How Long Is the TEAS Test Good For?
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is an important assessment tool for potential nursing and allied health students that allows educators to evaluate and compare applicants. The question of how long test scores remain valid is an important one for students and institutions alike.
Re-Testing Policy
The majority of institutions that require the TEAS exam require a score attained within the last two years. A few states allow five years, which is at the discretion of each school.
Test Scores Across Admission Cycles
Most institutions accept test scores from previous application cycles, as long as a student meets the two-year (or five-year) requirement. For example, if a student took the test at the end of their freshman year in the spring semester of 2018, they could apply the test score to the 2020-2021 admission cycle as long as that application deadline is within two or five years of taking the exam.
Keep Track
Students should keep a record of when they took the TEAS test, and when their institution’s application deadline is. It is also important for students to consider the amount of time it takes for the institution to receive the test scores. Communication with the institution is important to ensure that their test scores reach their admissions office before the deadline passes.
Retaking TEAS
If a student’s test scores are more than two or five years old, they will need to retake the test in order to qualify for admissions. During preparation for the exam, students should review any score reports they may have from previous attempts to determine areas of opportunity.
Retaking the exam is an opportunity for students to improve their score, as long as they take the time to prepare properly.
To ensure students are ready for the TEAS, ATI offers study resources for purchase, such as practice exams and ATI-approved review guides to help students prepare for the exam.
Summary
In summary, the TEAS test typically remains valid for two to five years depending on the institutions requirements. Retaking the exam is an opportunity for students to improve their scores and to ensure admission to their school of choice. It is important for students to be aware of their testing and the school’s application deadlines. Utilizing available resources, such as study guides and practice exams, can aid students in their preparations for the exam.
