Study guide

ATI Proficiency Levels Explained: Level 1, 2 and 3

ATI reports content mastery results as a percentage plus a proficiency level: Below Level 1, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. ATI defines Level 1 as just meeting the absolute minimum expectations for that content area, Level 2 as exceeding minimum expectations, and Level 3 as exceeding most expectations. The cut scores come from expert standard-setting studies, not from a fixed percentage.

What each level means

Below Level 1 — does not meet minimum expectations. ATI recommends an intensive plan of focused review and remediation.
Level 1 — just meets minimum expectations; the panel judged such students likely to just meet NCLEX standards in that content area. A rigorous focused review is advised.
Level 2 — exceeds minimum expectations, and is the level most nursing programs set as their benchmark.
Level 3 — exceeds most expectations; continue focused review to maintain it.

Definitions are published by ATI in its proficiency level documents for the Content Mastery Series (RN CMS proficiency levels, PDF).

Why the percentage for each level moves

The cut score for Level 2 on Pharmacology is not the same number as on Fundamentals, and it can change between editions of an assessment. Levels are set through cut-score studies in which nurse educators rate item difficulty, then equated so results stay comparable. That is why chasing a remembered "you need 72%" figure is a mistake — read the level, not the folklore.

What your program does with the level

Schools choose their own policy. Common patterns: the exam is worth a set share of the course grade; Level 2 is the target; anything below the target triggers mandatory Focused Review, a remediation packet, or a retake with a different form of the exam. None of that is decided by ATI, so your syllabus is the authority.

Raising your level before the retake

Open the individual performance profile and list the topics under each NCLEX client-need category where you scored lowest.
Practise questions in those topics only, timed, in sets of 25–30.
Read the rationale for every answer and write down the rule it teaches, not the fact.
Re-test the same topics 48–72 hours later. Repeat until your accuracy is stable.
Finish with a full-length practice assessment as a dress rehearsal.

Practise before test day

Every question on this site is written by us, with a rationale for each answer. Try a free practice quiz or browse the printable PDF study guides for the content area you are being tested on.

Frequently asked questions

Is Level 2 a good ATI score?

Yes — Level 2 exceeds ATI's minimum expectations for that content area and is the benchmark most nursing programs use.

What percentage is Level 2 on ATI?

It differs by content area and by exam edition, because levels are set through standard-setting studies rather than a fixed percentage. Your score report shows the level you reached.

What happens if I score Below Level 1?

ATI recommends intensive focused review and remediation; your program decides whether a retake or a remediation packet is required.

Do proficiency levels predict NCLEX success?

ATI presents them as indicators of how likely a student is to meet NCLEX standards in that content area, based on expert judgment — not as a guarantee.