What TEAS score do you actually need to get into nursing school?
The frustrating answer: it depends on the program. Some nursing schools accept scores as low as 60%. Others require 80%+. A score that’s competitive at one program might not even meet the minimum at another.
Here’s what matters: understanding where your target programs fall on that spectrum. A “good” TEAS score is a score that gets you admitted to the programs you want to attend. Students who research specific program requirements early then prepare strategically through platforms like Testavia’s TEAS prep, consistently score higher than peers who study blindly without knowing their target score.
This guide breaks down TEAS score ranges, what different programs actually require, how scoring works and what you need to be competitive.
How TEAS 7 Scoring Works
Before discussing “good” scores, you need to understand how the test is scored.
The Basics
The TEAS uses a percentage scale from 0-100%. Your score represents the percentage of questions you answered correctly after accounting for question difficulty and weighting.
The exam has 170 total questions. However, only 150 are scored. The other 20 are pretest questions ATI uses to test new items.
You won’t know which 20 are unscored. Treat every question like it counts.
Score Categories
According to ATI Testing, the official provider of the TEAS exam, scores are divided into four performance levels that indicate academic readiness for nursing programs. These categories help nursing schools evaluate whether applicants have the foundational knowledge needed for success in their programs.
ATI divides TEAS scores into four performance levels:
Below Basic: 0-40.3%
Indicates significant academic deficiencies. Students in this range need substantial preparation before nursing school.
Basic: 40.7-58.0%
Demonstrates minimal academic readiness. Students may struggle with nursing program coursework.
Proficient: 58.7-78.0%
Shows moderate academic preparedness. Most nursing programs accept scores in this range, particularly ADN programs.
Advanced: 78.7-89.9%
Indicates strong academic readiness. Competitive programs typically see applicants in this range.
Exemplary: 90.0-100%
Demonstrates exceptional academic preparation. Students scoring this high are highly competitive at any program.
Your Score Report
After completing the TEAS, you’ll receive a score report showing:
- Composite score (overall percentage)
- Individual scores for each section (Reading, Math, Science, English)
- National mean comparison
- Program-specific percentile rank
Some nursing programs require minimum scores in each section, not just overall. A 75% composite with a 55% math score won’t meet requirements if the program mandates 60% minimum per section.
What Is the Average TEAS Score?
Nationally, the average TEAS score is approximately 60%.
However, averages vary by program type:
ADN/ASN programs: Average admitted student scores around 66%
BSN programs: Average admitted student scores around 70%
These are averages of admitted students, not applicants. Programs receive applications from students scoring much lower who get rejected.
What This Means for You
Scoring at or slightly above the national average (60-65%) might get you into less competitive ADN programs. However, it won’t make you competitive for BSN programs or schools with strict admission standards.
Aim 10-15 percentage points above the national average to be safe. A score in the mid-70s opens significantly more doors than a score in the low 60s.
Minimum TEAS Score Requirements by Program Type
Different program types have different standards.
Community College ADN Programs
Typical minimum: 60-65%
Community college ADN programs are generally the most accessible. Many accept scores in the Basic to Proficient range.
However, “minimum” doesn’t mean “competitive.” Programs might accept 60%, but admitted students often score higher. If 100 students with 75%+ apply for 30 seats, your 62% won’t stand out.
State University BSN Programs
Typical minimum: 65-75%
Four-year BSN programs are more selective. Most require scores in the Proficient range minimum.
Competitive BSN programs often see admitted students with scores in the 75-80% range despite listing lower minimums.
Highly Competitive/Prestigious Programs
Typical minimum: 75-85%
Top-tier nursing schools think of highly ranked state universities, private universities with prestigious nursing programs, or schools in competitive markets requiring Advanced-level scores.
Programs in this category often have 200+ applicants for 30-50 seats. A score below 80% puts you at a disadvantage.
Accelerated BSN Programs
Typical minimum: 70-80%
Accelerated programs for students who already hold bachelor’s degrees are extremely competitive. These programs assume you have strong academic foundations and can handle rigorous pacing.
Most admitted students score in the Advanced range (78-90%).
Examples from Real Programs (2026 Requirements)
Here are actual TEAS requirements from nursing schools:
- Texas Woman’s University BSN: 64% minimum (each section must be 64%+)
- UT Health San Antonio BSN: 65% minimum
- Kennesaw State University BSN: 78% recommended (admitted students average 84-86%)
- College of the Desert ADN: 62% minimum
- UTHealth Houston Cizik School: 60% recommended
Notice the gap between “minimum” and “competitive.” Kennesaw lists 78% as recommended, but admitted students average 84-86%. That’s a 6-8 point difference.
