FREE TEAS Study Guide 2026: All Four Sections

This free TEAS study guide walks through every section the ATI TEAS 7 tests for nursing and allied-health admissions, organized by the same four sections the exam uses: Science, Reading, Mathematics, and English & Language Usage.^[14]

It’s interactive, not a wall of text: every section has high-yield notes, worked scenarios, flashcards, and practice questions, so you learn by doing — not just reading.

Because each section is scored separately, study one at a time, test yourself, then drill gaps with our free practice test and flashcards. This guide is a high-yield overview that maps the official content — not a full textbook for four subjects.

TEAS Exam Snapshot

The ATI TEAS 7 has 170 questions total — 150 scored plus 20 unscored pretest items — in 209 minutes across four separately timed sections. There is no universal passing score: each program sets its own cutoff, commonly around 60–70%. The fee is typically $70–$115, and a basic four-function calculator is provided on the Math section.^[13][14]

Science

Science is the heaviest-weighted and most-feared part of the ATI TEAS 7 - about 29% of your score and the section most test-takers name as the hardest. It carries roughly 44 scored questions split across four sub-areas: Human Anatomy & Physiology (~18), Biology (~9), Chemistry (~8), and Scientific Reasoning (~9).^[1]

The biggest mistake is studying organs and facts in isolation. TEAS 7 leans into application and analysis, so questions ask how systems interact and how a change in one process affects another - not just what an organelle is called.^[2]

The second mistake is going deep on one favorite system (or genetics) while skipping others. The science section samples broadly and shallowly, often only 1-2 questions per topic, so breadth across all ten body systems and all four sub-areas beats mastering any single one.^[3]

How the Science section is built (read this first)

Knowing the blueprint tells you where to spend hours. Anatomy & Physiology alone is the single largest content block on the entire exam, so it earns the most study time.^[1]

Use TEAS 7 guides only. TEAS 7 (launched June 2022, current through 2026) roughly doubled Biology and Chemistry and cut about 14 A&P items versus TEAS 6 - students using old guides skip chemistry and stall.^[1]

Expect new question formats beyond standard multiple choice. Select-all-that-apply items give no partial credit, so judge each option independently as true or false.^[6]

Cardiovascular system: blood flow, oxygenation, and vessels

The cardiovascular system appears on virtually every form, so know the heart cold. Trace the path: body to right atrium, through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle, out the pulmonary valve to the lungs, back to the left atrium, through the mitral valve to the left ventricle, and out the aorta.^[4]

Hold two rules together. The right side carries deoxygenated blood and the left side carries oxygenated blood; arteries carry blood away from the heart and veins carry it toward the heart.^[4]

Beware the classic flips. The pulmonary artery is the one artery carrying deoxygenated blood, and the pulmonary vein is the one vein carrying oxygenated blood.^[7]

High-yield A&P beyond the heart

The endocrine system is a frequent trap because students confuse which gland makes which hormone. The pituitary releases TSH, ACTH, FSH, and LH to control target glands, while ADH drives water reabsorption and insulin/glucagon control blood glucose.^[5]

Know feedback loops as the exam's favorite physiology theme. High blood glucose triggers insulin (a negative feedback loop that lowers glucose), whereas an action potential, blood clotting, and childbirth are positive feedback.^[8]

For the autonomic nervous system, remember sympathetic equals fight-or-flight (raises heart rate) and parasympathetic equals rest-and-digest. A neuron signals dendrite to cell body to axon to synapse, and the nephron (kidney's functional unit) runs filtration to reabsorption to secretion to excretion.^[5]

Biology: cells, DNA, division, and respiration

Match each organelle to its job: mitochondria make ATP, ribosomes build protein, the nucleus holds DNA, and lysosomes hold digestive enzymes. Also separate eukaryotes (membrane-bound nucleus) from prokaryotes (no nucleus).^[9]

The central dogma flows DNA to RNA to protein. DNA base pairs are A-T and G-C; in RNA, A pairs with U. Distinguish mitosis (yields 2 identical diploid cells for growth and repair) from meiosis (yields 4 unique haploid gametes).^[9]

