How ATI Categorizes TEAS 7 Scores
ATI places every TEAS 7 score into one of five academic preparedness levels. Understanding these levels helps you set a realistic target before you start studying — because "passing" and "competitive" are very different thresholds.
- Developmental (below 41.3%): Indicates significant foundational gaps. Most programs will not review an application at this level.
- Basic (41.3% – 58.0%): Meets minimum entry for some community college ADN programs. Not competitive for BSN programs.
- Proficient (58.7% – 77.3%): The standard target range. Most ADN programs accept applicants here. Lower-tier BSN programs may as well.
- Advanced (78% – 90%): Strongly competitive for BSN programs. Required at many state university schools of nursing.
- Exemplary (above 90%): Top-tier performance. Expected at highly selective programs.
What Nursing Programs Actually Require in 2026
Requirements vary more than most students expect. Here is a realistic breakdown by program type:
- ADN programs (community colleges): Most require 58–65%. Some use the TEAS as a ranked admission factor rather than a hard cutoff — a higher score improves your position in the applicant pool.
- BSN programs (4-year universities): The majority require 65–75%. Flagship state university nursing programs often set their floors at 70–75%.
- Competitive BSN programs: Schools with limited seats and high applicant volume typically expect 78–85%. Check each program's published minimum — and then aim 5–8 points above it.
The safest approach: look up the exact requirement on your target program's admissions page before setting your study goal. Requirements change annually and are not standardized across institutions.
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How the TEAS 7 Is Scored
Your total score is a composite of four section scores. The exam contains 170 questions total — 150 scored and 20 unscored pretest items distributed throughout. You will not know which questions are pretest items, so treat every question as scored.
- Reading: 39 questions — 55 minutes
- Mathematics: 34 questions — 54 minutes
- Science: 50 questions — 63 minutes
- English & Language Usage: 37 questions — 37 minutes
Your composite score is reported as a percentage. Each section score is also reported separately — programs sometimes set section-specific minimums, particularly in Science.
Which Section Has the Most Impact on Your Score?
Science carries the most questions (50) and the widest difficulty range. Students who score well in Science almost always achieve a competitive composite. Students who score poorly in Science rarely compensate enough in other sections to reach a strong total.
Mathematics is the section most students can improve fastest with targeted practice, since the content is rule-based and finite. English & Language Usage is the shortest section and has the smallest impact on composite score.
Setting a Realistic Target
A practical framework: find the minimum required score for your target program, then set your personal goal at 7–10 points above it. This buffer accounts for test-day variance and gives you a realistic cushion if one section underperforms.
If your target program requires a 70%, study toward a 78%. The extra margin is almost always achievable with structured preparation and does not require meaningfully more study time — it requires more efficient use of the time you have.