TSI Testing

The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. If you are an incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment - unless you are already exempt (read below) - to determine your readiness for college-level work. Based on how you perform, you may either be enrolled in a college-level course and/or be placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

Not all incoming students need to take the TSI Assessment. There are many ways you can be exempt. Qualifying for a TSI Assessment exemption means that you can enroll in any entry-level college course without restrictions. In other words, there are no prerequisites for enrollment in entry-level college courses. In certain cases, exemptions are subject-specific, which means you may qualify for an exemption in one area such as reading but not in another area like mathematics or writing. You may be exempt if you meet one or more of the following:

Before you take the TSI Assessment, you must participate in a Pre-Assessment Activity. The college or university where you take your test is required to provide the Pre-Assessment Activity as well as document your participation. It is a requirement that you complete this activity before you take the test. The activity varies by institution but must include at least the following:

• An explanation of the importance of the TSI Assessment and how the assessment works;
• Practice test questions and feedback;
• An explanation of all your developmental education options, if you don't meet the minimum passing standard; and
• Information on campus and community resources that will help you succeed as a college student.

 

Contact the college or university at which you plan to take the test for details on dates and times to complete this mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity.

If you will take the TSI assessment at SST-Champions test center, please complete the following pre-assessment activity:

SST-Champions Pre-Assessment Activity

If you do not pass one or all parts (reading, writing, and math) of the TSI Assessment, you may be required to enroll in developmental education coursework or accelerated intervention before you can enroll in a college credit course for the subject in which you did not pass. In some cases, you may be allowed to enroll in a developmental intervention and college-credit course at the same time. The TSI Assessment is an on-demand test, and you may retake it at any time to determine your college readiness. Remember, developmental education courses and interventions often cost the same as a college-level course but do not count towards a certificate or degree program and do not transfer. It is best to avoid developmental education altogether by becoming college-ready in high school or before enrolling in a college or university.