TEAS guide · updated 2026-09-29

What is a passing score on the TEAS?

There is no universal TEAS passing score. ATI leaves the minimum to each nursing or allied health program, and ATI itself describes a competitive score as typically around 70% to 75%. Published minimums range widely: the five colleges below ask for anything from 52 to 68 on the total score.

Why there is no single passing score

ATI builds and scores the TEAS, but it is an admissions test, not a license. Each program decides what total it requires, whether it also sets minimums for individual sections, how many attempts it accepts and how old a score can be. Many programs also weigh the TEAS alongside GPA and prerequisites, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.

Real minimums from college websites

These are taken from each college's own TEAS page, checked on September 29, 2026. Programs change their rules, so always confirm with the program you are applying to.

College	Program	Minimum TEAS score	Attempts and waiting rules
Indian Hills Community College (IA)	Nursing	60% composite	Up to 3 attempts within 12 months of the first; retest after 14 days
St. Cloud Technical & Community College (MN)	Practical Nursing / Associate Degree Nursing	52 (PN) / 56 (ADN)	3 times in 12 months, 2-3 weeks between attempts
Waukesha County Technical College (WI)	Nursing and Dental Hygiene	65% total	No limit on retakes; 30 days between recommended
Austin Community College (TX)	Associate Degree Nursing	68% total	Retest only if the total is under 68%
Valencia College (FL)	Health Sciences programs	Set per program	3 times in 12 months; 30-day wait

How TEAS scores are reported

You get a Total Score, a score for each of the four sections, and results for each sub-content area.
Scores are equated. ATI adjusts for small differences in difficulty between test forms, so the score is not simply the percentage of questions you got right.
On a computer-based test you usually see scores right away; ATI says they can take up to 48 hours to appear in your ATI account.
ATI says scores are typically valid for 2 years, but programs set their own limits. WCTC has no expiration, while Indian Hills accepts scores within 5 years of the start term.

What score should you aim for?

Start from the published minimum of every program on your list and take the highest one. Then add a margin, because many programs rank applicants and admit the higher scorers first. ATI puts a competitive score at around 70% to 75%, and competitive nursing programs often admit well above their stated minimum.

Check whether your program also sets section minimums. Some require a minimum in Reading or Science as well as the total, and a strong total will not rescue a section below its floor.

If you fall short

Your score report lists the sub-content areas you missed. Study those first rather than the whole outline again.
Check the waiting period and attempt limit of your program before booking; attempts at other sites can count toward the limit.
Each retake is a new registration at full price, so take a timed practice test before rebooking.

Frequently asked questions

Is 60 a good TEAS score?

It meets some programs' minimums, such as Indian Hills Community College's 60% composite, but is below others, such as Austin Community College's 68%. ATI describes a competitive score as around 70% to 75%.

Does ATI set a passing score for the TEAS?

No. Each school or program sets its own minimum score requirement.

Is the TEAS score a percentage of questions correct?

Not exactly. TEAS scores are equated across test forms, so they account for differences in difficulty rather than being a plain raw percentage.

Try the free TEAS practice test

Questions tagged to the official outline, with an explanation for every answer. 15 free a day, no sign-up.

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Sources: ATI: Your top TEAS questions answered · Indian Hills Community College: ATI TEAS 7 fact sheet · St. Cloud Technical & Community College: TEAS exam information · Waukesha County Technical College: ATI TEAS · Austin Community College: ADN TEAS information · Valencia College: TEAS. Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ATI.