For energy, know cellular respiration: glycolysis happens in the cytoplasm, while the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain happen in the mitochondria. Genetics is real but light - a monohybrid $Aa \times Aa$ Punnett square gives a 3:1 phenotype ratio, yet only ~2 questions, so do not over-invest.^[3]

Chemistry: atoms, bonds, pH, and reactions

Start with the atom: protons (positive) and neutrons (neutral) sit in the nucleus while electrons (negative) orbit in shells. The atomic number equals the number of protons and defines the element.^[10]

Separate bond types and change types. An ionic bond transfers electrons (metal plus nonmetal); a covalent bond shares electrons (nonmetals). A physical change keeps the substance (melting ice stays $\ce{H2O}$), while a chemical change makes a new substance (rusting).^[10]

Master the pH scale (0-14): below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, above 7 is basic. It is logarithmic, so pH 3 is 10 times more acidic than pH 4. An acid donates $\ce{H+}$, a base forms $\ce{OH-}$, and neutralization gives salt plus water.^[10]

Balancing equations and the Law of Conservation of Mass

Balancing chemical equations is a confirmed scored skill on TEAS 7. The Law of Conservation of Mass requires equal atoms of each element on both sides - you adjust coefficients (the big numbers), never subscripts.^[6]

TEAS 7 keeps chemistry foundational. You are not asked organic chemistry, complex stoichiometry, or to memorize the periodic table - so do not overprepare beyond bonds, pH, states of matter, and balancing.^[1]

Scientific Reasoning: variables, data, and valid conclusions

This sub-area tests the scientific method and experimental design. The independent variable is what the researcher changes, the dependent variable is what is measured in response, and the controlled variable is held constant to keep the test fair.^[11]

Distinguish accuracy (closeness to the true value) from precision (repeatability of results). Remember that correlation does not prove causation, so reject conclusions the data do not actually support.^[11]

Expect data-interpretation items: read tables, graphs, and charts, identify trends, and pick the conclusion the evidence supports. Check the axis labels and scale before answering, and match each option only to what the figure shows.^[11]

Reading

Reading is the first section you face on the ATI TEAS 7 and about 26% of your score - roughly 39 scored questions (45 total) in a tight 55-minute window. It splits into three official sub-areas: Key Ideas & Details (~15), Integration of Knowledge & Ideas (~15), and Craft & Structure (~9).^[12]

Here is the secret most test-takers miss: Reading is a speed-and-trap game, not a content game. You get about 1.4 minutes per question across long, dense passages, so the people who fail this section almost always ran out of time or fell for a planted distractor.^[13]

TEAS 7 also shifted weight toward Integration of Knowledge & Ideas - drawing conclusions, evaluating arguments, and synthesizing multiple passages plus graphics. The fix is a repeatable method: read the question first, prove every answer from the text, and flag-and-skip anything that stalls you.^[14]

How the Reading section is built (read this first)

Knowing the blueprint tells you where the points are. Key Ideas & Details and Integration of Knowledge & Ideas are tied as the heaviest sub-areas at about 15 questions each, while Craft & Structure is lighter at about 9.^[12]

ATI's own data flags Key Ideas & Details as the single most-missed sub-area, specifically telling topic, main idea, and supporting detail apart. Master that distinction and you protect roughly 15 questions.^[15]

Expect new TEAS 7 formats beyond standard multiple choice. Select-all-that-apply and ordered-response items give no partial credit, so judge each option independently and order steps exactly as the passage states.^[6]

Key Ideas & Details: topic vs main idea vs supporting detail

Separate three things that questions deliberately blur. The topic is the one or two words a passage is about, the main idea is the single most important point the author makes about that topic, and a supporting detail is evidence that backs the main idea.^[15]

The classic trap is a supporting detail dressed up as the main idea. A detail can be completely true and still be wrong as the answer - the correct main idea covers the whole passage, not just one sentence.^[16]

A reliable shortcut is to read the first and last sentence of each paragraph, because authors usually state the main idea in a topic sentence and restate it at the end. The summary you build from those should match the correct answer.^[13]

Inference and following directions (the highest-impact skills)

Inference is repeatedly named the single highest-impact Reading skill, and the rule is simple: stay close to the text. A valid inference is what the author strongly implies, never your outside opinion - if you cannot point to a supporting line, it is wrong.^[16]

