ATI TEAS Score Guide
TEAS Test Scoring: How the ATI TEAS Is Scored
TEAS scoring can feel strangely foggy after a long exam. You see a total score, section scores, topic scores, and sometimes a school cut score. This guide explains what those numbers mean and how to turn them into a sharper study plan.
Quick TEAS scoring overview
The ATI TEAS reports scores from 0.0% to 100%. You will see a total score, content area scores for Reading, Math, Science, and English, plus more detailed sub-content area scores.
Here is the part students often miss: your total score is not just the average of the four section percentages. ATI equates total and content area scores, which means those scores are adjusted for differences across exam forms. Sub-content scores are topic percentages, so they are best used as study clues rather than as a new way to calculate your official score.
Question format and number of questions
The ATI TEAS Version 7 has 170 total questions: 150 scored and 20 unscored pretest questions. You will not know which questions are unscored, so give every item a real attempt.
| Section | Total questions | Scored questions | Time | Estimated pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 39 | 55 min | About 1.2 minutes per question. |
| Math | 38 | 34 | 57 min | About 1.5 minutes per question. |
| Science | 50 | 44 | 60 min | About 1.2 minutes per question. |
| English and Language Usage | 37 | 33 | 37 min | About 1 minute per question. |
Question types include multiple choice and alternate item types such as multiple select, fill-in-the-blank numeric response, ordered response, and hot spot questions. ATI states that items are scored correct or incorrect, so do not expect partial credit to rescue an almost-right answer.
What your TEAS score report means
Your Individual Performance Profile, often called the TEAS score report, gives a detailed view of your performance. It usually includes your total score, major content scores, topic-level results, and areas to review.
Total score
The headline number most programs look at first. It reflects your overall TEAS performance.
Content area scores
Scores for Reading, Math, Science, and English. These help you see which section is pulling you up or down.
Sub-content scores
Topic-level percentages such as Key Ideas, Numbers and Algebra, or Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Topics to review
The most useful part for retakes. Build your next study week from these weak areas.
TEAS Academic Preparedness Levels
ATI also uses Academic Preparedness Levels. These labels help describe how prepared a student appears for health science coursework, but your school still decides the score it accepts.
| Level | Typical percent range | How to think about it |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental | < 40.7% | Major academic gaps need attention before applying. |
| Basic | 40.7% - 58.0% | Foundations are starting, but many programs will expect stronger readiness. |
| Proficient | 58.7% - 79.3% | A common target zone, though competitive programs may want more. |
| Advanced | 80.0% - 91.3% | Strong performance that can help an application stand out. |
| Exemplary | ≥ 92.0% | Very high academic readiness. |
Do not treat online score advice as your admissions policy. Each program sets its own cut score, retake rules, score expiration rules, and transcript requirements.
TEAS-style practice question examples
These are original practice examples written to show how scoring works: one question, one best answer, and a clear reason why. Use them to slow down your thinking, not to memorize a pattern.
Math: macaroni and cheese ratio
A macaroni and cheese recipe uses 1/3 cup of flour for every 1 1/5 cups of milk. If a larger batch uses 2 cups of flour, how much milk is needed?
Answer: 7 1/5 cups.
Why: 2 divided by 1/3 equals 6. Multiply 1 1/5 by 6 to get 7 1/5.
Science: gas exchange
Which structure is the main site of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the lungs?
Answer: Alveoli.
Why: Alveoli have thin walls and close capillary contact for diffusion.
English: sentence clarity
Choose the clearest sentence: "The nurse reviewed the chart, administered the medication, and documents the response."
Answer: "The nurse reviewed the chart, administered the medication, and documented the response."
Why: Parallel verb tense keeps the sentence consistent.
Reading: evidence check
A passage says a clinic added evening appointments after patients reported missing visits because of work schedules. Which conclusion is best supported?
Answer: The clinic changed scheduling to reduce access barriers.
Why: The answer stays close to the evidence instead of guessing about patient satisfaction or staffing.
How to pass with targeted questions
A better score usually comes from a better feedback loop. Take questions, review every miss, sort mistakes by topic, then drill the topic again before your memory cools off.
- Start with one full diagnostic test or a balanced mini-test.
- Write down every missed topic, not just the final score.
- Choose the three weakest high-value topics for the week.
- Do short timed sets so pacing improves with accuracy.
- Retest only after your weak-topic accuracy is clearly improving.
Related guide: What Is on the TEAS Test?
Use your score report as your next study plan
NurseDive helps you move from vague worry to targeted practice. Build drills around the exact topics costing you points in TEAS science, math, reading, and English.
Targeted Sets
Practice the topics that appear on your score report instead of guessing.
Clear Rationales
Learn why the right answer works and why the tempting answer fails.
Retake Support
Turn a first attempt into a focused plan for a stronger next score.
Frequently asked questions
How is the TEAS test scored?
ATI reports a total score, content area scores, and sub-content area scores. Total and content scores are adjusted across test forms, while sub-content scores are topic percentages.
What TEAS score do I need for nursing school?
Every program sets its own requirement. Check the exact cut score, accepted test version, retake policy, and score expiration rule for each school.
Does the TEAS give partial credit?
ATI describes TEAS questions as correct or incorrect, including alternate item types. Build the habit of fully checking every select-all and ordered response item.
Can I calculate my TEAS total score myself?
No. Your total and content area scores are equated by ATI, so you cannot accurately calculate the official total by averaging section or topic scores.