TEAS Testing
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
All ADN, LVN-RN, and VN students must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills.
Nursing Program Pre-Entrance Exam
Required: TEAS Exam Version 6
TEAS Version 6 was updated and released by ATI on August 31, 2016.
The TEAS test can be taken a second time ONLY if you fail the first attempt.
If you scored below 62% for the Associate Degree in Nursing/Registered Nursing (ADN/RN) Program or below 58% for Vocational Nursing (VN Program), please scroll down the page and see TEAS REMEDIATION PLAN.
To be successful, allow ample time to study.
Updates:
- TEAS test score must be within the last three years (*Effective 6/2021).
- During the transition time, you may apply to the ADN/RN, Step-Up or VN Program in 2022 using a TEAS Version 6 test score dated between June 2021 - June 2022. You will have a choice of (1) using your TEAS Version 6 score (dated June 2021-June 2022) OR (2) you may retake the TEAS when Version 7 is released and use that score.
- Once TEAS Version 7 is released and you take the exam, that will be the score used when applying for the program.
- Note: If you apply for the Step-Up Program between July 19, 2021 - September 9, 2021,
the previous TEAS policy applies, and you may use a TEAS Version 6 test score dated
2016 – 2021.
- ATI will release TEAS Exam Version 7 in June of 2022.
- Test prep materials will be available on the ATI website (www.atitesting.com) starting February 2022.
- TEAS Version 7 will be required by SWC Nursing after June 2022 (updated 6/2021).
Important note: Due to COVID, the TEAS exam is being offered remotely. SWC Nursing will accept TEAS scores if a remote exam is taken. To take an exam, create an ATI account on the ATI website (www.atitesting.com) and select a testing institution setup to do remote proctoring (testing) (updated 08/25/20).
TEAS Information & TEAS Remediation Plan Summary (PDF)
Background
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) has been approved by the State as a pre-entrance exam for applicants to the Nursing Program. The TEAS measures basic essential skills in the academic content areas of reading, mathematics, science and English. The test has been developed by a private company, ATI Nursing Education, and is offered at designated testing sites throughout the country. The TEAS test is not offered at Southwestern College. San Diego State University, and other local educational sites, offer the TEAS Exam.
Policy & General Information
Upon completion of all prerequisites, the prospective nursing student must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills at a designated testing site. The prospective nursing student who achieves a passing composite score will be considered for admission in conjunction with the required admission criteria. See grid below for passing scores. ADN/RN Program applicants are awarded points towards their application based on a passing TEAS score. The VN Program does not use a point system for admission but the TEAS score will be used to consider program admission.
Passing composite TEAS score:
- ADN/RN Program
62% or Higher - VN Program
58% or Higher
The Nursing Department strongly recommends purchasing the TEAS study guide and two online practice exams to help you prepare for the TEAS exam. Test prep materials are available for purchase on the ATI website (www.atitesting.com). Additional TEAS test prep classes and materials may also be found at local adult schools, Continuing Education sites, online classes and more.
- SWC Nursing Program applicants must take the required current TEAS exam as part of the application requirements.
- Your first attempt (first TEAS Exam score) must have a composite TEAS score equal to or greater than 62% in order to apply to SWC Associate Degree in Nursing/Registered Nursing (ADN/RN) Program; or equal to or greater than 58% if applying to SWC Vocational Nursing (VN) Program.
- You will earn application points based on your TEAS test score when applying for the ADN Program or Step Up Program. Refer to MULTI-CRITERIA POINTS FORMULA on the SWC Nursing Programs website - select ADN/RN or Step Up Program.
- If your score on the first TEAS test is 61% or less for the ADN/RN Program or 57% or less for the VN Program, you must complete remediation as outlined in the "TEAS REMEDIATION PLAN" below.
TEAS Remediation Plan
The TEAS Remediation Plan applies to applicants with an Adjusted TOTAL Score less than 62% for the ADN/RN Program or less than 58% for the VN Program. The Remediation Plan must be followed in order to apply to SWC Nursing. The second TEAS test must be taken within a year after the first TEAS test was taken. Proof of remediation is required with your Nursing Program application.
To be successful, allow ample time to remediate (study). We do not recommend taking the second TEAS test within 30 days of your first attempt.
Remediation Process
You may use one of the following methods for remediation:
- Attend a TEAS prep course. These are occasionally offered at various educational sites throughout the county; (OR)
- Review a TEAS study manual and take two practice TEAS tests from ATI at www.atitesting.com.
Evidence of completion of a remediation program must be provided with your application packet to the Nursing Program. Examples of proof of completion can be: a copy of your TEAS test prep certificate, a letter from your instructor indicating a test prep course was completed, OR a copy of your ATI TEAS transcript showing all TEAS tests and practice tests taken.
For questions, please contact Southwestern College Nursing Program at nursing@swccd.edu.