TEAS Information Page

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a pre-entry test used to evaluate the academic preparedness of students entering the School of Nursing. It is typically taken the same semester you apply for the program and must be taken by the nursing application deadline for the semester in which you are applying. The TEAS V consists of a total of 150 questions on four subtest areas: Reading, Math, Science, and English & Language Usage. All subtests contain multiple choice items with one correct answer.

  • The Reading subtest covers paragraph & passage comprehension and informational source comprehension (42 questions).
  • The Math subtest measures knowledge of numbers & operations, algebraic applications, data interpretation, and measurement (30 questions).
  • The Science subtest covers human body science, life science, earth & physical science, and scientific reasoning (48 questions).
  • The English & Language Usage subtest measures knowledge of grammar & word meanings in context, spelling & punctuation, and structure (30 questions).
TEAS Rules

The TEAS test can only be taken once a semester for a maximum of two times within two years. After two years the test can be repeated again. The results of a TEAS test are good for two years. After that time the test must be retaken. Students who have already taken TEAS 4.0 twice may still take TEAS V.

Effective Summer Session 2012, applicants taking the TEAS test must wait 90 days before the TEAS can be taken for a second time.

Nursing applicants must achieve a minimum 58.7% Adjusted Individual Total Score on the TEAS to be eligible for admission to the program effective for Fall 2012 entry.

TEAS Versions
  • Versions 3.0 & 4.0 will no longer be accepted.
  • Only Version V will be accepted for Fall 2012 entry and beyond.   
Preparation for the TEAS

We strongly recommend that you use the certified study materials offered by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). The study packet includes both a study manual and online practice assessments. It has been demonstrated consistently that students who combine these two tools in their study for the TEAS do better on the test than those who use only the manual or study with an unapproved resource book.

These practice assessments are like the real TEAS test and provide you with a score sheet which breaks down the four main categories as well as scores for all the subcategories. Example: You will find an overall score for math as well as scores for the subcategories of numbers & operations, algebraic applications, and so on.

To give you a baseline to study, we recommend that you take the first test as soon as you receive your materials. Don’t study before you take the first test; see what you are able to remember from your classes. Any subjects with scores below 80 percent should be studied in the manual. About a month before the real TEAS test, take your second practice assessment. You should see the scores go up in comparison to your first test. Then, in the remaining time you have, continue to study starting with your lowest score until you feel you have mastered the contents.

Go to the ATI website www.atitesting.com for additional information about purchasing study materials or frequently asked questions regarding the TEAS. 

Cost of TEAS

The charge for taking the TEAS test is $40 for Nevada State College students and $50 for non-NSC students. NSC students must have a NSHE ID # in order to register at the NSC student price.

Effective July 1, 2012, the cost of the TEAS test will increase to $45 for Nevada State College students and will remain $50 for non-NSC students.

Important Information about the Testing Process:
  • The maximum time allowed for the test is 3 hours and 29 minutes.
  • Any student who has taken a previous ATI test (e.g., online practice assessment) needs to remember his or her password. If you have forgotten your password, retrieve your account password at www.atitesting.com or call ATI at 800.667.7531 before the test date.
  • Arrive for testing 15 minutes early
  • Doors will be locked five minutes after start time
  • A picture ID is required
  • Cell phones will be collected at the front of the room and turned off during the test.
  • No calculators are allowed
  • Scratch paper and pencil are provided.
Testing Outside of the Las Vegas Area

If it is not convenient for you to attend one of the above testing dates at NSC, you must arrange a proctored test through ATI by doing the following:

  • Call ATI at 800.667.7531 and state that you need a TEAS site and you need to arrange for a proctored TEAS V with individual payment. Provide relevant information including your name, phone number, location of residence and that you are taking the TEAS for Nevada State College School of Nursing.
  • ATI will call the student with information within 24 to 48 hours.

The student will need a photo ID and credit card to pay for the TEAS test at the time of the proctored test. The testing site may also require additional payment to proctor the test. After completing the test, you must order a copy of your test results from ATI and have them sent directly to Nevada State College. We only accept TEAS results received directly from ATI and your results must be received from ATI by the nursing application deadline.