Passing score for the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is unique because there is no universal, national passing standard. Instead, each nursing program establishes its own minimum threshold based on its specific rigorousness and the competitiveness of its applicant pool.
Academic Preparedness Levels
ATI categorizes scores into five proficiency levels to help schools evaluate your readiness for a health science curriculum. Understanding these ranges is essential for setting your personal target:
- Exemplary (90.7% – 100%): Indicates a very high level of academic preparedness.
- Advanced (78.0% – 90.0%): Indicates a high level of preparedness; these candidates are highly competitive.
- Proficient (58.7% – 77.3%): Represents a moderate level of preparedness. Most reputable nursing programs require a score within this range or higher.
- Basic (41.3% – 58.0%): Indicates a low level of preparedness; many programs consider this a failing range.
- Developmental (0.0% – 40.7%): Indicates a very low level of preparedness.
Institutional Score Requirements
While requirements vary, institutional benchmarks generally follow these trends:
- Minimum Thresholds: Most Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs require a minimum composite score between 60% and 70%.
- Competitive Targets: For state universities and highly ranked private colleges, a safe score is often 80% or higher. In 2026, competitive programs frequently see average admitted scores in the 82% to 85% range.
- Sub-Section Requirements: Some programs require a minimum score in specific sections, such as a 70% in Science or Reading, regardless of your overall composite score.
Key Factors Influencing Your Target
- Program Type: BSN programs typically have higher score requirements than ADN or Vocational Nursing (LVN/LPN) programs.
- Weighted Admissions: Many schools use a points-based system where your TEAS score is weighted alongside your GPA. A higher TEAS score can often compensate for a slightly lower GPA.
- Attempt Limits: Check if your school limits the number of retakes, as this may impact how aggressively you need to score on your first attempt.
Ultimately, the easiest way to pass is to identify your target school’s specific cut-off and aim for at least 10% above that number to ensure your application remains competitive among your peers.
