Aspiring nurses often wonder, “Is the TEAS exam difficult?”. First, it is important to note that the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized exam used by nursing schools to evaluate potential nursing candidates. Given its importance, it’s normal to feel anxious about its difficulty. In this blog, we explain the details of the TEAS exam, its structure, subjects, and what makes it challenging. Additionally, we provide tips and strategies to help you succeed.
If you’re looking to ace your ATI TEAS test and get accepted into the nursing program of your dreams, get access to the actual TEAS 7 Exams (past and recent) on ExamGates.
Structure of the TEAS Exam
To understand the difficulty of the TEAS exam, we first have to understand its structure. The TEAS exam comprises four main sections:
- Reading: The TEAS reading section has a total of 45 scored questions six unscored pretest questions. Twenty-two of these questions require students to identify key details and ideas from a passage or paragraph. It is timed for 55 minutes. The TEAS reading questions gauge the student’s ability to read and extract ideas from a passage.
- Mathematics: The TEAS math section consists of 36 multiple-choice questions. This section lasts for 54 minutes. Ensure you understand the test format to manage your time effectively.
- Science: The TEAS science section is made up of 50 questions. The section tests various aspects of scientific skills and knowledge, such as; human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and scientific reasoning.
- English and Language Usage: This section consists of 28 questions. 24 of the 28 questions will have marks, while four will be unscored. The test lasts 28 minutes, therefore, you have just one minute to answer each question.
Is the TEAS Exam Difficult? : What Makes the TEAS Exam Difficult?
Almost every candidate is asking the question, “Is the TEAS Exam Difficult?”. It is important to understand that the difficulty of the TEAS exam depends on how well the candidate is prepared. However, the following factors are known to contribute to the ‘difficulty’ of the TEAS exam:
a) Comprehensive Coverage
The TEAS exam covers a wide range of subjects that require deep understanding and total commitment. This means that test-takers must answer questions from various subjects. This can be straining, especially if they have been out of school for some time.
b) Time Management
The exam’s strict timing can be a great challenge since every section has a specific time limit. Managing this time effectively is crucial. Candidates, therefore, balance the time they take to answer each question, ensuring they do not spend too much time on any single question.
c) Application Questions
Some sections of the TEAS exam require candidates to apply the knowledge learned to explain real-world problems.
d) Exam Anxiety
The pressure of performing well on the TEAS exam can lead to exam anxiety, which may affect performance negatively. The fear of not getting into a nursing program should one fail can cause anxiety, making the exam seem even more difficult.
Successful Strategies for Passing the TEAS Exam
The TEAS exam is never difficult for students who prepare adequately for the test. Here are some of the effective tips every candidate must observe to pass the test:
1) Create a Study Plan
A well-structured study plan is essential since it allows you to allocate adequate time for each subject area and focus on your weak points. You should break your study sessions into manageable chunks and set specific goals for each session.
2) Use Quality Study Materials
Get access to quality TEAS study guides and practice tests. An example of a platform such resources is ExamGates. ExamGates has a library of study notes, and past and recent actual TEAS exams that will help you understand what to expect in your exams.
3) Practice Time Management
During your preparation, practice answering questions within the allocated time. This will help you adapt accordingly to the timing of the real exam. Timed practice tests are useful in this regard.
4) Focus on Core Concepts
While covering all topics is important, you should pay more attention to the core concepts within each subject area. Understanding the fundamental concepts will enable you to tackle a variety of questions effectively.
5) Stay Healthy and Positive
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact your exam performance. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly. Additionally, keep a positive mindset and manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Conclusion: Is the TEAS Exam Difficult?
Remember, the TEAS exam is a stepping stone to your nursing career but HEY! Relax, it is just a regular exam like those you’ve taken before. With Proper preparation and use of the right study resources, you will find the exam very easy and are bound to pass the exam. Good luck!