zaro

What Grade is Passing for TEAS?

Published in TEAS Admission Scores 3 mins read

The TEAS exam does not have a traditional "passing" grade; instead, colleges and nursing programs typically require a minimum proficiency level or score for admission.

Understanding TEAS Scores and Admission Requirements

Unlike many standardized tests with a simple pass/fail threshold, the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam evaluates a test-taker's academic preparedness across several subjects critical for healthcare education. Rather than a specific "passing" mark, institutions set minimum score requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for admission into their programs.

The "Proficient" Requirement

While the TEAS exam itself is not structured as a "pass or fail" test, achieving a certain level of performance is essential for admission into many nursing and allied health programs. A common requirement is to earn a score that places you in the "Proficient" category or higher. This often translates to achieving a minimum overall score of 58.7% in the ATI Academic Preparedness Category. Meeting this benchmark indicates that an applicant has demonstrated the fundamental academic skills considered essential for success in rigorous healthcare curricula.

Key considerations regarding TEAS scores:

  • No Universal Pass/Fail: The TEAS exam does not inherently designate a score as "pass" or "fail."
  • Program-Specific Requirements: Admission criteria, including the exact minimum TEAS score or proficiency level, are set independently by each educational institution.
  • ATI Academic Preparedness Categories: ATI, the creator of the TEAS exam, categorizes scores into different academic preparedness levels (e.g., Below Basic, Developing, Proficient, Advanced, Exemplary) to help institutions understand an applicant's readiness.

Confirming Specific Program Requirements

It is critical for prospective students to always verify the precise TEAS score requirements directly with the admissions office or the specific program department (e.g., nursing department) of each institution they plan to apply to. These requirements can vary significantly based on:

  • The competitiveness of the program.
  • The type of healthcare program (e.g., Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)).
  • Specific institutional policies and available spots.

For more general information about the TEAS exam, you can visit the official ATI Testing website.

Minimum TEAS Score for Admission (Common Benchmark)

The table below illustrates a common minimum benchmark often required for admission:

Performance Category Minimum Overall Score Implication for Admission
Proficient or Higher 58.7% Often the minimum score required for program admission consideration

This score signifies the minimum academic preparedness expected for entry into many healthcare education programs.