TEAS Test Scores Explained: What Is a Good Score and How Scores Are Calculated

You just finished the TEAS exam—now what? Understanding your TEAS score is crucial for knowing where you stand in the nursing school admissions process. Unlike simple percentage-based tests, the TEAS uses a nuanced scoring system that includes composite scores, section scores, and performance categories.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly how TEAS scores are calculated, what the different score categories mean, what score you need for your target nursing program, and how to interpret your score report to plan your next steps.

How TEAS Scores Are Calculated

The TEAS exam reports several different scores, and understanding each one is important:

• Composite Score: Your overall score across all four sections, reported as a percentage. This is NOT a simple average—ATI uses an equating process to adjust for varying difficulty across different exam forms
• Section Scores: Individual percentage scores for Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage
• Sub-Content Area Scores: More granular scores within each section (e.g., within Science, you'll see separate scores for Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, and Scientific Reasoning)
• National Percentile Rank: Shows how your score compares to other test-takers nationwide

Only 150 of the 170 questions are scored. The remaining 20 are unscored pilot questions that ATI uses for future test development. You won't know which questions are unscored, so you should treat every question as if it counts.

ATI TEAS Performance Categories

ATI classifies TEAS scores into five performance levels, each indicating a different degree of academic readiness for nursing programs:

• Developmental (Below 40.7%): Indicates significant gaps in foundational knowledge. Students at this level will need substantial preparation before retaking the exam
• Basic (40.7% - 58.0%): Shows basic understanding but with notable weak areas. May meet minimum requirements for some LPN programs but generally insufficient for competitive nursing programs
• Proficient (58.7% - 79.3%): Demonstrates solid academic readiness. This range meets requirements for most ADN and many BSN programs. A score in the mid-to-upper 70s is competitive
• Advanced (80.0% - 91.3%): Indicates strong academic preparedness. Highly competitive for BSN and accelerated BSN programs. May qualify for scholarships at some schools
• Exemplary (92.0% - 100%): Top-tier performance demonstrating exceptional academic readiness. Very competitive for all nursing programs and often qualifies for merit-based scholarships

What Score Do Nursing Schools Require?

There is no single "passing score" for the TEAS—each nursing program sets its own minimum. Here are general guidelines based on program type:

• LPN/LVN Programs: Typically require 50-60% minimum composite scores
• ADN Programs (Community College): Usually require 60-70% minimum, with competitive applicants scoring 70%+
• BSN Programs (4-Year University): Often require 65-78% minimum, with competitive applicants scoring 75%+
• Accelerated BSN Programs: May require 75-80%+ due to the intensive nature of the program
• Top-Tier Programs: Elite nursing schools may seek scores of 80%+ or even require Advanced-level performance

Some programs also set minimum scores for individual sections, not just the composite. For example, a school might require a 60% composite but also a minimum of 55% in each section.

How to Read Your TEAS Score Report

After completing the TEAS, you'll receive a detailed score report that includes:

• Total Score: Your composite percentage and the corresponding performance category
• Section Scores: Percentage scores for each of the four main sections with their own performance categories
• Sub-Content Scores: Breakdowns within each section showing which specific topics you performed well on and which need improvement
• National Mean: The average score of all test-takers, allowing you to see how you compare
• Program Mean: If available, the average score for your specific program type

Pay close attention to the sub-content area scores. These reveal your specific strengths and weaknesses at a granular level. For example, within Science, you might score 85% on Anatomy but only 50% on Chemistry—this tells you exactly where to focus if you plan to retake.

What If Your Score Isn't High Enough?

If your TEAS score falls below your target program's requirements, don't panic. Here are your options:

• Retake the exam: ATI requires a minimum 14-day waiting period. Most schools allow 2-3 retakes per year. Use the time to study your weak areas identified in the score report
• Apply to programs with lower requirements: Different schools have different minimums—expand your application list
• Strengthen other parts of your application: GPA, healthcare experience, volunteer work, and personal statements can compensate for a slightly lower TEAS score at some schools
• Consider prerequisite courses: Taking or retaking science or math courses can strengthen both your knowledge and your application

How Long Are TEAS Scores Valid?

TEAS scores are generally valid for 2 years from the test date, though some nursing programs may have shorter validity windows (as little as 1 year). If your scores expire before you apply, you'll need to retake the exam. Always verify your target school's score validity policy.

Tips for Maximizing Your TEAS Score

• Start with a diagnostic test to establish your baseline and identify weak areas
• Allocate study time proportionally—spend more hours on sections where you score lowest
• Take at least 2-3 full-length practice exams under timed conditions before test day
• Don't leave questions blank—there's no penalty for guessing on the TEAS
• Focus on the Science section, which has the most questions (50) and often the most content to memorize
• Review your math formulas and grammar rules the week before the exam using flashcards