What Is a Passing Score for the TEAS Test? (2026 Nursing School Guide)

If you’re preparing for nursing school, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably this: what is a passing score for the TEAS test? That question matters because the TEAS exam is required by many nursing programs, and your score can affect whether your application is considered competitive. Many students want to know not only if they can pass the TEAS, but also what score schools expect and whether their results will be strong enough for admission. Taking a TEAS practice test can help you understand your current score level before applying.

The important thing to know is that there is no single universal passing score for the TEAS test. Different nursing schools set different requirements, and some programs are more competitive than others. In this guide, you’ll learn how TEAS passing score requirements work, the score ranges many nursing schools look for, and what is considered a good TEAS score for nursing school admission.

Is There an Official Passing Score for the TEAS Test?

One of the most common questions students ask is whether there is an official passing score for the TEAS test. The short answer is no—there is no universal passing score set for all students.

The TEAS exam is administered by ATI Testing (Assessment Technologies Institute), the organization responsible for developing and managing the Test of Essential Academic Skills. While ATI provides the exam and the scoring system, it does not establish a single passing score that applies to every nursing program.

Instead, each nursing school sets its own TEAS test score requirements based on its admission standards and program competitiveness. Because of this, the minimum score needed for admission can vary significantly from one school to another.

In many cases, nursing programs require applicants to achieve a TEAS score of around 60% to 70% as a minimum threshold. However, meeting the minimum score does not always guarantee admission. Competitive programs may expect applicants to score higher in order to stand out among other candidates.

It’s also important to understand that TEAS scores are usually only one part of the admission decision. Many nursing schools review several factors when evaluating applicants, including:

• Your overall TEAS composite score
• Your high school or college GPA
• Completion of prerequisite courses
• Other application materials, such as personal statements or interviews

Because admission policies vary, the best approach is to check the specific TEAS score requirement listed by each nursing school you plan to apply to. This will help you understand the minimum score needed and determine the target score you should aim for when preparing for the exam.

Average TEAS Passing Score for Nursing Schools

Since there is no universal passing score set by ATI, many students wonder what TEAS score most nursing schools expect. While requirements vary, there are common score ranges that can help you understand what level of performance is typically considered acceptable or competitive.

60–70%

A TEAS score between 60% and 70% is often the minimum requirement at some nursing schools. Students who score in this range may meet the basic admission threshold, but the score may not be very competitive—especially for programs that receive a large number of applications. Many advisors recommend aiming higher than the minimum whenever possible.

70–80%

Scores in the 70–80% range are commonly seen among successful applicants to many nursing programs. This range generally indicates that a student has a strong understanding of the tested subjects and is academically prepared for nursing coursework. For many schools, this score range is considered competitive and desirable.

80% and Above

A TEAS score of 80% or higher is typically viewed as very competitive. Applicants in this range demonstrate a high level of readiness for nursing education and often stand out during the admission process. Competitive programs—especially those with limited seats—may prefer applicants with scores in the 80–90% range.

It’s important to remember that more selective nursing schools may expect higher scores, particularly if the program receives many qualified applicants. For that reason, students preparing for the TEAS exam are often encouraged to aim for the highest score possible rather than simply meeting the minimum requirement.

TEAS Score Levels Explained

After completing the TEAS exam, ATI Testing assigns your results to one of several performance levels. These categories help nursing schools quickly understand how prepared a student is for the academic demands of nursing education.

Developmental

The Developmental level indicates very limited academic readiness for nursing school coursework. Students scoring in this range may need significant additional preparation before they are ready to apply to nursing programs, such as reviewing a detailed TEAS study guide.

Basic

A Basic score suggests that a student has some foundational knowledge, but important concepts may still need improvement. Applicants in this category may benefit from additional studying or practice tests before retaking the exam.

Proficient

The Proficient level indicates solid academic preparedness. Students who achieve this score generally demonstrate a strong understanding of the core subjects tested on the TEAS exam. Many nursing programs consider applicants in this category to be well prepared for entry-level nursing education.

