ATI recommends you take approximately 6-weeks to prepare for the TEAS exam.
The ATI TEAS Exam is an important first step in your nursing school or allied health journey, and just like any test you take, studying beforehand will boost your chances of success. However, studying for the TEAS isn’t just helpful, it’s crucial – approximately 40% of students have to take the TEAS more than once!
We’re sharing some tips on the best way to study for the ATI TEAS Exam to set yourself up for success and prepare you to earn your highest score.
When should I start studying?
ATI recommends that you give yourself at least 6 weeks to prepare before taking the TEAS. The biggest mistake that students make on the TEAS is not giving themselves enough time to study for all of the concepts, so it’s important to take your prep seriously!
Keep in mind that 6 weeks is the average amount of time that ATI recommends, but every student is different. You know your learning style the best, so if you think you will need more time to review all of the material or are working with a busy schedule that may not allow for a ton of study time, start earlier!
Related Read: Frequently Asked Questions about the ATI TEAS Exam
How do I know what to study?
The TEAS is a comprehensive exam that tests you on 4 subject areas — reading, science, mathematics, and English and language usage. Some subjects will make up more questions on the exam than others, so keep that in mind when deciding how much time you will spend reviewing each topic. You can find the question breakdown and how much time you will have to take each section here.
Wanting to prepare with the creators of the exam? ATI offers a variety of TEAS prep products that cover all of the content areas and question formats that are featured on the exam. When looking for study material, make sure to pick the option that fits your study habits and situation the best, including what kind of timeline you are working with and if you prefer printed or digital material.
Pro Tip: Having reliable study materials is more important than you think! Check out Michele J.’s ATI TEAS Success Story to learn about her journey studying for and succeeding on the TEAS Exam and the difference these materials can make.
How should I get started?
The best thing that you can do to get started studying for the TEAS and get the most out of your 6 weeks is to make a study calendar! Having a plan of when you are going to study and what subject you will review is an important part of staying on track.
Check out this free 6-Week TEAS Study Plan that ATI has created to get an idea of what a great study plan might look like.
To make your own study calendar, start by identifying specific times during the week that you are free and blocking off some of that free time specifically for TEAS prep. Then, assign each block of study time to a specific subject or content area. You can give more time to the subjects that make up more of the test or subjects that you need the most help with and vice versa. Remember to treat study time like any other appointment or obligation on your calendar and don’t let distractions get in the way.
Pro Tip: Start with the ATI TEAS Online Practice Tests or ATI TEAS SmartPrep Tutorial. These will help you identify your weak areas that need improvement. Start with those areas and work toward your stronger content areas.
Related Read: The Most Commonly Missed Questions on the ATI TEAS Exam
Putting It All Together
Studying for the ATI TEAS Exam may seem daunting at first, and should be something that you take seriously, but don’t stress! There is a huge variety of resources available to help you prepare for and do great on the test.
Remember to check with all of the schools you are applying to for their admission requirements and any important deadlines for submitting your TEAS score or retaking the exam. Then, whip out your calendar and study manual and get to work!