What Is a Passing TEAS Score for Nursing School?

If you are applying to nursing school, you have probably heard about the TEAS exam and wondered exactly what score you need to get in. The answer is not a single number carved in stone. Instead, what counts as a passing TEAS score depends on the specific nursing program you apply to, the level of competition that year, and the type of degree you are pursuing. Understanding how the TEAS is scored, what different programs expect, and how to set a realistic target can mean the difference between a conditional acceptance and a rejection letter.

The Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS, is a standardized entrance exam published by ATI. It measures reading, math, science, and English language usage. Most nursing schools use it as one part of a holistic admissions review, alongside your GPA, prerequisite grades, volunteer experience, and sometimes an interview. Because each school sets its own minimum, the real answer to what is a passing TEAS score for nursing school is: it depends on where you apply, but a score in the 60th to 70th percentile is often the floor, and competitive programs frequently expect higher.

In this guide, we break down the scoring system, typical cutoffs for different program types, strategies for setting a personal goal, and how to improve your score if you fall short. Whether you are aiming for an associate degree in nursing, a bachelor of science in nursing, or an accelerated second degree program, you will finish with a clear picture of what you need to aim for.

How the TEAS Exam Is Scored

Before you can interpret what a passing score looks like, you need to understand how ATI reports TEAS results. The exam has four content areas: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. Each section yields a scaled score, and those four scores are combined into a composite score. The composite is also expressed as a percentile rank, which tells you how your performance compares to a national norm group of test takers.

The composite score itself ranges from roughly 0 to 100, but ATI does not simply average your raw percentage correct. Instead, it uses a scaled system that accounts for slight variations in difficulty across test forms. That means two students who answer the same number of questions correctly on different days might receive slightly different scaled scores. The percentile rank is often more useful for admissions committees because it puts your performance in context.

For example, a composite score of 70 might place you in the 65th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 65 percent of the norm group. A composite of 85 might land you in the 95th percentile. Most nursing schools publish their minimum requirements as a percentile rank, a composite score, or both. Some also set minimum section scores, so a high overall composite cannot compensate for a very low science score.

Here is a quick breakdown of what each TEAS section covers and why it matters for nursing admissions:

• Reading: Measures comprehension, inference, and ability to interpret written information, skills you will use daily when reading patient charts and care plans.
• Mathematics: Covers basic arithmetic, algebra, measurement, and data interpretation, the foundation for medication dosage calculations.
• Science: Tests human anatomy and physiology, life and physical sciences, and scientific reasoning, the subject area most heavily weighted by many nursing programs.
• English and Language Usage: Assesses grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary, which matter for clear clinical documentation.

Because nursing programs want to know you can handle the science-heavy curriculum, many schools look closely at your Science section score even if your composite is strong. If you bomb the science section but ace reading and English, you may still fail to meet a program's specific requirements. Always check whether your target schools have section minimums in addition to a composite cutoff.

Typical TEAS Score Requirements by Program Type

There is no universal passing score, but patterns emerge across different types of nursing programs. The table below summarizes common minimums, though you should verify with each school because requirements change from year to year.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Many community college ADN programs set a minimum composite around the 50th to 60th percentile. Some competitive programs in urban areas require the 65th percentile or higher. A composite score of 60 to 70 is often a safe target.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Traditional four-year BSN programs frequently expect a composite in the 65th to 80th percentile. Public universities may set the floor lower, while direct-entry programs at flagship schools often want 80th percentile or above.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN): These programs are intense and highly competitive. Minimums often start at the 70th percentile, but admitted students frequently score in the 80th or 90th percentile. Some ABSN programs do not publish a hard cutoff and instead rank applicants by TEAS score.
• LPN to RN or Paramedic to RN bridge programs: Requirements vary widely. Some bridge programs waive the TEAS entirely for applicants with current licenses, while others require a passing composite around the 55th to 65th percentile.
• Master's Entry or Direct-Entry MSN programs: These graduate-level programs often look for a composite of 75th percentile or higher, though some focus more on your prior degree GPA and prerequisite performance.

Keep in mind that meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. A program might list 60th percentile as the minimum, but the average admitted student might have a 75th percentile score. In practice, the minimum is simply the threshold below which your application will not be considered. The competitive score is what you actually need to be a strong candidate.

If you are exploring different nursing pathways, including associate degree options that can get you into the workforce faster, you might find it helpful to review a guide on what an associate degree in nursing involves before you commit to a TEAS target. That guide explains how ADN programs structure prerequisites and clinical hours, which can influence how much weight they place on standardized tests like the TEAS.

