How to Study for the ATI TEAS Science Test: Free Tips & Sample Questions
Aug 05, 2025
The ATI TEAS science test is an entrance exam required by some nursing programs.
It is one of four sections and consists of 50 questions with a 60-minute time limit.
The other sections are reading, math and English.
All four subjects combined consist of 170 questions. The assessment areas include human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry and scientific reasoning.
Prepare for the ATI TEAS Science Test with TestPrep-Online
What Is the ATI TEAS Science Test?
The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) science test is one of four sections required for entry to some nursing programs across the US.
The other sections include Reading, Math and English.
In the TEAS science exam there are 50 multiple-choice questions and a time limit of 60 minutes.
The test is designed to identify those applicants that possess the knowledge and skills essential for passing the nursing program.
Assessment areas include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology – 18 questions that measure your understanding of the human body and the systems that maintain it such as digestive, nervous, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, immune and urinary systems.
- Biology – Nine questions assessing your understanding of cell structure, organization and function, Mendel’s Law of Inheritance, macromolecules, microorganisms and relationships between structured proteins and genetic material.
- Chemistry – Eight questions testing your knowledge of chemical reactions, atomic structures, acids and bases and matter.
- Scientific Reasoning – Nine questions measuring your ability to apply logic and evidence to scientific explanation, use of scientific tools and measurement, predict outcomes and apply scientific methods to solve investigations.
As there is a lot of specialist information that you need to know, taking the time to study and complete TEAS science practice questions is essential if you want to pass.
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When Is the ATI TEAS Science Test Taken?
As the TEAS science test is an entry exam, it needs to be taken before the application deadline.
Each school has its own application process, deadline, policy regarding retaking tests, and test fees.
You should confirm all of these before registering for your TEAS and factor in any possible resits (if permitted).
You will take the science test at the same time as the other three subjects.
You can register for your test on the ATI website.
Prepare for the ATI TEAS Science Test with TestPrep-Online
TEAS Science Study Guide
ATI TEAS Science Practice Test Questions
Below are a selection of free TEAS science practice test questions designed to show you how the different topics will be assessed.
However, it is advised that you complete several ATI science practice tests to help you fully familiarize yourself with the question formats.
A new element is discovered that contains 56 protons and has an atomic mass of 78.
What is the atomic number?
a) 56
b) 78
c) 134
d) Impossible to say
The correct answer is: a) 56.
This is because the atomic number is the same as the number of protons. The atomic mass is irrelevant.
The Appendix is part of which system?
a) Lymphatic
b) Immune
c) Digestive
d) Nervous
The correct answer is: c) Digestive.
This is because the Appendix is attached to your large intestines meaning it is part of the digestive system.
Which tractor would have the greatest momentum?
a) 350 kg moving at 300 mph
b) 653 kg moving at 100 mph
c) 400 kg moving at 235 mph
d) 342 kg moving at 350 mph
The correct answer is: d) 342 kg moving at 350 mph
This is because momentum is calculated by multiplying speed by weight.
Researchers found that when an invasive species is introduced into a river, the fish native to that region decreased.
This type of relationship is called a _______?
a) Direct
b) Damaging
c) Inverse
d) Indirect
The correct answer is: c) Inverse.
This is because as the correlation between the new species and native species is negative, the relationship is inverse.
Which is true about the prokaryotic cell?
a) It contains mitrochondria
b) DNA is dispersed through the cell
c) DNA is in the nucleus
d) It has a complex cytoskeleton
The correct answer is: b) DNA is dispersed through the cell.
This is because all other options are features of a eukaryotic cell.
Which of the following is furthest from space?
a) Mesophere
b) Exophere
c) Stratosphere
d) Thermosphere
The correct answer is: c) Stratosphere
This is because the Stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere. The Mesosphere is the third layer, Exosphere is the fifth and the closest to space, and the Thermosphere is the fourth layer.
The heart is _______ to the liver
a) Proximal
b) Superior
c) Lateral
d) Posterior
The correct answer is: b) Superior.
This is because, in anatomical terms, superior means above; the heart is above the liver.
Prepare for the ATI TEAS Science Test with TestPrep-Online
How to Prepare for the ATI TEAS Science Test
TEAS science questions cover a lot of different topics so proper preparation is essential.
Past applications have recommended at least eight weeks of study and preparation if you hope to pass the first time.
The best ways to prepare are:
Invest in a TEAS Science Study Guide
You will need a study guide to ensure you don’t miss any areas. There are a lot of topics in the science section and you don’t want to lose marks because you forgot to study an area.
Research the Test
Use forums such as Reddit or Quora and watch YouTube videos to get advice from past candidates. The more information you can find out, the more prepared you will be.
Complete an ATI TEAS Science Practice Test
There are lots of free and paid practice tests online for you to work through. It is the best way to prepare as it helps familiarize you with the test and question format.
Practice Time Limits
When completing TEAS 7 science practice tests start by working through at your own pace. As you become more confident with the questions and topics, start adding time limits until you can answer 50 questions in 60 minutes.
