What If I Can’t Pass the TEAS Test?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a crucial exam for students aspiring to join nursing and allied health programs. It assesses reading, mathematics, science, and English skills, making it a challenging test for many applicants. When students feel they can’t pass the TEAS test despite repeated efforts, they often begin exploring alternative support options to reach their goals.

Failing the TEAS test can feel discouraging, but it does not mean the end of your nursing career dreams. There are multiple ways to recover, improve your score, and move forward successfully.

In this article, we’ll explore what happens if you fail the TEAS test, your options, and how you can prepare for a retake to achieve a passing score.

1. What Happens If You Fail the TEAS Test?

If you don’t pass the TEAS exam, staying calm and assessing your options is important. Here’s what usually happens:

• You Can Retake the Exam – Most schools allow multiple attempts with waiting periods in between.
• Your School May Have a Minimum Score Requirement – Some nursing programs require a specific passing score for admission.
• You May Have to Wait Before Retaking—Many schools enforce a 30-45-day waiting period before you can take the test again.
• Your Application May Be Delayed – If your school only allows a limited number of attempts per year, you may need to wait for the next admission cycle.

💡 Tip: Always check your school’s TEAS retake policy to understand how many attempts you’re allowed and how long you must wait before trying again.

2. Reasons Why You May Not Pass the TEAS Test

Failing the TEAS test doesn’t mean you aren’t capable—it just means you need better preparation. Here are some common reasons why students struggle with the exam:

• Lack of Preparation – Not dedicating enough time to studying the core subjects.
• Weakness in Specific Subjects – Struggling with math, science, or reading comprehension.
• Test Anxiety – Stress and nervousness can lead to poor concentration and mistakes.
• Poor Time Management – Running out of time before answering all the questions.
• Using the Wrong Study Materials – Relying on outdated or ineffective prep resources.

If any of these reasons apply to you, don’t worry—there are ways to fix them and improve your performance on your next attempt.

3. What Should You Do If You Can’t Pass the TEAS Test?

If you struggle to pass the TEAS test, consider these practical solutions to improve your chances next time:

✔ Retake the TEAS Exam

Most schools allow at least two or three attempts. If you don’t pass on your first try:

• Analyze your score report – Identify which sections you need to improve.
• Create a study plan – Focus more on weak areas while maintaining strong ones.
• Give yourself enough time – Don’t rush into a retake before properly preparing.

✔ Enroll in a TEAS Prep Course

If self-study isn’t working, consider enrolling in a TEAS prep course. These courses provide:

• Expert guidance on test strategies.
• Practice tests that mimic the real exam.
• Structured study plans tailored to your needs.

✔ Hire a TEAS Tutor

A personal tutor can customize study sessions based on your weak areas. One-on-one guidance ensures a better understanding of difficult topics, especially in math and science.

✔ Take More Practice Tests

Practice tests help you:

• Get familiar with the test format and question types.
• Improve time management skills.
• Identify patterns in your mistakes and fix them before the real test.

✔ Consider Professional Assistance

If you’re struggling despite your best efforts, you may want to seek expert help. Many students choose to:

• Pay someone to take my TEAS test
• Pay someone to take my TEAS exam
• Get expert guidance for TEAS preparation

Professional help ensures you get the best possible score without the stress of repeated failures.

✔ Improve Your Study Techniques

If traditional study methods are not helping, try alternative techniques to retain information better:

• Use Mnemonics & Acronyms – Helps memorize complex concepts easily.
• Try Visual Learning – Use diagrams, charts, and mind maps to reinforce information.
• Teach Someone Else – Explaining concepts to another person improves understanding and recall.

✔ Strengthen Your Weak Subjects

If you consistently struggle in one or two sections, focus on strengthening them first:

• Math – Review fractions, percentages, word problems, and algebra.
• Science – Prioritize Anatomy & Physiology, the largest part of the exam.
• Reading – Practice skimming, scanning, and summarizing passages quickly.
• English – Work on sentence structure, grammar rules, and vocabulary usage.

💡 Tip: Devote extra time to the sections where you scored the lowest on your previous attempts.

✔ Develop a Better Study Schedule

A structured study plan prevents last-minute cramming and helps with steady progress.

• Study in Short Sessions – Avoid burnout by breaking study sessions into manageable 45-minute blocks.
• Follow a Study Calendar – Dedicate specific days to different subjects.
• Mix Up Study Methods – Combine practice tests, flashcards, and video lessons for better retention.

✔ Manage Test Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can lead to mental blocks and poor performance on the test day. Try these techniques:

• Practice Relaxation Techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, or stretching can calm your nerves.
• Simulate the Exam Environment – Take practice tests in a quiet space under timed conditions.
• Get Enough Rest Before the Exam – A tired mind performs worse than a well-rested one.

✔ Use High-Quality TEAS Study Materials

Not all study materials are accurate or up-to-date. Invest in reliable resources:

• ATI TEAS Study Guide – The official TEAS test provider.
• Online TEAS Prep Courses – Offers structured lessons and quizzes.
• TEAS Flashcards & Apps – Great for on-the-go review.

✔ Form or Join a Study Group

Studying with others can increase motivation and help explain difficult concepts in new ways.

• Teach and Learn Together – Hearing different perspectives reinforces learning.
• Stay Accountable – A study group can keep you consistent with your prep.
• Quiz Each Other – Turn studying into interactive Q&A sessions for better retention.

Overview of What to Do If You Can’t Pass the TEAS Test

Key Takeaways

• Failing the TEAS test isn’t the end – Most schools allow multiple attempts.
• Identify weak areas and focus on improvement – Use practice tests to find where you struggle.
• Retake the test after improving your study plan – Use study guides, prep courses, and tutors.
• Consider professional assistance if needed – Some students opt for expert help to pass successfully.

Final Thoughts – What If You Can’t Pass the TEAS Test?

Failing the TEAS test isn’t the end of the road. Many students struggle on their first attempt but improve significantly with proper study strategies and test-taking skills.

• Retake the test after improving your weak areas.
• Use expert help like tutors, prep courses, or online practice tests.
• Seek professional assistance if you’re running out of time.

At Tutoriffic, we provide trusted TEAS exam assistance to help students pass confidently. Many students have opted to:

• Pay someone to take my TEAS test
• Pay someone to take my TEAS exam

With the right study plan, expert guidance, and persistence, you can pass the TEAS test and achieve your dream of becoming a nurse. 💪🚀

FAQs

1. How many times can I retake the TEAS test?

Most schools allow 2-3 attempts per year, with a 30-45-day waiting period between attempts. Some programs offer unlimited retakes but may charge additional fees.

2. What is a passing score on the TEAS test?

Passing scores vary by school, but most nursing programs require at least 60-75% to be considered competitive. Some schools may accept lower scores if other admission criteria are strong.

3. What if I fail the TEAS test multiple times?

If you fail multiple times, reassess your study methods. Consider hiring a TEAS tutor, enrolling in a prep course, or seeking professional test-taking assistance.

4. Can I still get into nursing school without passing the TEAS?

Some nursing schools do not require the TEAS, but most competitive programs do. If you struggle with passing, consider alternative pathways such as CNA or medical assistant programs before reapplying.

5. Is it possible to get professional help for the TEAS test?

Yes, many students choose to pay someone to take my TEAS test or get expert tutoring support to ensure they meet their desired score.