How Is the TEAS 7 Scored?
Complete Scoring Guide (2026)
Your composite score, section scores, Academic Preparedness Level, and what it all means for nursing school admission — explained clearly.
Quick answer: Your TEAS 7 score is the percentage of 148 total scored questions you answer correctly. Four sections — Science (44 Qs), Reading (39 Qs), English (33 Qs), Math (32 Qs). No penalty for wrong answers.
Academic Preparedness Levels
ATI reports your score using one of five levels. Nursing programs often specify a level by name rather than a percentage — know what each means.
92.0% – 100%
Top 5% of test-takers. Competitive for any nursing program nationally, including highly selective BSN programs.
80.0% – 91.9%
Strong score for BSN admission at most universities. Required for competitive programs like Case Western, Georgetown, and Emory.
58.7% – 79.9%
Meets minimum requirements for most ADN and BSN programs. The majority of admitted students fall in this range.
41.3% – 58.6%
Below the minimum for most accredited programs. Retaking with focused prep is strongly recommended.
Below 41.3%
Significant preparation needed. Programs will not accept this score. Retest after 4–6 weeks of structured study.
Section-by-Section Score Breakdown
Each section contributes to your composite score based on its number of scored questions. Science has the most questions — and the lowest national average.
| Section | Scored Qs | Time | Score Weight | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Science Hardest section. A&P = 60% of Science questions. Your biggest score driver. | 44 | 63 min | 30% | ~57% |
Reading Most students score highest here. Focus on Integration questions for gains. | 39 | 29 min | 26% | ~71% |
English Grammar and vocabulary. High return on targeted review time. | 33 | 37 min | 22% | ~68% |
Math Fractions, decimals, algebra, and measurement. Calculator allowed on some questions. | 32 | 54 min | 22% | ~68% |
| TOTAL | 148 | ~3 hrs | 100% | ~65% |
Unscored pretest items: Each section contains unscored questions used by ATI for future test development. You cannot identify which questions are unscored, so treat every question as if it counts.
What Score Do You Actually Need?
Published minimums and competitive averages are different numbers. Here is a realistic breakdown by program type.
Community College ADN
Minneapolis College (70%), Cuyahoga CC (65%), Georgia Highlands (62%)
State University BSN
Kent State (75%), Georgia State (76%), U of Cincinnati (76%)
Private University BSN
Bethel University (Proficient+), St. Catherine's (78%), Augusta University (75%)
Elite / Selective BSN
Emory (82% published min), Case Western (80%), Ohio State (holistic)
How to Read Your TEAS Score Report
Total Composite Score
Your overall percentage. This is the number programs use first. Your Academic Preparedness Level is derived from this.
Section Scores
Reading, Math, Science, and English scores shown separately. Programs may have separate minimums per section — check if yours does.
Subsection Scores
Within each section, you'll see breakdowns by content area. These tell you exactly where to focus for a retake. Low on A&P? That's 30% of your composite score.
National Mean Comparison
Shows how your score compares to other TEAS test-takers nationwide. Useful context, but programs care about your absolute score — not your percentile.
Program Mean Comparison
If the testing center is associated with a program, ATI may show how you compare to admitted students at that specific program. This is the most useful data point for deciding whether to retake.
Get the TEAS Scoring TEAS prep guide — free
Score targets, section strategy, and a 6-week study schedule built for TEAS Scoring nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the TEAS 7 composite score calculated?
The TEAS 7 composite score is the percentage of total scored items answered correctly across all four sections. Each section is weighted by its number of scored questions: Reading (39 questions), Math (32 questions), Science (44 questions), and English (33 questions), for a total of 148 scored items. Unscored pretest items do not count toward your score.
What is a good TEAS 7 score?
A good TEAS 7 score depends on where you're applying. For ADN programs at community colleges, a Proficient score (58.7–79.9%) is typically acceptable, with most programs requiring 65–72%. For competitive BSN programs, Advanced (80–91.9%) is expected. Elite programs like Emory, Case Western, or Georgetown see applicants averaging above 85%. The national average composite score is approximately 65–68%.
What are the TEAS 7 Academic Preparedness Levels?
ATI defines five Academic Preparedness Levels: Developmental (below 41.3%), Basic (41.3–58.6%), Proficient (58.7–79.9%), Advanced (80.0–91.9%), and Exemplary (92.0–100%). Most nursing programs require at least Proficient. Some programs specify a level by name rather than a percentage — "Proficient or above" means 58.7% minimum.
Can I retake the TEAS 7 to improve my score?
ATI allows up to three TEAS attempts within a 12-month period, with a mandatory 30-day waiting period between attempts. Most nursing programs accept your highest score across attempts. However, some programs — especially at Minnesota State schools — count only the first attempt per application cycle. Always check your specific program policy before retaking.
Do all nursing programs use the same TEAS minimum score?
No. Minimum TEAS scores vary significantly. Community college ADN programs often require 60–68%. State university BSN programs typically require 70–78%. Competitive private university programs may expect 80%+, or may use holistic review where the TEAS score is weighted alongside GPA, essays, and prerequisites. Published minimums are often lower than actual admitted averages — check both.
What does my TEAS score report show?
Your ATI TEAS score report shows: (1) Your total composite score as a percentage, (2) Your Academic Preparedness Level, (3) Section scores for Reading, Math, Science, and English, (4) Subsection scores within each section, and (5) A national mean comparison. Programs may request your official score sent directly through ATI — a manual score report you print is not the same as an official ATI transcript.
Know your target score. Now build toward it.
Take a free diagnostic to see where you stand on all four sections — then get a personalized study plan targeting your exact gaps.