TEAS 7 Passing Score: What Nursing Schools Require in 2026

Wondering what TEAS 7 score you need to get into nursing school? You’re not alone. Whether you’re taking the exam for the first time or trying to improve your previous score, knowing what counts as a good result can make your preparation much easier.

Here’s something that might surprise you: There is no universal TEAS 7 passing score.

Unlike exams with one official passing requirement, the ATI TEAS 7 is used by nursing and allied health programs to assess academic readiness. Each school determines the minimum score it will accept.

That means a 70% score could qualify you for one nursing program but fall short of another’s requirements.

So, what should you aim for?

In this guide, we’ll explain TEAS 7 scoring, official score ranges, real nursing school admission requirements, and how to set a realistic goal. You’ll also learn practical ways to improve your score before submitting your nursing school application.

Let’s find out what score you really need.

What Is the Passing Score for the TEAS 7?

The TEAS 7 passing score depends on the nursing school or healthcare program you’re applying to.

According to ATI’s official TEAS scoring guidance, each institution establishes its own score requirements.

Some nursing programs accept scores in the 60s, while others require 70%, 80%, or even higher for certain admission pathways.

For example, a student with a 72% TEAS score might meet the minimum requirement for one program but need a higher score to qualify for a more selective application pathway.

It’s also important to understand the difference between meeting the minimum score and being accepted into nursing school.

A passing or qualifying score doesn’t automatically guarantee admission. Schools may also consider your GPA, prerequisite courses, application materials, and available program seats.

The takeaway: Instead of asking, “What’s the passing score for the TEAS 7?” ask, “What TEAS score does my nursing program require?”

That small change can make a big difference in how you prepare.

What Is a Good TEAS 7 Score for Nursing School?

A good TEAS 7 score is one that meets or exceeds your target nursing program’s requirements.

However, ATI also uses official Academic Preparedness Levels to help students understand their performance.

TEAS 7 score ranges explained

ATI divides TEAS 7 scores into five academic preparedness categories.

Academic Preparedness Level	TEAS 7 Score Range
Developmental	0.0%–40.0%
Basic	40.7%–58.0%
Proficient	58.7%–79.3%
Advanced	80.0%–91.3%
Exemplary	92.0%–100.0%

Source: ATI TEAS Version 7 Sample Score Report.

What do these TEAS score levels mean?

Developmental (0.0%–40.0%)

Students in this category generally need significant additional preparation before entering demanding healthcare-related academic programs.

Basic (40.7%–58.0%)

This level indicates some foundational knowledge, but students may need considerable improvement in the academic skills assessed by the exam.

Proficient (58.7%–79.3%)

A Proficient score indicates moderate academic preparedness. Many nursing programs consider applicants in this category, although individual admission requirements vary.

Advanced (80.0%–91.3%)

An Advanced score indicates a high level of academic preparedness. Students in this range demonstrate strong performance across the skills measured by the TEAS.

Exemplary (92.0%–100.0%)

This is ATI’s highest academic preparedness classification and reflects very strong overall exam performance.

Remember, these categories describe academic preparedness. They are not universal nursing school admission standards.

Is 70% a good TEAS score?

Yes, a 70% TEAS 7 score falls within ATI’s Proficient category.

It may be sufficient for nursing programs that require a minimum score of 70% or lower.

However, that doesn’t mean every nursing school will accept it.

If your preferred program requires 80% or higher, you’ll need to prepare for a higher target.

Is 80% a good TEAS score?

An 80% score is classified as Advanced by ATI.

This indicates strong academic preparedness and satisfies the overall score requirement of many programs.

However, a strong TEAS score alone doesn’t guarantee acceptance into a competitive nursing program.

TEAS 7 Score Requirements: Real Nursing School Examples

One of the best ways to understand TEAS passing scores is to look at actual admission requirements.

Here are examples from nursing programs in the United States.

Nursing School	Published Minimum TEAS Score
Johnson County Community College — Registered Nursing	66% overall
Washington State University — Prelicensure BSN	70%
Texas State University — Fall 2027 General Admission	70%
Texas State University — Fall 2027 Priority Admission	85%

Sources: Johnson County Community College, Washington State University, and Texas State University. Requirements reviewed November 2026.

