Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

TEAS is required of all transfer nursing and LPN/BSN applicants only. First Year students, RN/BSN

and Accelerated BSN applicants are not required to take the TEAS exam at this time.

What is TEAS?

The ATI TEAS a “Test of Essential Academic Skills” (TEAS) is a computerized test composed of

multiple-choice questions organized into four sections, which measure reading ability, basic

mathematics skills, science and English grammar. It is a timed test published by Assessment

Technologies Institute (ATI Testing), LLP.

How much time is required to take the ATI TEAS Exam?

Testers should plan to spend approximately 4 hours to complete the test. The use of calculators,

dictionaries or other aids is not permitted.

Which version of the exam must be taken?

Version 6.0 or 7.0 of the ATI test will be required.

How many sections are required?

You must complete all four sections (Math, English and Language usage, Reading, and Science).

What is the required score (s) to be considered for admission?

Students must reach the proficient level in all four areas.  The proficient score range for

eligibility is 58.7% to 77.3%.

What does a proficient level mean?

A proficient level generally indicates a moderate level of overall academic preparedness necessary

to be successful in an academic pre-licensure nursing program.

Why (and how) is TEAS used?

TEAS is designed to evaluate the academic readiness of candidates and is used as one criteria to

determine admission into the undergraduate nursing program at Salem State University.

Where do I take the ATI TEAS Test? Applicants must take the ATI TEAS Test at Salem State in the

School of Nursing Testing Center. However, applicants who have previously taken the TEAS version 6.0 may submit their official scores obtained from ATI Testing.

How do I register to take the TEAS®?

1. Go to ATI Registration

2. Log into ATI or create an ATI account if you don’t already have one.

3. Follow the prompts to “Register for the TEAS.”

4. Choose Massachusetts and then Salem State University to view TEAS schedule. The testing location

is on South Campus of Salem State University in the Harrington Building Room 213 (11 Harrison Road,

Salem, MA 01970).

5. Select your test date and enter your credit card information.

6. Payment is due online at the time of registration.

7. Payment is NON REFUNDABLE and ALL TEAS REGISTRATIONS ARE FINAL so be sure that you have read the admissions packet thoroughly and that you are ready to test on the date scheduled.

8. You will receive an email confirmation of your testing appointment. You will need your ATI Username and Password on the testing date.

9. If you need help registering for the TEAS, call ATI at 1-800-667-7531.

What do I do on my Testing Day?

Make sure you have registered online through ATI, paid the required, fee and have a user name and password, PRIOR to your test date. Space is limited for testing at Salem State University so please register early. Please remember to bring a photo ID for admission to the test. Applicants arriving late will not be admitted and will forfeit the testing fee.

How do I prepare?

As with any standardized test, there are many ways to prepare. ATI, the company who creates and administers the TEAS® test, offers comprehensive study guides for the various versions of the test. Because of the content updates that occurred for the ATI TEAS, the TEAS V preparation materials will not provide the tester with a comprehensive overview of the topics assessed. Individuals preparing for the ATI TEAS will want to purchase the ATI TEAS preparation materials. Please visit TEAS Prep

How do I get my ATI score?

Applicants receive their individual TEAS score reports immediately upon completion of the exam.

Does Salem State University have a Retest Policy?

Applicants may take the test a total of two (2) times in the academic year prior to submitting

their application. Students should not take the test unless properly prepared.

The TEAS test is only valid for two years prior to the application deadline. If the test was taken

more than two years ago, you will need to retest. This is regardless of your previous scores.

Where can I can I get more information about the ATI TEAS test?

Please visit: TEAS Test Facts

Starting for the Summer 2023 application semester, we will only accept TEAS exam scores which were proctored in-person at either Salem State University or North Shore Community College. Prospective students who are not able to take the exam at one of the approved locations, due to distance barriers, may request an alternative in-person proctored location to be approved by the Nursing Department by emailing admissions@salemstate.edu.  

As a grace period to this policy, TEAS scores taken at other locations between May 2021 and November 2022 may still be considered if approved by the Nursing Department by emailing admissions@salemstate.edu.