TEAS Exam Information
What is the TEAS Exam?
TEAS stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills and is used for entrance into the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (PN) Programs.The TEAS exam is a computer-based test that replaces the Nelson Denny reading placement test and the Accuplacer writing and math placement tests. It is required for entrance into the Nursing programs. Exam registration, payment, and testing all occur directly through the ATI website.
The exam contains four sections:
READING SECTION assesses key ideas & details, craft & structure, and integration of knowledge & ideas.
MATH SECTION measures mathematical problem solving which will include algebra, measurement, and
data.
SCIENCE SECTION tests knowledge in biology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and scientific
and reasoning.
ENGLISH & LANGUAGE USAGE SECTION tests knowledge in conventions of standard English, knowledge of language, and vocabulary
acquisition.
Steps to Take the TEAS Exam
Step 1 — Meet with the Nursing Student Success Coordinator
- Receive approval to take the TEAS
- Confirm readiness and receive payment/scheduling instructions
Step 2 — Create Your ATI Student Account
- Go to www.atitesting.com
- Select "Create Account"
- Save your ATI username + password for test day
Step 3 — Pay for the TEAS Exam
- Follow the payment instructions provided after approval
- Payment must be completed before you may schedule your exam
Step 4 — Schedule Your Exam in the GCCC Testing Center
- Contact the Testing Center
- Select your preferred date/time
- TEAS at GCCC is computer-based only
Step 5 — Prepare for Test Day
Please bring the following:
- Government-issued photo ID
- ATI login information
- Any program-required items listed in your confirmation email
Step 6 — Take the TEAS Exam
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Testing Center staff will check you in
- Your transcript automatically goes to GCCC
More information about the TEAS Exam
The ATI TEAS exam is comprised of 170 total questions, with 209 minutes in allocated testing time. Question types include multiple choice, multiple select (select all that apply), fill in the blank, ordered response and hot spots.
| READING | MATHEMATICS | SCIENCE | ENGLISH/LANGUAGE | |
| # OF QUESTIONS | 45 | 38 | 50 | 37 |
| # OF UNSCORED QUESTIONS | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
|
TIME LIMIT |
55 min | 57 min | 60 min | 37 min |
|
SPECIFIED CONTENT COVERED |
Key ideas & Details (15) Craft & Structure (9) Integration of Knowledge & Ideas (15) |
Numbers & Algebra (18) Measurements & Data (16) |
Human Anatomy & Physiology (18) Biology (9) Chemistry (8) Scientific reasoning (9) |
Conventions of standard English (12) Knowledge of language (11) Using Language & Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing (10) |
The biggest mistake you can make on the TEAS is not preparing for the exam. It is recommended that students allow at least 6 weeks of preparation prior to taking the TEAS.
- PREPARE THROUGH ATI TEAS - Study with the creators of the exam!
Go to https://www.atitesting.com/teas for different TEAS prep packages to help prepare for
your exam. Prep packages from ATI offer initial practice tests and a robust test-taker data that
can assess your proficiency in different topic areas and adjust the lessons and materials just for free.
Try the FREE TEAS Practice Test
Try the FREE TEAS Online Practice Test and access 60 questions & rationales. It is structured just like ATI’s TEAS premium practice assessment so you can try it out before you purchase the full practice test. The primary difference is that the free version has fewer questions.
- STUDY WITH GCCC TUTORS!
The Mary Jo Williams Comprehensive Learning Center (CLC) at GCCC also offers tutoring and TEAS Exam preparation assistance. Students can schedule an appointment through myGCCC.
Walk-ins are also welcome, pending tutor availability. For questions, please call the CLC Front Desk at (620) 275-3278(620) 275-3280, or email tutoring@gcccks.edu
division).
Test-takers seeking test accommodations must have their test accommodations plan approved
by the Garden City Community College Student Accommodations Services office.
Here’s the step-by-step process that’s needed in order to test with accommodations:
Follow the steps above in the “TEAS Test Registration,Payment, and Scheduling” section
for creating a TEAS test account.
Schedule a time to review your test accommodations plan with the GCCC Student Accommodations
Services. Email accommodations@gcccks.edu to schedule.
PLEASE NOTE – the review of your accommodation plan must occur at least 30 days prior
to when you plan to take the test.
TEAS/ATI will send you an email confirmation that your approved accommodations have
been added to the exam you purchased, and that you are now cleared to test with those
accommodations.
For more information about TEAS testing with accommodations, please refer to ATI’s test accommodation resource webpage.
You are allowed to take the TEAS test as many times as you would like, but there may be a “cool down” period between attempts, depending on how you would like to test.
Remote/online TEAS Tests require 14-day period between attempts.
In-Person TEAS Tests do not have a required period between attempts.
You’ll need to register and pay for each attempt using the step-by-step directions
above.
Do you allow bathroom breaks during the online TEAS exam?
You may take an optional 10-minute bathroom break upon completion of the Mathematics
section of the TEAS. At that time, you may not access any personal items, including
cell phones, notes, manuals, etc. Any
excessive time taken away from your seat will result in a flag and may result in a
formal review of your exam.
The exam sections are in the following order: reading, math, science, and English
and language usage. After you complete the math section, you may take your break,
and then, when you are ready to start the Science section, please select “Proceed
to next section,” and your exam will continue.
Note: You will not get a notice for a break. Just be aware that when you finish
the math section, you can step away to use the restroom or get a drink for a short
period of time.
What are the approved forms of Government-Issued ID?
Individuals must present a valid (not expired), approved form of government-issued
photo ID prior to the start of the TEAS exam.
Please note that we cannot accept a printout, digital copy, or photo of your ID, and
the first and last name on your ID must match the first and last name you used when
you registered for your exam. If these conditions are not met, ATI Proctors will stop
your exam and trigger our no refund/retest policy, which
can be viewed here. You will be required to purchase a new exam.
Approved Forms of Government-Issued Photo ID:
• Driver’s License (Issued within the U.S., including U.S. Territories)
• Non-Driver Photo ID (Issued within the U.S., including U.S. Territories)
• Examples include a REAL ID or State ID Card – Please note that school-issued Student
ID or Work ID
will not be accepted.
• Tribal Card
• U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
• U.S. Military ID or U.S. Military Dependent’s ID
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card
• U.S. Visa
• Foreign Government-Issued Passport
What can I bring to the exam?
What to Bring:
• Photo ID and Login Information: Bring a government-issued photo ID and ATI login
information.
• Pencils and Erasers: Bring two sharpened No. 2 pencils with attached erasers. The
testing center will provide scratch paper.
What NOT to Bring:
Leave these items at home or in your car:
• Additional Apparel: Jackets, hats, and sunglasses are not permitted, though allowances
are made for religious attire.
• Personal Items: Purses, backpacks, and electronic devices such as cell phones and
smartwatches are not allowed.
• Food and Drink: Only medically necessary items with documentation are permitted.
More FAQ can be found on the ATI website.
