California State University San Marcos

School of Nursing

TEAS Exam

All Generic/Basic BSN applicants must take the TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and must receive a minimum composite score of 71.0% in order to be considered for entry into the Generic/Basic BSN program.

This exam includes the following four subtests:
  • 1.The MATH subtest covers whole numbers, metric conversions, fractions and decimals, algebraic equations, percentages, and ratio/proportion.
  • 2.The READING subtest covers paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension, and inferences/conclusions.
  • 3.The ENGLISH subtest measures knowledge of punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, contextual words, and spelling.
  • 4.The SCIENCE portion of the exam covers science reasoning, science knowledge, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, basic physical principles, and general science.

When to take this exam:  There is no limit as to how many times the exam may be taken. We will use your highest composite score in the calculation of points earned.  Many students do better by taking the exam more than once.  It is recommended that you take the exam near the beginning of your final semester in which you will complete any final science courses needed for the Pre-Nursing Core, and then take the exam a second time as you are about mid-way through the final semester of such science course(s).  This exam can be taken wherever it is offered; numerous other Community College and CSU Nursing Programs require and offer this exam on their campuses.  Locally, Palomar College, Grossmont College, Southwestern College and San Diego State University also require and offer the exam.  

If you take, or have taken, the test at CSU San Marcos, we receive your scores automatically from the ATI Testing Service; therefore, you do not need to request that your scores be sent to our School of Nursing. If you take the test at another location, you will need to request to have your test scores sent to us electronically from ATI Testing. It normally takes about 5 days, from the date you took the exam, for us to receive your scores electronically.  WE NEED TO RECEIVE YOUR SCORES ELECTRONICALLY IF YOU TAKE THE EXAM AT ANOTHER SCHOOL.

If you took the exam previously and already had your scores sent to us, we will have them on file.  You do not need to resend your scores.

An overall composite score of 71% or higher is required for entry into the Fall 2010 Generic/Basic program. Points can be earned based on your percentile score as stated in the Fall 2010-2011 Generic/Basic Supplemental Criteria Point System.  Study materials are available on the ATI Testing Web site (www.atitesting.com) and our University Book Store sells the TEAS Study Manual.

Link for Signing up to take the TEAS Test here at CSU San Marcos:  

The School of Nursing is now administering the TEAS exam at CSU San Marcos.  Please visit the following Web site for more information on signing up to take the TEAS exam at our University:   http://www.csusm.edu/nursing/TEAS.htm