If you’re applying to nursing school, the TEAS test is probably the first real hurdle on your list. Most programs require it, scores vary by program type, and a low result can close doors even if your GPA is strong. This guide covers everything a nursing applicant needs to decide: which programs your expected score qualifies you for, how much prep time you realistically need, and whether a retake is worth pursuing.
ATI TEAS 7 — section breakdown
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Science | 50 | 60 min |
| Reading | 45 | 55 min |
| Mathematics | 38 | 57 min |
| English & Language Usage | 37 | 37 min |
| Total | 170 | 209 min |
Each section includes 4 unscored pretest questions, so the questions you’re scored on total 154 across the four sections. Total session time is 3 hours 29 minutes, including a 10-minute optional break.
What is the ATI TEAS 7?
The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a standardized admissions exam developed by ATI Nursing Education. It measures foundational academic skills in the areas most relevant to nursing education: science, reading, math, and English.
“TEAS 7” refers to the seventh edition, which has been the current version since 2022. Some programs still refer to it simply as the “TEAS test” — they mean the same thing.
Programs require it because nursing school moves fast. Anatomy, pharmacology, and pathophysiology all build on foundational science and reading comprehension skills. The TEAS functions as a standardized screen that programs use alongside GPA, prerequisites, and letters of recommendation to predict who is prepared for that pace.
You take the TEAS after completing your nursing school prerequisites and before submitting your application — typically three to twelve months before your intended start date. Check each program’s specific application timeline, as some require the score before your application is considered complete and others accept it as a late add-on.
TEAS score requirements by program type
Your TEAS score is reported as a percentage called the Adjusted Individual Total Score (AITS). It is not a raw number of correct answers — it’s a scaled score from 0 to 100%.
ATI classifies scores into four Academic Preparedness Levels:
| Level | Score range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental | Below 41.3% | Requires significant remediation before nursing school |
| Basic | 41.3–57.9% | Below most programs’ minimum |
| Proficient | 58.0–79.6% | Meets minimum for most programs |
| Advanced | 79.7–100% | Competitive at selective programs |
The national mean AITS is approximately 65–68% based on ATI’s 2023 norming data. Scoring above 70% puts you above the majority of test-takers.
Here’s how requirements break down by program type:
| Program type | Typical minimum | Competitive score | Highly competitive |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN (vocational/community college) | 50–58% | 60%+ | 65%+ |
| ADN (community college RN) | 58–65% | 68–72% | 75%+ |
| BSN (four-year university) | 65–75% | 72–78% | 80%+ |
| ABSN / direct-entry (competitive private) | 70–78% | 78–82% | 85%+ |
These are generalizations. Individual programs set their own cutoffs and some weigh sections differently — a program focused on critical care may weight Science and Reading above the composite. Before applying, look up the exact minimum for every school on your list.
A few patterns worth knowing as you decide where to apply:
Community college ADN programs typically have the most accessible minimums, often in the 58–65% range. They’re also volume-limited — admissions are competitive among a large applicant pool, so a Proficient score gets you in the door but a higher score improves your rank. For more on how TEAS fits into the full ADN admissions picture, see our degree guide.
BSN programs at state universities commonly require 65–70% and place the TEAS alongside GPA in a weighted points system. Private or selective programs often require 75%+ and may screen out applicants below threshold before reviewing the rest of the application.
Accelerated BSN programs for career changers tend to have the highest minimums because they compress a four-year curriculum into 12–18 months. If you’re on this path, plan for a 75%+ target before submitting applications. Read more in our guide to how to get into nursing school.
If you’re also managing a below-average GPA, score becomes even more important as a compensating factor. Our guide to nursing schools with low GPA requirements covers how programs weigh the two.
What’s on the TEAS 7?
Science (50 questions, 60 minutes)
Science is the largest section and the one most applicants find hardest. ATI’s published test plan breaks it into:
- Human anatomy and physiology (26% of the Science section) — body systems, cell structure, homeostasis, and basic organ function. This is heavily tested and directly tied to nursing content.
- Biology (9%) — cell biology, genetics, biological molecules
- Chemistry (8%) — atomic structure, chemical reactions, solutions, and acids/bases at an introductory level
- Scientific reasoning (7%) — interpreting data, reading graphs, experimental design
If you have recent A&P on your transcript, it will carry you through the anatomy portion. Chemistry is where most non-science backgrounds struggle most — budget extra prep time here.