Notice the difference?

A student with a 75% score would meet the published overall minimum for Johnson County Community College, Washington State University, and Texas State University’s general admission pathway.

However, the same score would fall below the 85% requirement for Texas State’s Fall 2027 priority admission pathway.

Texas State also specifies different requirements depending on the admission pathway and application period.

This illustrates why checking the requirements for your exact nursing program and application cycle is essential.

Important: Nursing schools may change their admission requirements. Always verify the latest information directly with the institution before registering for the exam.

How Is the ATI TEAS 7 Scored?

Understanding how TEAS scoring works can help you interpret your results and identify areas for improvement.

The ATI TEAS Version 7 includes 170 questions, but only 150 questions count toward your score.

The remaining 20 are unscored pretest questions used to evaluate potential questions for future exams.

You won’t know which questions are scored, so it’s important to treat every question seriously.

TEAS 7 exam sections and timing

Exam Section	Total Questions	Scored Questions	Time Limit
Reading	45	39	55 minutes
Mathematics	38	34	57 minutes
Science	50	44	60 minutes
English and Language Usage	37	33	37 minutes
Total	170	150	209 minutes

Source: ATI TEAS Official Exam Details.

You’ll have 3 hours and 29 minutes of testing time, divided into separately timed sections.

Each section focuses on skills important for nursing and allied health education.

Reading: Tests comprehension, main ideas, supporting details, and interpreting written information.

Mathematics: Covers numbers, algebra, measurements, and data interpretation.

Science: Evaluates anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.

English and Language Usage: Tests grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and effective written communication.

Is your TEAS score simply the percentage of questions you got right?

Not exactly.

ATI uses a statistical process called equating to adjust total and content-area scores for differences in difficulty between exam forms.

This means your official score is not necessarily identical to your raw percentage of correct answers.

You also cannot calculate your official total TEAS score by simply averaging the four section scores.

For a complete explanation, visit ATI’s official scoring guide.

How to Understand Your TEAS 7 Score Report

After taking the TEAS, you’ll receive an Individual Performance Profile through your ATI account.

This report provides more than just your overall score.

It can also help you identify where to focus your preparation if you plan to retake the exam.

1. Adjusted individual total score

This is your overall TEAS performance score.

It is one of the main measurements nursing schools may use when determining whether you meet their admission requirements.

2. Content-area scores

Your report includes separate scores for Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage.

These scores help you understand which subjects are your strongest and which may need more attention.

For example, you might receive a strong Reading score but a lower Science score.

Instead of reviewing everything equally, you can spend more study time on the Science topics that are causing difficulty.

3. Academic Preparedness Level

This classification places your overall performance into one of ATI’s five preparedness categories.

It gives you a general indication of academic readiness, but your school’s own requirements still determine whether your score qualifies.

4. Percentile rankings

Your percentile ranking compares your score with the performance of other test takers in the relevant reference group.

For example, a national percentile rank of 75 means your score was at or above the scores of approximately 75% of the national comparison group.

It does not mean you answered 75% of the questions correctly.

5. Topics to Review

This may be one of the most valuable parts of your report.

ATI identifies specific learning objectives related to questions you missed.

Instead of telling yourself, “I need to get better at Science,” you can identify the particular concepts that deserve additional review.

Learn more about the report through ATI’s Individual Performance Profile guide.

How to Find Your Nursing School’s Required TEAS Score

Before creating your study plan, make sure you know the actual score you need.

Here’s a simple process.

Step 1: Visit your nursing school’s official website

Search for the nursing program’s admission requirements.

Look for information about the ATI TEAS or entrance examination requirements.

Make sure the details apply to your intended degree program and admission cycle.

Step 2: Check both overall and individual section requirements

Some schools evaluate the overall TEAS score, while others establish additional minimum scores for individual subjects.

For example, a school could require a minimum overall score and a separate Science score.

Even if your total score meets the requirement, a lower individual section score could affect eligibility.

Step 3: Review retake and score submission policies

Check whether your school limits the number of TEAS attempts, requires a waiting period, or accepts scores only from certain testing locations.

