What is a Passing Score on the TEAS Exam? Everything You Need to Know
There is no universal TEAS passing score. Learn how nursing programs set minimums, how to interpret your ATI score report, and what to review next.
Quick Answer
A passing TEAS score depends on the nursing program you are applying to. Many programs publish minimum score requirements, and competitive programs may expect scores above the minimum, so your best target is the score listed by your school rather than a universal cutoff.
Key Takeaways
- TEAS score requirements vary by nursing program.
- Competitive programs may expect a higher score than the minimum listed requirement.
- Section scores can matter, especially when a school weighs science, math, reading, or English differently.
- Practice tests help you identify which TEAS sections need the most review before test day.
If you’re preparing for the TEAS exam, you’re probably wondering about the passing score and what it means for your application to nursing school. The TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is an important assessment that nursing programs use to determine your readiness for their coursework. In this article, we’ll break down what a passing score on the TEAS exam is, how it varies across schools, and how you can determine your target score to ensure your success.
What is the TEAS Exam Passing Score?
A passing score on the TEAS exam is the score that meets the minimum requirement for admission to a nursing program. ATI does not set one universal passing score; each nursing or allied health program decides what result it accepts.
| Your result | What it means for an application | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Below the program minimum | The score does not currently meet that program’s published cutoff. | Retake limits, waiting periods, and the sections that need review. |
| Meets the program minimum | You satisfy the score threshold, but admission is not guaranteed. | Whether the program ranks applicants or requires minimum section scores. |
| Above the program minimum | You have a margin above the cutoff, but other admission criteria still apply. | Any published competitive applicant profile and the rest of your application. |
| Strong total score with a weak section | The total may qualify, but a section rule could still matter. | Whether the program has separate Reading, Math, Science, or English minimums. |
Make sure to check the specific score requirements for the nursing programs you’re applying to. Some schools may also provide additional weight or consideration to certain sections of the TEAS exam, such as Science or Math.
What Are the TEAS Exam Sections, and How Are They Scored?
The TEAS exam is divided into four sections, and each section is scored separately. Here’s a breakdown of the sections and how they contribute to your total score:
- Reading (45 questions, including 6 unscored): This section assesses your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written information.
- Mathematics (38 questions, including 4 unscored): This includes numbers and algebra, measurement, and data.
- Science (50 questions, including 6 unscored): This section includes human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.
- English and Language Usage (37 questions, including 4 unscored): This section tests standard English conventions, knowledge of language, and vocabulary use.
ATI lists 170 total questions, including 150 scored questions and 20 unscored pretest questions, with 209 minutes of testing time. ATI describes multiple-choice, multiple-select, fill-in-the-blank, ordered-response, and hot-spot questions; it does not describe TEAS 7 as a computer-adaptive exam.
How Can You Calculate Your TEAS Exam Score?
Your TEAS exam score is reported in two ways:
- Individual section scores: You’ll receive a score for each of the four sections, as mentioned above.
- Overall score: This represents your performance across the scored TEAS questions.
Use the total and content-area results shown on your official ATI score report. Do not assume the total is a simple arithmetic average of the four section percentages. A school may also decide how it uses the total and section results in its admission process.
How Do You Know If You’ve Passed the TEAS Exam?
The answer to what is a passing score on the TEAS exam depends entirely on the nursing program’s specific requirements. Here’s what you can do to ensure you’ve passed:
- Check Program Requirements: Most nursing programs will specify a minimum score they require for admission. This can vary, so always verify with the admissions department of the school you are applying to.
- Check Section Rules: Confirm whether the program requires only a minimum total score or also sets minimum scores for individual content areas.
The Exam Hive offers TEAS practice resources that help you review tested subjects, identify weak areas, and practise working under time limits.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Pass the TEAS Exam?
It’s important to remember that not passing the TEAS exam the first time doesn’t mean the end of the road. If you don’t meet the minimum passing score for the program you’re applying to, don’t be discouraged. Here’s what you can do:
- Retake the TEAS: Retake limits and waiting periods vary by testing provider and program. ATI currently requires 14 days between attempts for TEAS at ATI exams, but your school or testing site may use a different policy, so verify both before registering.
- Review Your Results: After taking the TEAS exam, The Exam Hive’s practice tests provide a detailed breakdown of your results, so you can review the areas where you struggled and focus on them for your next attempt.
- Improve Your Study Strategy: If you didn’t achieve your desired score, consider adjusting your study routine. The Exam Hive’s study guides and resources will help you target the most important areas of the exam and provide targeted practice.
How to Improve Your TEAS Score
If you're aiming to boost your score to meet the minimum passing score, here are a few key strategies:
- Use Targeted Practice: Focus on areas where you performed poorly. Use The Exam Hive’s practice questions to target weak spots and take timed tests to improve your speed.
- Take Breaks and Stay Consistent: Study consistently over a few weeks instead of cramming the night before. Break your study time into focused, shorter sessions for maximum retention.
- Review TEAS Test-Taking Strategies: Time management is crucial on the TEAS exam. Make sure you practice pacing yourself during practice tests so that you don’t run out of time during the real exam.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Question Types: The more you practice, the more you’ll recognize TEAS question patterns, which will help you tackle them with confidence during the exam.
Conclusion: Aim for Your Best TEAS Score
The passing score on the TEAS exam will depend on your school’s requirements, but with focused preparation and the right resources, you can increase your chances of success. By using The Exam Hive’s practice tests, study guides, and test-taking strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to hit your target score and start your nursing career on the right foot.
Remember, a passing score on the TEAS exam isn’t just about meeting the minimum requirement, it’s about demonstrating that you're ready for the challenges of nursing school. With the right approach, you can achieve that goal and move one step closer to becoming a nurse.
Ready to improve your TEAS score and increase your chances of nursing school success? Start practicing today with The Exam Hive's comprehensive practice tests and targeted study guides!