Preparing for the TEAS exam can be a crucial step in achieving a competitive score. Here are some tips for taking the TEAS from Hallmark University nursing faculty to help you succeed.
What is the TEAS?
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam is an important standardized test often required for admission to nursing and allied health programs. The exam statistically assesses a candidate’s academic readiness to excel in nursing school. The test consists of four different sections: reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage. The maximum time allotted for the entire TEAS test is exactly 209 minutes. It is important to note that the average number of attempts allowed is 3 times a year. This can vary depending on the school being applied to.
Ready to get started? Here are the tips for taking the TEAS Exam:
- Understand the Exam Format:
Familiarize yourself with the exam format, including the number of sections, types of questions, and time limits for each section.
2. Review the Content Areas:
Identify the specific content areas covered in each section of the TEAS exam and focus your study efforts accordingly. Use the TEAS test blueprint or official study materials to guide your preparation.
3. Create a Study Plan:
Develop a study schedule that allows you to cover all content areas over several weeks or months. Allocate more time to areas where you need the most improvement.
4. Use Official Study Materials:
Invest in official TEAS study guides and practice tests. These materials are designed to closely mirror the actual exam content and format.
5. Take Practice Tests:
Take multiple practice tests under timed conditions to get a sense of the exam’s pacing and to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Use these practice tests to gauge your progress.
6. Review Basic Math and Science Concepts:
Spend time reviewing basic math and science concepts, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while. Focus on algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, and anatomy & physiology.
7. Improve Reading Comprehension:
Work on improving your reading comprehension skills by reading a variety of texts and summarizing key points. Practice reading scientific articles to get used to the kind of reading you’ll encounter on the exam.
8. Brush Up on Grammar and Language Usage:
Review grammar rules, punctuation, and language usage to prepare for the English Language Usage section.
9. Time Management:
During the exam, manage your time effectively. Don’t get stuck on a single question for too long. If you encounter a difficult question, make a note to come back to it later if time allows.
10. Stay Calm and Confident:
On the day of the exam, arrive early, well-rested, and with all required identification and materials. Being well prepared will help keep the whole process smooth.
11. Learn from Mistakes:
After taking practice tests, review your mistakes and focus on areas where you need improvement. Adjust your study plan accordingly.
12. Seek Additional Resources:
Consider joining study groups, seeking help from teachers or tutors, or using online resources to reinforce your understanding of challenging concepts. Find what works for you.
Remember that the TEAS exam is just one part of your application to nursing or allied health programs. Make sure to also pay attention to other application requirements, such as letters of recommendation, essays, and interviews. Ready to schedule your TEAS? You can do so at Hallmark University, an official test proctor. Good Luck!