Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

The TEAS test is only required for application to the following programs:

  • Dental Hygiene
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Nursing
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Radiography

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • TEAS is a timed, computer‐based assessment that evaluates academic preparedness of students applying to medical education programs.
  • If your desired program requires TEAS, it must be completed by all applicants regardless of prior college experience or already having a previous degree.
  • TEAS is presented in multiple-choice questions.
  • Questions are designed to test basic academic skills in Reading, Math, English, and Science.

  • It is recommended that applicants take TEAS after completing a minimum of ENG 111 and
    BIO 141, and (if applicable) after qualifying for or completing the math requirement for your desired program.
  • Do not leave TEAS until the last minute! Plan enough time for any needed retests.

Scores are good for 3 years.

TEAS Score Requirements
Program Application Period Sections Required Minimum Score per Section Scores are Good For Retest Waiting Period Retest Policy
Diagnostic Medical Sonography May 1-15 Reading, Math, Science, English

70% in all 4 sections.

Higher scores are more competitive.

3 years 1 month 3 times/year. January-December
Dental Hygiene February 1-15 Reading, Math, Science, English 50% in all 4 sections

Higher scores are more competitive.
3 years 1 month 3 times/year. January-December
Nursing

Fall Start:
March 1-15

Spring Start:

Sept 1-15

Reading, Math, Science, English

73% Reading, 65% Math, 52% Science, 62% English

Higher scores are more competitive

3 years 1 month 3 times/year. January-December
Physical Therapist Assistant

March 1-15

If the class is not filled, a second application window will be opened May 1-15

Reading, Science, English

50% in English and Reading, 50% on Anatomy & Physiology section of Science 3 years 1 month 3 times/year. January-December
Radiography May 15-31

Reading, Math, English

50% in each section.

Higher scores are more competitive.

3 years 1 month 3 times/year. January-December
All other programs The TEAS test is not required for application.

Each attempt of the TEAS costs $65.00; (subject to change by ATI).

  • There is a 1-month waiting period between attempts
    (example: if you took the test on February 14 then you may retake the test on March 14).
  • If retest date falls on a holiday or weekend, the retest date will be the following business day.
  • Applicants may only test up to 3 times in a calendar year (January to December) regardless of testing location or program.
  • Students may retest in just one area, but will have to pay for the entire test regardless of the number of sections being retaken.

Sign-up instructions are for applicants planning to take the test at the NOVA Medical Education Campus Testing Center for application to one of the MEC programs. If you plan to take the test somewhere else, you will need to contact that testing site for instructions.

  • Send an email to mectesting@nvcc.edu
  • Additional instructions will be emailed to you within 48 business hours.

Medical Education Campus Testing Center
6699 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 22150
Room 344 | 703.822.6654 | mectesting@nvcc.edu

Testing Center Hours

The test is only administered Monday through Thursday

  • The test is not available at any other NOVA campus testing center
  • The test is only for applicants planning to apply to the NOVA Health Sciences & Nursing programs
  • Arrive at MEC Testing Center two hours before closing for 1 section, three hours for 2 sections, four hours for 3 sections, and five hours before closing for 4 sections
  • You must bring a valid picture ID and the username/password created at the time of sign-up. A NOVA student ID, a current state-issued ID/driver’s license, or a current passport are accepted
  • Results are available immediately after completing the test
  • Please do not select to have your scores sent directly to the school additional cost). Your scores will not go to the office that will review your application.

Applicants may take TEAS at a non-NOVA testing location if available. All retesting policies still apply. All scores are on file with ATI Testing so you will still only have 3 attempts in a calendar year regardless of testing location. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain a copy of their scores to attach to their Health Sciences & Nursing application.

  • Submit all scores as an attachment to your online Health Sciences & Nursing application.
  • Make sure you submit the correct format of your scores (labeled Individual Performance Profile at the top).
  • Make sure the report is readable and nothing is cut off.
  • Please do not select to have your scores sent directly to the school. They will not be sent to the ApplyMEC office. Attach all scores to your HSN application at time of submission.
  • Submit the copy provided by MEC Testing or log into your account.
    • Under the main menu, click on My Results
    • Click on the exam attempt and then select Download Report
  • Attachments may be submitted in .jpg or .pdf format
  • On the HSN Application, click on Choose File in the Application Attachments section
    • Find the file on your computer or device and click Attach This File
    • Repeat to attach multiple attempts

PTA applicants should attach the full report to include the Anatomy & Physiology scores.

  • Access your HSN application via the View Application button at the bottom of the confirmation email.
  • Scroll down to the Application Attachments section, locate the file on your local device, and attach it to your application. It will automatically update once you select Attach this File.
  • ApplyMEC staff will recheck all applications that were notified of missing attachments.
    You may also email
    ApplyMEC@nvcc.edu to let us know you have corrected your application.

Visit the ATI Testing website.