What Counts as a Good TEAS Score in 2026

The landscape of nursing admissions shifts slightly each year. In 2026, several trends are shaping what counts as a competitive TEAS score. First, more programs are moving to holistic review, which means they consider your life experience, work history, and personal statement alongside test scores. This does not mean the TEAS matters less; it means a mediocre score might be offset by strong grades or relevant healthcare experience, but a very low score can still disqualify you automatically.

Second, the rise of online and hybrid nursing prerequisites has changed how students prepare. Many applicants now take anatomy and physiology online before sitting for the TEAS, and some find that the lack of in-person lab time makes the science section more challenging. If you are considering online prerequisites, look for accredited programs that include virtual labs and strong student support. Resources like DegreesOnline.Education can help you compare accredited online options and understand how they prepare you for entrance exams.

Third, competition remains fierce. The nursing shortage has not reduced the number of applicants; if anything, more career changers are entering the field. As a result, the unofficial competitive score at many schools has crept upward. A score that would have earned you a spot five years ago might now put you on a waitlist. To be safe, aim for the 75th percentile or higher if you are applying to BSN or ABSN programs, and the 65th percentile or higher for ADN programs.

Here is a simple framework for setting your personal target based on your program type and the competitiveness of your target schools:

1. Research each school's published minimum. Write down the composite and any section minimums.
2. Find the average admitted student score if available. Many programs publish this in their admissions data or info sessions.
3. Add a buffer. If the average admitted score is 75th percentile, aim for 80th percentile to stand out.
4. Identify your weakest section. If a school requires a minimum science score, prioritize that section even if your composite is strong.
5. Set a retake threshold. Decide now what score would prompt you to retake the exam, and plan your study time accordingly.

This framework prevents the common mistake of aiming only for the minimum. It also helps you allocate study time where it will make the biggest difference in your application.

How to Improve Your TEAS Score If You Fall Short

Many students take the TEAS more than once. ATI allows retakes, but individual nursing programs set their own policies on how many attempts they accept and how long you must wait between attempts. Some schools take your highest composite score, while others average all attempts or only consider the most recent one. Before you retake, confirm your target program's policy so you do not accidentally hurt your application.

Improving your score starts with a diagnostic. Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and review every wrong answer. Identify whether your mistakes come from content gaps, careless errors, or time management. Most students find that the science section offers the biggest opportunity for improvement because it covers a defined body of knowledge: anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning. If you have not taken these courses recently, a structured review can raise your score significantly.

For math, focus on the skills you will actually use in nursing: ratios, proportions, unit conversions, and dosage calculations. These appear frequently on the TEAS and in clinical practice. For reading and English, practice active reading strategies and grammar rules, but do not neglect these sections entirely, as they are often the easiest places to pick up points.

Consider forming a study group or enrolling in a TEAS prep course if you struggle with self-directed study. Many community colleges offer affordable review sessions, and online platforms provide practice questions and video tutorials. The key is consistent practice over several weeks rather than cramming the night before.

Frequently Asked Questions About TEAS Scores

Can I get into nursing school with a 60th percentile TEAS score? Yes, but it depends on the program. Some ADN programs accept students at the 50th or 60th percentile, especially if other parts of the application are strong. Competitive BSN and ABSN programs typically require higher scores, so a 60th percentile might not be enough for those pathways.

Do all nursing schools require the TEAS? No. Some schools use the HESI A2, the Kaplan Nursing Admission Test, or no standardized test at all. Always check the specific requirements of each program you apply to. The TEAS is one of the most common, but it is not universal.

How long are TEAS scores valid? Most programs accept scores that are one to three years old. Some require scores from within the past two years. If your score is older than the program's window, you will need to retake the exam.

What is a good TEAS score for competitive programs? For highly competitive BSN and ABSN programs, aim for the 80th percentile or higher. For ADN programs, the 65th to 75th percentile is often competitive. The higher your score, the more options you will have.

Can I retake the TEAS if I do not pass? Yes, but check the program's policy on retakes. Some limit you to two or three attempts, and some require a waiting period. Plan your study time so you can do your best on the first or second attempt.

Understanding what is a passing TEAS score for nursing school ultimately comes down to doing your homework on each program's requirements and setting a target that makes you a competitive applicant, not just a minimally qualified one. The TEAS is a hurdle, but it is also an opportunity to demonstrate your readiness for the rigors of nursing education. With a clear target, a solid study plan, and a realistic understanding of the admissions landscape, you can approach the exam with confidence and move one step closer to your nursing career.