How can I improve my TEAS score?
Obtain the test book and study guide - Kaplan or ATI TEAS is strongly encouraged • Share resources as a group. “Divide and Conquer” • Use time effectively. This is an essential skill. Prepare at least 2 or 3 months ahead for all the 4 subject tests: Math, English, Science and Reading.
- Take a TEAS practice test first so that you can determine what areas you are weakest in.
- Determine the hours that you will be unavailable for study. For example, you won't be able to study during your work or school schedule.
- Figure out what resources you will use to study.
Nationally, the average TEAS test score is about 60 percent. For students applying to an associate's degree program, the typical score is about 66 percent. Students applying to a bachelor's degree program have an average score around 70 percent.
If you've been in the workforce and out of school for years, you may not remember a lot of the material covered. Overall, the TEAS test is difficult because nursing school is difficult. The test allows nursing schools to select students who have the best chance of successfully practicing.
Many students find that math and reading are the hardest parts of the TEAS exam. These sections are difficult because there are many different topics covered and students are pressed for time.
Academic Preparedness Level | Score Range |
---|---|
Basic | 40.7% to 58.0% |
Proficient | 58.7% to 79.3% |
Advanced | 80.0% to 91.3% |
Exemplary | 92.0% to 100.0% |
What TEAS Exam Score Do I Need For Nursing School? In general, a score between 59% and 79% would normally be considered “proficient”. At this level, you are regarded to have the necessary nursing knowledge, and most are qualified to attend medical school programs.
TEAS Score Ranges
The national mean composite score is different with each test administration, but it usually falls somewhere between 65% and 75%.
Although the passing score for each nursing school may differ, the general range of minimum passing TEAS test scores for most nursing schools is between 55%-70% (composite score).
Academic Preparedness Levels for TEAS | TEAS Score Range |
---|---|
Developmental | 0.0%-40.7% |
Basic | 40.7%-58.0% |
Proficient | 58.7%-79.3% |
Advanced | 80.0%-91.3% |
What happens if you don't pass TEAS?
The TEAS exam is high stakes in that it's a big component to your admission into a nursing program. But it's not an all-or-nothing, single opportunity. As long as you're willing to pay for the assessment, you're allowed to retake the test.
It is unlikely that you will get the same test the second time. There are several different versions of the TEAS test. But don't worry, they all follow the same format. The good news is that it is not harder to pass the TEAS on your second attempt.

The average number of attempts allowed on the TEAS Exam is 3 times per year. However, the school sets that number of attempts, so it varies from school to school. Be sure to contact the school in which you are applying to understand its important deadlines and the number of attempts allowed to pass the ATI TEAS Exam.
How long should I study for the TEAS? ATI recommends allowing at least 6 weeks of preparation prior to taking the TEAS test.
No – the ATI TEAS, Version 7 is not designed to be any more difficult than the previous version of the TEAS exam. These tests are equated, which means they are comparable to each other and have roughly the same degree of difficulty.
You should get your TEAS Score immediately upon finishing your exam*. If you took a paper-pencil version of the ATI TEAS Test, ATI Nursing Education will score the test within 24 business hours of receiving it from the testing site. Scores should be posted within 48 business hours.
Generally, TEAS scores are valid for two years. However, this is a school policy - so you must check with the school(s) where you will be applying. TEAS Exam scores are usually valid for two years.
Proficient level is defined as achieving a total score of 58.7% or more on ATI TEAS test. Please refer to the TEAS V National Standard Setting Study document for more details.
- Collect general information about the TEAS.
- Schedule your time to study.
- Utilize TEAS test prep resources.
- Talk with your friends.
- Take our free TEAS practice test 2023.
Students who say "I have failed the TEAS test three times, when can I retake it again?" will likely need to wait for the next application cycle before they can retake the TEAS.
Is the TEAS test the same every time you take it?
This is important since the TEAS Test is different every time, you need to be exposed to as many different questions as possible. In fact, several of the questions from the book appeared word-for-word on the test and most of them were the same types of questions.
If you have taken the test previously and wish to take it again to improve your score there is a two week waiting period from the time you complete the exam until you can retest. Your retest must still be scheduled 72 hours in advance of the scheduled TEAS exam date.