Over-inferring is the most common error here. TEAS inferences are tight, one short step beyond what is stated, so reject any choice that adds new facts the passage never gave you.^[13]

Following directions is a distinctive TEAS emphasis: multi-step written instructions tested for exact order. Watch qualifier words like all except, left to right, and choose all that apply, and treat each step as a sequence you must not reorder.^[17]

Craft & Structure: author purpose, tone, and text structure

Memorize the five author purposes: describe, entertain, persuade, inform, and explain. The most common trap is reading an explanatory or informative passage as if it were persuasive, so match the purpose to how the author actually writes, not to how the topic feels.^[16]

Tone is the author's attitude conveyed through word choice, while the point of view is the perspective they write from. Look at loaded versus neutral wording to separate an objective report from an opinion piece.^[16]

Text structure questions reward signal words. Cause-effect uses because and so, compare-contrast uses however and unlike, sequence uses first and then, and problem-solution names a problem then a fix.^[17]

Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: sources, facts vs opinions, and arguments

Know the three source tiers cold. A primary source is firsthand or original (a diary, a study, raw data), a secondary source analyzes primary sources (a review article), and a tertiary source compiles others (an encyclopedia or index).^[18]

Separate fact from opinion: a fact is verifiable, while an opinion is a belief or judgment, often signaled by should, best, or beautiful. This skill feeds bias and stereotype questions, where loaded language reveals the author's slant.^[16]

Evaluating an argument means checking whether the stated claim is actually backed by evidence in the passage. A strong argument supports its claim with relevant, sufficient facts; a weak one relies on opinion or leaves gaps.^[14]

Reading graphics and reference materials

Integration questions lean heavily on visuals: charts, graphs, maps, legends, and tables, plus everyday texts like nutrition labels and recipes. Always read the title, axis labels, and the legend before you read a single data point.^[17]

Know your reference tools by function so you can pick the right one fast. A dictionary gives definitions, a thesaurus gives synonyms, an atlas gives maps, an almanac gives facts and statistics, and a glossary defines terms used in one specific book.^[18]

When a question pairs a passage with a graphic, your job is synthesis: find where the text and the figure agree, disagree, or extend each other. Anchor every answer to a specific element of the figure or a specific line of text.^[14]

Pacing and trap strategy: the part that actually decides your score

Pacing is the number-one reported cause of failure in Reading, so build a method. Read the question first, then go to the relevant text - vocab-in-context needs only the nearby sentence, while a main idea question needs the whole passage.^[13]

Do quick-win types first. Following directions, author purpose, and define-a-word items often need little or no full passage reading, so bank those points before the long synthesis passages eat your clock.^[3]

Use flag-and-skip ruthlessly: one hard question is not worth three easy ones, so mark it and move. Then prove every final answer from the passage to dodge the buried-detail and first-true-sounding traps.^[13]

Mathematics

Mathematics is about 22% of the ATI TEAS 7 - roughly 34 scored questions (38 administered) in 57 minutes, or about 90 seconds each. ATI splits it into two sub-areas: Numbers and Algebra (~18 scored) and Measurement and Data (~16 scored).^[19]

This is not a hard-math section; it is an arithmetic-fluency-under-pressure section. The single most-tested and most-missed skill is converting among fractions, decimals, and percents, followed closely by ratio and proportion problems and unit conversions.^[14]

Two facts shape your whole strategy. There is no formula sheet, so every formula must be memorized, and the only calculator is a basic on-screen four-function tool that cannot do fractions, exponents, or order of operations for you.^[13]

How the Math section is built and timed (read this first)

Know the blueprint before you drill. Numbers and Algebra is the larger half (~18 scored items, ~53% of the math score), so fraction, decimal, percent, ratio, and basic-algebra fluency earns the most study time.^[19]

Measurement and Data (~16 scored) covers unit conversions, geometry formulas, statistics, and reading graphs and tables. The data-interpretation weight increased in TEAS 7, so practice pulling answers from charts and tables.^[12]

Plan your clock. At ~90 seconds per question, scan the answer choices and estimate before touching the calculator; students who lean on the on-screen calculator often run out of time and leave the final questions blank.^[13]

