For students planning to enter nursing school, the ATI TEAS exam is one of the most important steps in the admission process. Many nursing programs use the exam to evaluate whether applicants have the academic skills necessary to succeed in healthcare education. Because admission decisions often depend on test performance, understanding the ATI TEAS passing score guide is essential for anyone preparing for the exam.
Many students ask questions such as: What is the TEAS exam passing score? What score do nursing schools require? How are ATI TEAS exam results calculated? This guide explains how the scoring system works and what students should aim for when taking the exam.
What Is the ATI TEAS Exam?
The ATI TEAS exam, also known as the Test of Essential Academic Skills, measures a student's knowledge in four major academic areas:
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Science
- English and Language Usage
The exam typically includes 170 multiple-choice questions, and students are given approximately 209 minutes to complete the test. After completing the exam, students receive their ATI TEAS exam results, which provide a detailed breakdown of their performance in each section.
Understanding the ATI TEAS passing score guide helps students interpret these results and determine whether they meet the requirements of their chosen nursing program.
What Is the TEAS Exam Passing Score?
Unlike some standardized tests, the ATI TEAS exam does not have a universal passing score that applies to all schools. Instead, each nursing program sets its own minimum score requirement for applicants.
In general, many nursing schools consider a TEAS exam passing score to be around 60% to 70%. However, more competitive programs may require higher scores to remain competitive during the admission process.
While meeting the minimum requirement is important, students should aim for a score well above the minimum whenever possible.
According to many ATI TEAS passing score guide recommendations, a score above 75% is often considered strong for many nursing programs.
How ATI TEAS Exam Results Are Calculated
After completing the exam, students receive detailed ATI TEAS exam results that include several important scores.
Total Score
The total score represents the student's overall performance across all sections of the exam. This score is typically reported as a percentage. For example, a student who answers a high percentage of questions correctly across all sections will receive a higher overall score.
Section Scores
In addition to the overall score, students also receive individual scores for each subject area.
These sections include:
- Reading score
- Mathematics score
- Science score
- English and Language Usage score
The ATI TEAS passing score guide emphasizes the importance of reviewing section scores carefully. Some nursing programs may require minimum scores in specific subjects. For example, a school may require a minimum science score even if the overall score meets the program's requirement.
National Percentile Ranking
Many ATI TEAS exam results also include a national percentile ranking. This ranking compares a student's performance with other students who have taken the exam. For example, a percentile score of 80% means that the student performed better than 80% of other test-takers. This ranking helps nursing schools evaluate applicants relative to other candidates.
What Is Considered a Good TEAS Score?
Students preparing for the exam often wonder what score they should aim for.
Based on many ATI TEAS passing score guide recommendations, scores are generally interpreted as follows:
- Below 60% – Needs improvement
- 60%–70% – Minimum passing range for some programs
- 70%–80% – Competitive for many nursing schools
- 80%–90% – Strong performance
- Above 90% – Excellent performance
While a TEAS exam passing score may vary depending on the school, aiming for a score above 75% gives students a better chance of acceptance into competitive programs.
Why TEAS Scores Matter for Nursing School Admissions
Nursing programs receive many applications from qualified students. Because of this competition, schools often use exam scores as an important factor when selecting applicants.
High ATI TEAS exam results demonstrate that a student has strong academic skills and is likely to succeed in nursing school coursework.
Admissions committees may consider several factors, including:
- Overall TEAS score
- Section-specific scores
- Grade point average (GPA)
- Prerequisite course grades
Strong exam scores can significantly improve an applicant's chances of admission.
How to Improve Your TEAS Score
Students who want to achieve a strong score should begin preparing early and follow a structured study plan.
Use Practice Tests
One of the most effective preparation strategies is completing practice tests. Practice exams help students become familiar with the exam format and improve their time management skills. Students who regularly take practice exams often see improved ATI TEAS exam results.
Focus on Weak Areas
Reviewing practice test results helps students identify subjects that need additional study. For example, if a student struggles with science questions, they should focus more time reviewing anatomy, biology, and chemistry concepts. Following the recommendations in a ATI TEAS passing score guide can help students prioritize their study efforts.
Review Study Materials
Using reliable study guides and practice questions helps reinforce important concepts and improve exam readiness. Students should review material from all four sections of the exam to ensure balanced preparation.
When You Receive Your TEAS Exam Results
After completing the exam, students typically receive their ATI TEAS exam results shortly afterward, depending on the testing location and format.
Once results are available, students can review their scores and determine whether they meet the TEAS exam passing score required by their chosen nursing programs.
If a student does not achieve their desired score, many testing centers allow retakes after a waiting period.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the ATI TEAS passing score guide is an important part of preparing for nursing school admissions. While the TEAS exam passing score varies between schools, achieving a strong score improves a student's chances of being accepted into competitive nursing programs.
By reviewing study materials, practicing exam-style questions, and analyzing ATI TEAS exam results, students can develop a targeted study strategy and improve their performance.
With consistent preparation and dedication, students can achieve the scores needed to move forward in their journey toward a successful career in nursing.
Related TEAS practice links
Free TEAS Practice Test · TEAS Study Guide · TEAS 7 Cheat Sheet