​TEAS Requirement Information for UPMC Nursing Students

What is the TEAS at UPMC?

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a national standardized test that provides assessment data regarding a student’s overall academic preparedness for nursing school. The TEAS was developed by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). The TEAS is a computerized test comprised of multiple-choice questions. 

What Is the academic content on the TEAS?

The Reading subtest includes paragraph comprehension, inferences, and conclusions. The Math subtest covers whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions and decimals, algebraic equations, percentages and ration/proportion. The Science subtest includes scientific reasoning, human body science, earth and physical science. The English subtest measures knowledge of punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, words and spelling.

How long is the test?

There are a total of 170 multiple choice questions that take approximately 3 ½ hours to complete. The use of calculators is not permitted. The four areas are divided as follows:

Who needs to take the TEAS?

All applicants, regardless of educational background, to the UPMC Schools of Nursing Programs, including Jameson, Mercy, Shadyside, and St. Margaret will be required to pass the TEAS as part of the admission criteria.

What is a passing score on the TEAS?

Your ATI Academic Preparedness Level must be Proficient, Advanced, or Exemplary.

How will I know how I performed on this test?

Applicants will have access to their individual TEAS score reports within 24 hours of completion of the exam. Students can access their score reports by logging into www.atitesting.com.

Can I take a TEAS more than once?

The TEAS can be taken up to three times in a calendar year. Students must wait 30 days before retaking the test if they fail. If the test is retaken before the end of the 30-day waiting period, the results will not be considered valid regardless of the testing location.

How can I prepare for this test?

There are practice assessments and a study manual available for purchase at www.atitesting.com. The study manual provides sample questions and general information in the areas of Reading, Math, Science, and English.

How do I sign up for the test at UPMC?

The TEAS is administered at all four UPMC SON campuses (Jameson, Mercy, Shadyside, and St. Margaret). You can register for the TEAS by going to www.atitesting.com. You will be required to create a user name and password. 

Please make certain that you select one of the UPMC Schools of Nursing as your institution of choice on the ATI account that you set up. If you already have an ATI account, please update our profile to include a UPMC SON as your chosen institution. 

Registrations will be accepted up to the day before the test (space permitting).

Does UPMC charge for the exam?

Effective July 1, a fee of $90 will be collected at the point of registration online and will be paid directly to ATI.

Will UPMC accept scores from other TEAS test sites?

We will accept TEAS scores from any testing location outside of UPMC SON. The test must have been taken within two years of applying to the UPMC SON program. Applicants must request ATI to send those scores directly to UPMC SON.

Other important items for nursing students:

1. You will be required to show a picture ID to the test administrator. Acceptable forms of ID are a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
2. The test will begin and end at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, you will not be permitted to take the test and will forfeit the payment of the test.