ATI TEAS Scores: A Detailed Guide
Sep 23, 2024The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is an assessment developed by nursing education company ATI. It is part of the admissions process for courses in nursing and allied health.
Its purpose is to evaluate whether a candidate has the skills and knowledge required to train as a nurse or health professional.
The most recent version of the test is ATI TEAS-7, launched in June 2022. If you are preparing to take the TEAS test, ensure you are using resources specifically for the TEAS-7 version as these will have the latest information.
In this guide, you will learn all you need to know about the TEAS scoring system. This guide covers how TEAS scores are calculated, what the different ATI TEAS score levels mean, and what is considered a passing or good score for TEAS test candidates.
How Are ATI TEAS Scores Calculated?
A candidate’s ATI TEAS score is calculated by three categories: Total score, Content Area score, and Sub-Content Area score.
Your Total score is calculated based on how many questions you answered correctly.
Content Area refers to the four subject sections, that is Reading, Math, Science, and English Language.
Sub-Content Areas are the concepts within these subjects, such as Key Ideas and Details, or Fractions.
Your raw score, that is the number of correct answers, is converted into a scaled score. This turns your score from a whole number into a percentage on a scale of 0 to 100%.
Your ATI TEAS score report will also display your composite score. This is also referred to as an Adjusted Individual Score and is your main score. Your composite score percentage reflects your overall performance across all sections.
While your composite score provides an overview of how you performed on the whole test, some nursing programs may prioritize specific section scores such as math or science. Other nursing programs will focus on your overall composite score.
ATI TEAS Score Levels
There are five score levels used by ATI to categorize student performance:
- Developmental: 0 to 40% (indicates the need for significant improvement in skills)
- Basic: 41 to 58% (shows some proficiency but not at the level required for most nursing programs)
- Proficient: 59 to 77% (reflects readiness for entry-level nursing programs)
- Advanced: 78 to 89% (demonstrates strong academic skills and readiness for competitive programs)
- Exemplary: 90 to 100% (indicates excellent academic readiness and may be required for highly competitive programs)
When it comes to ATI TEAS passing scores, some nursing schools may set different minimum score requirements for admission, depending on how competitive their program is.
With this in mind, it is in your best interest to aim for as high a score as possible. The closer to 100% you can achieve, the more options you will have when applying for nursing school.
What Is a Good Score for the TEAS Test?
A “good” TEAS score is based on common benchmarks used by nursing schools. As outlined above, a score of 59 to 77% is considered Proficient. Candidates in this group are seen as being ready for most nursing programs. ATI exam scores below this level are unlikely to be accepted for admission.
Candidates that score 78% and above will be considered Advanced and Exemplary. Achieving a score at this level may provide an advantage when applying to more competitive programs.
While these are common benchmarks set by ATI, the definition of a “good” score varies by program as factors such as competitiveness can have an effect. You should check the specific score requirements of the schools you are applying to.
How to Improve Your TEAS Score
Preparation is the key to achieving a high score on the TEAS test and therefore joining the nursing program you have worked so hard for.
There are some practical things you can do to improve your ATI exam scores and set yourself up for success.
Take Practice Tests
This is to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify weak areas.
Practicing for the TEAS using sample tests will improve your familiarity of the TEAS question types and content areas. By learning more about the test format, you can save time in the real test as you will not need to learn about the different sections.
Use a Variety of Materials
Use study guides and online resources to review key concepts, especially in math and science.
Create a Study Schedule
It is important that you create a study schedule to revise the key concepts that appear on the TEAS test.
You may find it helpful to focus more on math and science, as some nursing programs prioritize these scores over the other two sections.
Practice Time Management
Focus on time management during the exam to ensure that you can answer all questions within the allotted time.
You will have around 2.5 hours to complete the TEAS exam. There is a time limit for each section:
- Reading: 55 minutes to answer 45 questions
- Math: 57 minutes to answer 38 questions
- Science: 60 minutes to answer 50 questions
- English and Language Usage (ELU): 37 minutes to answer 37 questions
Retake the TEAS
If your initial score falls below the required level, many programs allow students to retake the test.
However, there is often a mandatory wait period that must pass before you can retake the test. You should check your school's retake policy for more information on rules and deadlines. If you do retake the TEAS, make sure to use the time to study and improve your score.
How TEAS Scores Impact Nursing School Admissions
The TEAS test evaluates a candidate's academic potential and tests how well they may perform in nursing school.
It is used because studies have shown that high-performing candidates have gone on to also excel academically in higher education.
Nursing programs use ATI exam scores as part of their admissions process along with other criteria such as an application form, GPA, recommendation letters, and interviews.
Some nursing schools may weigh TEAS scores more heavily than others, especially for highly competitive programs. This means that what may be ATI passing scores for one program might not be enough for another nursing school.
Therefore, you should aim for a Proficient or higher score to improve your chances of acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a passing score on the ATI TEAS test?
ATI passing scores differ for each school, but a Proficient score, which is at least 59%, is usually enough to be accepted onto a program.
What is considered a good score on the TEAS test?
A proficient score is 59 to 77%, advanced is 78 to 89%, and exemplary scores are those between 90 and 100%. These are what’s considered a passing or good score for TEAS test candidates.
How are TEAS scores calculated?
TEAS scores are calculated using your total number of correct answers as well as the score for each of the four sections.
Can I retake the TEAS test if I don’t score well?
You may be able to retake the TEAS test, but this is decided by each nursing school.
What is the average score on the TEAS test?
The TEAS exam average score is between 65% and 75%. For the best chance of success, aim to achieve a TEAS test score of Proficient or higher.
Final Thoughts
If you have applied for a nursing program and will be taking the TEAS, it is important that you understand how the test is scored.
The score you achieve will be used by the nursing school to make a decision on your education.
For the best chance of success, aim to achieve a TEAS test score of Proficient or higher. You can do this by taking practice tests and focusing on improving your weak areas.
