The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is the most widely used standardized admissions test for nursing school programs in the United States. Developed and administered by ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute), the TEAS evaluates applicants' academic readiness in four areas — Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage — that are considered foundational for success in nursing and allied health education.
The current version is TEAS 7, introduced in 2022. TEAS 7 is available in two formats: remote proctored (taken from home with online supervision) and ATI Testing Center (in-person). The total test time is 3 hours and 29 minutes, including an unscored pretest section included in the results.
More than 1,200 nursing programs across the United States require the TEAS as part of their admissions process. Programs set their own minimum score requirements — these vary from approximately 55% to 80%+ depending on the program's selectivity. Understanding what score your target programs require is the first step in setting meaningful preparation goals.
The TEAS 7 consists of four sections, each with a specific number of questions and time limit:
Reading (45 questions, 55 minutes): Tests ability to understand and interpret written passages. Includes literary texts, informational texts, and texts with visual displays (charts, graphs, tables). Question types include key ideas and details, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas. Reading comprehension at a college-preparation level is required.
Mathematics (38 questions, 54 minutes): Covers numbers and algebra, and measurement and data. Specific topics include: operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages; algebraic equations and expressions; ratios and proportions; data interpretation (mean, median, mode); unit conversions; and basic geometry (perimeter, area). A four-function calculator is provided within the test for most Mathematics questions.
Science (50 questions, 63 minutes): Covers human anatomy and physiology (the largest component), life and physical sciences, and scientific reasoning. Anatomy and physiology topics include: major body systems, homeostasis mechanisms, cell biology, genetics, and chemistry as applied to biological systems. This is typically the section test-takers find most challenging and content-heavy.
English and Language Usage (37 questions, 37 minutes): Tests conventions of standard English (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure), knowledge of language (vocabulary, context clues), and spelling/capitalization. Vocabulary is tested in context rather than through isolated definitions. Strong command of written English is key to performing well on this section.
TEAS scores are expressed as a percentage (0–100%) across your composite score and each individual section. ATI also provides an Adjusted Individual Total Score (AITS) and a national percentile ranking.
ATI score levels:
What score does nursing school require? This varies widely by program. Highly selective programs (university-affiliated BSN programs) may require composites of 70%–80%+. Community college ADN programs often accept scores of 55%–65%. Some programs set separate minimums for individual sections (e.g., a minimum Science score regardless of composite). Always check the specific requirements for each program on your list.
The most important benchmark: Aim to score in the Proficient or Exemplary range for your composite and for the Science section specifically — this positions you competitively at most nursing programs.
The Science section is the most content-heavy TEAS section and the one students most commonly underestimate. Key study strategies:
TEAS Math covers foundational concepts that most adults have encountered but may need to review. The section allows a calculator, which helps with arithmetic but not with conceptual understanding:
Reading Section:
English and Language Usage Section:
Most TEAS test-takers prepare for 4–8 weeks. Here is a structured approach based on your available timeline:
4-week intensive plan: This schedule requires 2–3 hours of daily study. Week 1: Full diagnostic test + Science content review (body systems, A&P). Week 2: Math review (fractions, algebra, proportions) + Reading practice. Week 3: English review + Science continuation (cell biology, chemistry). Week 4: Full-length practice tests every other day, targeted review of weak areas.
6-week balanced plan: 1.5–2 hours daily. Weeks 1–2: Science (A&P, all major systems). Weeks 3–4: Math (all topics, with daily practice problems). Weeks 4–5: Reading comprehension practice + English grammar review. Week 6: Full-length practice exams and error analysis.
8-week comprehensive plan: Ideal if starting from a lower baseline or balancing study with work/school. Use weeks 1–5 for thorough content review across all sections. Weeks 6–7 for practice tests (2–3 per week). Week 8 for targeted review and final full-length exam simulation.
Regardless of timeline: take a full diagnostic practice test in the first week to identify your weakest areas. Allocate proportionally more study time to your lowest-scoring sections while maintaining baseline preparation in all four areas. ATI's official TEAS Study Manual is the most reliable content source for all sections.
Nursing program TEAS requirements vary significantly based on program type and selectivity. Here is a general guide to help you set your score goal:
Traditional BSN programs (4-year university): Highly competitive. Many selective BSN programs require composite scores of 70%–80%+, with high minimum scores in the Science section. Programs like UCLA School of Nursing, University of Michigan, and similar top nursing schools often have average accepted student TEAS scores in the 75th–85th percentile range nationally.
Community College ADN programs (2-year): More accessible but still competitive. Minimum composite scores typically range from 55%–68%. However, since programs receive many qualified applicants, scoring at or above 65%–70% gives you a significant competitive advantage for selective ADN programs even when the published minimum is lower.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs: Designed for students with a bachelor's degree in another field. Requirements are often as selective as traditional BSN programs. Composite minimums of 65%–75% are common, with strong Science scores particularly important given the accelerated science coursework in these programs.
LPN/LVN programs: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nursing programs often have the lowest TEAS minimum requirements — commonly 45%–58% composite. Some LPN programs use alternative entrance exams (HESI, NLN PAX) rather than the TEAS.
Always contact your target programs directly to confirm current TEAS requirements, as minimums may have been updated. Many programs also rank applicants by TEAS score within a scoring range, meaning a higher score than the minimum can improve your admission chances even when you meet the cutoff.
Taking timed TEAS practice tests is the single most effective preparation strategy available, but only when you use them strategically. Here is how to maximize the value of every practice test you take:
Simulate real test conditions: Take practice tests in one sitting, with a timer running, in a quiet environment free from distractions. Do not pause the timer to look something up or use notes. The TEAS tests your ability to perform under time pressure — you need to build that capacity by practicing in conditions that replicate the real test as closely as possible.
Review every incorrect answer immediately after the test: Do not just note that you missed a question — investigate why. For Science questions, identify which body system or content area the question tested. For Math, write out the complete solution to understand where your approach diverged. For Reading and English, identify whether you made a comprehension error, misidentified a grammar rule, or simply did not know the tested concept.
Track your scores by section: Keep a log of your composite score and each section score across every practice test. Seeing your scores improve over time is motivating, and identifying plateaus in specific sections tells you where to concentrate effort. Most students improve fastest in Math and English (rule-based content) and more slowly in Science (volume of content to learn).
Use both official and third-party practice tests: ATI publishes official TEAS practice assessments that are the most accurate representation of the actual test format and difficulty. Third-party practice tests (including free online resources like ours) are valuable for additional volume and for identifying your overall knowledge gaps, but use official ATI materials for your final 1–2 weeks of preparation to calibrate to the real test format.
Know when you are ready: You are ready to schedule your actual TEAS exam when you have scored at or above your target score on at least 2–3 full practice tests under timed conditions. A single high score can be an outlier; consistent performance across multiple tests is a reliable predictor of your exam day result.