What score do you need to pass the TEAS 7?
There is no official TEAS passing score. ATI does not set a pass or fail line: it reports a percentage Total Score plus a proficiency level, and every nursing program decides for itself what it will accept. In practice most programs publish a required Total Score, and many associate degree programs sit lower than competitive bachelor programs. The only number that matters for you is the one printed in your program's admission requirements.
How the TEAS 7 is scored
Your Total Score is the percentage of scored items you answered correctly. The exam has 170 items but only 150 are scored; the other 20 are unscored pretest items and you are not told which ones they are. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so leaving an item blank can only cost you.
| Section | Items | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 (39 scored) | 55 minutes |
| Mathematics | 38 (34 scored) | 57 minutes |
| Science | 50 (44 scored) | 60 minutes |
| English and Language Usage | 37 (33 scored) | 37 minutes |
| Total | 170 (150 scored) | 209 minutes |
Item counts and timing follow the ATI TEAS 7 exam details pages linked at the bottom of this page.
The proficiency levels ATI reports
Alongside the percentage, ATI places your Total Score in one of five proficiency levels. Schools often quote the level rather than the number, so it helps to know where the lines fall. The ranges below are the ones ATI publishes in its score interpretation material and that schools reproduce in their own admission documents.
| Proficiency level | Total Score range | What ATI says it means |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental | 0 to 40.7% | Very low preparedness for health science coursework |
| Basic | 40.7 to 58.0% | Low preparedness; extra support likely needed |
| Proficient | 58.7 to 79.3% | Moderate preparedness |
| Advanced | 80.0 to 91.3% | High preparedness |
| Exemplary | 92.0 to 100% | Very high preparedness |
Source: ATI score interpretation guidance as reproduced by nursing programs, for example the CSU Channel Islands score explanation linked below.
What programs typically ask for
Because the cut score belongs to the school, the honest answer is a range and not a number. Published requirements cluster in a few bands, and where your program sits depends far more on how many seats it has than on the exam itself.
Treat the bands below as orientation only. Find the exact figure on your program's admission page, then work backwards: if the program wants a 65% Total Score, you need roughly 98 of the 150 scored items.
| Program type | Commonly published requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Practical nursing (LPN or LVN) | Often the lowest published band | Some programs accept a Basic level score |
| Associate degree (ADN) | Usually a Proficient level Total Score | Competitive intakes rank applicants by score rather than pass or fail |
| Bachelor degree (BSN) | Usually Proficient or Advanced | Many BSN programs also weigh section scores, especially Science |
We deliberately do not publish an average cut score. Programs differ by tens of percentage points and a made-up national average would be the least useful number on this page.
How to use your score report
The report gives you a Total Score, a score for each of the four sections and a breakdown by sub-content area. The sub-content lines are the useful part: they tell you exactly which topics cost you items. Rebuild your study plan around the two weakest sub-areas rather than repeating full practice tests, and use timed section tests to check that your pace matches the real limits above.
Percentage of the 150 scored items you answered correctly. This is the number programs quote.
Reading, Mathematics, Science, English and Language Usage reported separately.
The finest breakdown on the report and the best guide to what to study next.
Frequently asked questions
What is a passing score on the TEAS 7?
ATI does not publish a pass or fail line. Your nursing program sets the required Total Score, so the passing score is whatever appears in that program's admission requirements.
How many questions are on the TEAS 7?
There are 170 items: 150 scored and 20 unscored pretest items. Reading has 45 items, Mathematics 38, Science 50 and English and Language Usage 37.
How long is the TEAS 7?
Testing time is 209 minutes: Reading 55 minutes, Mathematics 57 minutes, Science 60 minutes, English and Language Usage 37 minutes.
Is there a penalty for guessing on the TEAS?
No. Wrong answers do not subtract from your score, so you should answer every item before time runs out.
Can I use a calculator on the TEAS 7?
A basic four-function calculator is provided, on screen for the online version and as a handheld unit at some test sites. You may not bring your own calculator.
Is the TEAS 7 all multiple choice?
No. Most items are four-option multiple choice, but TEAS 7 also uses multiple-select, supply answer, hot spot and ordered response items. Multiple-select items give no partial credit.
How many times can I take the TEAS?
ATI applies a waiting period between attempts, and your nursing program sets the limit on how many attempts it will accept in an admission cycle. Check the program rule before you book a retake.
How much does the TEAS cost?
ATI lists a set price for the exams it administers itself, and schools or testing centres that run the exam set their own price. Confirm the fee with the site where you plan to test.
When do I get my TEAS results?
Computer-based administrations return the score report immediately after you finish. Paper administrations have to be scored first, so those take longer.
Does a higher TEAS score improve my chances even if I already pass?
Often yes. Many programs rank applicants by TEAS score rather than treating it as pass or fail, so the difference between meeting the minimum and scoring well can decide the seat.
Practice with items that explain why
Original practice questions in the real four-option format, with an explanation on every item, timed section tests and a missed-questions pool that brings your mistakes back until they stick.
Sources
- ATI TEAS exam details (ATI)
- What is on the ATI TEAS Version 7 (ATI help centre)
- Time limit for the ATI TEAS Version 7 (ATI help centre)
- Question types on the ATI TEAS Version 7 (ATI help centre)
- Cost of the TEAS exam (ATI help centre)
- TEAS score explanation and interpretation (CSU Channel Islands nursing)
- What is a good score on the TEAS exam (Nurse.org)
Test makers change their blueprints and every nursing program sets its own cut score. Confirm the current requirement with the test maker and with the school you are applying to before you rely on any number on this page. AdmitNurse is an independent practice service and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by ATI, Elsevier, NCSBN or any nursing school.
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