Advanced

Students scoring in the Advanced category show a strong and well-developed understanding of reading comprehension, mathematics, science concepts, and English language usage. This level reflects a high level of readiness for the academic challenges of nursing school.

Exemplary

The Exemplary category represents the highest level of TEAS performance. Students in this category demonstrate exceptional mastery of the exam content and strong academic readiness.

In general, most nursing programs prefer applicants who score at least in the Proficient range, since this level suggests that the student has the foundational knowledge required to succeed in nursing coursework.

What Is Considered a Good TEAS Score?

Many students preparing for nursing school also ask another important question: what is a good TEAS score? While every program has its own requirements, a “good” score usually depends on several factors, including the competitiveness of the nursing school, the specific program requirements, and the strength of the applicant pool for that admission cycle.

Some nursing schools receive hundreds of applications for a limited number of seats. In these cases, a higher TEAS score can significantly improve your chances of being accepted.

Here is a general guideline that many nursing advisors use when evaluating TEAS scores:

70% and Above

A score of 70% or higher is generally considered acceptable at many nursing schools. It may meet the minimum admission requirement for some programs, especially community college nursing programs or schools with less competitive admission processes.

75–80%

Scores between 75% and 80% are typically viewed as strong TEAS scores. Applicants in this range demonstrate solid academic readiness and often meet the expectations of many nursing programs.

85% and Above

A TEAS score of 85% or higher is considered very competitive. Students who achieve scores in this range often stand out during the admissions process, especially when applying to selective nursing programs.

Although meeting the minimum score requirement may allow you to apply, it is usually best to aim higher than the minimum whenever possible. A stronger TEAS score can improve your overall application and increase your chances of being admitted into your preferred nursing school.

How the TEAS Test Is Scored

Understanding how the TEAS test is scored can help students interpret their results and prepare more effectively for the exam. When you complete the TEAS exam, your score report includes both an overall composite score and individual section scores.

Composite Score (Overall Performance)

The composite score represents your overall performance on the exam. This score combines your results from all four sections of the TEAS test and is presented as a percentage.

Most nursing schools primarily review this composite score when evaluating applicants because it provides a general picture of your academic readiness.

Individual Section Scores

In addition to the overall score, the TEAS exam also reports scores for each subject area. These include:

• Reading – measures reading comprehension and ability to analyze written information
• Mathematics – evaluates numerical reasoning, algebra, and problem-solving skills
• Science – tests knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biology, and basic chemistry
• English and Language Usage – assesses grammar, vocabulary, and writing conventions

Many nursing schools review both the overall TEAS score and the individual section scores. For example, a program may expect students to achieve a minimum score in the science section because it is closely related to nursing coursework.

For this reason, it’s important to prepare for all sections of the exam, not just the areas you find easiest. Practicing with TEAS math practice questions and TEAS science practice tests can help strengthen the subjects that appear most often on the exam.

Can You Retake the TEAS Test If Your Score Is Low?

Yes, in most cases you can retake the TEAS test if your score is lower than expected. Many students do not achieve their target score on the first attempt, and nursing schools generally allow applicants to take the exam more than once.

However, retake policies can vary depending on the school or testing center. Some institutions require a waiting period between attempts, which is often around 30 days. This waiting period is designed to give students enough time to review the material and improve their preparation before taking the exam again.

In addition, some nursing programs may limit the number of TEAS attempts allowed within a certain timeframe, such as two or three attempts per year. Other programs may only consider the highest TEAS score, while some schools may review all attempts submitted with the application.

Because of these differences, it is very important for students to check the specific TEAS testing policy for the nursing schools they plan to apply to. Understanding these rules can help you plan your preparation strategy and decide whether retaking the exam is the right option for improving your score.

Tips to Achieve a Higher TEAS Score

Achieving a strong TEAS score requires more than just basic studying. Successful nursing school applicants usually follow a structured study plan and practice regularly before the official exam. The following strategies can help improve your performance and increase your confidence on test day.