The ATI TEAS Exam is an important first step in your nursing school or allied health journey, and just like any test you take, studying beforehand will boost your chances of success. However, studying for the TEAS isn't just helpful, it's crucial – approximately 40% of students have to take the TEAS more than once!
You are allowed to take the ATI TEAS up to 3 times in a calendar year. 10. Do I have to pay a fee each time to take the ATI TEAS? Yes, the cost is $93 for each testing.
There is no penalty for a wrong answer on the TEAS, so make sure to answer every question before time is called, even if you have to guess on some questions.
Many schools have a mandatory 30-day wait period before taking the TEAS again. Be sure to contact the school to understand the important deadlines involving the ATI TEAS Exam.
To provide an overall score and academic preparedness level for schools to use as admissions evaluation, the student must complete all four sections of the TEAS at the time of the exam. Some schools may only look at math and science scores for example, but the full exam must be completed for an accurate score.
ATI TEAS provides a Total score, Content Area scores (Reading, Math, Science, and English), and Sub-Content Area scores (e.g., Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure). While all of these score types range from 0.0 to 100%, they are calculated differently and, as a result, have different properties.
You can take the ATI TEAS Exam through one of three venues: TEAS – at an institution either on-campus or online using remote proctoring. TEAS at ATI – an online exam using ATI Remote Proctors. TEAS at PSI – in-person at a PSI National Testing Center.
Give yourself at minimum of one week for each of the four test sections. ATI recommends beginning to study at least 6 weeks prior to your test date.
Can I study for the TEAS in 3 weeks?
Proper preparation for the TEAS 7 test would entail at least five weeks of studying leading up to your scheduled exam date. We recommend giving yourself a minimum of one week per subject. Ideally, you would want at least one additional week after that to review all of your study materials again.
Therefore, plan to study at least three days a week for one to three hours, rather than one or two days a week for four or more hours. Also, consider how much time you have between now and when you will take the TEAS.
Therefore, test takers should be sure to prepare as thoroughly as possible in order to pass the TEAS exam as soon as possible. However, those that do not pass on their first try are allowed to retake the exam.
TEAS at ATI exams are $115.
Academic Preparedness Level | Score Range |
---|---|
Basic | 41.3% to 58% |
Proficient | 58.7% to 77.3% |
Advanced | 78% to 90% |
Exemplary | 90.7% to 100% |
If you have taken the test previously and wish to take it again to improve your score there is a two week waiting period from the time you complete the exam until you can retest. Your retest must still be scheduled 72 hours in advance of the scheduled TEAS exam date.
TEAS Score Ranges
The national mean composite score is different with each test administration, but it usually falls somewhere between 65% and 75%.
How long should I study for the TEAS? ATI recommends allowing at least 6 weeks of preparation prior to taking the TEAS test.
The TEAS test is no more challenging than the SAT or ACT, but you may find sections of the TEAS more challenging than others. For example, if you struggled with reading and comprehension during high school, you may find the reading section harder. The mathematics section might trip you up if numbers aren't your thing.
The TEAS exam is high stakes in that it's a big component to your admission into a nursing program. But it's not an all-or-nothing, single opportunity. As long as you're willing to pay for the assessment, you're allowed to retake the test.
Do people fail the TEAS test?
What Happens if You Fail the TEAS Exam? Failing scores can vary between schools. You must check with your school to determine what their failing score is. However, you can always retake the exam if you want to try and achieve a higher score.
The ATI TEAS, Version 7 is not designed to be any more difficult than the previous version of the TEAS exam. These tests are equated, which means they are comparable to each other and have the same degree of difficulty.
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TEAS Score Range.
Academic Preparedness Levels for TEAS | TEAS Score Range |
---|---|
Developmental | 0.0%-40.7% |
Basic | 40.7%-58.0% |
Proficient | 58.7%-79.3% |
Advanced | 80.0%-91.3% |
That first attempt really does matter: Schools actually do pay attention to all of your TEAS scores. That means they're looking at that first attempt as well as a second or third. Strong candidates typically have a good score on their first test attempt, and the GPA to go with it.
TEAS Scores and Ranges
Developmental - 0.0% to 40.7% Basic - 41.3% to 58.0% Proficient - 58.7% to 77.3% Advanced - 78.0% to 90.0%