TEAS Score Requirements by Nursing Program: BSN, ADN, and LPN Minimums for 2026

One of the most common questions aspiring nurses ask is: "What TEAS score do I need to get into nursing school?" The frustrating truth is that there is no single answer. Every nursing program — whether it's a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate — sets its own minimum TEAS score. Some programs accept a 58%, while others won't look at you unless you hit 80% or higher.

This guide breaks down real TEAS score requirements by program type, explains the difference between minimum and competitive scores, highlights section-specific cutoffs you might not know about, and tells you exactly what to do if your score isn't where it needs to be.

Why There's No Universal Passing Score

ATI, the company that administers the TEAS, does not set a universal passing threshold. Instead, they provide a scoring scale with four performance tiers: Developmental (below 41.3%), Basic (41.3%–58.0%), Proficient (58.7%–79.3%), and Advanced (80.0%–91.3%), with Exemplary above 91.3%. These tiers are descriptive — they describe your academic readiness — but they are not pass/fail labels. The decision of what constitutes a "passing" score rests entirely with each individual nursing program.

This means a 62% might get you into one school's ADN program but fall short at the BSN program across town. It's critical to research the specific requirements of every program you're applying to, rather than relying on general benchmarks.

BSN Program TEAS Requirements

BSN programs tend to be the most competitive tier of nursing education, and their TEAS requirements reflect that. Most BSN programs set their official minimum composite score somewhere between 62% and 75%. However, the minimum score is often just the floor — the lowest score they'll even consider. Admitted students typically score much higher.

• Typical minimum composite score: 62%–75%
• Competitive (actually admitted) score range: 78%–90%
• Many programs also require section minimums — for example, at least 60% in each of the four sections independently
• Some selective BSN programs have waitlists where applicants are ranked purely by TEAS score
• Accelerated BSN programs (for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree) often require scores of 75% or higher

ADN Program TEAS Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing programs at community colleges are often the most accessible pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Their TEAS minimums are generally lower than BSN programs, but don't let that fool you — many ADN programs are extremely competitive due to high applicant volume and limited seats.

• Typical minimum composite score: 58%–68%
• Competitive score range: 70%–82%
• Many community college ADN programs use a points-based admission system where your TEAS score is one component alongside GPA, prerequisite grades, and sometimes interviews
• Some ADN programs weight the TEAS score heavily — contributing 40%–60% of your total admission points
• Wait times for popular ADN programs can be 1–3 semesters, and a higher TEAS score can move you up the list

Because ADN programs attract a high volume of applicants, even a few percentage points on the TEAS can make a meaningful difference in your admission ranking. Scoring in the mid-70s or above puts you in a strong position at most community college programs.

LPN/LVN Program TEAS Requirements

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) programs generally have the lowest TEAS minimums, but they still use the exam as a critical screening tool. These programs are shorter (typically 12–18 months) and focus on foundational nursing skills, so their academic entry bar is somewhat lower — but competition can still be fierce.

• Typical minimum composite score: 55%–65%
• Competitive score range: 65%–75%
• Some LPN programs set section-specific minimums — for example, requiring at least 55% in Reading and 50% in Math
• A few LPN programs don't use the TEAS at all, instead requiring the HESI A2 or their own placement exams
• Vocational schools and technical colleges often have rolling admissions, meaning your TEAS score is evaluated as soon as you apply

Section-Specific Score Requirements You Might Miss

Many students focus exclusively on their composite score and get blindsided by section-specific requirements. A significant number of nursing programs require you to meet minimums in individual sections — not just overall. Here's what to watch for:

• Science section minimums are the most common — some programs require 60%–70% in Science alone, reflecting the importance of anatomy and biology in nursing coursework
• Reading section minimums of 60%+ are also frequent, since nursing programs involve heavy reading loads
• Math section minimums are less common but do exist, particularly at programs with strong pharmacology or dosage-calculation components
• A few programs look at your "adjusted individual score" (a percentile ranking within each section) rather than the raw percentage

How TEAS Scores Factor Into Admission Decisions

Understanding how your TEAS score is used matters just as much as the score itself. Programs typically use TEAS scores in one of three ways:

• Pass/fail threshold: You either meet the minimum or you don't. Once you clear the cutoff, other factors (GPA, essays, interviews) determine admission. This is common at smaller private programs.
• Points-based ranking: Your TEAS score is converted to points and combined with GPA, prerequisite grades, and other criteria. The applicants with the highest total points are admitted. This is the most common system at public ADN programs.
• Holistic review with TEAS weight: The admissions committee considers your TEAS score alongside your application as a whole, but a higher score strengthens your candidacy. This is typical at BSN programs at four-year universities.

In all three systems, a higher TEAS score helps you. But in points-based systems, every single percentage point matters, which is why targeted preparation is so important.

What to Do If Your Score Falls Short

If your TEAS score doesn't meet the requirements of your target programs, don't panic. You have several options, and many students improve dramatically on their second attempt:

• Retake the exam: Most programs allow retakes after a waiting period (typically 30–60 days). Students who study their weak areas and retake the exam often improve by 10–20 percentage points.
• Target your weakest section: If your composite is close but one section dragged you down, focus your study time there. A focused 2–3 week review of your weakest subject can yield the biggest score jump.
• Consider alternative programs: If you're set on starting nursing school soon, look into programs with lower TEAS requirements — an ADN or LPN program might accept your current score while you build toward a BSN later.
• Use an ATI TEAS Prep course: Structured preparation with practice exams and section-specific drills is the most reliable way to raise your score.

TEAS Score Validity: How Long Do Scores Last?

TEAS scores are generally valid for 2–3 years from the test date, but this varies by institution. Some programs only accept scores from within the past 12 months, while others accept scores up to 3 years old. If you took the TEAS a year ago and are now applying to a different program, confirm that your score is still within their validity window before assuming you don't need to retest.

How to Research Your Target Program's Requirements

Here's a step-by-step approach to finding the exact TEAS requirements for any program:

• Visit the nursing program's official admissions page — search for "TEAS" or "entrance exam" on their website
• Look for an admissions FAQ or handbook PDF, which often has more detail than the main webpage
• Call or email the admissions office directly — ask for the minimum composite score, section minimums, retake policy, and the average score of admitted students
• Check if the program specifies TEAS 7 (the current version) or accepts older versions
• Ask whether they accept remote/online TEAS scores or require in-person testing

The Bottom Line: Aim Higher Than the Minimum

The single most important takeaway from this guide is this: the minimum score is not your target. It's the lowest score a program will even consider, and in competitive programs, applicants at the minimum are rarely admitted. Set your goal at least 10–15 percentage points above the stated minimum. If your dream BSN program requires a 65%, aim for 78%+. If your ADN program's cutoff is 58%, target 72%+. That margin gives you a comfortable cushion and makes your application genuinely competitive.

The good news is that the TEAS is a learnable exam. With the right study materials, a realistic schedule, and consistent practice, significant score improvement is absolutely achievable — regardless of where you're starting from.