Reading (45 questions, 55 minutes)
Reading tests your ability to extract information from passages you haven’t seen before. Topics include:
- Key ideas and details (identifying main idea, supporting detail, inference)
- Craft and structure (author’s purpose, text structure, vocabulary in context)
- Integration of knowledge (comparing sources, evaluating arguments)
Most passages are dense and informational — think healthcare policy summaries, research abstracts, and procedure descriptions. Speed and accuracy matter equally here.
Mathematics (38 questions, 57 minutes)
Math is calculator-active: ATI provides an on-screen four-function calculator. Topics include:
- Numbers and algebra (fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, basic algebra)
- Measurement and data (unit conversion, dosage calculations, interpreting tables and graphs)
Nursing math — unit conversions, dosage calculations, medication drip rates — maps closely to this section. If you’ve been away from math for several years, fractions and proportions need deliberate review before test day.
English & Language Usage (37 questions, 37 minutes)
English is the shortest section with the least time per question. It covers:
- Conventions of standard English (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure)
- Knowledge of language (word choice, style, clarity)
- Vocabulary (prefixes, suffixes, context clues — not memorized word lists)
This section has the highest variance among test-takers. Strong writers can score 80%+ without dedicated prep; others find it unexpectedly hard because the grammar rules are specific and tested at a college level.
How long should you study for the TEAS?
There is no single answer, but your existing science background is the most reliable predictor of prep time needed. Use this as a planning framework:
Nursing student or recent science graduate (4–8 weeks) You completed A&P, Microbiology, and Chemistry within the past five years. Your foundation is intact. Focus prep on refreshing Chemistry and Math, learning the test format, and taking timed practice tests. Four to six weeks of consistent, targeted study (one to two hours per day) is usually enough to reach 70%+.
Career changer with science background (6–10 weeks) You have a science-adjacent degree or completed science prerequisites more than five years ago. The knowledge is there but needs rebuilding. Plan for eight weeks minimum, focusing on Science first, then Math. Add two weeks if you’re targeting an ABSN program that requires 75%+.
Career changer without science background (10–14 weeks) You’re coming from a non-science field with little recent biology, chemistry, or math. The TEAS is achievable, but you’re essentially learning the science content while also learning the test. Budget 10–14 weeks and expect the Science and Math sections to require the most hours. Starting with Khan Academy for Biology and Chemistry before layering in TEAS-specific prep is the most efficient path.
Regardless of your background, take a full-length diagnostic practice test in the first week. Your actual baseline score will tell you more than any estimate.
Best TEAS study resources
ATI official study materials (most important)
ATI’s own prep products — the ATI TEAS Study Manual and ATI TEAS SmartPrep — are the most accurate to the real test because ATI writes both. The question style, passage complexity, and section structure on official practice tests match what you’ll see on test day more closely than any third-party resource. If you only buy one resource, buy this one.
ATI also sells two full-length online practice tests (Form A and Form B) for around $40 each. These are worth purchasing for realistic scoring benchmarks, not just question exposure.
Mometrix TEAS 7 Secrets Study Guide (strategy and structure)
Mometrix covers all four sections with clear explanations and practice questions. Where it earns its place is in test-taking strategy — time management, process of elimination, how to approach dense reading passages. Many test-takers use Mometrix alongside ATI’s official materials: ATI for content accuracy, Mometrix for strategy layer.
Trivium TEAS Study Guide
A budget-friendly alternative to Mometrix with similar scope. Useful if cost is a constraint and you want printed practice questions beyond what ATI provides.
Khan Academy (targeted gap-filling)
Free, structured, and excellent for building up weak foundations in Chemistry, Biology, and Math. If you’re struggling with a specific Science or Math topic after a few weeks of TEAS prep, Khan Academy’s unit on that topic is often the fastest path to understanding it from the ground up — faster than re-reading a TEAS study guide chapter.
What to skip
Social media TEAS prep accounts vary enormously in accuracy. Some have incorrect Science content that reflects older test versions. Stick to verified sources for content learning; social media is fine for motivation and general tips.