Also verify how long your scores remain valid and when official transcripts must be submitted.

Step 4: Set your personal target score

Once you’ve identified the minimum requirement, decide what score you want to aim for.

You may choose a personal target above the required minimum to give yourself a little breathing room.

For example, if your school requires 70%, you might set a target of 75% or 80%.

This isn’t a guarantee of admission. It’s simply a way to guide your preparation.

Your TEAS admission score planner

Use this worksheet to compare the programs you’re considering.

Nursing Program	Minimum Score	Section Requirements	Your Target
School A	____	____	____
School B	____	____	____
School C	____	____	____

Don’t forget to record each school’s testing deadlines, accepted exam formats, and retake policies separately.

What If Your TEAS Score Is Below Your Nursing School’s Requirement?

First, don’t assume your nursing school plans are over.

A lower-than-expected score tells you where you currently stand. It doesn’t determine what you’re capable of learning.

The important thing is to use your results to make a better preparation plan.

Example: Turning a 68% score into a study goal

Imagine you’re applying to a nursing program requiring a minimum overall TEAS score of 70%.

Your latest official score is 68%.

You’re close, but you haven’t met the requirement.

Rather than retaking the exam immediately without changing your preparation approach, you review your score report.

You discover that Mathematics and Science need the most improvement.

Now you have a clearer strategy:

• Review the specific math concepts you missed.
• Spend additional study time on anatomy and physiology.
• Practice questions regularly and review explanations.
• Introduce timed practice sessions to strengthen pacing.
• Check your program’s retake policy before scheduling another attempt.

You decide to aim for 75% on your next attempt.

That personal goal gives you a direction, while your performance data tells you what to study.

This is a hypothetical educational example, not a prediction of score improvement.

5 Practical Ways to Improve Your TEAS 7 Score

You don’t need to spend every waking hour studying for the TEAS.

You need a preparation routine that helps you identify weaknesses, understand difficult concepts, and practice consistently.

1. Start with a TEAS 7 practice assessment

Before diving into study materials, take a practice assessment to evaluate your current skills.

This provides a starting point and helps you avoid spending unnecessary time on topics you already understand.

If you’re performing well in Reading but struggling with Mathematics, adjust your schedule accordingly.

2. Focus on your weakest subjects first

It’s tempting to spend most of your time studying topics you enjoy.

Unfortunately, those aren’t always the subjects that need the most attention.

Use your practice results to identify your weakest areas.

For example:

Subject	Topics to Practice
Reading	Main ideas, inferences, supporting details
Mathematics	Fractions, ratios, percentages, conversions
Science	Anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry
English	Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure

Reviewing weak topics consistently can help you strengthen the foundational skills measured by the exam.

For more preparation ideas, explore our ATI TEAS 7 exam study guide.

3. Practice questions instead of only rereading notes

Reading textbooks and reviewing notes can help you understand the material.

But practicing questions gives you an opportunity to apply that knowledge.

For every question you miss, review the explanation.

Ask yourself:

• Why was my answer incorrect?
• What made the correct answer better?
• Which concept do I need to review?
• Could I answer a similar question without looking at my notes?

This turns mistakes into useful learning opportunities.

4. Practice under timed conditions

The TEAS 7 has separate time limits for each section.

That means you need to manage both accuracy and pacing.

Start with untimed practice while you’re still learning the material. Then gradually introduce timed question sets.

Remember that unused time from one section does not transfer to another.

You can also review how difficult the ATI TEAS 7 really is to better understand the exam’s challenges.

5. Study consistently and track your progress

Instead of cramming everything into one exhausting weekend, build a routine you can maintain.

Here’s an example of a simple weekly schedule.

Day	Suggested Study Focus
Monday	Mathematics review and practice questions
Tuesday	Science: Anatomy and physiology
Wednesday	Reading comprehension
Thursday	Science: Biology and chemistry
Friday	English and Language Usage
Saturday	Timed practice and review of incorrect answers
Sunday	Rest or light review

Adjust the schedule based on your available time and strongest or weakest subjects.

The goal is to make your study sessions purposeful—not just longer.

