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What Is a Passing TEAS Score?
There is no national passing score on the ATI TEAS. Each nursing program sets its own cut-off — most ADN programs look for roughly 60–70%, and competitive BSN programs often want 75% or higher.
ATI's proficiency levels
ATI reports your composite as a percentage and maps it to a proficiency band. Programs quote one or the other, so you need both.
| Level | Composite | What it signals |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental | 0–40.6% | Not ready; substantial preparation needed |
| Basic | 40.7–57.3% | Below most program cut-offs |
| Proficient | 58.0–79.3% | Meets most ADN program requirements |
| Advanced | 80.0–91.3% | Competitive for BSN programs |
| Exemplary | 92.0–100% | Top of the applicant pool |
Aim for Proficient at minimum, and Advanced if you are applying to a competitive BSN program or a school that ranks applicants by TEAS score.
How the composite is calculated
Your composite is a weighted average across all four sections — it is not the average of the four percentages. Science carries the most scored questions (44), then Reading (39), Mathematics (34) and English (33). A weak Science section therefore pulls the composite down hardest.
Some programs also set section minimums
A strong composite does not always carry a weak section. Plenty of programs require a minimum in Reading or Math on top of the overall score, and some weight Science separately. Read your program's admissions page rather than assuming the composite is all that matters.
a Passing TEAS Score
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Questions people ask
What is a good TEAS score?
Proficient (58–79.3%) meets most ADN requirements. Advanced (80–91.3%) is competitive for BSN programs. Above 92% is Exemplary.
Is a 70 a good TEAS score?
A 70% sits in the Proficient band and meets most ADN program cut-offs, but it may not be competitive for a selective BSN program that ranks applicants by score.
Can you fail the TEAS?
There is no pass or fail from ATI. Your program decides what score it accepts, so the only failing score is one below your school's cut-off.
How many times can you take the TEAS?
ATI does not limit attempts, but programs do — commonly two or three in a 12-month period, often with a waiting period between sittings.
Does the TEAS score expire?
Most programs accept scores from the last two years, though some require them within one year.