Fractions, decimals, and percents: the #1 tested skill

Convert in every direction. A fraction becomes a decimal by dividing top by bottom; a decimal becomes a percent by multiplying by 100 (move the point two places right); a percent becomes a fraction over 100, then reduce.^[20]

Memorize the common conversions cold so you never burn calculator time on them. Knowing these instantly also lets you estimate and eliminate wrong answers fast.^[14]

A pro tip from the research: if the answer choices are fractions, keep working in fractions to avoid the early-rounding trap ATI builds its distractors around. Use the butterfly (cross) method to add or subtract unlike denominators.^[14]

Percents in word problems: part, whole, and percent change

Anchor every percent problem on one relationship: $\text{part} = (\text{percent} \div 100) \times \text{whole}$. Rearranged, $\text{percent} = (\text{part} \div \text{whole}) \times 100$, and $\text{whole} = \text{part} \div (\text{percent} \div 100)$.^[20]

Percent change is a separate, frequently tested formula: $\text{percent change} = \frac{\text{new} - \text{old}}{\text{old}} \times 100$. A positive result is an increase; a negative result is a decrease.^[21]

Watch the wording trap from the research - most word-problem misses come from misreading what is asked, because the distractors are written to match common setup errors. Identify the whole (the original or total) first.^[14]

Ratios, proportions, and rates of change

A ratio compares two quantities ($3:4$ or $3/4$); a proportion sets two ratios equal. Solve proportions by cross-multiplication: for $a/b = c/d$, cross-multiply to $a \times d = b \times c$, then solve.^[22]

Treat dosage, unit-rate, and scale problems as proportions. Keep the same units in matching positions on both sides (mg over kg equals mg over kg) so the cross-multiplication is valid.^[22]

A rate of change is just a ratio of how one quantity changes per unit of another - for a line, this is the slope $m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$ = rise over run, from $y = mx + b$.^[21]

Algebra: order of operations and solving for x

Follow PEMDAS every time: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), then Addition and Subtraction (left to right). The calculator will not do this ordering for you.^[21]

To solve a one-variable equation, undo operations in reverse order using inverse operations, keeping the equation balanced by doing the same step to both sides. Isolate the variable last.^[21]

Translate words into expressions: 'of' means multiply, 'is' means equals, 'per' or 'for each' signals a rate or division, and 'more than' or 'increased by' means add. Identify the independent variable (the input) versus the dependent variable (the output).^[20]

Measurement & Data: unit conversions and geometry formulas

Unit conversion is high-priority and best done as a proportion or by the metric ladder. Use the mnemonic 'King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk' for Kilo, Hecto, Deca, Base, Deci, Centi, Milli - each step is a factor of 10.^[23]

Memorize core metric and standard equivalents because no sheet is provided. Know 1 L = 1000 mL, 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 m = 100 cm, 1 in = 2.54 cm, 1 lb is about 0.45 kg, 1 ft = 12 in, and 1 yd = 3 ft.^[23]

Lock in geometry formulas: rectangle area $= \text{length} \times \text{width}$ and perimeter $= 2L + 2W$; triangle area $= \tfrac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}$; circle area $= \pi r^2$ and circumference $= 2 \pi r$; and the Pythagorean theorem $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$ for right triangles.^[24]

Statistics and reading graphs and tables

Know the four center-and-spread measures cold: the mean is the average (sum divided by count), the median is the middle value of an ordered list, the mode is the most frequent value, and the range is maximum minus minimum.^[24]

Interpret data displays: bar and line graphs, pie charts, scatterplots, and histograms. Check the axis labels and the scale first, then read the trend - a scatterplot shows positive, negative, or no correlation, and remember correlation does not prove causation.^[12]

For the median of an even-numbered list, average the two middle values after ordering. Outliers pull the mean but not the median, which is a common TEAS comparison question.^[24]

English & Language Usage

English and Language Usage is the shortest and most beatable part of the ATI TEAS 7. It carries about 33 scored questions in 37 minutes, so you have roughly one minute per item - the tightest pace on the exam.^[13]

The content splits into three official sub-areas: Conventions of Standard English (~12 items), Knowledge of Language (~11 items), and Using Language and Vocabulary to express ideas in writing (~10 items).^[12]

