What Happens If You Fail the TEAS? Failing the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) means scoring below your nursing program’s minimum composite or section cutoffs—typically 58.7%–80% depending on ADN vs. BSN competitiveness. You do not pass nursing admissions, but failure is not permanent. Most schools allow 1–3 retakes per year with a 30–45 day wait, and 80% of retakers pass on the second attempt with targeted prep (ATI data 2025). You’ll receive a detailed score report highlighting weak areas (e.g., <60% in Science), which becomes your roadmap to improvement.
What Happens If You Fail the TEAS: Consequences by Program Type
ADN programs often set lower bars (58.7%–65%) and are more lenient—fail once, remediate, retake. BSN schools like Chamberlain or UT Austin demand 75%+, and failure may trigger waitlist placement or application denial. Some institutions require mandatory remediation courses (4–8 weeks) before retesting. Worst case: 3 fails = 1-year ban from that school, but scores don’t transfer—you can apply elsewhere with a clean slate.
TEAS Retake Policy: Rules and Waiting Periods
ATI allows 3 attempts per year max, but schools enforce stricter limits:
- 30-day minimum wait (e.g., Rasmussen, Lone Star).
- 45–60 days (e.g., Houston Community College).
- Highest composite or superscore used (best section from each try). Cost per retake: $81–$130. Plan ahead—fall deadlines fill 6 months early.
How to Turn TEAS Failure into Acceptance
Use your ATI score report to focus 70% of study on <70% sections—usually Science (A&P, Chemistry) and Math (algebra, conversions). Students who complete ATI SmartPrep + 2 practice tests improve 12–18% on retakes. Free resources: Khan Academy (science/math), Quizlet TEAS decks, RegisteredNurseRN YouTube breakdowns. Aim 5–10% above minimum—a 68% becomes 78% with 100 focused hours.
Long-Term Impact of Failing TEAS
- Admissions Delay: 3–12 months.
- Financial Hit: $200–$400 in retake fees.
- NCLEX Risk: Low TEAS correlates with 15% higher NCLEX failure—fix fundamentals early. Good News: 90% of retakers enter nursing within 1 year (NursingProcess.org).
Final Answer: Failing TEAS Is a Speed Bump, Not a Dead End
Fail → Analyze → Remediate → Retake → Pass. Treat it as your first nursing diagnosis. Check your program’s TEAS policy on their admissions page, register at atitesting.com, and schedule your retake within 30 days. You’ve got this.