Take Care of Yourself
When preparing for entry tests, we tend to sacrifice our health and wellbeing. While that might give us a couple of extra hours a day to study, in the long term it does affect your concentration levels and ability to retain information. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
Create a Study Schedule
As well as having TEAS science test practice, you will also need to prepare for the math, reading and English tests. Create a schedule so you know what to study and when ensuring no topics get left out.
Prepare for the ATI TEAS Science Test with TestPrep-Online
What Is the Passing Score For TEAS Science?
Each school decides its own passing score. As the science test covers areas specific to the nursing profession achieving a high score in this section is essential.
Generally speaking, you should aim for around 70% but higher is always better. Especially if you have applied for a prestigious program.
Your final scorecard will have three scores and an ATI Academic Preparedness Level.
The scores are:
- Total Score – For all four sections combined
- Content Area Scores – For each test section
- Sub-Content Area Scores – Breakdown of each sub-category
The Total Score and Content Area Scores are calculated using the percentage of correct answers and adjusted depending on the questions you answered.
Not all questions carry the same weight and the computer will randomly assign them.
You won’t know if you have answered any of those questions and there is no information sharing how those questions are scored.
Equally, some of the questions are unscored and used for research purposes. Again, you will not know which ones.
There is also no negative scoring. If you do struggle with a question, take an educated guess rather than leave it blank.
The Sub-Content Area Scores are calculated the same way but no adjustments are made for the different questions.
Your scores are then combined to produce an ATI Academic Preparedness Level.
- Developmental: 0 to 40%
- Basic: 40 to 58%
- Proficient: 58 to 79%
- Advanced: 80 to 91%
- Exemplary: 91 to 100%
To ensure you score in the top percentiles give yourself enough time to prepare and complete as many paid or free TEAS practice science tests as you can.
Prepare for the ATI TEAS Science Test with TestPrep-Online
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ATI TEAS science test?
The ATI TEAS science test is an entrance exam required by some nursing programs. It is one of four sections and consists of 50 questions with a 60-minute time limit. The other sections are reading, math and English.
All four subjects combined consist of 170 questions.
The assessment areas include human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry and scientific reasoning.
How hard is the TEAS science section?
Without preparation, the TEAS science section can be very difficult. You need to know about human anatomy and systems, biological processes, chemistry and measurement.
However, if you give yourself enough time to prepare and complete practice papers, the science section should be easy to pass.
Where can I get example questions for the ATI TEAS science test?
You can find example questions for the ATI TEAS science test on TestPrep-Online.
How many questions are on the ATI TEAS science test?
There are 50 questions on the ATI TEAS science test and a time limit of 60 minutes.
How should I study for ATI TEAS science test?
You should study for the ATI TEAS science test by creating a study schedule, completing practice tests under timed conditions and studying the subjects included in the test.
How to pass the ATI TEAS science test?
You can improve your chances of passing the ATI TEAS science test by creating a study schedule, investing in a study guide, completing practice tests under timed conditions and studying the subjects included in the test.
What do you need to know for the ATI TEAS science test?
For the ATI TEAS science test, you need to know Human Anatomy and Physiology including:
- The human body and the systems that maintain it such as digestive, nervous, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, immune and urinary systems
- Biological processes such as cell structure, organization and function, Mendel’s Law of Inheritance, macromolecules, microorganisms and relationships between structured proteins and genetic material
- Chemical processes like chemical reactions, atomic structures, acids and bases and matter
- Scientific Reasoning, including applying logic and evidence to scientific explanation, using scientific tools and measurement, predicting outcomes, and applying scientific methods to solve investigations
Is the ATI TEAS science test timed?
The ATI TEAS science test is 60 minutes long and consists of 50 questions.
What topics are covered on the TEAS science test?
The topics covered in the TEAS science test are:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology including the human body and the systems that maintain it such as digestive, nervous, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, immune and urinary systems
- Biological processes such as cell structure, organization and function
- Mendel’s law of inheritance, macromolecules, microorganisms and relationships between structured proteins and genetic material
- Chemical processes like chemical reactions, atomic structures, acids and bases and matter
- Scientific Reasoning, including applying logic and evidence to scientific explanation, using scientific tools and measurement, predicting outcomes and applying scientific methods to solve investigations
What score do you need to pass the TEAS science test?
There is no standardized passing score for the TEAS science test. Instead, each school will decide on their own.
As a guide, you should aim for at least 70%.
Which study guide is best for the TEAS science test?
The best study guides for the TEAS science test are on TestPrep-Online.
Where can I prepare for the ATI TEAS science test?
You can prepare for the ATI TEAS science test on TestPrep-Online.
Prepare for the ATI TEAS Science Test with TestPrep-Online
Final Thoughts
The ATI TEAS science test is a competitive entry exam used by nursing schools to determine who should have a placement.
It is highly competitive and students need to make sure that they have the right practice, preparation and well-being to ensure that they can maximise their scores.