This is the highest-ROI section for a fast study week. A short list of recurring grammar rules plus word parts reliably wins points, because the same conventions -subject-verb agreement, commas, and apostrophes - appear on nearly every form.^[28]

How the English section is built (read this first)

Knowing the blueprint tells you where to spend your hour. Conventions of Standard English is the single largest block, so grammar, punctuation, and spelling earn the most drilling.^[12]

Pace is the real challenge, not difficulty. At about one minute per question you cannot agonize, so learn the rules cold and answer on recognition rather than re-deriving each one.^[13]

ATI reports that test-takers miss Knowledge of Language most often - especially formal versus informal register and judging tone from word choice - so do not treat that sub-area as an afterthought.^[15]

Conventions: sentence structure, fragments, and run-ons

Every complete sentence needs a subject and a predicate and must express a full thought. A fragment is missing one of those pieces; a run-on jams two sentences together with no proper punctuation.^[25]

Know the four sentence types by clause count. A simple sentence has one independent clause, a compound sentence joins two with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction, and a complex sentence adds a dependent clause.^[25]

Watch for the comma splice - two independent clauses joined by only a comma. Fix it with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a FANBOYS conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).^[28]

Conventions: agreement, punctuation, and capitalization

Subject-verb agreement is tested on nearly every form. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and you must ignore words between the subject and verb (in 'The box of tools is heavy,' the subject is box, not tools).^[28]

Pronoun-antecedent agreement requires a pronoun to match its noun in number. Singular indefinite pronouns like everyone, each, and someone take singular pronouns and verbs.^[25]

Use the apostrophe for possession (the nurse's badge) and contractions (it's = it is), but never for the possessive 'its.' A semicolon joins two related independent clauses; a colon introduces a list or explanation.^[25]

• Subject-verb: 'The list of items is long' - subject is 'list' (singular), so 'is'
• Its (possessive) vs it's (it is); their / there / they're; your / you're
• Capitalize proper nouns, the first word of a sentence, and the pronoun I
• Comma uses: items in a series, after intro phrases, around nonessential clauses

Knowledge of Language: register, clarity, and modifiers

This sub-area asks whether language fits its audience and purpose. Formal language avoids slang and contractions and suits academic or professional writing; informal language is casual and conversational.^[15]

Questions also test clarity and concision - choosing the most precise, least wordy version of a sentence and keeping items in parallel structure (run, swim, and bike, not run, swimming, and to bike).^[25]

Spot a dangling modifier (or misplaced modifier), where a descriptive phrase attaches to the wrong noun. 'Running late, the bus was missed' wrongly says the bus was running late.^[25]

Vocabulary: prefixes, roots, and suffixes (word parts)

The vocabulary sub-area rewards word parts over rote memorization. Breaking a word into its prefix, root, and suffix lets you decode unfamiliar terms - many of which overlap with the medical terminology nursing programs expect.^[26]

A prefix changes meaning at the front (hyper- = over, hypo- = under, a-/an- = without), a root carries the core meaning (cardi = heart, derm = skin), and a suffix often signals the part of speech or a condition (-itis = inflammation, -ology = study of).^[26]

When word parts are not enough, use context clues - definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or examples in the surrounding sentence - to infer the meaning of the tested word.^[26]

Spelling traps: homophones and homographs

Spelling and word-choice items lean on homophones - words that sound alike but differ in spelling and meaning. The classics are their/there/they're, your/you're, to/too/two, and affect/effect.^[25]

Remember affect is usually a verb (an Action) and effect is usually a noun (the rEsult). Than compares two things, while then marks time or sequence.^[28]

Homographs are spelled the same but differ in meaning or pronunciation (lead the metal vs lead the team). Read the sentence for context to pick the right meaning.^[25]

A fast process for English questions

Because the clock is tight, run a quick mental checklist rather than reasoning from scratch. Read the full sentence, name what the question tests, apply the matching rule, and move on.^[13]

For grammar items, find the subject and its verb first, then check agreement, then scan punctuation. For vocabulary items, break the word into parts before reaching for context clues.^[26]

How to Use This Study Guide

Each section is scored on its own, so treat them as separate goals — use this guide alongside our free practice tools, not on its own:

TEAS Glossary

Quick definitions for the terms you’ll see most across the four TEAS sections:

accuracy

How close a measurement is to the true value.

