How Many Times Can You Take the TEAS Test? (Retake Rules Explained)

Many students preparing for nursing school ask an important question: how many times can you take the TEAS test? This is a common concern, especially for students who want to improve their score before applying to a competitive nursing program.

The good news is that most students can take the TEAS test more than once. Many nursing schools allow multiple attempts so applicants have the opportunity to improve their results. However, the exact number of attempts allowed usually depends on the specific policy of the nursing school or testing center.

In this guide, you’ll learn how many times you can take the TEAS exam, how long you must wait between attempts, and what nursing schools typically expect when reviewing TEAS scores.

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How Many Times Can You Take the TEAS Test?

Most students can take the TEAS test two to three times per year, although the exact limit depends on the nursing school or testing location.

There is no universal limit that applies to all students. Instead, each nursing program sets its own TEAS retake policy as part of its admission requirements.

In general, many nursing schools allow:

• 2–3 TEAS test attempts per year
• A waiting period between attempts
• Submission of the highest score for admission review

Some programs may allow additional attempts, while others may restrict how many times you can take the test during a specific application cycle.

Because these rules vary, the best approach is to check the TEAS retake policy for the nursing schools you plan to apply to. This helps you understand how many attempts are allowed and how your scores will be evaluated.

TEAS Test Retake Policy (What ATI Allows)

The TEAS exam is administered by ATI Testing (Assessment Technologies Institute), the organization responsible for developing and managing the Test of Essential Academic Skills.

ATI provides the exam format, scoring system, and testing platform. However, ATI does not set a universal rule for how many times a student can take the TEAS test.

Instead, ATI allows individual nursing schools to determine their own policies regarding:

• Number of allowed test attempts
• Waiting periods between exams
• Which scores are accepted for admission

Because of this system, TEAS retake policies can vary widely between schools. Some nursing programs may allow multiple attempts each year, while others may restrict the number of attempts during a single admission cycle.

For this reason, students should always review the specific TEAS testing policy listed by their chosen nursing program before scheduling additional exam attempts.

How Long Do You Have to Wait Between TEAS Test Attempts?

In most cases, students must wait about 30 days before retaking the TEAS test.

Many nursing schools require this waiting period to encourage students to spend time preparing before taking the exam again. The goal is to give applicants enough time to review weak areas and improve their understanding of the tested subjects.

The waiting period can vary depending on the school, but common policies include:

• 30 days between attempts
• Limited attempts within a single year
• Additional preparation recommended before retesting

If you plan to retake the TEAS exam, it is helpful to use this waiting period to review key topics and take TEAS practice tests to identify areas that need improvement.

Do Nursing Schools Look at All TEAS Scores?

Another common question students ask is whether nursing schools review all TEAS scores or only the highest one.

The answer depends on the school’s admission policy.

Some nursing programs consider only the highest TEAS score when reviewing applications. This means students have the opportunity to improve their score without worrying about earlier attempts affecting their admission chances.

Other programs may review all TEAS test attempts submitted with an application. In these cases, admission committees may evaluate overall performance trends or require applicants to submit their most recent score.

Some schools also limit how many scores can be submitted during the admission process.

Because policies differ between schools, students should always review the admission guidelines carefully before taking the test again.

Tips Before Retaking the TEAS Test

If your first TEAS score is lower than expected, a second attempt can often lead to improvement. Many students achieve higher scores after adjusting their study strategy and focusing on weaker subjects.

Here are a few helpful tips before retaking the exam.

Review Your Weak Subjects

Start by identifying which sections of the test caused the most difficulty. Many students struggle with science or mathematics, so focusing on these areas can make a big difference.

Take Multiple Practice Tests

One of the best ways to prepare for the exam is by completing full TEAS practice tests. These tests help you become familiar with the exam format and improve your time management.

Study Consistently

Instead of cramming before the exam, create a consistent study schedule. Reviewing material gradually over several weeks helps reinforce important concepts.

Focus on Exam Strategy

Learning how to manage time, eliminate incorrect answers, and review difficult questions can improve performance on test day.

With the right preparation strategy, many students increase their TEAS score significantly on their second attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can you retake the TEAS test?

Most nursing schools allow students to take the TEAS test two to three times per year, although policies vary depending on the program. Always check the admission guidelines for your specific school.

How long do you have to wait before retaking the TEAS?

Many schools require a 30-day waiting period between TEAS test attempts. This allows students time to study and improve their preparation before retesting.

Does ATI limit how many times you can take the TEAS test?

ATI administers the TEAS exam but does not set a universal retake limit. Individual nursing schools determine how many attempts students are allowed.

Do nursing schools look at all TEAS attempts?

Some nursing schools review all TEAS scores, while others only consider the highest score. Admission policies vary by program.

Is it bad to take the TEAS test multiple times?

No. Many students take the TEAS test more than once to improve their score. Retaking the exam after additional preparation can help increase your chances of being accepted into nursing school.

Final Thoughts

So, how many times can you take the TEAS test? In most cases, students are allowed to take the exam multiple times, often two to three attempts per year depending on the school’s policy.

Because each nursing program sets its own TEAS retake rules, it’s important to review the admission requirements for the schools you plan to apply to.

If your first score is not as high as you hoped, don’t worry. Many successful nursing school applicants improve their results on later attempts by studying consistently, taking practice exams, and focusing on weaker subject areas.

With proper preparation and a clear understanding of the exam process, you can approach the TEAS test with confidence and improve your chances of achieving a strong score for nursing school admission.