Understanding how the TEAS compares to other nursing challenges helps you put these score requirements in context. Our detailed guide on what nursing school is really like explains the academic rigor ahead. TEAS scores are screening tools programs use them to predict who can handle nursing school’s intensity. Higher TEAS scores correlate with stronger academic preparation for the challenges you’ll face once admitted.
What’s a Competitive TEAS Score?
Competitive means your score makes you a strong candidate among the applicant pool.
The 10-Point Rule
Aim 10 percentage points above a program’s stated minimum.
If a program requires 70%, target 80%. This buffer:
- Accounts for the gap between “minimum” and “average admitted student”
- Gives you breathing room if you score slightly below your practice test average
- Makes your application more competitive when programs compare candidates
Competitive Benchmarks by Program Type
ADN programs: 70-75% is competitive
BSN programs: 75-80% is competitive
Highly selective programs: 80-85%+ is competitive
Top-tier programs: 85-90%+ is competitive
When High Scores Matter Most
TEAS scores carry extra weight if:
Your GPA is lower than program averages. A strong TEAS score can partially offset weaker grades.
You’re applying to programs with holistic admissions. When programs consider multiple factors (GPA, TEAS, experience, essays), a high TEAS score strengthens your overall application.
You’re competing in saturated markets. Urban areas with many applicants need stronger scores to stand out.
You’re applying to multiple programs. A score in the 80s qualifies you for virtually any program. You won’t need to retake if your top choice requires higher scores.
Section-Specific Minimum Requirements
Some programs don’t just look at composite scores. They require minimum percentages in each section.
Why Section Minimums Matter
Programs want students strong across all areas, not just overall. A student might score 75% composite with:
- Reading: 85%
- Math: 55%
- Science: 80%
- English: 80%
That 55% in math signals a potential struggle with dosage calculations in nursing school. Programs requiring section minimums would reject this applicant despite the solid composite score.
Common Section Minimum Structures
60% minimum per section: Common at less selective programs
65% minimum per section: Standard at mid-tier BSN programs
70% minimum per section: Required at competitive programs
If you’re weak in one section, you can’t just compensate with strength in others. You must meet all section minimums.
How to Know What Score You Need
Stop guessing. Research specific programs.
Step 1: List Your Target Programs
Identify 5-10 nursing schools you’re interested in attending. Include a mix of reach schools (competitive), target schools (your scores match averages), and safety schools (your scores exceed averages).
Step 2: Find Their Requirements
Visit each program’s admissions page. Look for:
- Minimum TEAS score (composite)
- Section-specific minimums
- Average scores of admitted students (if published)
- Whether they accept multiple attempts (and which score they use)
Most programs publish this information. If not, call the admissions office.
Step 3: Identify Your Target Score
Your target is the highest score required among your programs, plus 5-10 points.
Example: If your reach school requires 78%, your target school requires 72%, and your safety requires 65%, aim for 83-88%. This qualifies you everywhere and makes you highly competitive.
Step 4: Take a Diagnostic Test
Before studying, take a full-length TEAS practice test under timed conditions. This establishes your baseline.
If you score 60% and need 80%, you know you need a 20-point improvement. That’s aggressive but achievable with 6-8 weeks of focused study. If you score 72% and need 80%, you need 8 points. That’s very doable with targeted practice on weak areas.
The timeline and difficulty of reaching your target score depends on where you start. Our guide on how long nursing school takes covers overall nursing education timelines, but test prep is usually 6-8 weeks. Students who start early, use structured practice, and target their weak sections consistently hit their goal scores on the first attempt.
Can You Retake the TEAS?
Yes. Most students can retake the TEAS if they don’t hit their target score.
Retake Policies
ATI’s policy: You can retake the TEAS after a 14-day waiting period. No overall limit on attempts.
Individual program policies vary:
- Some accept unlimited attempts
- Some limit you to 2-3 attempts per application cycle
- Some only consider your first attempt
- Some take your highest score
- Some average all attempts
Check your target programs’ retake policies before taking the exam. If they only consider the first attempt, you need to be fully prepared before testing.
Score Validity Period
TEAS scores are typically valid for 2 years. However, some programs have shorter validity windows (12-18 months).
Don’t take the TEAS too early. If you take it in January 2026 and don’t start nursing school until Fall 2028, your score might expire.
