human anatomy and physiology, life and physical sciences, and scientific reasoning skills.

The English & Language Usage section evaluates grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary in the context of professional communication.

Mastery of these subjects is essential for success on the TEAS and admission into competitive nursing programs. The following standards outline the key academic skills assessed in each subject area.

TEAS Reading Standards & Overview

Overview

The Reading section measures your ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret texts — key skills for academic success in nursing and health sciences.

Number of Questions: 45
Time Limit: 55 minutes
Scored Questions: 39
Unscored Pretest Questions: 6
Three Domains:

Key Ideas and Details (~40%)

Craft and Structure (~28%)

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (~32%)

Domain 1: Key Ideas and Details (~40%)

This domain tests your ability to understand the main ideas, supporting details, and summarize passages.

1. Main Idea & Supporting Details

  • Identify the central idea or thesis

  • Distinguish between main idea and supporting evidence

  • Recognize topic sentences

2. Summarizing

  • Choose an accurate summary that includes all essential points

  • Exclude minor or irrelevant details

3. Inferences & Conclusions

  • Make logical inferences from a passage

  • Draw conclusions based on implied information

  • Identify unstated assumptions

Domain 2: Craft and Structure (~28%)

This domain focuses on how information is organized and how language is used.

1. Meaning of Words & Phrases

  • Determine meaning using context clues

  • Identify the tone and connotation of words

  • Recognize figurative vs literal language

2. Text Structure

  • Identify how a passage is organized:

    • Chronological, cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem/solution, etc.

  • Recognize transitional words that signal structure

3. Author's Purpose & Point of View

  • Determine why the author wrote the passage (to inform, persuade, entertain)

  • Identify bias, tone, or emotional appeal

Domain 3: Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (~32%)

This domain tests higher-order reading and comparison skills.

1. Compare & Contrast Multiple Texts

  • Identify similarities and differences in ideas or arguments

  • Evaluate how two texts treat the same topic differently

2. Evaluate Arguments & Claims

  • Distinguish between fact and opinion

  • Determine if a conclusion is supported by evidence

  • Identify faulty reasoning, bias, or unsupported claims

3. Interpret Graphics and Source Materials

  • Read and interpret charts, tables, or graphs embedded in passages

  • Use evidence from visuals to answer questions

  • Assess the relevance of a source

TEAS Reading Tips

  • Read the questions first to guide your focus while reading the passage

  • Use active reading strategies: underline key ideas, mark transitions

  • Pay attention to word choice and tone to infer point of view

  • Practice interpreting charts and paired texts

TEAS Math Standards & Overview

Overview

The Math section of the TEAS assesses your ability to apply essential math concepts typically learned in grades 7–12. You are expected to:

  • Perform operations with numbers (whole, decimals, fractions)

  • Use algebraic reasoning to solve problems

  • Apply measurement and data interpretation

  • Understand formulas and real-world word problems

Number of Questions: 38
Time Limit: 57 minutes
Scored Questions: 34
Unscored Pretest Questions: 4
Two Domains:
‣ Numbers and Algebra (~65%)
‣ Measurement and Data (~35%)

Domain 1: Numbers and Algebra (~65%)

1. Operations with Numbers

  • Add, subtract, multiply, divide whole numbers, fractions, mixed numbers, decimals

  • Apply order of operations (PEMDAS)

  • Round numbers and estimate results

2. Rational Numbers

  • Compare, convert, and order fractions, decimals, and percentages

  • Convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers

  • Perform operations with positive and negative numbers

3. Ratios and Proportions

  • Solve proportional reasoning and unit rate problems

  • Use ratios to compare quantities

  • Apply scale factors and maps

4. Algebraic Applications

  • Evaluate algebraic expressions and formulas

  • Solve one- and two-step linear equations

  • Interpret inequalities

  • Work with variables, expressions, and equations

  • Translate word problems into algebra

Domain 2: Measurement and Data (~35%)

1. Measurement

  • Convert within and between metric and U.S. customary units

  • Understand time, weight, volume, length, area, and temperature

  • Use formulas for perimeter, area, volume, circumference, distance, etc.

2. Data Interpretation

  • Read and interpret graphs, charts, and tables

  • Calculate mean, median, mode, and range

  • Apply data to solve problems

3. Word Problems with Formulas

  • Apply math to real-life scenarios: budgets, dosage, sales tax, discounts

  • Use formulas like:
    ‣ A=πr^2,
    ‣ V=l×w×h
    ‣ d=rt
    ‣ P=2l+2wP

Tips for Success

  • Memorize common formulas before test day

  • Practice real-world scenarios like budgeting, measurement conversions, and rate problems

  • Use scratch paper to show all steps

  • Don’t spend more than 1.5 minutes per question on average

TEAS Science Standards & Overview

Overview

The Science section evaluates your understanding of human anatomy and physiology, foundational physical/life sciences, and your ability to reason scientifically. It emphasizes concepts relevant to health science fields.

