The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Required for Admission to the Nursing Program

 

What is the TEAS?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS®) assesses the academic preparedness of entry-level nursing students in Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.  

·         Reading: students will demonstrate reading skills in paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension, and inferences and conclusions.

o       50 minutes 40 questions

·         Math:  will measure their knowledge of whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions and decimals, algebraic application, percentages, ratio and proportion, and data interpretation.

o       56 minutes 45 questions

·         Science: scientific reasoning, life science, chemical science, physical science, human body science, and general science.

o       38 minutes 30 questions

·         English: students will tackle punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, contextual words, and spelling.

o       65 minutes 55 questions

The total testing time is 3 hours and 29 minutes.

 

The Nursing Program has piloted the TEAS as a predictor of success in the nursing program for the last four semesters. Students having lower scores on Reading, English, and Science were less likely to be successful in the program than students having higher scores. The math score was not as significant as a predictor of success. The cutoff scores for admission are based on the results of the trending of student success and will be revised periodically based on any changes in student outcomes. Students who are not able to achieve the cutoff scores can receive advising on course work that will assist in improving their reading, English, science, and math abilities as needed.

 

What study materials are available for the test?

For study materials, you may buy a TEAS test-prep book at the Montgomery College bookstore, or by going to the test publisher’s web site, www.atitesting.com.

Note- There is a fee associated with the on line practice test and for obtaining study guide materials from ATI .

A free online study guide for the TEAS is available at http://www.testprepreview.com/teas_practice.htm

 

How Montgomery College’s Nursing Program uses the TEAS for admission

The nursing program requires the following minimum scores to apply for admission:

  • Reading     = 84%  Adjusted Individual  Score or better
  • Science      = 60%  Adjusted Individual  Score or better
  • English      = 74%  Adjusted Individual  Score or better
  • Math          = 48%  Adjusted Individual  Score or better

 

If you do not score the minimum scores listed, you will not be considered for admission to the program.  You are allowed to take the TEAS test twice a year. If you do not meet the minimum required scores, please contact an advisor for assistance in identifying a program plan to assist you in improving your scores.

 

If you do meet the minimum scores, attach a copy of your results to your application packet. After consideration of the number of core courses that you have completed (EN 102, BI  204, BI 205, and the math foundation), the cumulative TEAS score will be used to rank students for admission.

 

The Testing Process

 

  1. To register for the test, contact the Testing Center at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus in person or register by calling 240-567-1555.  You may also take the TEAS test at any testing center that offers the test. Allow 3 hours and 45 minutes to sign onto the online testing site and take the test. You must be on time to take the test. Since the test is 3 ½ hours long, extended time is only available for students having a documented disability.

 

  1. The cost of the test is $25 (non-refundable) and will need to be paid at the campus Cashier on the second floor of the Charlene R. Nunley Student Services Center.  You must show your receipt and photo ID prior to taking the test.

 

  1. Students may only take the test twice during a twelve month period. If the student has taken the TEAS more than once, the most recent score will be used for admission to the program.

 

  1. The results of the test will be available at the conclusion of the exam.

 

  1. In order to be eligible for admission, you must have a minimum score of 84% on the Reading, 60% on the Science, and 74% on the English sections and score a minimum of 48% on the Mathematics section.

 

  1. Attach a copy of your TEAS results showing the minimum required levels or higher to your Health Sciences application to the nursing program.

 

Interpreting your TEAS scores

 

http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/nursing/TEAS_Sample_Results_2-24-09.pdf