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 | Unscored pretest | Scored | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science | 50 | 6 | 44 | 60 min |
| Reading | 45 | 6 | 39 | 55 min |
| Mathematics | 38 | 4 | 34 | 57 min |
| English & Language Usage | 37 | 4 | 33 | 37 min |
| Total | 170 | 20 | 150 | 209 min |
The unscored pretest questions are not distributed evenly: Reading and Science carry six each, Mathematics and English and Language Usage four each. Of the 170 questions you answer, 150 count toward your score. You cannot tell which are which while testing, so answer every question. Total session time is 209 minutes, or 3 hours 29 minutes.
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 five Academic Preparedness Levels, not four. The Exemplary band at the top is frequently omitted from third-party guides, and the boundaries are often quoted slightly wrong. These are the ranges as ATI states them on its own score report explainer:
| Level | Score range | What ATI says it means |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental | 0.0–40.7% | Very low preparedness; additional preparation needed for most objectives |
| Basic | 41.3–58.0% | Low preparedness; likely to need additional preparation for many objectives |
| Proficient | 58.7–77.3% | Moderate preparedness; may need additional preparation for some objectives |
| Advanced | 78.0–90.0% | High preparedness; not likely to need additional preparation |
| Exemplary | 90.7–100.0% | Very high preparedness; not likely to need additional preparation |
Note the small gaps between bands (58.0 to 58.7, 77.3 to 78.0). Those are a product of the scaling, not a typo, and they matter if your score lands near a program’s cutoff.
ATI does not publish a national mean score, and any specific figure you find quoted online for one is an estimate rather than a measured statistic. What ATI does provide is more useful than an average anyway: your individual score report shows your national percentile rank, the percentage of examinees who scored at or below your score, plus a program percentile rank comparing you against test-takers applying to your program type. Use your own percentile rank from the report rather than a circulating national average, because the comparison group that decides your application is the applicant pool at each school, not all TEAS 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 publishes the sub-area question counts, which are more actionable than percentages:
- Human anatomy and physiology – 18 questions. Body systems, cell structure, homeostasis, and organ function.
- Biology – 9 questions. Cell biology, genetics, biological molecules.
- Chemistry – 8 questions. Atomic structure, chemical reactions, solutions, and acids and bases at an introductory level.
- Scientific reasoning – 9 questions. Interpreting data, reading graphs, experimental design.
Those 44 questions are the scored portion of the 50 you will see. Anatomy and physiology alone accounts for 18 of them, roughly 12% of the entire 150-question scored exam concentrated in a single content area. That is the strongest argument for prioritizing A&P in your prep, and it is why applicants with recent A&P coursework tend to clear the Science section comfortably. Chemistry carries only 8 scored questions, so while it is where most non-science backgrounds struggle, it is worth less than half what A&P is worth. Allocate prep time to match.
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, but the waiting period depends on who administered your test, and the widely repeated “30 days” is only half the answer.
When you test through ATI directly (at an ATI-proctored exam, including remote proctoring), ATI sets a 14-day wait between attempts. You can schedule several exams in advance provided you keep 14 days between them.
When your school or a testing center administers the exam, the institution sets the interval. Many schools impose a 30-day wait, which is where the commonly quoted figure comes from – it is a school rule being misattributed to ATI. Some programs set 60 or 90 days.
ATI itself does not cap the total number of attempts. Nursing programs do, and their attempt policies matter more than the waiting period:
- Most programs allow 2–3 TEAS attempts per application cycle
- Programs differ on which score they use: some take your highest, some average your attempts, and some count only the most recent. This is the single most important policy to check, because it determines whether a retake carries downside risk at all
- Some programs reset attempt counts when a new application cycle begins, meaning you can test again the following year even if you hit the cycle cap
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
ATI lists the exam at $120 for both TEAS at ATI (remote proctored) and TEAS at PSI testing centers. Where the total varies is at institutions: each testing location sets its own price for exams taken there, and schools may add proctor, scheduling, room, or remote security monitoring fees on top of the base exam. Confirm the all-in cost with your specific testing location rather than assuming the list price, and note that the fee is charged per attempt, so a retake is a fresh $120 or more.