Should You Retake?
Retake if:
- Your score doesn’t meet minimums for your target programs
- You scored significantly below your practice test average (suggesting test day issues)
- You’re applying to multiple programs with different requirements and your score limits options
Don’t retake if:
- You met or exceeded all program requirements
- You’re only 2-3 points below target (not worth the time/money unless applying to highly competitive programs)
- You’ve already taken it twice and scores aren’t improving (the issue is preparation, not test-taking)
How to Improve Your TEAS Score
If you need a higher score, strategic preparation is the answer.
Focus on High-Yield Sections
Science and Reading together make up 62% of your composite score. Improving these sections has the biggest impact.
If you score:
- Reading: 65%
- Math: 75%
- Science: 60%
- English: 80%
Your biggest ROI comes from improving science and reading, not perfecting English (already strong) or marginally improving math.
Identify Section-Specific Weaknesses
Take section-specific practice tests. Within each section, identify which topics you miss most.
Science weak spots: Anatomy & physiology systems (40% of science section), biology, chemistry
Reading weak spots: Main idea questions, inference, author’s purpose
Math weak spots: Ratios and proportions, conversions, word problems
English weak spots: Subject-verb agreement, punctuation, sentence structure
Drill your specific weak areas. Don’t waste time reviewing content you’ve mastered.
Use Quality Practice Resources
Not all TEAS prep materials are equal. Use resources that:
- Mirror actual TEAS 7 format and difficulty
- Provide detailed answer explanations
- Track your progress and weak areas
- Offer adaptive difficulty
Quality TEAS prep platforms offer exactly this TEAS 7-specific questions, video explanations, progress tracking, and adaptive learning that identifies your weak spots automatically.
Take Full-Length Timed Practice Tests
Practice tests serve two purposes:
- Build stamina (209 minutes is exhausting)
- Identify pacing issues
Take at least 2-3 full-length practice tests before your actual exam. Simulate test conditions: timed sections, no breaks except scheduled break, calculator restrictions.
Study Timeline
6-8 weeks is ideal for most students. This allows:
- Week 1: Diagnostic test + identify weak areas
- Weeks 2-5: Targeted study on weak sections (30-60 min daily)
- Week 6: Full practice test + review mistakes
- Week 7: Final targeted review + second practice test
- Week 8: Light review + rest before exam
Students trying to study in 2-3 weeks often underperform. TEAS content is broad—you need time to cover and retain everything.
What If You Don’t Meet the Minimum?
Not meeting minimum TEAS requirements doesn’t end your nursing career. As stated by Nurse.org, one of the leading resources for nursing professionals and students, many successful nurses didn’t achieve their target scores on the first attempt. The key is understanding why you fell short and creating a strategic plan to improve.
Option 1: Retake After Additional Prep
If you scored close to the minimum (within 5-10 points), retaking after focused study can get you there.
Identify what went wrong:
- Did you run out of time?
- Did you not know content?
- Did you misread questions?
Fix the root cause before retaking.
Option 2: Consider Programs with Lower Requirements
If you scored 65% and your dream program requires 80%, that’s a big gap. Consider applying to programs with 65-70% requirements while you work on improving your score.
You can always transfer or pursue RN-to-BSN bridge programs later.
Option 3: Complete Prerequisites First
Many students take the TEAS before finishing science prerequisites. That’s a mistake. Complete anatomy & physiology, microbiology, and chemistry before taking the TEAS. The science section heavily tests this content. Students who take the TEAS after prerequisites consistently score 10-15 points higher.
Some nursing schools don’t require entrance exams at all. Our comprehensive list of nursing schools that don’t require TEAS in 2026 provides alternatives. However, most competitive BSN programs use TEAS scores as key admission factors. If your target programs require it, strong preparation makes the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Conclusion
A “good” TEAS score is whatever gets you into your target nursing program.
For most students, that means:
- 70-75% for ADN programs
- 75-80% for BSN programs
- 80-85%+ for competitive/accelerated programs
Don’t just aim for the minimum. Aim 10 points higher. This maximizes your chances and keeps more programs within reach.
Research specific program requirements early. Know exactly what score you need before you start studying.
Take the TEAS seriously. Prepare for 6-8 weeks. Take practice tests. Focus on weak areas.
A strong TEAS score doesn’t just get you admitted—it signals to programs that you’re academically prepared for nursing school’s rigor.
You can hit your target score with the right preparation. Identify what you need. Build a plan. Execute it.
Your nursing school acceptance is waiting.