ADH

Antidiuretic hormone; from the posterior pituitary, it increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

affect

Usually a verb meaning to influence (an Action).

Anatomy & Physiology

Study of body structures (anatomy) and how they function and interact (physiology).

aorta

The largest artery; carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body.

apostrophe

Punctuation marking possession (nurse's) or contraction (it's = it is); not used for the possessive 'its.'

ATI TEAS 7

Version 7 of the Test of Essential Academic Skills, ATI's admissions exam for nursing and allied-health programs; launched June 2022.

atomic number

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus; it defines the element.

author purpose

Why the author wrote the text - to describe, entertain, persuade, inform, or explain.

author purposes

The five reasons an author writes: describe, entertain, persuade, inform, and explain.

bias

A one-sided slant in a text revealed by loaded or unbalanced language.

Biology

Science sub-area (~9 items) covering cells, DNA, cell division, respiration, and genetics.

cardiovascular system

The heart and blood vessels that circulate blood, oxygen, and nutrients through the body.

cellular respiration

The process of converting glucose and oxygen into ATP; glycolysis in cytoplasm, Krebs and ETC in mitochondria.

central dogma

The flow of genetic information: DNA to RNA to protein.

chemical change

A change that forms a new substance (e.g., rusting), unlike a physical change such as melting.

Chemistry

Science sub-area (~8 items) covering atoms, bonds, pH, reactions, and states of matter.

comma splice

An error joining two independent clauses with only a comma; fix with a period, semicolon, or conjunction.

complex sentence

A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

compound sentence

A sentence with two independent clauses joined by a comma plus a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

context clues

Hints in surrounding text - definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or examples - that reveal a word's meaning.

controlled variable

A factor kept constant so the experiment stays fair.

Conventions of Standard English

The largest English sub-area (~12 items): grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.

coordinating conjunction

A FANBOYS word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that joins equal sentence elements.

correlation

The direction and strength of a relationship between two variables (positive, negative, or none); it does not prove causation.

covalent bond

A bond formed by sharing electrons, typically between nonmetals.

Craft & Structure

Reading sub-area (~9 items): author purpose, point of view, tone, text structure, and word meaning.

cross-multiplication

Method to solve a proportion $a/b = c/d$ by setting $a \times d$ equal to $b \times c$, then solving.

dangling modifier

A descriptive phrase that has no clear or correct word to modify, creating an illogical sentence.

decimal

A number written with a base-10 point; a fraction equals its decimal when the numerator is divided by the denominator.

deoxygenated

Blood low in oxygen, carried by the right side of the heart and the pulmonary artery.

dependent variable

The factor that is measured and responds to the independent variable.

effect

Usually a noun meaning a result (the rEsult).

endocrine system

The network of glands that secrete hormones into the blood to regulate body processes.

evaluating an argument

Judging whether a passage's claim is actually backed by relevant, sufficient evidence.

fact

A statement that can be verified as true or false.

following directions

Reading and carrying out multi-step written instructions in exact order; a distinctive TEAS emphasis.

formal language

Writing that avoids slang and contractions, suited to academic and professional contexts.

fragment

An incomplete sentence missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.

glossary

An alphabetical list of terms and their definitions specific to one book or text.

homographs

Words spelled the same but differing in meaning or pronunciation, such as lead the metal vs lead the team.

homophones

Words that sound alike but differ in spelling and meaning, such as their, there, and they're.

Human Anatomy & Physiology

The largest Science sub-area (~18 items); the structure and function of the body's organ systems.

independent variable

The factor a researcher deliberately changes in an experiment.

inference

A conclusion the author strongly implies but does not state outright; on TEAS it must stay close to the text.

informal language

Casual, conversational writing that may use slang and contractions.

Integration of Knowledge & Ideas

Reading sub-area (~15 items): sources, evaluating arguments, interpreting graphics, and synthesizing multiple texts.

ionic bond

A bond formed by transferring electrons, typically between a metal and a nonmetal.

Key Ideas & Details

The most-missed Reading sub-area (~15 items): main idea, inference, summarizing, and following directions.

Knowledge of Language

English sub-area (~11 items) on using language effectively - formal vs informal register, tone, clarity, and concision; the most-missed English sub-area.

