What TEAS score do you need?
There is no single pass mark. Every nursing program sets its own, and the published minimum is often well below what actually gets admitted. Here are the ranges that hold up across most of the US.
Always confirm with the school
By programme type
The gap between the minimum and the competitive column is the one that matters. Meeting the floor rarely wins a place at an oversubscribed programme.
| Programme | Typical minimum | Competitive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical NursingLPN / LVN | 55% | 60%+ | The most accessible entry point into nursing. Many programs admit at or slightly above the minimum. |
| Associate Degree in NursingADN / ASN | 60% | 70%+ | Community college programs are often heavily oversubscribed, so the published minimum and the admitted average can be far apart. |
| Bachelor of Science in NursingBSN | 70% | 80%+ | Four-year programs usually weight Science heavily, because it predicts first-year performance. |
| Accelerated / Second-Degree BSNABSN | 75% | 85%+ | Small cohorts and applicants who already hold a degree make these the most competitive of all. |
| Allied HealthRT, Surgical Tech, etc. | 55% | 65%+ | Requirements vary widely by discipline and by state. |
What the proficiency levels mean
Alongside your percentage, ATI reports a proficiency level. Most programmes treat Proficient as the working minimum.
- DevelopmentalBelow 41%Significant preparation needed before applying.
- Basic41% – 58%Below the bar for most nursing programs.
- Proficient59% – 77%The working minimum most programs treat as admissible.
- Advanced78% – 90%Competitive almost anywhere, including four-year programs.
- ExemplaryAbove 90%Top of the applicant pool.
Why Science matters most
Two students can finish on the same total and be treated very differently, because the sections are not the same size.
- Science50 of 170 questions
The largest section, and the one nursing programs scrutinise most closely. A weak Science score drags the total down twice over.
- Reading45 of 170 questions
Second largest. Usually the section where students lose marks to time rather than to knowledge.
- Mathematics38 of 170 questions
Directly relevant to dosage calculation, so some programs set a separate minimum for it.
- English & Language Usage37 of 170 questions
The smallest section and the most time-pressured, at about a minute per question.
Common questions
- What is a passing TEAS score?
- There is no universal pass mark. Each nursing program sets its own cut-off. Practical nursing programs often accept around 55 to 60 percent, associate degree programs 60 to 70 percent, and bachelor's programs 70 to 80 percent or higher.
- Is 70 percent a good TEAS score?
- 70 percent sits in the Proficient band and is admissible at most associate degree programs. For a competitive BSN it is usually on the low side — those programs commonly admit at 80 percent and above.
- Which TEAS section matters most?
- Science. It is 50 of the 170 questions, the largest single section, and nursing programs weight it heavily because it predicts performance in first-year coursework.
- Can I retake the TEAS if my score is too low?
- Yes. ATI allows retakes, though individual schools set their own limits on how many attempts they will consider and how long you must wait between them. Check the policy of each program you are applying to.
Find out where you actually stand
A target is only useful once you know your starting point. Sit a full-length timed test and get a score you can compare against the table above.
See packagesNot sure how the exam is structured? Read the format guide.