Sunday, 3 May 2026

ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

 

ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

Complete Exam Format and English & Language Usage Guide

TEAS Version 7

The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) assesses whether you have the foundational academic knowledge needed to succeed in nursing or allied health programs.

This guide explains the official TEAS Version 7 exam structure, timing, and the exact English & Language Usage question types you will face.


1. General Exam Format

Total Questions

170 Questions


Time Limit

209 Minutes
(3 Hours and 29 Minutes)


Scoring

  • 150 questions count toward your score
  • 20 questions are pretest (unscored)

These pretest questions are used for future exam development.

Important:
You will not know which questions are unscored.

Treat every question as if it counts.

There is no penalty for guessing.


Question Types

The ATI TEAS includes several question formats.

A. Multiple Choice

The most common type.

  • 4 answer options
  • Choose one correct answer

B. Multiple Select

Select all correct answers.

You must choose every correct option.


C. Fill in the Blank

Type the correct answer.

Usually used for:

  • Math calculations
  • Vocabulary
  • Scientific terms

D. Ordered Response

Arrange steps or items in the correct sequence.

Common in:

  • Science processes
  • Math steps
  • Logical order questions

E. Hot Spot Questions

Click on a specific part of:

  • Diagram
  • Graph
  • Illustration
  • Body system image

2. Section-by-Section Breakdown

Section

Total Questions

Time Allowed

Main Topics

Reading

45

55 Minutes

Key Ideas, Details, Craft & Structure

Mathematics

38

57 Minutes

Numbers, Algebra, Measurement, Data

Science

50

60 Minutes

Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry

English & Language Usage

37

37 Minutes

Grammar, Language Use, Vocabulary


Total Exam Time

209 Minutes


3. English & Language Usage Section

The Grammar Section

This section contains:

37 Questions
37 Minutes

You have approximately:

45 seconds to 1 minute per question

Speed and accuracy are critical.


English Section Breakdown

A. Conventions of Standard English

Approximately 12 Questions

This section tests grammar rules.


1. Subject-Verb Agreement

You must identify correct agreement between subject and verb.

Example:

Correct:
The nurse runs.

Correct:
The nurses run.

Incorrect:
The nurses runs.


2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Pronouns must match their antecedents.

Example:

Correct:
Everyone brought his or her pen.

Incorrect:
Everyone brought their pen.

(Traditional TEAS grammar rule)


3. Punctuation

You must know correct use of:

Commas

Used for:

  • Lists
  • Introductory phrases
  • Dates
  • Dependent clauses

Example:
After lunch, the nurse reviewed charts.


Semicolons

Join closely related independent clauses.

Example:
The patient was stable; however, monitoring continued.


Colons

Introduce lists or explanations.

Example:
Bring these supplies: gloves, gauze, and tape.


Apostrophes

Possession:
The nurse’s chart

Contraction:
It’s = It is


Quotation Marks

Correct:
The doctor said, “Please sit down.”


4. Sentence Structure

You must identify:

Simple Sentences

One independent clause

Example:
The nurse checked vitals.


Compound Sentences

Two independent clauses joined correctly

Example:
The nurse checked vitals, and the doctor reviewed results.


Complex Sentences

One independent + one dependent clause

Example:
Because the patient was ill, treatment began immediately.


Compound-Complex Sentences

Two independent clauses + one dependent clause

Example:
Because the patient was stable, the nurse smiled, and the family relaxed.


5. Fragments

Incomplete thoughts

Incorrect:
Because she was tired.


6. Run-On Sentences

Two complete thoughts joined incorrectly

Incorrect:
She studied all night she passed.


7. Spelling

Common tested words:

  • Separate
  • Accommodate
  • Necessary
  • Privilege
  • Febrile

B. Knowledge of Language

Approximately 11 Questions

Tests your ability to improve writing.


1. Formal vs. Informal Language

You must identify professional writing.

Informal:

The nurse ain’t ready.

Formal:

The nurse is not ready.


2. Sentence Clarity

Remove awkward or unclear wording.


3. Misplaced Modifiers

Incorrect:
Running down the hall, the chart fell.

(Cart cannot run)

Correct:
Running down the hall, she dropped the chart.


4. Parallel Structure

Sentence parts must match.

Correct:
She likes reading, writing, and jogging.

Incorrect:
She likes reading, to write, and jogging.


5. Organization

You may be asked to identify:

  • Best topic sentence
  • Logical order
  • Best transition

Common transitions:

  • However
  • Therefore
  • Consequently
  • Furthermore
  • In addition

C. Using Language and Vocabulary

Approximately 10 Questions

Tests word meaning and usage.


1. Context Clues

Determine meaning using surrounding words.


2. Prefixes

Prefix

Meaning

pre-

before

post-

after

anti-

against

hyper-

excessive

hypo-

below


3. Suffixes

Suffix

Meaning

-itis

inflammation

-ology

study of

-ectomy

removal

-algia

pain


Example:

Carditis

Cardi = heart
Itis = inflammation

Meaning:
Inflammation of the heart


4. Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonym

Temporary = Brief

Antonym

Temporary = Permanent


5. Homophones

Frequently tested:

  • There / Their / They’re
  • Affect / Effect
  • Accept / Except
  • Its / It’s
  • Whose / Who’s

4. English Section Study Checklist

Punctuation

Know:

Commas
Apostrophes
Semicolons
Colons
Quotation marks


Grammar

Know:

Subject-verb agreement
Pronoun case
Verb tense consistency


Sentence Structure

Know:

Fragments
Run-ons
Parallel structure
Misplaced modifiers


Vocabulary

Know:

Homophones
Prefixes
Suffixes
Context clues


Writing Logic

Know:

Formal tone
Topic sentences
Supporting details
Transition words


Important Timing Strategy

The English section comes last.

By then, many students are mentally tired.


Your Time Limit

37 minutes


Your Pace

Approximately 1 minute per question


Recommended Strategy

First Pass

Answer easy questions quickly.

Target:
30–40 seconds each


Second Pass

Return to difficult questions.


Final Minute

Guess on unanswered questions.

Never leave blanks.


Study Recommendation

Use your ATI TEAS practice questions to identify weak areas.

Example:

If you miss:

  • Subject-verb agreement → Review Grammar
  • Comma rules → Review Punctuation
  • Parallel structure → Review Sentence Structure
  • Vocabulary questions → Review Prefixes/Suffixes

Final Success Tip

Focus heavily on:

1.      Subject-Verb Agreement

2.      Pronouns

3.      Punctuation

4.      Sentence Structure

5.      Common Medical Vocabulary

These are the most frequently tested English concepts on ATI TEAS Version 7.

 

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ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

  ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Complete Exam Format and English & Language Usage Guide TEAS Version 7 The ATI TEAS...