How Many Questions Are on the TEAS Test? (Full Breakdown by Section)

Students preparing for nursing school often ask the same question before taking the exam: how many questions are on the TEAS test? Understanding the number of questions and how the exam is structured can make a big difference when preparing for test day.

The ATI TEAS 7 exam contains 170 total questions and takes 209 minutes (about 3 hours and 29 minutes) to complete. The test is divided into four main sections: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English & Language Usage. However, not all questions count toward your final score.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how many questions are on the TEAS exam, how the questions are distributed across each section, and what to expect when taking the test.

How Many Questions Are on the TEAS Test?

The TEAS 7 exam includes 170 questions in total. These questions are divided across four sections that measure the academic skills required for nursing school.

Out of the 170 questions:

• 150 questions are scored
• 20 questions are unscored pretest questions

These unscored questions are included by ATI Testing, the organization that administers the exam, to evaluate potential questions for future versions of the TEAS test. Students are not told which questions are unscored, so it’s important to treat every question as if it counts toward your final score.

The total time allowed for the exam is 209 minutes, which includes time for each section of the test.

TEAS Test Question Breakdown by Section

The TEAS exam is divided into four sections that test different academic skills. Each section contains a specific number of questions and has its own time limit.

Section	Number of Questions	Time Limit
Reading	45	55 minutes
Mathematics	38	57 minutes
Science	50	60 minutes
English & Language Usage	37	37 minutes
Total	170 questions	209 minutes

Here is a quick overview of what each section includes.

Reading
This section measures reading comprehension, the ability to analyze passages, and understanding of key ideas in written texts.

Mathematics
The math section focuses on algebra, percentages, fractions, measurement, and basic problem-solving skills.

Science
The science section has the most questions and covers anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.

English and Language Usage
This section evaluates grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, sentence structure, and writing conventions.

Before the official exam, many students take a TEAS practice test to become familiar with the number of questions and the format of each section.

Are All TEAS Questions Scored?

No, not every question on the TEAS test is scored.

Out of the 170 total questions:

• 150 questions count toward your final score
• 20 questions are unscored experimental questions

These experimental questions are included so ATI can test new content and determine whether those questions are suitable for future exams.

Since test takers cannot identify which questions are unscored, it is best to answer every question carefully and give your best effort throughout the entire exam.

How Long Does the TEAS Test Take?

The TEAS exam takes 209 minutes in total, which is about 3 hours and 29 minutes.

Each section has a specific time limit:

• Reading: 55 minutes
• Mathematics: 57 minutes
• Science: 60 minutes
• English and Language Usage: 37 minutes

Time management is important because once the time for a section ends, you must move on to the next part of the exam.

Practicing with timed TEAS practice tests can help students become more comfortable with the pacing and structure of the exam.

What Types of Questions Are on the TEAS Test?

The TEAS exam includes several types of questions designed to test different academic skills. While many questions are traditional multiple-choice, other formats may also appear.

Common TEAS question types include:

• Multiple-choice questions
• Multiple-select questions (select all that apply)
• Fill-in-the-blank questions
• Ordered response questions
• Hot spot questions, where students identify specific areas on diagrams or images

Because the exam includes different formats, it is helpful to review TEAS math practice questions and science practice tests before taking the official exam.

Tips for Managing TEAS Test Questions

Knowing the number of questions on the TEAS test can help you prepare more effectively. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when studying.

Practice with full-length exams
Taking several TEAS practice tests can help you understand the pacing of the exam and build confidence.

Focus on the science section
Since the science section contains the most questions, many students benefit from additional TEAS science practice when preparing.

Answer every question
There is no penalty for guessing, so it is always better to answer every question rather than leaving any blank.

Review explanations carefully
Understanding why answers are correct or incorrect can help reinforce key concepts and improve your performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the TEAS 7 exam?

The TEAS 7 exam includes 170 total questions. Out of these, 150 questions are scored, while 20 questions are unscored experimental questions used for future test development.

Which section has the most questions on the TEAS test?

The science section has the most questions, with 50 questions in total. This section covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.

How many questions are scored on the TEAS test?

Out of the 170 questions on the exam, 150 questions are scored and used to calculate your final TEAS score.

How long is the TEAS test?

The TEAS test takes 209 minutes (about 3 hours and 29 minutes) to complete, with different time limits assigned to each section.

Is the TEAS test difficult?

Many students find the TEAS exam challenging because it covers several academic subjects. However, with consistent preparation, practice tests, and targeted study, most students are able to achieve competitive scores.

Final Thoughts

The TEAS exam contains 170 questions across four sections, with 150 questions counting toward your final score. Understanding the number of questions, the structure of the exam, and the time limits for each section can help you prepare more effectively.

Before taking the official exam, many students improve their performance by completing TEAS practice tests, reviewing math and science concepts, and studying key exam topics. With the right preparation strategy, you can approach the TEAS exam with confidence and increase your chances of achieving a strong score for nursing school admission.