The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test is offered by the ATI and is used by many health science-related programs as a required entrance exam. Those wondering 'how is the TEAS test scored?' or 'how is the TEAS test score calculated?' should first understand that the exam consists of four different content areas, which results in several different TEAS exam scores.
The four sections of the TEAS exam are Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. Within each section, test takers are asked questions about various sub-content areas. See the table below for the different sub-content areas:
| Content Area | Sub-Content Area |
|---|---|
| Reading | Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas |
| Mathematics | Numbers and Algebra, Measurement and Data |
| Science | Human Anatomy and Physiology, Life and Physical Sciences, Scientific Reasoning |
| English and Language Usage | Conventions of Standard English, Knowledge of Language, Vocabulary Acquisition |
TEAS test results include a total score, content area score, and sub-content area score. The total score is the student's overall score from all sections. The content area score is a student's score on each specific content area (Reading, Mathematics, etc.). Finally, the sub-content score shows students their score for each sub-content area within a main content area. All of the scores are presented as a percentage ranging from 0 to 100%.
TEAS test scores are calculated differently and cannot be used to calculate another type of score. For example, the total score and content area scores are equated scores. This means that students earn a score for the number of correct answers, but this score is adjusted to account for different exam versions. The sub-content scores are not equated. Students should also know that each content area contains 4 to 6 pretest questions that are not scored, but students will not know which questions are pretest questions.
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Students trying to figure out what a good score on the TEAS test is should know that the ATI is not responsible for setting a passing score. Instead, each health science-related program that requires the TEAS exam for admission sets its own passing TEAS test scores. Therefore, what is considered a TEAS test passing score at one school may not be the same at another school. Test takers should do their best to prepare and earn the highest TEAS exam scores possible. Often, the higher the score, the more competitive the student will be for admission into the program(s) of their choice.
Although passing TEAS test scores vary from school to school, there is a commonly used TEAS test score range. This range explains a student's academic preparedness level based on their TEAS exam scores. The TEAS test score range and explanation for each range is as follows:
| Academic Preparedness Level | Score Range | Explanation of Academic Preparedness Level |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental | 0 to 40.7% | Low level of overall academic preparedness. Students will need additional preparation for health science programs. |
| Basic | 41.3% to 58% | Low level of overall academic preparedness. Students will most likely need additional preparation for health science programs. |
| Proficient | 58.7% to 77.3% | Moderate level of overall academic preparedness. Students may need some additional preparation for health science programs. |
| Advanced | 78% to 90% | High level of overall academic preparedness. Students will not likely need additional preparation for health science programs. |
| Exemplary | 90.7% to 100% | Very high level of overall academic preparedness. Students will not likely need additional preparation for health science programs. |
A good score is typically just a passing score, but this will vary from institution to institution. In general, a TEAS test score in the advanced or exemplary range is usually considered a good score on the exam. Students who score in the developmental, basic, or even proficient score range may need to retake the exam. Some students who score in the proficient or advanced score range may still decide to retake the exam to earn a higher score and be more competitive.
As of 2019, TEAS test average scores included a total score of 65.6%, Reading score of 72.4%, Mathematics score of 68.6%, Science score of 57.2%, and an English and Language Usage score of 66.3%. However, students should know that these TEAS test results vary each exam year. TEAS test scores will also vary for each school.
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Create AccountTest takers need to know how to pass the TEAS test to gain admission to their health science-related program as quickly as possible. Many resources are available to help students study.
Test takers should begin by understanding the format of the exam and the different content areas that will be covered. An exam overview section and frequently asked questions about the exam on the ATI website can give students a good start understanding the TEAS.
Once students understand what is on the exam, they can begin gathering study resources and planning out their study time. The ATI recommends planning for at least six weeks of study time to be successful on the TEAS exam. Students may want to use textbooks, library books, and flashcards to study. Study guides can also serve as a valuable tool to help familiarize students with the exam content. Test takers can focus their study time on bigger sections, such as the Reading and Science sections, and on sections of the exam that they feel less confident in.
After putting in some significant study time, students should try to take a TEAS practice exam. These exams allow students to monitor their progress with the material and familiarize themselves with the types of questions they will likely see on test day.
Students should be sure to get adequate rest prior to test day. On test day, students should monitor their time carefully and go back and check their answers if time allows. Students are not penalized for incorrect answers, so they should try to guess on questions they do not know.
If test takers are unhappy with their TEAS test results, they can retake the exam. However, students are usually only allowed to take the test three times in a given year. Depending on the school, students may be required to wait 30 days between test dates. Their TEAS test score for each exam can be sent to the school of their choice, and schools will see the total number of attempts on the ATI TEAS transcript.
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The time it takes students to receive TEAS test results and the methods for sending TEAS test scores to colleges varies by the format of the exam. Test takers who complete an online exam at an institution will be able to view their ATI TEAS test scores on their transcript immediately. However, those who take the exam at a test center may not be able to view their TEAS test scores on their account for up to 72 hours.
Test takers receive one free ATI TEAS transcript each time they take the exam. This transcript is automatically sent to the college of a student's choosing (selected during registration) when they test online or in-person at an institution. Those who test through ATI or a PSI testing center will select the school where their transcript will be sent at the end of the exam. Test takers can purchase additional score transcripts for $27 each.
Christina Flores, BSN has 4 years of experience in nursing. She has worked as both an RN and as a Prenatal Care Coordinator. To earn her certification, Christina passed the NCLEX and TEAS exams. Christina obtained her BSN from Valparaiso University.
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The TEAS test scores range from 0% to 100% but are calculated differently. The total score and content area scores are equated (adjusted for versions of the exam), while the sub content area scores are not equated.
Usually, a passing score is considered a good score, but this varies by institution. In general, scores within the range of 58.7% and 77.3% are considered proficient.
TEAS test results will be considered passing based on the benchmark set for entrance to a specific program. Therefore, students will need to know the passing score for their school(s) of interest to know if they passed the TEAS test.
TEAS test results are valid for 1 year. Students are allowed to take the exam up to 3 times in a 1-year period.
TEAS test results with a score of 70% falls within the proficient score range. However, if a good score is a passing score, students will need to check the passing score at their school of interest.