Law of Conservation of Mass

Principle that matter is neither created nor destroyed, so atoms must balance in a chemical equation.

main idea

The single most important point an author makes about the topic; covers the whole passage.

mean

The arithmetic average: the sum of values divided by the number of values.

Measurement and Data

The Math sub-area (~16 scored items): unit conversions, geometry, statistics, and interpreting graphs and tables.

median

The middle value of an ordered data set; for an even count, the average of the two middle values.

meiosis

Cell division producing four genetically unique haploid gametes.

mitochondria

The organelle that produces ATP (energy) through cellular respiration.

mitosis

Cell division producing two genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair.

mitral valve

The bicuspid valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.

mode

The value that appears most frequently in a data set.

negative feedback

A loop that reverses a change to restore balance, such as insulin lowering high blood glucose.

nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that filters blood: filtration, reabsorption, secretion, excretion.

nervous system

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves that transmit and process signals; includes the autonomic branches.

neuron

A nerve cell that conducts signals dendrite to cell body to axon to synapse.

Numbers and Algebra

The larger Math sub-area (~18 scored items): fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, proportions, order of operations, and solving equations.

nutrition labels

An everyday informational text TEAS uses to test reading of data, units, and serving sizes.

one-variable equation

An equation with a single unknown, solved by applying inverse operations equally to both sides to isolate the variable.

opinion

A belief or judgment that cannot be verified; often signaled by words like should, best, or beautiful.

organelle

A specialized structure within a cell, such as the mitochondria or nucleus.

oxygenated

Blood rich in oxygen, carried by the left side of the heart and the pulmonary veins.

parallel structure

Using the same grammatical form for items in a series (run, swim, and bike).

PEMDAS

Order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right).

percent

A part out of 100; convert from a decimal by multiplying by 100, or to a fraction by writing it over 100.

percent change

(new value minus old value) divided by the old value, times 100; positive is an increase, negative a decrease.

pH scale

A 0-14 logarithmic scale of acidity; below 7 acidic, 7 neutral, above 7 basic.

point of view

The perspective from which an author writes (e.g., first person or objective third person).

positive feedback

A loop that amplifies a change, such as action potentials, blood clotting, and childbirth.

precision

How repeatable or consistent measurements are with one another.

predicate

The part of a sentence containing the verb that tells what the subject does or is.

prefix

A word part added to the front of a root that changes its meaning, such as hyper- meaning over.

primary source

A firsthand or original record, such as a diary, interview, or original research study.

pronoun-antecedent agreement

The rule that a pronoun must match the noun it refers to in number and gender.

proportion

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as $a/b = c/d$.

pulmonary artery

The only artery that carries deoxygenated blood, moving it from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Punnett square

A grid used to predict offspring genotype and phenotype ratios from a genetic cross.

Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $a^{2} + b^{2} = c^{2}$, where c is the hypotenuse.

range

The spread of a data set: the maximum value minus the minimum value.

rate of change

How much one quantity changes per unit change in another; for a line it equals the slope.

ratio

A comparison of two quantities, written as $a:b$ or $a/b$.

root

The core part of a word that carries its base meaning, such as cardi meaning heart.

run-on

Two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction.

scatterplot

A graph of paired data points used to show the relationship or correlation between two variables.

Scientific Reasoning

Science sub-area (~9 items) covering the scientific method, variables, lab tools, and data interpretation.

secondary source

A source that analyzes or interprets primary sources, such as a review article or biography.

Select-all-that-apply

A TEAS 7 item type where multiple options may be correct and no partial credit is given; judge each option as true or false.

semicolon

Punctuation that joins two closely related independent clauses or separates complex list items.

simple sentence

A sentence with one independent clause and no dependent clauses.

slope

The steepness of a line, $m = (y_{2} - y_{1})/(x_{2} - x_{1})$ = rise over run, from $y = mx + b$.

stereotype

An oversimplified, often unfair generalization about a group of people.

subject-verb agreement

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number - singular subject takes a singular verb.

suffix

A word part added to the end of a root, often marking part of speech or a condition, such as -itis meaning inflammation.

summary

A brief restatement of a passage's main idea and key supporting points.

supporting detail

A specific fact or example that backs up the main idea; never the main idea itself.

tertiary source

A source that compiles and summarizes others, such as an encyclopedia, almanac, or index.

text structure

How a passage is organized, such as cause-effect, compare-contrast, sequence, or problem-solution.

tone

The author's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice.

topic

The one or two words a passage is about; broader than the main idea.

tricuspid valve

The valve between the right atrium and right ventricle; has three flaps.

unit conversion

Changing a measurement from one unit to another using known equivalents, often via a proportion or the metric ladder.

