What Happens If You Fail the TEAS Exam? (2026 Guide)

If you have just heard that your TEAS score was not as high as you hoped, take a deep breath. A low grade is not a dead end; it’s really not for most students. The first step to making a clear, confident plan is to understand what happens if you fail the TEAS exam. The first thing to understand is that the TEAS is not a pass/fail exam.

No one score is defined as “failing. Each nursing program has its own cut-off score, so the score is only relevant in relation to the programs to which you are applying. Every day at take my TEAS exam, we are dealing with students who are in just this position. This guide will explain what it means when you get a low score, how to use retake rules, and what you can do now.

There’s No Universal “Failing” Score on the TEAS

Your ATI TEAS results are reported as Basic, Proficient, Advanced, or Exemplary. These provide you with an idea of where you stand, but they will not make or break your admission to nursing school or to your desired program. The minimum composite scores and, in some instances, per-section minimums are determined by each nursing program separately. If a score is below one school’s cutoff, it is safe to assume that it would be above another school’s cutoff.

This distinction matters. Failure to meet a national standard is not the same as failing a program’s threshold in the case of the TEAS. Do not assume that all schools have the same requirements for admission; see the published requirements for each school separately before making any conclusions about your prospects. For a full breakdown of what different score ranges mean in practice, the TEAS exam passing score guide: Minimum & good scores is a useful starting point.

What Actually Happens After a Low TEAS Score

If your score is lower than the minimum for a program, there are some realistic possibilities:

• This cycle may be subject to denial of your application. Others have set criteria (hard cutoffs); if you do not meet them, you cannot continue even if you have other qualifications.
• You might lose your competitive position. Many programs have a weighted points formula where GPA, prerequisite grades, and TEAS scores are combined. If you get a low TEAS score, it will lower your total points, but it will not automatically eliminate you.
• May be referred to a TEAS exam remediation plan. There are some programs that have a minimum score, and applicants who do not meet that score requirement will need to take formal remediation and then reapply.

None of these are permanent. Failure to pass the TEAS exam will impact this application period. It doesn’t end your nursing career. Students pass the TEAS, get better scores, and are accepted to the program in future cycles regularly.

Can You Retake the TEAS Exam?

Yes, and for the majority of students, retaking is the most direct route. So, if you are wondering “can you retake the TEAS exam,” the answer is yes; ATI and most programs permit retaking the exam, with some exceptions.

Most institutions have the following patterns:

• Allow for approximately 14 days between administration of ATI exams and approximately 30 days for many school-administered exams.
• One to three attempts over 12 months, and then after a further 12 months (usually one year), a further attempt may not be possible.

How many times can you retake the TEAS in total? There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each institution has its own policies and procedures, so please check with your program before making a schedule.

For a detailed breakdown of current retake policies, read:

• How many times can you take the TEAS exam? ATI retake policy explained
• Can I retake the TEAS exam? Policies & tips to improve

How a Low Score Affects Your Nursing School Application

A TEAS score too low for nursing school at one program doesn’t necessarily affect your standing everywhere. How schools use TEAS scores varies considerably:

• No application will be considered for hard cutoff programs if the score is below the minimum.
• Points-based programs incorporate your TEAS score into a weighted ranking formula. A lower score lowers your overall score but can still save you if you have other strong scores.

It is important to know how your target schools are using TEAS information before taking action. Some students discover programs they were not aware of when they applied for a more diverse list of programs.

For a program-by-program look at how requirements differ, TEAS passing scores: Understanding the requirements for different nursing programs provides helpful context.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Failing Score

Knowing what to do after failing the TEAS is more valuable than dwelling on the result. Here’s where to focus your energy:

1. Review your section-by-section score report. ATI offers a breakdown by content area. Determine which subject(s) Reading, Math, Science, or English dragged your composite score down the most.
2. Build a focused TEAS exam remediation plan. Rather than restarting from scratch, concentrate your study time on the specific areas where you lost the most points.
3. Consider structured support. If self-study is not enough to achieve your desired score, a specialist can make a difference, as they will. Take advantage of TEAS exam tutoring services based on your areas of weakness.
4. Confirm your retake window. Please check with the admissions office of your program directly for the exact wait period and any number of attempts before booking a next test date.
5. Track your preparation. If a program asks about your approach to preparation, keep a record of your practice scores and hours studying.

Alternative Paths If You’re Not Ready to Retake Right Away

Don’t give up on health care altogether if you need more time before you try the TEAS again. This time is used effectively by some students:

• Entry-level healthcare positions like medical assistant, pharmacy technician, or phlebotomist don’t require a TEAS score, and continue to give you valuable experience.
• Some community colleges provide foundation or bridge courses that can help strengthen the science and math skills that are often problematic for those taking the TEAS.
• There are admission requirements for LPN programs that differ in some cases, and these programs may be a stepping stone to becoming an RN later on.

Use the waiting period as preparation time, not lost time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there an official failing score on the TEAS exam?

No, the TEAS is not scored as pass/fail nationally; ATI reports a percentage and performance level, and each individual nursing program decides its own minimum acceptable score.

• How soon can I retake the TEAS after failing?

Wait periods vary by testing location and school, commonly around 14 days for ATI-administered exams and around 30 days for many school-administered exams, so always confirm the exact policy with your specific program.

• How many times can I retake the TEAS exam?

Most schools allow one to three attempts within a 12-month period, after which a longer waiting period, often a year, may apply before another attempt; policies vary significantly by institution.

• Will a low TEAS score permanently disqualify me from nursing school?

No, it typically only affects your current application cycle; many students retake the exam after focused remediation and successfully gain admission in a later cycle.

• What should I do first after failing the TEAS?

Review your section-by-section score report to identify your weakest content areas, then build a focused study or tutoring plan around those specific gaps before your next attempt.

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Conclusion

The TEAS score is not a judgment. Students who take a systematic, targeted approach to remediation will make a significant improvement on their retake. The secret is knowing where you got your points and focusing your preparation in those areas before taking another shot at the challenge.

Look at Success stories: How students improved their TEAS score to see how others in similar situations made it work.

If you’d prefer hands-on support for your next go, check out our pay someone to take my exam options or Contact Us directly and discuss the best course of action for your situation.