TEAS guide · updated 2026-09-29

TEAS study time, cost and retakes

Plan on about six weeks of study for the TEAS; that is the minimum Indian Hills Community College cites from ATI. The exam typically costs $65 to $125 per attempt depending on where you test, and retake limits and waiting periods are set by each program, commonly three attempts in 12 months.

How long to study

Indian Hills Community College's TEAS fact sheet says ATI recommends at least 6 weeks of preparation. Six weeks at about an hour a day is a reasonable plan for someone who took high-school science and math recently. Add time if it has been several years, or if your program requires a high score.

Week	Focus
1	Timed diagnostic on all four sections; start anatomy and physiology
2	Math: fractions, percents, ratios, equations; more anatomy
3	Math: measurement, conversions, graphs and statistics; biology
4	Chemistry and scientific reasoning; daily reading passages
5	English conventions and grammar; vocabulary from word parts
6	Two full timed tests (170 questions, 209 minutes); fix weak sub-content areas

What it costs

ATI puts the typical fee at $65 to $125, depending on the testing location and extra services. Some published examples: Austin Community College charges $70, Valencia College $85, St. Cloud Technical & Community College $92, and Waukesha County Technical College $95 on campus or $120 remote. Sending scores to more schools can cost extra.

Retake rules depend on your program

ATI says the waiting period between attempts varies by testing location and program. Some examples from college websites:

College	Retake rule
Valencia College (FL)	3 attempts in 12 months, including attempts elsewhere; 30-day wait
Indian Hills Community College (IA)	No more than 3 attempts within 12 months of the first; retest after a 14-day remediation period
St. Cloud Technical & Community College (MN)	3 attempts in 12 months; 2-3 weeks between
Waukesha County Technical College (WI)	No limit; 30 days between attempts recommended
Austin Community College (TX)	Retest only if the total score is under 68%

Scores and validity

Computer-based scores usually show right after the test; ATI says they can take up to 48 hours to appear in your account.
ATI says TEAS scores are typically valid for 2 years, but each program sets its own window.
You send scores to programs through your ATI account, sometimes for a fee.
Retakes should be booked as retakes under the same ATI account so you get a different test form. St. Cloud warns that a score from repeating the same form can be rejected.

Before you book a retake

Read the Topics to Review list on your score report and study those sub-content areas first.
Check the attempt count: many programs count attempts taken anywhere in the last 12 months.
Take a full timed practice test. If it is not clearly above your target, wait and study longer; a retake costs the full fee again.

Frequently asked questions

How many times can you take the TEAS?

ATI leaves this to programs. Many allow three attempts in 12 months, but some allow unlimited attempts and others only allow a retest below a set score.

How long do TEAS scores last?

ATI says typically 2 years, but programs set their own rules; some accept older scores.

How much does the TEAS cost?

ATI gives a typical range of $65 to $125 per attempt, depending on where and how you test.

Try the free TEAS practice test

Questions tagged to the official outline, with an explanation for every answer. 15 free a day, no sign-up.

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Sources: ATI: Your top TEAS questions answered · Indian Hills Community College: ATI TEAS 7 fact sheet · Valencia College: TEAS · St. Cloud Technical & Community College: TEAS exam information · Waukesha County Technical College: ATI TEAS · Austin Community College: ADN TEAS information. Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ATI.