What is a good TEAS score?
There is no single passing TEAS score, because every school sets its own cut score. As a rule of thumb, about 59 to 79% (Proficient) meets the minimum at many programs, 80 to 91% (Advanced) is competitive, and 92% or more (Exemplary) puts you at the top of the pool. Check your program's number first, since selective nursing programs often ask for Advanced or higher.
In more detail
ATI reports your TEAS result as an adjusted individual total score in percent, plus a score for each section: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. It then sorts the total into an Academic Preparedness Level: Developmental, Basic, Proficient, Advanced or Exemplary. ATI says most schools want you at Proficient or above. The exact cut points differ by a point or two between sources and TEAS versions, so use your own score report for the label.
What counts as good depends on the pool you apply to. A community college program with open seats may accept the Proficient minimum. A selective BSN program ranks everyone who applies, and the students who get in often sit in the Advanced range or higher. Programs also differ on the details: some look only at the total, some set a minimum for each section, some weight Science, and some count only your first attempt or your most recent one. Read the admissions page of each school before you decide your target.
To set your target, find the school's minimum, then look for the average score of admitted students if the school shares it. Aim 5 to 10 points above the minimum so one weak section does not sink you. Retake rules are set by the school and by ATI, including waiting periods, so check them before you book a second attempt.
TEAS Academic Preparedness Levels (approximate)
| Level | Total score | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental | Below about 41% | Below what most programs accept |
| Basic | About 41 to 58% | Rarely enough for admission |
| Proficient | About 59 to 79% | Meets the minimum at many programs |
| Advanced | About 80 to 91% | Competitive at most programs |
| Exemplary | About 92 to 100% | Top of the applicant pool |
Step by step
- 1
Find each program's TEAS minimum on its admissions page, and note whether it sets section minimums.
- 2
Check which attempt counts and how long a score stays valid.
- 3
Set your target 5 to 10 points above the minimum.
- 4
Take a timed practice test to see where you stand section by section.
- 5
Spend your study hours on the weakest section first, then retest.
How StudyPDF helps
StudyPDF cannot change a cut score, but it can help you clear it. Put your TEAS prep chapters, class notes and the questions you missed into a course, and it builds flashcards, quizzes and timed practice sets on your weak sections, then tracks per concept what still trips you up. Set the test date in the Plan tab for dated sessions up to the day. The free plan covers about 4 materials a week, no card needed.
See also
More questions
Is a 70 a good TEAS score?
A 70% is Proficient. It meets the minimum at many programs but not at competitive ones, where admitted students often score 75 to 85% or more.
Is an 80 a good TEAS score?
Yes. An 80% is at the start of the Advanced level and is competitive at most nursing programs. Check your school's cut score to be sure.
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