How to Retake the TEAS and Improve Your Score: A Complete Second-Attempt Strategy

If your TEAS score didn't meet your target, you're not alone—approximately 40% of first-time test-takers don't achieve the score they need. The good news? You can retake the exam, and with a strategic approach, most students see significant improvement on their second attempt.

This guide covers everything you need to know about retaking the TEAS: the official policies, how long to wait, what to study differently, and a proven strategy to maximize your score improvement.

TEAS Retake Policies: What You Need to Know

The retake rules come from two sources: ATI (the test maker) and your specific nursing school. You need to comply with both.

ATI's Official Retake Policy

• Minimum waiting period: 14 days between attempts
• No national limit on total retakes—ATI does not cap the number of times you can take the exam
• Each attempt requires a new registration and exam fee
• Your previous scores remain on your ATI record

Nursing School Retake Policies

Individual nursing programs often have stricter rules than ATI. Common policies include:

• Waiting periods of 30-60 days between attempts (longer than ATI's 14-day minimum)
• Retake limits of 2-3 attempts per calendar year or per application cycle
• Some programs only accept your first attempt score, while others take the highest score
• A few programs average all attempt scores, making every attempt count
• Some schools require documentation of additional study before allowing a retake

Step 1: Analyze Your Score Report

Your TEAS score report is the most valuable tool for improving on your second attempt. Don't just look at the overall composite score—dig into the details:

• Section scores: Identify which of the four sections (Reading, Math, Science, English) had the lowest scores
• Sub-content scores: Within each section, find the specific topics where you struggled most
• Compare to the national mean: Sections where you scored below the national average need the most attention
• Time management: Did you run out of time on any section? This indicates a pacing problem, not just a knowledge gap

For example, if your Science section score was 52% with sub-scores of 70% in Anatomy, 60% in Biology, 30% in Chemistry, and 45% in Scientific Reasoning—Chemistry is clearly your biggest opportunity for improvement.

Step 2: Create a Targeted Study Plan

Your second-attempt study plan should look very different from your first one. The key principle is: spend 70% of your study time on your weakest areas and 30% maintaining your strengths.

• Rank your sections from weakest to strongest based on your score report
• Allocate study time inversely proportional to your scores—lower scores get more hours
• Use different study materials than your first attempt to get fresh explanations and perspectives
• Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing answers from practice tests
• Schedule at least 2 full-length practice tests during your preparation period

Step 3: Change Your Study Methods

If your original study methods didn't produce the results you wanted, doing more of the same won't help. Try these evidence-based alternatives:

• Switch from passive reading to active recall: Instead of re-reading notes, test yourself with flashcards and practice questions
• Use spaced repetition: Review material at increasing intervals rather than cramming the same topic in one sitting
• Teach the material: Explaining concepts to someone else (or even out loud to yourself) deepens understanding
• Practice under timed conditions: If time management was an issue, simulate exam timing during practice sessions
• Incorporate visual learning: Use diagrams, charts, and videos for complex topics like anatomy and chemistry

Step 4: Address Test-Taking Strategies

Sometimes the issue isn't knowledge—it's how you approach the exam itself. Improve your test-taking skills with these strategies:

• Process of elimination: Even if you're unsure, eliminating 1-2 wrong answers significantly improves your odds
• Read every option: Don't select the first answer that looks right—read all choices before deciding
• Flag and return: Don't get stuck on difficult questions. Flag them and return after completing easier ones
• Watch for absolutes: Answer choices with words like 'always,' 'never,' or 'all' are often incorrect
• Manage your pace: Know the time per question for each section (Reading: ~73 sec, Math: ~90 sec, Science: ~72 sec, English: ~60 sec)

Step 5: Take Practice Tests Strategically

Practice tests serve two purposes: building endurance and identifying remaining gaps. Here's how to use them effectively:

• Take a diagnostic test at the start of your study period to establish a new baseline
• Take section-specific quizzes after studying each subject to check progress
• Take at least 2 full-length practice exams in the final week—one for assessment, one for final review
• Review EVERY missed question thoroughly: understand why the correct answer is right AND why your answer was wrong
• Track your scores over time to see improvement and identify persistent weak spots

How Long Should You Study Before Retaking?

The ideal preparation time depends on how far your score was from your target:

• Within 5 points of your target: 2-3 weeks of focused review on weak sub-topics
• 10-15 points below target: 4-5 weeks with comprehensive review of 2-3 sections
• 20+ points below target: Full 6-8 weeks covering all sections with extra focus on weaknesses

Resist the temptation to retake the exam as quickly as possible. Most students who rush their retake see minimal improvement. Give yourself enough time to genuinely strengthen your weak areas.

Common Second-Attempt Mistakes to Avoid

• Retaking too soon without adequate study: The 14-day minimum is rarely enough time for meaningful improvement
• Studying the same way with the same materials: If it didn't work before, change your approach
• Focusing only on overall score: Target specific sub-content areas for the biggest score gains
• Neglecting strong sections entirely: Maintain your strengths while improving weaknesses
• Overconfidence from familiarity: The retake exam will have different questions—don't assume you'll remember answers
• Not addressing test anxiety: If nerves affected your performance, practice relaxation techniques

Real Score Improvement Expectations

With dedicated, strategic preparation, here's what most students can realistically expect:

• Average improvement with focused study: 8-15 percentage points
• Students who change study methods: Often see 10-20 point gains
• Students who rush retake with same approach: Typically only 2-5 point improvement
• Maximum realistic improvement: 20-25 points with 6+ weeks of dedicated study

The biggest gains typically come from the Science and Math sections, where focused content review translates directly into more correct answers. Reading and English improvements tend to be more gradual since they rely more on developed skills.