TEAS Requirement Information FAQs

What is the TEAS?

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) - Nursing is a national standardized test that provides assessment data regarding a student’s overall academic preparedness for nursing related content. The TEAS was developed by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), and is a computerized test composed of multiple-choice questions organized into four sections, which measure reading ability, basic mathematics skills, science and English grammar.

Please note that we cannot accept TEAS – Allied Health scores.

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What am I being tested on?

The TEAS is divided into four sections. We look at your score for each of these sections

Reading
Specific content covered:

  • Key ideas and details (15)
  • Craft and structure (9)
  • Integration of knowledge & ideas (15)

Math
Specific content covered:

  • Numbers and algebra (18)
  • Measurement and data (16)

English and Language Usage
Specific content covered:

  • Conventions of standard English (12)
  • Knowledge of language (11)
  • Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing (10)

Science
Specific content covered:

  • Conventions of standard English (12)
  • Knowledge of language (11)
  • Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing (10)
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How long is the test?

There are a total of 170 multiple choice questions that take approximately 209 minutes to complete. The use of calculators, dictionaries or other aids is not permitted. The four areas are divided as follows:

Reading
45 questions
55 minutes

Mathematics
38 questions
57 minutes

English and Language Usage
37 questions
37 minutes 

Science
50 questions
60 minutes

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What if I need additional time or other accommodations?

Students with documented disabilities who qualifit test-taking accommodations will be granted such accommodations per the MCC Student Access and Support Services (SASS) policy. Please contact MCC SASS for additional information.

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Who needs to take the TEAS?

All applicants to the Middlesex Community College (MCC) Nursing Program will need to take the TEAS as part of the admission criteria, regardless of educational and/or professional background. No applicant to the Nursing Program is exempt from taking the TEAS test.


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What is the required score I need to get on the TEAS for Nursing admission?

Applicants must earn minimum score requirement of 60% in each section of the TEAS (Reading, Math, Science, and English). Middlesex Community College does not combine or round scores. 

We are currently accepting scores for TEAS IV and TEAS VII.
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How will I know my TEAS score?

Students receive their individual TEAS score reports immediately upon completion of the exam. Students can also access their score reports by logging into www.atitesting.com

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Can I take the TEAS more than once?

The TEAS can be taken up to three times in a calendar year. Students must wait 45 days between each testing date.

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What is the time frame requirement for the TEAS?

The test MUST have been taken within 12 months (one year) of applying to the MCC Nursing Program. Scores that are older than a year at the time of submitting your Nursing application will not be accepted.

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How can I prepare and study for this test?

Applicants can attend Virtual TEAS Workshops with our ACE Tutoring Department.

There is an ATI study manual available to borrow at the MCC libraries and the ACE Tutoring Centers to assist you in preparing for this test. The study manual provides sample questions and general information in the areas of Reading, Math, Science and English. You may also purchase this manual at the MCC Bookstore or online at www.atitesting.com.

Online assesments are available at www.atitesting.com as well.

Please make sure you attend the required Virtual Nursing Overview session to learn all the ways you can prepare for the exam.


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How do I sign up for the TEAS and when should I take it?

You can sign up for the TEAS by going to www.atitesting.com. You will be required to create a username and password. Please make sure you write down your username and password, as you will need for when you take the exam.

Registrations to take the TEAS at MCC will be accepted up to the day before the test (space permitting).

You should take the TEAS when you feel prepared for the exam.

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How much does it cost to take the TEAS?

The cost to take the TEAS at Middlesex is $111. The cost is paid upon registration at atitesting.com. Cost varies from institution.

If you are financially unable to pay this fee, please complete the TEAS Fee Waiver Request Form to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.
Please note that a fee waiver can only be used for a test taken on campus at Middlesex.

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Where can I take the TEAS?

We accept TEAS scores taken on campus at Middlesex Community College. We also accept TEAS scores on campus at Mount Wachusett Communiuty College, Northern Essex Community College and North Shore Community College taken on January 1, 2023 and onward.

We do not accept any scores taken online.

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What do I need to know when taking the TEAS at MCC?

  1. The TEAS is administered on both the MCC Bedford and Lowell campuses.
  2. To be admitted to your testing session, you will need to present proper photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or green card.
  3. Bring your ATI Log-in Information. Test takers who do not have their ATI username and password will not be able to take the exam.
  4. You are allowed to the bring two sharpened No. 2 pencils with attached erasers. No other writing instruments are allowed.
  5. The test will begin and end at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, you may take the test, but the time will not be extended beyond what was scheduled.
  6. Please schedule your appointment carefully and make every effort to attend. Should unforeseen circumstances occur that prevent you from attending on your scheduled test date, you will only be allowed to reschedule one additional time.
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How do I submit my TEAS scores?

If you take the TEAS at Middlesex, your scores will be automatically added to your student file at no cost.

If you've taken the TEAS at another testing location, you will need to request a TEAS transcript be sent to Middlesex. The cost per TEAS transcript is $30. You will need to log into your ATI account to request a transcript be sent to Middlesex CC-Lowell MA. You may see this option when you first register for the TEAS as well. We can only accept official TEAS transcripts to meet the requirement.
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Last Modified: 3/26/24