Using Language and Vocabulary

English sub-area (~10 items) on building vocabulary through word parts and context clues to express ideas in writing.

word parts

The prefix, root, and suffix that combine to form a word; decoding them reveals meaning.

Free TEAS Study Materials & Resources

Everything you need to pass the TEAS is free here — no paywall, no sign-up. This guide is the foundation; pair it with the rest of our free TEAS study materials:

• TEAS Practice Test — full-length, timed questions with explanations, by section.
• TEAS Flashcards — active-recall decks for the high-yield facts.

TEAS Study Guide FAQ

References

1. 1.ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). “ATI TEAS Exam Details and Content Areas.” ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). ↑
2. 2.ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). “ATI TEAS Test Content and Subcontent Areas.” ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). ↑
3. 3.ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). “ATI TEAS Study Manual and Science Content Outline.” ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). ↑
4. 4.National Cancer Institute SEER Training (NIH). “Cardiovascular System: Heart and Blood Flow.” National Cancer Institute SEER Training (NIH). ↑
5. 5.MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Endocrine System and Hormones.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. ↑
6. 6.ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). “ATI TEAS Question Types and Test Format.” ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). ↑
7. 7.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). “How the Heart Works: Blood Flow.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). ↑
8. 8.National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH). “Homeostasis and Feedback Loops.” National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH). ↑
9. 9.National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH). “Cell Biology: Organelles, DNA, and Cell Division.” National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH). ↑
10. 10.National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “Atomic Structure, Bonding, and Acids and Bases.” National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). ↑
11. 11.U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). “The Scientific Method and Experimental Variables.” U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). ↑
12. 12.ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). “ATI TEAS Content and Sub-Content Areas (Version 7).” ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). ↑
13. 13.ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). “ATI TEAS Time Limits and Test Structure.” ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). ↑
14. 14.ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). “What Is on the ATI TEAS Version 7 Exam.” ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). ↑
15. 15.ATI Nursing Education. “Top Most-Missed Topics on the ATI TEAS (Version 7).” ATI Nursing Education. ↑
16. 16.Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue University). “Reading Comprehension: Main Idea, Inference, and Author's Purpose.” Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue University). ↑
17. 17.ReadWriteThink, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). “Text Structure and Reading Strategies.” ReadWriteThink, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). ↑
18. 18.University of Minnesota Libraries. “Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources.” University of Minnesota Libraries. ↑
19. 19.ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). “ATI TEAS Exam Details and Content Areas.” ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute). ↑
20. 20.U.S. Department of Education / Federal Student Aid Math Basics (KhanAcademy via ED OpenLearning). “Fractions, Decimals, and Percents.” U.S. Department of Education / Federal Student Aid Math Basics (KhanAcademy via ED OpenLearning). ↑
21. 21.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Math Handbook. “Percent, Percent Change, and Order of Operations.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Math Handbook. ↑
22. 22.National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “Ratios and Proportional Relationships.” National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). ↑
23. 23.National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “The Metric System and Unit Conversion (SI Units).” National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). ↑
24. 24.U.S. Census Bureau Statistics in Schools. “Geometry Formulas and Descriptive Statistics.” U.S. Census Bureau Statistics in Schools. ↑
25. 25.Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue University). “Grammar, Sentence Structure, and Punctuation Reference.” Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue University). ↑
26. 26.MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes for Vocabulary.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. ↑
27. 27.Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue University). “Subject-Verb Agreement and Pronoun Agreement Rules.” Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue University). ↑
28. 28.Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue University). “Commonly Confused Words and Spelling Conventions.” Purdue Online Writing Lab (Purdue University). ↑

Sources for the concept answers

Every answer in the TEAS concept questions above is drawn from an official or authoritative primary source:

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