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. ATI does not publish a national average, so use the percentile rank on your own score report rather than a circulating figure. Science is the hardest section for most applicants, and anatomy and physiology carries 18 of its 44 scored questions. With focused prep, reaching the upper Proficient range 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. ATI sets a 14-day wait between attempts at ATI-proctored exams; when a school administers the test, the school sets the interval, and 30 days is common. ATI does not cap total attempts, but most programs allow 2–3 per application cycle. Programs differ on whether they take your highest score, average your attempts, or count only the most recent – check that before scheduling.
What is a good TEAS score for nursing school? 78% and above reaches ATI’s Advanced band and is competitive at most BSN programs. 90.7% and above is Exemplary. 58.7% is the floor of Proficient, which most programs treat as minimally acceptable.
How is the TEAS test scored? As a percentage from 0 to 100%, produced by equating your raw score to adjust for differences in difficulty between exam forms. ATI also reports adjusted content area scores by section, national and program percentile ranks, and an Academic Preparedness Level: Developmental, Basic, Proficient, Advanced, or Exemplary.
What sections are on the TEAS 7? Science (50 questions), Reading (45), Mathematics (38), and English and Language Usage (37). Total: 170 questions in 209 minutes, of which 150 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest items.
What is the passing score for the TEAS? There is no universal passing score. Programs set their own minimums. The Proficient band, starting at 58.7%, 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.
References
- ATI Nursing Education, “ATI TEAS Exam Details,” atitesting.com/teas/exam-details. Section structure and content sub-area question counts: Reading 45 questions (6 unscored), Mathematics 38 (4 unscored), Science 50 (6 unscored), English and Language Usage 37 (4 unscored); 170 total questions, 150 scored, 209 minutes.
- ATI Nursing Education, “Score Explanation and Interpretation: Individual Performance Profile.” Academic Preparedness Level definitions and score ranges: Developmental 0.0–40.7%, Basic 41.3–58.0%, Proficient 58.7–77.3%, Advanced 78.0–90.0%, Exemplary 90.7–100.0%. Also describes the equating process, adjusted content area scores, and national and program percentile ranks.
- ATI Nursing Education Help Center, “How soon can I retake the ATI TEAS exam?”, help.atitesting.com. Establishes the 14-day wait between attempts for ATI-administered exams and confirms that institutions administering the exam set their own interval, with 30 days common at schools.
- ATI Nursing Education Help Center, “What is the cost of the TEAS exam?”, help.atitesting.com. TEAS at ATI and TEAS at PSI exams listed at $120; testing locations set their own price and may add proctor, scheduling, room, or remote security monitoring fees.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing, “2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics,” Research Brief Vol. 96, June 2026. National first-time US-educated NCLEX-RN pass rate of 86.7%, by degree type baccalaureate 87.6%, associate 86.1%, diploma 83.3% – relevant context for how programs use admissions screening.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2025-2026 Annual Survey of Institutions with Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Nursing Programs, published 7 May 2026. Reports 93,176 qualified applications turned away from nursing programs in 2025, of which 75,255 were entry-level baccalaureate, against 821,491 applications received. Establishes that a large share of rejection reflects program capacity rather than applicant quality.
- ATI Nursing Education, Technical Manual for the RN Comprehensive Predictor, on ATI’s position that client institutions are responsible for decisions based on test scores and that ATI does not set institutional cut scores – the same principle that applies to TEAS minimums.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2024 RN Practice Analysis: Linking the NCLEX-RN Examination to Practice, published 2025. Survey of newly licensed RNs covering 149 activity statements, providing the practice basis for the foundational science and reasoning skills the TEAS screens for.