Study Consistently

Consistency is one of the most important factors in TEAS preparation. Instead of studying for long hours in a single session, try to create a regular study schedule that allows you to review material gradually over several weeks.

Focus on Weak Subject Areas

After taking a TEAS practice test, carefully review your results to identify sections where your performance is lower. Many students find that focusing on weaker areas—such as science or mathematics—can lead to significant score improvements.

Use Timed Practice Tests

The TEAS exam is timed, so practicing under similar conditions can help you develop better time management skills. Timed practice tests allow you to become comfortable with the exam format and reduce stress during the actual test.

Review Answer Explanations Carefully

One of the most effective ways to learn is by reviewing the explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. Understanding why an answer is correct helps reinforce key concepts and prevents the same mistakes in future practice exams.

Take Multiple Practice Exams

Completing several full-length practice exams before your official test date can help you track your progress and build confidence. Many students improve their scores by combining TEAS study guides, math practice questions, english practice test and reading Practice test to strengthen their overall understanding of the exam topics.

With consistent preparation, focused study, and regular practice, many students are able to significantly improve their TEAS scores and increase their chances of being accepted into nursing school

Frequently Asked Questions About TEAS Passing Scores

What is the minimum TEAS score to pass?

There is no universal passing score for the TEAS test. The exam is administered by ATI Testing, but individual nursing schools decide the minimum score required for admission.

Most nursing programs expect students to score between 60% and 70% at minimum, although more competitive programs may require higher scores. Because requirements vary, students should always check the specific TEAS score requirement for the nursing school they plan to apply to.

Is 70 a good TEAS score?

A 70% TEAS score is generally considered acceptable for many nursing programs, especially those with moderate admission requirements. However, it may only meet the minimum threshold at some schools.

Students applying to competitive nursing programs are often advised to aim for 75%–80% or higher, which demonstrates stronger academic readiness and can improve admission chances.

What is considered a competitive TEAS score for nursing school?

A competitive TEAS score for nursing school is typically 80% or higher. Applicants with scores in this range usually demonstrate strong knowledge in reading, mathematics, science, and English.

Highly selective nursing programs may admit students with scores in the 80–90% range, especially when the program receives many qualified applicants.

Can you get into nursing school with a 60 TEAS score?

It is sometimes possible to get into nursing school with a TEAS score around 60%, particularly at schools where the minimum requirement falls within that range. However, admission is not guaranteed.

Many nursing schools review multiple factors, including GPA, prerequisite courses, and TEAS scores, so a higher score can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.

What is the average TEAS score for nursing school applicants?

The average TEAS score for many nursing school applicants typically falls between 65% and 75%. However, students who are accepted into competitive programs often score above 75% or even above 80%.

Because admission standards vary widely, the best strategy is to aim for the highest score possible rather than simply meeting the minimum requirement.

How many times can you take the TEAS test?

Most students are allowed to retake the TEAS test multiple times, but policies vary depending on the school and testing center. Many institutions require a waiting period of around 30 days between attempts.

Some nursing programs may also limit the number of attempts allowed per year, so it is important to review the TEAS testing policy for your chosen school before scheduling additional attempts.

Is the TEAS test difficult to pass?

The TEAS exam can be challenging because it covers four major academic subjects: reading, mathematics, science, and English language usage. However, with proper preparation and consistent practice, many students successfully achieve competitive scores.

Using TEAS practice tests, study guides, and subject-specific practice questions can help students become familiar with the exam format and improve their performance.

How can I improve my TEAS score quickly?

The most effective way to improve your TEAS score is through targeted preparation and regular practice. Students can improve their results by:

• Taking multiple full-length TEAS practice tests
• Studying weak subject areas such as science or math
• Reviewing explanations for incorrect answers
• Practicing under timed exam conditions

Consistent practice helps build confidence and improves familiarity with the exam format.