Is the TEAS 7 Exam Hard? What Every Nursing Applicant Should Know in 2026

If you're planning to apply to nursing school in 2026, chances are you’ve heard about the TEAS 7 exam—and maybe even dreaded it. Many students describe it as one of the biggest hurdles in their journey to becoming a nurse. But is the TEAS 7 really that hard to pass? Or is it just misunderstood? Let’s break it down so you know what to expect—and how to prepare with confidence.

What Is the TEAS 7 and Why Do You Need It?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized entrance exam required by most nursing and allied health programs in the U.S. Administered by ATI, the latest version—TEAS 7—assesses a student’s readiness for the academic rigors of nursing school. It covers:

① Reading
② Math
③ Science
④ English and Language Use

Scoring well on the TEAS 7 is often the difference between getting accepted or rejected from competitive programs, which is why it can feel so high-stakes.

Is the TEAS 7 Hard to Pass in 2026?

The short answer: It depends on your preparation.

TEAS 7 is not designed to be easy—it’s meant to measure critical thinking and academic ability. But it’s not impossible, either. Most students who study strategically and give themselves enough time to prepare can pass on the first attempt.

What makes it feel difficult for many is the time pressure, the wide range of topics, and the fact that the test can expose weak foundational skills—especially in math and science.

Which Section of the TEAS 7 Is the Hardest?

Most students report the Science and Math sections to be the most challenging. Here’s why:

✅ Science covers anatomy & physiology, chemistry, biology, and scientific reasoning. The questions can be very detailed.

✅ Math includes algebra, ratios, proportions, conversions, and interpreting word problems under time pressure.

✅ The Reading section requires strong comprehension skills, and English tests grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Difficulty varies depending on your academic background, but even strong students can find the format and pace challenging.

Common Reasons Students Struggle With the TEAS 7

Here are some of the top reasons students find the TEAS 7 hard:

✦ Cramming too late instead of preparing over weeks or months

✦ Underestimating science content like A&P and chemistry

✦ Struggling with timed test conditions

✦ Not using TEAS-specific study materials

✦ Weak test-taking strategies, especially with multiple-choice traps

✦ Poor math fundamentals from earlier school years

These are all solvable issues—but they require planning and discipline.

What’s Changed in TEAS 7 Compared to TEAS 6?

TEAS 7 introduced several updates that caught some test-takers off guard:

① More question types, including drop-downs, hot spots, and ordered responses

② Greater emphasis on clinical and real-world applications in reading and science

③ Slight changes in content distribution, especially in science and math

These updates make it more important than ever to use up-to-date prep materials designed specifically for TEAS 7—not outdated TEAS 6 books.

What Score Do You Need to Pass the TEAS 7?

There’s no universal “passing score” for the TEAS. Each nursing program sets its own benchmark. However:

✅ A score of 60–70% is usually considered average

✅ Competitive programs may require 75–85% or higher

✅ The national average tends to hover around 65%

Knowing your program’s requirement is essential for targeting your study goals.

Tips to Make TEAS 7 Easier to Pass

Want to make the TEAS feel less intimidating? Follow these tips:

📝 Start early—give yourself at least 4–6 weeks to study

📝 Focus on your weakest areas first

📝 Use official ATI materials or trusted resources like ncleks.com

📝 Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions

📝 Practice science flashcards and math drills daily

📝 Review TEAS 7-style questions, especially for new item types

Consistency is more important than perfection. Small, steady progress beats last-minute cramming every time.

Best Resources for TEAS 7 Success

Here are some of the most recommended tools to help you prepare:

🩺 NCLEKS TEAS 7 Practice Sets

🩺 ATI TEAS SmartPrep 

🩺 UWorld TEAS QBank

🩺 Mometrix Study Guide for TEAS 7

🩺 YouTube channels like Nurse Cheung and RegisteredNurseRN

Use a mix of video, practice tests, and guided review books to stay engaged and cover all learning styles.

Final Take: You Can Conquer the TEAS 7 With the Right Prep

So, is the TEAS 7 exam hard? Yes—but only if you go in unprepared. With the right study plan, realistic practice, and strong resources, it’s a challenge you can absolutely overcome. Remember, this test isn’t designed to defeat you—it’s designed to prepare you for the demands of nursing school. And once you pass, you’ll be one step closer to the career you’ve worked so hard to build.