The ATI TEAS 7 is 170 questions in 209 minutes across four sections, taken in a fixed order. Knowing the structure before you walk in removes a surprising amount of exam-day stress, and it lets you build a timing strategy rather than improvising one. Last updated July 2026.
The four sections at a glance
| Section | Questions | Time | Per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 55 min | ~73 sec |
| Mathematics | 38 | 57 min | ~90 sec |
| Science | 50 | 60 min | ~72 sec |
| English & Language Usage | 37 | 37 min | ~60 sec |
| Total | 170 | 209 min |
Of the 170 questions, 150 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest items. You cannot identify them, so treat all questions equally.
What each section covers
Reading - key ideas and details, craft and structure, integration of knowledge. Expect multi-paragraph passages with several questions each, plus functional texts such as labels and schedules.
Mathematics - numbers and algebra, plus measurement and data. An on-screen four-function calculator is provided.
Science - human anatomy and physiology (the largest block), biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.
English and Language Usage - conventions of standard English, knowledge of language, and vocabulary acquisition.
Question types
TEAS 7 is not purely multiple choice. Alongside standard four-option questions you may see multiple-select ("select all that apply"), fill-in-the-blank numeric entry, ordering or drag-and-drop, and hot-spot questions. Multiple-select items are the ones most likely to catch you out, because partial credit is generally not awarded - practise them deliberately.
Timing strategy
The average times above are the numbers to internalise. Reading and Science give you barely over a minute per question including reading the passage, so lingering on one hard item is expensive. Flag and move on. An unanswered question scores zero; a guess has a 25% chance. Never leave a blank.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the TEAS test?
The scored testing time is 209 minutes - just under three and a half hours. With check-in and instructions, budget around four hours in total.
Can you take a break during the TEAS?
Break policies depend on whether you test in person or online with proctoring, and on the testing site. The section timers continue in most formats, so confirm the rules with your testing centre in advance.
Is the TEAS multiple choice?
Mostly, but not entirely. TEAS 7 also includes multiple-select, fill-in-the-blank, ordering and hot-spot questions.
What order are the TEAS sections in?
Reading, then Mathematics, then Science, then English and Language Usage. The order is fixed, so practise in that sequence to build the right stamina pattern.
Keep going
- TEAS Reading Study Guide — main idea, inference, text structure
- TEAS Math Study Guide — formulas, conversions, word problems
- TEAS Science Study Guide — A&P, chemistry, scientific reasoning
- TEAS English Study Guide — grammar, punctuation, usage
Ready to practise properly? Reading about the TEAS is not the same as sitting one. Create a free Aspire account to take full-length, timed practice tests with worked explanations for every answer.