The TEAS exam is taken by aspiring nurses or allied health applicants. This exam is taken by ATI, which stands for Assessment Technologies Institute. This exam checks the readiness of the students in four main areas;
- Reading
- Maths
- Science
- English & Language Usage
Good performance on the TEAS may lead you to your desired nursing school. Here are 10 tips to improve your TEAS exam score to help you prepare effectively.
1. Familiarise yourself with Exam Content and Format
Before learning, you need to know what you are working with.
- Reading: 45 questions
- Mathematics: 38 questions
- Science: 50 questions
- English & Language Usage: 37 questions
Know the format so you can prepare a good study schedule. If you understand the kind of questions to ask in the test, then no surprise will remain on the exam day. Due to a shortage of information, most students avail shortcuts like having someone professional to help with TEAS exam, which is so tempting at some point. It is never completely wrong to hire professional help, but nothing beats the pride and confidence that come from earning your score through hard work.
2. Use Scholarly Study Materials
Not all study guides are created equal. Invest in comprehensive, updated materials based on the latest TEAS test version. To improve your TEAS exam score, use the right strategies, tools, and mindset; only then can you perform better.
Recommended Resources:
- ATI TEAS Official Study Manual
- Mometrix Test Prep
- Kaplan TEAS Review
- Smart Edition Academy
Although some students look for help online for the TEAS and Comptia tests. Many may even attempt to look for ” how to hire someone to take Comptia for me,” remember that real success is in your effort and understanding of the material.
3. Create an Individual Study Plan
Consistency trumps cramming. Create a study plan that covers all TEAS exam sections over weeks. Give more time to weaker subjects, but don’t forget your strengths.
Tips for an effective plan:
- Study 5–6 days a week in 1–2 hour sessions.
- Divide your study time into smaller chunks.
- Set aside 1–2 days a week for practice tests and review.
Make sure your plan is realistic and flexible, especially if you have work or school commitments. Making a tough schedule will only result in lowering performance and anxiety.
4. Take a Diagnostic Practice Test
Taking a diagnostic test will allow you to know your weak and strong areas. Based on your weaknesses and strengths, allocate time slots to the sections. There are also many practice tests that you can take from various sources, such as
- ATI
- Mometrix
- Kaplan.
After taking your diagnostic test, take note of the repetitive mistakes. Make sure to learn from your mistakes and strengthen the areas you are weak in. Practice tests are important to build confidence and improve performance on the actual exam day.
5. Shine in the Reading Section
The Reading section tests your ability to understand the written passages. Focus on identifying main ideas and making inferences to answer the questions.
Tips:
- Practice active reading and summarise while you are reading the passage.
- Practice reading various materials instead of merely focusing on one source
- Time yourself to read more quickly and accurately.
- Learn to skim and scan skill especially when you are short of time
The more you read, the more you’ll comprehend and the more accurate your timing will be, both of which are essential for this section.
6. Review Math
Math on the TEAS includes operations with numbers, algebra, measurements, and data interpretation.
How to improve:
- Review basic arithmetic and algebra principles.
- Practice unit conversions and operations with percentages.
- Memorise important formulas (area, perimeter, Pythagorean theorem, etc.).
- Make flashcards and do timed quizzes to build confidence.
- Do word problems, they’re common and can be tricky when timed.
7. Shore Up Your Science Skills
The Science section includes biology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.
Tips to prepare well:
- Highlight body systems, particularly the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems.
- Go over the fundamentals of cell biology and genetics.
- Understand the scientific method and experiment design.
- Describe processes through diagrams and videos.
- Don’t try to memorise everything—focus on fundamental ideas and how they are related to each other.
8. Polish Your English and Grammar Skills
In this section, you’ll be tested on sentence structure, grammar rules, punctuation, and vocabulary.
To improve:
- Brush up on parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, and commonly confused words.
- Practice editing and proofreading sentences.
- Use vocabulary apps or make flashcards for new words.
- Get your work checked by a mentor or professional in language usage
You don’t need to be an English major, but clear sentence logic and grammar are required to ace this section.
9. Take Several Full-Length Practice Tests
Simulating the real test conditions is one of the most effective ways of enhancing your score.
Why it works:
- You get used to the 3.5-hour test length.
- You build stamina and reduce test-day jitters.
- You get to know your speed of attempting questions
- You gain confidence to perform better
After each practice test, analyse your scores carefully and guide the next study sessions to areas where you lost points.
10. Get Support and Stay Motivated
Studying alone can be intimidating. Join online forums, find a study partner, or enrol in a TEAS prep class.
Supportive Resources:
- Facebook study groups
- Reddit’s r/TEAShelp
- Local community college workshops
- Nursing school forums
Celebrate small successes, stay positive, and remind yourself why you’re doing this—to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
Wrapping Up!
Improving your TEAS exam score does not happen overnight. However, scoring better is possible with the right mindset and expert-backed techniques. Focus on mastering the basics of the content, and also start simulating the test experience. It is a stepping stone toward your dream career in nursing or allied health. Therefore, start preparing today, and walk into the TEAS exam knowing you have possibly done everything to succeed in this exam. Enjoy the journey of your preparation, as a relaxed mind performs better than a tired one.