After weeks of preparation, you know what to expect on the TEAS. You’ve studied a lot and taken a test practice test or two. Now your Test Day is approaching. How can you make sure you do your best?

The Week Before TEAS Test Day

Make sure you’re on a regular sleep schedule. You don’t want to burn yourself out and wind up tired on TEAS test day.

Rehearse what to expect on TEAS test day.

Find out where you will take the test and consider doing a “dry run.” Drive or commute to the test site around the same time of day as your test. You don’t want to be surprised by traffic or road construction on Test Day. You also don’t want to get delayed or stressed out trying to figure out where to park, where to go after you get off the bus, or where the restrooms are.

Review TEAS subject areas and content matter.

Do a high-level review. Flip through the lessons and rework a few practice problems here and there to reinforce the good habits you’ve developed in your preparation. (Redoing practice problems you’ve already done is fine; you can learn a lot about approaching those types of questions more efficiently in the future.)

Stop preparing and take a break to decompress before the TEAS test day.

Two days before the test, stop studying—no studying at all! You’re not likely to learn anything new in those two days, and you’ll get a lot more out of walking into the test feeling rested.

The evening before the test, do something fun (but not crazy or tiring). Maybe you could have a nice dinner (without alcohol), watch a movie, catch up on housework (a clean house is relaxing for some people), or play a game.

Go to bed early the night before your TEAS test day

Go to bed early enough to sleep a full night (7–8 hours) before the exam day.

Warm up for your TEAS testing experience.

Before you take the test, do a TEAS warm-up. This will help your brain get ready to function at its best. Don’t take any practice materials into the testing center, but do a few easy practice questions at home or work before you leave for the test.

Don’t let nerves derail you on tea test day.

You have every reason to feel confident. You have prepared for this test! But if you are getting nervous or losing focus, sit back in your seat and place your feet flat on the floor. Then, please take a few deep breaths and close your eyes or focus them on something other than the computer screen or test booklet. Remind yourself that you have studied diligently and are ready for the TEAS. When you’re ready, reengage with the test.

Don’t let yourself get bogged down on any one question. You can come back to questions you aren’t sure about, so skip them whenever they threaten to slow you down or steal time from the other questions. There is no penalty for a wrong answer on the TEAS, so answer every question before time is called, even if you have to guess on some questions.

Use the multiple-choice format to your advantage: if you can eliminate one or two answer choices as incorrect, you have significantly increased your chances of guessing correctly.

Don’t assess yourself while taking the TEAS test.

This is very important. As you’re testing, don’t let yourself stop and think about how you feel you’re doing. Taking a standardized test hardly ever feels good. Your impressions of how it’s going are unreliable. So, instead of focusing on that, remind yourself that you’re prepared and will succeed, even if you feel discouraged as the test is underway.

On the day of your test, arrive at least 15 minutes early so the proctor can verify your identity and check you in. Proctors will monitor you throughout the test and intervene if they observe disruptive behavior.

Bring the following items to the TEAS testing site.

Government-issued identification with a current photograph, your signature, and your permanent address. Examples include a driver’s license or state ID card, military ID, US passport, or US permanent resident card (green card).

Not acceptable: Student ID card, credit card

Two sharpened No. 2 pencils with attached erasers

Not acceptable: Pens, highlighters, mechanical pencils, separate erasers

Your ATI assessment ID from the confirmation email you got when you registered for the test

If your test will be online, you must know your ATI account username and password to log in.

Your testing site may issue specific instructions about Test Day. Please read the instructions carefully and follow them so you are not denied admittance when you show up to take your test.

Do NOT bring these items to the test.

Electronic or Internet-enabled devices of any kind, including cell phones or smartphones, portable music players, tablets, and digital or smartwatches, should be left in your car or at home. Do not bring a calculator; one will be provided to you.

Clothing and accessories such as a jacket, hat, or sunglasses. The proctor may inspect any article of clothing.

Exception: The proctors have the discretion to permit religious apparel items to be worn.

Other personal items, such as a purse, backpack, or bag of any kind

Food and beverages

Exception: Items documented as medically necessary

Items to be provided to you by the TEAS test proctor

A four-function calculator: if you are taking the paper-and-pencil version of the test

If your test is on the computer, the calculator will be onscreen.

Scratch paper: you may not write on this paper before the test begins or during your break, and you must return all scratch paper to the proctor at the end of the test

Note that during the TEAS test, if you need to leave, you must raise your hand and be excused by the proctor. While you are out of the room, the timer will continue to count down; any time you miss cannot be made up. If you need the proctor’s assistance for any other reason, such as a technical malfunction with your computer, raise your hand. Finally, if you find the test setting uncomfortable or inadequate, report your concern to the proctor before leaving the room at the end of the test.

After the test, celebrate! You’ve prepared, practiced, and performed like a champion. Now that the test is over, it’s time to congratulate yourself on a job well done. Celebrate responsibly with friends and family and enjoy the rest of your day, knowing you just took an important step toward reaching your goals.