Number of Questions: 50
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Scored Questions: 44
Unscored Pretest Questions: 6
Three Domains:

Human Anatomy & Physiology (~68%)

Scientific Reasoning (~20%)

Life and Physical Sciences (~12%)

Domain 1: Human Anatomy & Physiology (~68%)

This is the most heavily weighted domain.

1. Body Systems and Functions

  • Identify the major body systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, digestive, etc.)

  • Know key organs and their functions

  • Understand interactions between systems (e.g., respiratory & circulatory)

2. Homeostasis and Regulation

  • Understand how body systems maintain homeostasis

  • Recognize how feedback loops (positive/negative) work

  • Understand the role of the endocrine system in regulation

3. Anatomical Terms and Planes

  • Use proper directional terms (e.g., anterior/posterior, superior/inferior)

  • Understand planes of the body (sagittal, coronal, transverse)

4. Immune System

  • Understand innate vs adaptive immunity

  • Know key components like white blood cells, antibodies, pathogens

5. Reproductive and Developmental Systems

  • Basics of male/female reproductive organs

  • Understand fertilization and development

Domain 2: Life and Physical Sciences (~12%)

This domain includes basic biology, chemistry, and physics concepts applied to life.

1. Macromolecules of Life

  • Know the four major macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

  • Understand their functions and structures

2. Basic Chemistry Concepts

  • Understand atomic structure: protons, neutrons, electrons

  • Know chemical bonds (ionic, covalent)

  • Interpret periodic table trends (atomic number, mass, groups/periods)

3. Basic Cell Biology

  • Know cell organelles and their functions

  • Understand mitosis vs meiosis

  • Difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

4. Genetics and Heredity

  • Understand Punnett squares, dominant/recessive traits, genotype vs phenotype

  • Basics of DNA/RNA structure and function

Domain 3: Scientific Reasoning (~20%)

Focuses on applying the scientific method and reasoning like a scientist.

1. Scientific Method

  • Know the steps: observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion

  • Distinguish dependent vs independent variables

  • Understand control groups

2. Data Interpretation and Experimentation

  • Analyze tables, charts, and graphs

  • Identify cause-and-effect in experiments

  • Predict outcomes based on evidence

3. Logical Reasoning

  • Evaluate the validity of a conclusion

  • Identify bias, errors, or unsupported claims

Tips for TEAS Science Success

  • Focus on Anatomy & Physiology—it’s 2/3 of the section

  • Memorize key body systems, functions, and interactions

  • Review basic bio/chem/physics terminology

  • Practice reading experimental passages and drawing conclusions

  • Use flashcards for vocab and body systems

TEAS English and Language Usage Standards & Overview

Overview

The English and Language Usage section evaluates your understanding of grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary in context—all essential for clear and professional written communication in healthcare and academic settings.

Number of Questions: 37
Time Limit: 37 minutes
Scored Questions: 33
Unscored Pretest Questions: 4
Three Domains:

Conventions of Standard English (~38%)

Knowledge of Language (~15%)

Vocabulary Acquisition (~47%)

Domain 1: Conventions of Standard English (~38%)

Focuses on the rules that govern sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.

1. Sentence Structure

  • Recognize and correct run-on sentences, fragments, and comma splices

  • Identify and revise compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences

  • Understand subject-verb agreement

2. Grammar Usage

  • Identify and use correct verb tenses

  • Use correct pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions

  • Ensure noun-pronoun agreement

  • Maintain parallel structure in lists or comparisons

3. Capitalization and Punctuation

  • Apply rules for capitalizing proper nouns

  • Use commas, apostrophes, quotation marks, and semicolons correctly

  • Fix punctuation errors in compound/complex sentences

Domain 2: Knowledge of Language (~15%)

Focuses on revising writing for clarity, tone, and conciseness.

1. Language Precision

  • Eliminate redundant or wordy phrases

  • Replace informal language with more formal or academic tone

  • Revise for clarity and logical flow

2. Word Choice and Style

  • Choose the best word based on tone, context, and formality

  • Recognize shifts in tone, voice, or style

Domain 3: Vocabulary Acquisition (~47%)

Tests your ability to determine the meaning of words and phrases using context.

1. Context Clues

  • Use surrounding text to define unfamiliar vocabulary

  • Identify synonyms, antonyms, and restatements in context

2. Common Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

  • Break down words using Greek/Latin roots

    • e.g., "bio" = life, "logy" = study of

  • Understand meanings from word parts

3. Medical/Academic Vocabulary

  • Interpret common medical, scientific, or technical terms used in passages

Tips for Success

  • Brush up on commas, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure

  • Learn common Greek and Latin roots/prefixes

  • Practice identifying errors in short passages

  • Read carefully—many questions test your ability to choose the most clear and effective revision

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