Can you retake the TEAS?
Yes. ATI’s policy allows retakes after a 30-day waiting period, with no cap on the total number of retakes you can take.
However, nursing programs often impose their own restrictions:
- Most programs allow 2–3 TEAS attempts per application cycle
- Some programs only count the most recent score (not the highest), which matters if you underperform on a retake
- Some programs reset attempt counts when a new application cycle begins — meaning you can take the test again the following year even if you hit the cycle cap
- A few programs require a longer waiting period (some specify 60 or 90 days between attempts) beyond ATI’s minimum
Check the specific policy at every program on your list before deciding whether to retake. If a program counts only your most recent score, retaking when underprepared carries real downside risk.
The most common retake situation: applicants who score in the 58–64% range and are applying to BSN programs that want 65%+. In this case, a retake with four to six additional weeks of targeted prep on low-scoring sections is usually worthwhile. Use your ATI score report — it breaks down your subscores by section — to direct that prep.
How to register for the TEAS
Step 1: Create an ATI account
Go to atitesting.com and create a student account if you don’t already have one from your nursing program. You’ll manage test registration and receive your score report through this account.
Step 2: Choose your testing format
ATI offers two options:
- PSI testing centers — In-person proctored testing at a physical location. Locations are widely available across the US. Check the ATI site’s location finder for centers near you.
- Remote proctored (at home) — You test via your own computer with a live proctor monitoring via webcam. Requires a quiet room, stable internet, and a compatible device. Not all programs accept remote proctored scores — confirm with each program before choosing this option.
Step 3: Pay and schedule
The ATI registration fee is $115. If you test at a PSI center, the center charges an additional site fee — typically $25–$70 depending on location. Budget $140–$185 total for an in-person test.
Remote proctored testing via ATI directly costs $115 with no additional site fee.
Schedule at least three to four weeks out from your desired test date. Popular test centers book up, particularly in March–May when spring application cycles peak.
Step 4: Receive your score
Your score is available in your ATI account immediately after completing the exam. You can share it directly with programs through the ATI platform, or download a PDF copy to submit with your application.
The nursing school cost guide covers application fees and other pre-admission expenses in full if you’re budgeting across the full application process.
Frequently asked questions
What score do you need for nursing school on the TEAS? It depends on the program. Most ADN programs require 58–65%. BSN programs typically require 65–75%. Competitive ABSN programs often set minimums of 75%+. Every program publishes its own cutoff — check each school’s admissions page directly.
How hard is the TEAS test for nursing school? Moderately difficult. The national average is around 65–68%. Science is the hardest section for most applicants. With focused prep, reaching 68–72% is realistic for most people within six to ten weeks.
How long should I study for the TEAS? Four to eight weeks for recent science graduates. Six to ten weeks for career changers with science backgrounds. Ten to fourteen weeks for career changers starting without recent science or math. Take a practice test in week one to calibrate.
Can you retake the TEAS test? Yes, after 30 days per ATI’s policy. Most programs allow 2–3 attempts per application cycle. Some only count the most recent score, not the highest. Confirm the policy at each program before scheduling a retake.
What is a good TEAS score for nursing school? Above 70% is above average. Above 78% is competitive at most BSN programs. For selective ABSN programs, aim for 80%+.
How is the TEAS test scored? As a percentage (the AITS — Adjusted Individual Total Score), not a raw number. ATI also provides a breakdown by section and assigns you an Academic Preparedness Level: Developmental, Basic, Proficient, or Advanced.
What sections are on the TEAS 7? Science (50 questions), Reading (45 questions), Mathematics (38 questions), and English & Language Usage (37 questions). Total: 170 questions in 209 minutes.
What is the passing score for the TEAS? There is no universal passing score. Programs set their own minimums. The Proficient level (58%+) is the baseline most programs consider minimally acceptable, but many require higher.
Making your decision
The TEAS test is a filter, but it’s not a fixed one. Which programs you’re competitive for depends on your score, and your score depends on how much prep you put in before test day.
If you’re still building out your application plan, the nursing school prerequisites guide covers the coursework that must be in place before you sit the TEAS. If cost is a constraint across the full application process, the nursing school cost guide covers the full range of pre-admission expenses.