A remote ATI TEAS® exam is proctored through your webcam, so your room, lighting, and desk matter as much as your computer. Set up the space before your Dry Run, then use the same space on exam day.
Choose your room
- A quiet, private room where no one will enter during the exam. Treat it like an in-person exam on campus. Public locations are not allowed (see below).
- Sit at a table or desk (a kitchen or dining table works well) with a plain wall behind you. A busy background with posters, pictures, or bright colors makes it harder for the system to identify you.
- Complete your Dry Run in this exact spot so you know the camera, microphone, and internet all work there.
Testing in a public location is not allowed
You must test in a private, secure room where no one else can enter. Cars, coffee shops, open library areas, and other public spaces are not permitted. If you are using a library, reserve a private room that no one else can access. Position yourself so your back is not toward a window or open doorway where someone could stand behind you and see your screen. If your room scan shows a public location, the proctor will ask you to move before you can continue.
Lighting and camera
If the camera has trouble picking up your image, it is almost always lighting or background:
- Use even natural or artificial light on your face. Avoid a bright lamp in front of you or a window behind you, which can wash out your features.
- Adjust the height or angle of the webcam, or turn it slightly, until your face is centered and clear.
- Sit at a normal distance; too close or too far makes it harder for the system to capture your features.
- Wear glasses? Tilt your head slightly and look at the screen rather than straight into the webcam, lower your screen brightness to reduce glare, or remove your glasses briefly for the identity check and put them back on once it is complete.
Your desk
- Clear everything except your computer, your ID, and one blank sheet of paper or a small dry-erase whiteboard with two writing instruments. Scratch paper rules
- No drinks (including water), food, tissues, phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, or other items. Anything else on the desk may be reported as an irregularity.
- Smartwatches and smart glasses are not allowed during testing. Take them off before you start the pre-checks.
- Headphones and headsets are allowed only with an approved accommodation. Can I use headphones?
- Have your physical government-issued photo ID within reach for the pre-checks.
Stay on camera
You must stay centered on camera, with your testing area in view, for the entire exam except the scheduled break. Leaving the camera’s view is the number one reason attempts are flagged for review and may make your attempt invalid.
The break
After the math section you may take a 10-minute break to use the restroom or get a drink. Leave your camera on with the testing area in view while you are away, and do not touch phones, notes, or other materials. Bathroom breaks during the TEAS
Related: TEAS Exam Day Requirements and Expectations · TEAS sections and timing
Frequently asked questions
Can I have tissues during my remote TEAS exam?
No. Tissues count as a non-testing item and are not allowed on your desk or in reach, and exceptions are not given, even for a cold or allergies. If you need to blow your nose during the exam, you will have to step away from the desk to do it. Time away from the camera can be noted for review, so use the break after the math section when you can.
Can I have medication at my desk?
For a TEAS at ATI exam, email the proctor team at [email protected] before test day and explain what you need. For a TEAS Online at Institution exam, ask your school’s proctor.
Can I have a drink or water?
No. Nothing to drink or eat is allowed on the desk, including water. You can get a drink during the break after the math section. Drinks during the exam
Can I wear headphones or earplugs?
Only with an approved accommodation. Headphones during the exam