What Score Do You Need to Pass the TEAS Exam? Minimum Score Requirements Explained (2026 Guide)

The question that many nursing candidates are eager to receive the answer to is What score do you need to pass the TEAS exam? The easy step-out is that ATI, the organization that administers the test, does not establish a universal passing level. Rather, the minimum score requirement is set by each nursing school to enroll in the school.

The majority of the programs require a composite score of 60-70 to gain admission. Nevertheless, the 2026 nursing programs’ competitive admission cycle commonly anticipates scores of above 75 or even 80%. That is, a score may have met the minimum requirement technically, but still not be competitive in selective schools.

To understand what score you need to pass the TEAS exam, knowledge of the scoring system can enable you to have achievable preparation objectives. It is also useful to begin with understanding the exam format in order to know how the test is set and graded before getting down to targeting scores.

Is There a Universal TEAS Exam Passing Score?

The TEAS exam passing score is not universal across all the schools of nursing schools. ATI merely gives the exam scores, and up to each school, it determines whether a score qualifies in its admission criteria.

This system is referred to as school-specific scoring. To take some cases, a TEAS exam passing score of 65% would be reasonable in certain community college ADN programs but would be deemed too low in competitive university BSN programs.

Due to this difference, students are always advised to be careful to ensure that they meet the minimum TEAS score requirements at the particular school of attendance. This information is most likely to be located in the admission guide of the program or on the official site.

To have a clearer idea about the differences in schools, the students should consider the passing score requirements for different programs before determining the target score.

Understanding ATI Academic Preparedness Levels (2026)

The TEAS test scores in performance categories called ATI Academic Preparedness Levels are used instead of the pass-fail system. These scales assist the schools in determining the preparedness of a student for nursing education.

The ATI Academic Preparedness Levels are generally categorized in the following way:

• Developmental (Below 41.3%) – Before joining a nursing program, there is a significant improvement required.
• Basic (41.3% – 58.6%) – May will be satisfactory to some LPN programs, but generally too low for RN programs.
• Proficient (58.7 percent – 77.9 percent) – A proficient TEAS score is the standard requirement of most ADN programs.
• Advanced (78.0 percent -90.6 percent) – A very competitive range, as would be anticipated of BSN programs.
• Exemplary (90.7% and more) – Students who do well nationally.

The knowledge of these levels makes it possible to determine whether the applicant has a competitive score. Official preparation guides or the ATI official score explanation will also help students to have more knowledge on the way the exam is scored and timed.

What is a Good TEAS Score for Nursing School? (ADN vs. BSN)

The ability of a good TEAS score for nursing school is heavily dependent on the kind of program you are applying to.

ADN Programs

The entry requirements are slightly less in Association Degree in Nursing programs. Other areas of the application should be robust, as many ADN programs will take those students with a TEAS score of 60-65.

BSN Programs

The BSN programs are more competitive. Most universities have their candidates attaining 75% or more, whereas most leading schools favor a score of 80% or more good TEAS score for nursing school.

This shows the distinction between a competitive score and a minimum score. There is a minimum score which lets you apply and there is the competitive score which increases your chances of being accepted.

Knowing the ADN vs BSN TEAS requirements and going through the list of the best top universities that accept the TEAS can assist in making the choice of the desirable score.

National Average TEAS Score vs. Competitive Score

The students can use the average TEAS score 2026 to analyze their performance. The national average TEAS score is approximately 65% to 66%.

That is, the score of 66% will put a student at the center of the national performance range. Nonetheless, it is not possible to be average and competitive programs.

In order to have a higher admission probability, several advisors suggest targeting above the average TEAS score of 2026, preferably 70% to 80% or more. The score of the national average and above proves the high level of preparation and academic preparedness.

Students who want to achieve this level must work on strategies for success and establish ways of passing the exams before the test.

Do You Need to Pass Every Section? (The “Hidden” Cutoffs)

A large number of applicants emphasize the total point, although some nursing schools also consider the TEAS section scores on a case-by-case basis.

The test will consist of four parts:

• Reading
• Mathematics
• Science
• English and Language Usage

There are some programs that take into account the composite score only. But other ones demand minimum scores in particular sections.

As an example, a school may have a minimum TEAS reading score requirement of 60% and a minimum TEAS science score requirement of 60%.

In this case, a student who has a good overall score may be rejected if one of the sections is below the requirement.

Learners can have a better grasp of how it is scored by taking a preview of the breakdown of TEAS exam sections and how to succeed in passing the TEAS science section.

What to Do If Your Score Is Below the Minimum Requirement

A Low TEAS score is frustrating, yet it does not imply that you cannot achieve your nursing objectives. Most students can do better after additional preparation.

The three alternatives include:

• Retake the exam – Most schools allow applicants to retake the TEAS, although the policy differs.
• Enroll in less competitive programs or LPN – Other students enroll in less competitive programs or LPN and later progress to higher programs.
• Apply specific review instruments – ATI has offered a Focused Review, which takes note of the weak areas, to enable the student to improve their TEAS score next time.

The ATI retake policy explained should be reviewed too when students are deciding about the second attempt.

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FAQs

Is 65 a good score on the TEAS?

Many people will pose a question: Is 65 a good score on the TEAS? An average score of 65 will be considered average and will normally be grouped under Proficient. It can be agreeable to the ADN programs but also not so competent to the BSN programs.

What is the highest possible TEAS score?

The highest TEAS score is 100%, but scores above 90% is quite rare.

Does a higher TEAS score guarantee admission?

No. GPA, prerequisites, and other application considerations are also considered by nursing schools. A good TEAS score, however, goes a long way in supporting your application. Students who are interested in exam trends can also look at the discussion of Is the TEAS getting harder?

Conclusion

What score you need to pass the TEAS exam is a question will be answered depending on the nursing program that you are intending to attend. Most schools have a range of scores, which are between 60 and 70, whereas competitive programs may require scores of 75 and above.

Whenever you want to increase your chances of acceptance, you need to strive to achieve the Advanced performance range (approximately 78% and above). Above all, make sure to research the official admission requirements of your target school and build a study plan to hit your target score prior to the exam.