Common TEAS 7 Scoring Mistakes to Avoid

Even students who prepare well can misunderstand how TEAS scores work.

Here are some mistakes worth avoiding.

Mistake #1: Assuming every nursing school requires 70%

There is no universal minimum.

Check the requirements published by your target school instead of relying on a general percentage you found online.

Mistake #2: Confusing Proficient with guaranteed admission

ATI’s Proficient category indicates moderate academic preparedness.

It does not mean every nursing program must accept your score.

Mistake #3: Focusing only on your overall score

If your school has individual section requirements, make sure you meet those too.

Mistake #4: Retaking the exam without reviewing mistakes

Taking another exam without understanding what went wrong may leave important weaknesses unaddressed.

Review your performance and make targeted improvements before retesting.

Mistake #5: Forgetting about admission deadlines

Even a qualifying TEAS score may not help if you miss your school’s required submission deadline.

Always verify when your official results must be received and allow time for score processing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the TEAS 7 Passing Score

What is the minimum passing score for the TEAS 7?

There is no universal minimum passing score for the ATI TEAS 7. Each nursing or allied health program establishes its own admission requirements.

Some programs accept scores in the 60s, while others require higher results.

Is 60% a passing score on the TEAS 7?

A 60% TEAS score falls within ATI’s Proficient academic preparedness category.

However, whether it meets an admission requirement depends on the school.

Can I get into nursing school with a 70% TEAS score?

Yes, a 70% TEAS score meets the published overall minimum at some nursing programs, including Washington State University’s prelicensure BSN program.

However, meeting the minimum score does not guarantee admission.

Is 75% a good TEAS 7 score?

A 75% score falls within ATI’s Proficient category.

It may meet the minimum requirement at many programs, but more selective programs or admission pathways may require higher scores.

Is 80% a good TEAS 7 score?

Yes. ATI classifies an 80% score as Advanced, indicating a high level of academic preparedness.

Admission eligibility still depends on the school and its application requirements.

What is the highest TEAS 7 score?

The maximum possible TEAS 7 total score is 100%.

ATI’s highest academic preparedness category, Exemplary, begins at 92.0%.

Does ATI curve the TEAS 7 exam?

ATI uses equating to adjust scores for differences in difficulty among exam forms.

This is not the same as a traditional classroom grading curve, and it does not establish a nationwide passing percentage.

Can I retake the TEAS 7 if I don’t meet my school’s minimum?

Yes, retaking the exam is generally possible.

However, individual nursing programs may have rules about the number of attempts, waiting periods, and which scores they accept.

Check your school’s requirements before registering again.

How long are TEAS scores valid?

ATI notes that TEAS scores are commonly accepted for approximately two years, but individual schools determine their own validity periods.

Some institutions accept scores for shorter or longer periods, so always confirm the rule with your intended program.

Final Thoughts: Aim for the TEAS Score Your Nursing School Requires

Preparing for nursing school comes with plenty of questions, and your TEAS score is an important part of the process.

But here’s what you should remember:

You don’t need to chase someone else’s idea of a perfect TEAS score. You need a realistic target based on your nursing school’s requirements.

Start by confirming the minimum score for your program. Understand how the ATI TEAS 7 is scored. Identify your strongest and weakest subjects, then build a preparation routine that helps you improve where it matters most.

And remember, one practice test or disappointing score doesn’t define your future in nursing.

What matters is how you use that information to prepare more effectively.

Ready to Work Toward Your TEAS 7 Goal?

Knowing your target score is the first step. Preparing for it is the next.

EZ Test Prep makes ATI TEAS 7 preparation more manageable with practice questions, detailed answer explanations, personalized quizzes, timed practice exams, and progress tracking.

Whether you need to strengthen your Science knowledge, improve your Math skills, or practice answering questions under time pressure, you can build your preparation around the areas that need attention.

Explore EZ Test Prep’s ATI TEAS 7 practice questions and study tools and start with the available free practice questions.

Study smarter, track your progress, and work toward the score your nursing school requires.

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Exam information and school admission examples verified November 3, 2026. Nursing program requirements may change. Always confirm the latest policies with your intended institution. EZ Test Prep is an independent preparation provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ATI.