TEAS Test Scores for Nursing- Everything you need to know

Several schools for nursing use TEAS (Test for Essential Academic Skills) tests as part of their admissions process through the ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute LLC), which administers the tests, covering four sections (English language usage, science, mathematics, and reading). The tests aim to assess how well candidates will do as nursing students. They determine whether candidates have the academic skills required throughout their program and future career path. Understanding TEAS test scores for nursing will help you better prepare for the tests and increase your chances of passing.

Students should find reliable TEAS practice tests, and if you are searching for one, then Naxlex is the best resource to help you prepare for your TEAS exams. We boost your skills and help you pass your exam through our practice exam, tailored preparation tools, assessments, and more.

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teas test scores for nursing

What is a Good TEAS Test Score?

There’s no specific limit defining a good TEAS score for nursing. For instance, some schools require candidates to have a composite score for admission, and others need them to meet a minimum score within each field. It helps to check with the programs you plan to apply to get more details about their requirements.

TEAS exams are scored on a 0%-100% scale, and candidates will receive three types of scores on their TEAS score report

Total TEAS Score:

This score is weighed for each test section.

Advanced: 80.0%-91.3%

Candidates who fall within the advanced level indicate higher academic preparedness. The results demonstrate the candidate’s readiness to learn health science and related content. They are less likely to need additional preparation.

Exemplary: 92.0%-100%

These scores indicate high academic preparedness, and students who fall within this category are ready to learn health sciences and other related content. The candidates are less likely to need additional preparation.

Average TEAS Scores

Average TEAS scores vary depending on different nursing schools and programs. However, average TEAS scores tend to lie between 65% and 75% and can be classified as proficient in the TEAS score range. Remember that this average TEAS score is a national average. It will vary depending on the program.

So, what is a good TEAS score? A good TEAS score should get you into a nursing program or school. Most schools set their passing TEAS score at 70%, which could be composite or minimum score requirements for each subject. Candidates should aim to score higher on the tests to become more desirable for nursing programs.

How are TEAS Tests Scored?

TEAS test questions have varying point values used in equating. The scoring system places more weight on some questions and less on others, and candidates won’t determine which questions are weighed. Candidates who want to pass their TEAS tests should take the exam with the mindset that each question is equal.

Candidates will get a grading report detailing the percentage of questions they answered right in each section. The information will also describe areas where the candidate should aim to improve.

How to Interpret the TEAS Test Results

The TEAS test report provides test takers with information about their exam scores. The results provide two rankings and four separate scores to help candidates understand their overall results compared to other candidates.

As mentioned, a candidate’s total score doesn’t reflect their subtest scores. There are different versions of TEAS tests causing the ATI to weigh the subtest scores and full scores differently.

Here are some test scores and ranks you’ll find on your TEAS test score report.

  • ● Adjusted Composite Score: Refers to the over score and is used to determine the fail/pass decision.
  • ● Adjusted Subscale Scores: Used to show how test-takers did on each subtest.
  • ● National Mean Score: This shows a comparison between test-takers around the country.
  • ● Program Mean Score: shows the average score in specific nursing programs.
  • ● National Percentile Rank: This shows the percentage of other test-takers who scored below the candidate.
  • ● Content Area Score: Provided results represent individuals' scores on each section of the TEAS test.
  • ● Sub-Content Area Score: Provided scores have been broken down to provide results for each subcategory.

Note that the total score isn’t an average of the four sections. The score is weighed and calculated separately for each candidate.

Your Adjusted Individual Score or composite score is your score. However, some programs may have a set of minimum requirements for each section of the TEAS test. Sample TEAS test score results may look like this:

  • ● TEAS Composite Score: 76%
  • ● Reading: 86%
  • ● Math: 66%
  • ● Science: 71%
  • ● English: 81%

Unscored TEAS Questions

Remember that some unscored questions are not counted toward the test score. The test has 170 questions; however, 20 are experimental and are included by ATI to test their validity. Test takers won’t know which questions are unscored. Thus, candidates should do their best to answer each question appropriately.

TEAS Score Range

The ATI prepares the TEAS test score range, the ATI Academic Preparedness Level. The TEAS test score range includes these Academic Preparedness Levels:

These scores indicate a low level of academic preparedness needed to support the study of health sciences and related content. Students who score within this level will require additional preparation for their nursing program.

A basic score in TEAS tests indicates a low level of academic preparedness than needed to support their learning in nursing institutions. Students who fall within this level require additional preparation for their nursing program.

Candidates who fall within this category demonstrate moderate academic preparedness for their program. Students within this range will require additional preparation for their nursing program.

● Program Percentile Rank: This shows the percentage of other test-takers in a particular program who scored below the candidate.

Conclusion: TEAS Test Scores for Nursing

The TEAS test is a vital exam that affects whether candidates enter nursing school or similar health programs. Understanding everything about the exam, including TEAS test scores for nursing, allows candidates to better prepare for the test and increases their chances of passing.

TEAS Test Scores for Nursing

What’s tested on the TEAS Nursing section, and what must you do to pass? Here is the practice test that can help you improve.