The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), administered by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), is a standardized exam widely used by nursing and allied health programs to assess academic readiness in reading, mathematics, science, and English/language usage. A common question among prospective students is: How long do TEAS scores remain valid for admissions purposes? The answer depends on the institution, but here’s a clear breakdown.
Standard Validity Period
ATI states that TEAS scores are typically valid for two years from the date of the exam. This means that, in most cases, your scores can be submitted to schools within this timeframe without needing a retake. For example, if you take the TEAS on November 10, 2025, they would generally be acceptable until November 10, 2027. This two-year window allows flexibility for applicants planning multiple applications or awaiting program start dates.
School-Specific Variations
While two years is the norm, nursing programs set their own policies to ensure scores reflect current skills. Some schools accept scores for as little as six months to one year—for instance, Suffolk County Community College considers them valid for one year prior to the application deadline. Others extend it to three years, like Central Community College. Fairmont State University specifies two years prior to the academic year’s start. Always verify with your target program’s admissions office, as requirements can vary by state, campus, or even application cycle.
Exceptions and Considerations
Major TEAS updates, such as the shift to Version 7 in 2022, may prompt schools to shorten validity to one year or less for comparability. Additionally, some programs calculate validity from your application date rather than the test date. Retakes are allowed, but schools often limit attempts (e.g., 2–3 per year) and use only your highest or most recent score—never combined ones.
Tips for Managing Your Scores
- Access Scores: Results appear immediately after the 209-minute computer-based test, though they may take 48 hours to post in your ATI account.
- Send Scores: Use your ATI account to transmit them (fees may apply for multiples).
- Prepare Wisely: Aim for a composite score of 60–70% for competitiveness, as there’s no universal passing mark. Use ATI’s SmartPrep for personalized study to boost scores by over 7.5%.
In summary, plan ahead by confirming deadlines and validity with each school to avoid retakes. This proactive step can streamline your path to nursing school success.