The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), administered by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), assesses foundational skills in reading, math, science, and English for nursing and allied health programs. While there’s no universal limit on lifetime attempts, retake policies vary by testing method and institution, emphasizing preparation over repetition.
ATI-Direct Testing (at ATI sites or remote proctored): You can retake the TEAS as often as needed, with a mandatory 14-day waiting period between attempts. This applies to exams taken directly through ATI, allowing flexibility for self-paced improvement. Scores are available immediately, and all attempts appear on your transcript.
Institution-Specific Policies: Most nursing schools impose stricter rules to encourage thorough study. Common limits include:
- 3 attempts per 12-month or calendar year: Seen at institutions like Valencia College and Lamar Institute of Technology. This counts tests from any location.
- 2 attempts per calendar year: Adopted by Wake Tech Community College.
- 30-day waiting period: Prevalent at many schools (e.g., University of Central Florida, Northeast Community College), overriding ATI’s 14-day rule if testing through the school. Some allow retakes every 14 days if aligned with ATI.
Scores are valid for 2 years typically, but confirm with your program. All attempts, including failures, are reported, so focus on readiness. Rescheduling incurs fees ($15+), and no-shows count as attempts.
Tips for Success: Use ATI’s TEAS Smart Prep for personalized study it boosts scores by 7.5% on average. Review weak areas via your score report. Plan ahead: Register early at atitesting.com, as spots fill quickly. Always verify your school’s policy contact admissions to avoid invalid scores derailing applications.
In summary, while ATI allows unlimited retakes with a 14-day wait, schools cap at 2–3 per year with 30-day gaps. Prioritize one strong attempt; retakes are tools, not guarantees.