The TEAS test (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a standardized exam taken by students who have an interest in attending nursing (or a dental hygienist) program in the United States. Learn everything you need to know about TEAS scores in this article.
What is a good TEAS score? Many students ask this question before heading into their exam. Some schools require a certain composite score while others require a minimum score in each content area.
We will be reviewing all things TEAS score related including the average TEAS score, passing TEAS score, how the TEAS test is scored, how long it takes to get your TEAS results, and more.
Summary: Learn about TEAS scores and what score you should be shooting for. For help with studying, use our TEAS practice tests.
TEAS Scores
The exam is scored on a scale from 0% to 100%. Students will receive the following on their TEAS score report:
- Total TEAS Score: This is the score weighed for every section of the test.
- Content Area Score: These will be individual scores for each section of the TEAS test.
- Sub-Content Area Score: These are broken down even further to provide scores for every sub category.
It’s important to note that the total score is not the average of all 4 sections. The score is weighed and will be calculated differently for each individual.
Note: The total and content area scores are equated which means they are adjusted to account for differences among the different test versions.
Because these scores are "equated", you can not calculate the total and content area scores from any scores on your score report (e.g., your total score is not an average of your four content area scores).
You can review our guide on how to study for the TEAS if you want help.
Our Recommended TEAS Prep Course
If you are serious about passing your TEAS test, try our recommended TEAS Prep Course
TEAS Score Range
The below table outlines various TEAS score ranges and what they mean. These are set by ATI and called "ATI Academic Preparedness Level."
| Academic Preparedness Level | Definition | Score Range |
| Developmental | Developmental scores generally indicate a very low level of overall academic preparedness necessary to support learning of health sciences-related content. Students at this level will require additional preparation. | 0.0% to 40.0% |
| Basic | Basic scores generally indicate a low level of overall academic preparedness necessary to support learning of health sciences-related content. Students at this level are likely to require additional preparation. | 40.7% to 58.0% |
| Proficient | Proficient scores generally indicate a moderate level of overall academic preparedness necessary to support learning of health sciences-related content. Students at this level can require additional preparation. | 58.7% to 79.3% |
| Advanced | Advanced scores generally indicate a high level of overall academic preparedness necessary to support learning of health sciences-related content. Students at this level are not likely to require additional preparation. | 80.0% to 91.3% |
| Exemplary | Exemplary scores generally indicate a very high level of overall academic preparedness necessary to support learning of health sciences-related content. Students at this level are not likely to require additional preparation. | 92.0% to 100.0% |
Average TEAS Score
The average TEAS score will vary for different nursing programs and schools. However, the average TEAS score tends to be between 65% and 75%. This would be classified in the “proficient” TEAS score range (reference the table above).
Keep in mind, this average TEAS score is a national average score. This will vary depending on your program. So, this leaves us asking the question, what is a good TEAS score?
What is a Good TEAS Score?
In very simple terms, a good TEAS score is any score that gets you into your nursing school or program. Every school will have their own minimum TEAS score for acceptance. Some schools may require specific minimum scores in each content area while other schools may not even have a specific minimum score.
It is important to check with your specific school to see if they release their TEAS scoring requirements.
What is a Good TEAS Score: Any score that gets you into your nursing program. Typically, this score should be above 70%. Any TEAS score over 80% would be considered advanced or exemplary.
You can read our guide on the TEAS exam difficulty for more information.
If you want a top score, use our ATI TEAS practice test to prepare.
What is a Passing TEAS Score?
As with a good TEAS score, this will vary from school to school. Although each school’s admission criteria are likely to differ, most schools set the minimum TEAS score around 70%. This could be a composite TEAS score or a minimum score requirement for each subject.
Typically, schools will lean their minimum passing score on the lower end of 70%. Students should try to score as high as possible as a higher score will make you a more desirable candidate a nursing program. If you want to ensure you pass your exam, consider using our #1 recommended TEAS prep.
How is the TEAS Test Scored?
Questions on the exam are given a wide range of point values that are used in a process known as equating. This scoring system randomly gives more weight to certain questions.
Students have no way of knowing how each question is weighed. So just take the test with the mindset of every question being equal.
Out of the 170 total questions found on the TEAS exam, only 150 of them are scored. 20 random questions are used for internal purposes and have no weight on the score. Students will not know which 20 questions are not scored.
Students receive a grading report that shows the percentage of questions that were answered correctly in each section. Furthermore, this report will also detail areas where the student should invest in further studies.
TEAS Score Report Example
Source: (click on image to enlarge)
National Mean Score
The National Mean Score is a score taken from students around the country and then compared against the score of the individual taking the test.
Program Mean Score
The Program Mean Score is similar to the National Mean Score in that both are calculated based on a random sampling of national test scores. The Program Mean Score is the average total score of all test takers in a specific program type (e.g., BSN Programs).
National Percentile Rank
One’s National Percentile Rank is, once again, calculated based on a sampling of students that represent various health science disciplines. The National Percentile Rank – which will fall between one and 99 - reflects the percentage of students earning a score at (or below) the test-taker’s score.
The National Percentile Ranks are reported for each test-taker’s total score and the four content section scores.
Program Percentile Rank
Similar to the above-noted percentile ranks, the Program Percentile Rank is calculated based on a sampling of students. Note though, the sampling of students is from the same health science discipline as you. The Program Percentile Rank reflects the percentage of students earning a score at (or below) the test-taker’s score.
How Long Does it Take to Get TEAS Results?
If you take the TEAS test electronically, you will receive your score report immediately. If you take the exam via paper and pencil, you will have your TEAS score within 48 hours.
Students may prefer to take the exam electronically as this will allow them to receive their TEAS scores right away.
TEAS Scores FAQs
Is an 80 on the TEAS good?
How do I pass my TEAS exam?
However you decide to study, it is important that you put in the time and really focus on your studies for this exam.
How do I read my TEAS test results?
You will also see percentage scores for each of the 4 TEAS subjects. If your nursing program has a minimum score for each subject these will be important for you to view as well.
