Can You Use Calculators on the TEAS Test? & Score Goal Calculator
TEAS Score Goal Calculator
While you can’t use your own calculator on the TEAS, you can set score goals. Use this calculator to estimate the average section score you might need to reach a target percentile based on a simplified model.
What is the TEAS Test and Can You Use Calculators?
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized, multiple-choice exam designed to assess the readiness of students for entry into nursing and allied health programs. It’s developed by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). The TEAS test covers four main areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage.
A very common question is: can you use calculators on the TEAS test? For the current version, ATI TEAS Version 7, the answer is yes, but with a major condition. You are NOT allowed to bring your own calculator. Instead, a basic four-function digital calculator is provided on-screen within the testing software for the Mathematics section only. You cannot use it for other sections, and you cannot use a handheld one. Understanding the TEAS calculator policy is crucial before your test day.
The TEAS is used by nursing schools and allied health programs to evaluate applicants and predict their potential for success. Knowing whether you can use calculators on the TEAS test helps you prepare appropriately, especially for the math section, by practicing with the type of tool available or by honing mental math skills.
Who Should Use This Information?
Anyone preparing to take the ATI TEAS test, especially those applying to nursing or allied health programs, needs to know the rules, including those about whether you can use calculators on the TEAS test. Proper preparation involves understanding the test format and the tools available.
Common Misconceptions about Calculators on the TEAS Test
A common misconception is that all calculators are banned, or conversely, that personal calculators are allowed. The reality for ATI TEAS Version 7 is the provision of an on-screen calculator, meaning you don’t bring your own but have access to one digitally during the math section. The previous version (TEAS 6) did not allow any calculator, so it’s important to know which version you are taking, though Version 7 is now standard.
TEAS Score Calculation and Percentiles
The TEAS test is scored based on the number of questions you answer correctly in each section. These raw scores are then converted into scaled scores. You receive an overall score and scores for each of the four content areas. These scores are often compared to national and program-specific averages and percentiles.
Percentiles indicate the percentage of test-takers who scored below your score. For example, if you score in the 80th percentile, you scored better than 80% of the students in the comparison group. Nursing programs often have minimum score or percentile requirements.
Understanding the scoring helps you set realistic goals, like the ones you can explore with our TEAS Score Goal Calculator above, even if the question of whether you can use calculators on the TEAS test is settled (on-screen one, yes).
Practical Examples of Preparing for TEAS Math
Given that you can only use a basic on-screen calculator on the TEAS test, your math preparation should focus on fundamentals.
Example 1: Manual Calculation Practice
Imagine you need to solve `15.5 * 4 – 7`. While the on-screen calculator can do this, practice doing it manually: `15.5 * 4 = 62`, then `62 – 7 = 55`. Also practice fractions and percentages without relying heavily on calculator functions beyond the basic four.
Example 2: Time Management
The math section has a time limit. Practice solving problems both with a basic four-function calculator and by estimating or using mental math to see which is faster for different problem types. Knowing you can use calculators on the TEAS test (the on-screen one) means you should practice with a similar digital tool to get used to the interface.
How to Use This TEAS Score Goal Calculator
- Enter Target Percentile: Input the overall percentile you are aiming for (e.g., 75, 85).
- Enter Estimated Scores: Input your current estimated scores for Reading, Math, Science, and English based on practice tests or your self-assessment.
- Calculate: Click “Calculate” to see the estimated average score per section needed to likely reach your target percentile, based on our model.
- Review Results: The calculator will show the “Target Average Score,” your “Current Estimated Average,” and the “Score Gap.” It will also display a chart and table comparing your estimated scores to the target average.
- Plan Your Study: Use the gap to identify areas needing more focus. Remember, practice for the math section with an on-screen four-function calculator in mind, as that’s what you’ll get on the TEAS test.
Key Factors That Affect TEAS Scores
- Preparation Time: The amount of dedicated study time significantly impacts scores. More time allows for thorough review.
- Study Materials: Using high-quality study guides and practice tests (like those found on our TEAS Practice Tests page) is crucial.
- Test-Taking Strategies: Knowing how to manage time, eliminate incorrect answers, and when to use the on-screen calculator (for the math section, as you can use calculators on the TEAS test in that form) is vital.
- Familiarity with Content: A strong foundation in high school level reading, math, science, and English is essential. See our Math Review for TEAS for help.
- Test Anxiety: High anxiety can negatively impact performance. Practicing under timed conditions can help.
- Understanding the Calculator Policy: Knowing you can’t bring your own but will have an on-screen one for the math section of the TEAS test helps you prepare correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, you cannot bring your own calculator (graphing, scientific, or otherwise) to the ATI TEAS Version 7 test.
Yes, for the ATI TEAS Version 7, a basic four-function digital calculator is available on-screen within the testing platform during the Mathematics section only.
It is a basic four-function calculator (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). It does not have scientific or graphing capabilities.
No, on the TEAS 6 and prior versions, no calculators were allowed at all. The on-screen calculator is a feature of the ATI TEAS Version 7.
It impacts how you prepare for the Mathematics section. You should practice with a basic on-screen calculator or work on your mental math and manual calculation skills.
The TEAS covers Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. Get a full TEAS Study Guide here.
You receive a score for each section and an overall score, along with percentile rankings. These are used by schools for nursing program admissions.
Retake policies vary by institution, but generally, yes, you can retake the TEAS. However, there are often waiting periods and limits on the number of attempts within a year.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- TEAS Study Guide: A comprehensive guide to prepare for all sections of the TEAS test.
- TEAS Practice Tests: Take practice exams to assess your readiness and get familiar with the format.
- Nursing Program Admissions Guide: Learn about the admission requirements for nursing schools, including TEAS scores.
- Math Review for TEAS: Focus on the math concepts tested on the TEAS, preparing you for questions where you can use calculators on the TEAS test (the on-screen one).
- Science Review for TEAS: Brush up on the science topics covered in the TEAS exam.
- Reading Review for TEAS: Improve your reading comprehension skills for the TEAS.