Published on April 12, 2025

Comprehensive ATI TEAS 7 Study Guide for 2025 Success

Kelvin Alvarez

Introduction: Your Pathway to Nursing School with the TEAS 7

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), administered by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), is a standardized exam widely required for admission into nursing and allied health programs across the United States. The current version, TEAS 7 (launched in June 2022), assesses the fundamental academic skills necessary for success in rigorous healthcare programs. Passing the TEAS is a critical step towards your nursing career, and thorough preparation is key. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for test-takers aiming for success in 2025.

Understanding the ATI TEAS 7 Exam Structure

The TEAS 7 exam is designed to evaluate your readiness for nursing school curriculum. It comprises 170 questions divided into four main content areas, with a total testing time of 209 minutes. Importantly, 20 of these questions are unscored "pretest" items that ATI uses to evaluate questions for future exams. You won't know which questions are scored and which are not, so treat every question seriously.

Here's the breakdown by section:

New Question Formats in TEAS 7

To better align with evolving assessment methods like the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), the TEAS 7 incorporates several question types beyond traditional multiple-choice:

1. Multiple-Choice: Select the single best answer from four options.
2. Multiple-Select: Select all correct answers from a list of four or more options ("select all that apply"). Scoring is typically all-or-nothing; no partial credit is given.
3. Supply Answer: Fill in the blank with a word or number.
4. Hot Spot: Click on specific areas within an image to answer the question.
5. Ordered Response: Drag and drop a list of items into the correct sequence. Scoring is all-or-nothing.

Content Breakdown: What to Study for Each Section

Success on the TEAS requires a solid understanding of foundational concepts in each area.

1. Reading (39 Scored Questions / 55 Minutes)

This section assesses your ability to comprehend written passages, interpret charts/graphs, and identify main ideas, details, and author's purpose. Key areas include:

• Key Ideas & Details: Identifying main ideas, supporting details, summaries, and following directions.
• Craft & Structure: Determining word meanings, understanding author's purpose and point of view, and analyzing text structure.
• Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: Evaluating arguments, analyzing sources, and interpreting information from graphics (charts, graphs, maps).

2. Mathematics (34 Scored Questions / 57 Minutes)

Focuses on foundational math skills relevant to healthcare calculations. A four-function calculator is provided within the test interface (or by the proctor). Topics cover:

• Numbers & Algebra: Operations with fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, estimation, and solving algebraic equations/word problems.
• Measurement & Data: Interpreting data from tables, charts, and graphs; conversions within and between measurement systems (metric, standard); geometric concepts (area, perimeter, volume).

3. Science (44 Scored Questions / 60 Minutes)

This is often considered the most challenging section, covering a broad range of biological, chemical, and physiological concepts.

• Human Anatomy & Physiology: Detailed knowledge of all major body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, integumentary, lymphatic/immune, gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive). This is the largest part of the Science section.
• Biology: Cell structure and function, genetics, heredity, basic microbiology, and macromolecules.
• Chemistry: Basic atomic structure, properties of matter, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases.
• Scientific Reasoning: Understanding the scientific method, interpreting experiments, and drawing conclusions from scientific data.

4. English & Language Usage (33 Scored Questions / 37 Minutes)

Evaluates your grasp of standard English grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary in context.

• Conventions of Standard English: Spelling, punctuation (commas, apostrophes, semicolons, etc.), capitalization, and sentence structure.
• Knowledge of Language: Using correct grammar (verb tense, subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage) and ensuring clarity and formality in writing.
• Vocabulary Acquisition: Determining the meaning of words based on context clues.

Scoring the TEAS 7 Exam

You will receive several scores:

• Total Score: Overall performance across all sections.
• Content Area Scores: Performance in Reading, Math, Science, and English.
• Sub-Content Area Scores: Performance on specific topics within each content area (e.g., Key Ideas & Details within Reading).

Scores range from 0% to 100%. The Total and Content Area scores use an "equated" scoring method, adjusting for minor differences in difficulty between test versions to ensure fairness. This means your percentage score isn't simply the raw number of correct answers divided by the total scored questions. Sub-Content Area scores, however, are calculated as the direct percentage correct within that topic.

What's a "Good" Score? This depends entirely on the nursing programs you're applying to. Many programs set minimum score requirements, often falling within the Proficient (roughly 59%-77%) or Advanced (roughly 78%-90%) score bands defined by ATI. Competitive programs often require scores in the Advanced or even Exemplary (90%+) ranges. Always research the specific requirements and average accepted scores for your target schools.

Final Thoughts

The ATI TEAS 7 is a challenging but manageable exam. Success hinges on understanding the test format, knowing the content areas, and dedicating sufficient time to focused preparation using reliable resources. By developing a solid study plan, practicing consistently, and knowing what to expect on test day, you can approach the TEAS with confidence and take a significant step toward achieving your nursing career goals in 2025 and beyond. Good luck!