TSI Assessment

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TSI Assessment

What’s the Texas Success Initiative?

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is the statute that requires all Texas public institutions of higher education to determine the readiness of all non-exempt, entering undergraduate students to enroll in freshman-level academic courses (see TEC, 51.336). Students are able to qualify for exemption by subject area in a number of ways, including meeting college readiness benchmarks on the SAT® or ACT® , or successfully completing a high school College Preparatory Course. (For a complete list of exemptions, see below under “TSIA2 Exemptions”). Undergraduate students who enter without an exemption are required to take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2).
 

What’s the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0

The Texas Assessment Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is the assessment instrument used to determine college readiness for non-exempt students, as required by the Texas Success Initiative. TSIA2 helps determine whether you’re ready for college-level coursework in English language arts and reading (ELAR) and mathematics. These are foundational subjects for your other college coursework. The results of TSIA2, in conjunction with your academic background, goals, and interests, are used by academic advisers and counselors to place you in the appropriate courses that match your achievement level. Students who do not meet the minimum scores required for entry-level college courses will be enrolled in developmental coursework to improve their readiness for college-level academics. Developmental courses do not carry college credit towards the completion of a degree or certificate.
 
The fees for the TSI Assessment are as follows:
Test
Fee
ELAR
$10.00
Math
$10.00
All
$20.00
To make an appointment at the Clarendon Campus, call (806) 874-4820

To make an appointment at the Pampa Center, call (806) 660-2001

To make an appointment at the Childress Center call (940) 937-2001
 
Test Information & Preparation Links
  

TSI 2.0 Pre-Assessment Activity

TSI 2.0 Assessment Math Sample Questions

TSI 2.0 Assessment Essay Test Guide with Sample Essays

Successful Test Taking

Overcoming Test Anxiety

20 Testing Experts Share Their Favorite Test Taking Tips

Interpreting Your TSI Scores 

 

Exemptions

You do not have to take the TSI Assessment test if you:

  • Have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education; or
  • Have transferred from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution; or
  • Have previously attended any institution of higher education and have been determined to have met college readiness standards by that institution; or
  • Are student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college; or
  • Are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and have been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment; or
  • On or after August 1, 1990, were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; or
  • Are enrolled at Clarendon College on a temporary basis as a non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking student; or
  • Have successfully completed Texas College Bridge college preparatory courses. Students successfully completing the math course through Texas College Bridge will not be required to take the math portion of the TSIA. Students successfully completing the English course through Texas College Bridge will not be required to take the ELAR portion of the TSIA. Students who have successfully completed both courses will not be required to take any portion of the TSIA. Official documentation of course completion must be submitted.

The following tests can be used to exempt you from one or more parts of the TSI Assessment:

SAT

  • A minimum score of 530 on the Mathematics test for a TSI exemption in Math;
  • A minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) for a TSI exemption in Reading and Writing (ELAR)

Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of the test in order to use the scores for an exemption.

 ACT
Test Administered prior to February 15, 2023:

A student must achieve a minimum composite score of 23 with:

  • At least 19 on math for an exemption in Math
    and/or
  • At least 19 on English for an exemption in Reading and Writing (ELAR)

Test Administered on or after February 15, 2023:

There is no composite score. A student must achieve:

  • At least 22 on Math for an exemption in Math
    and/or
  • A combined score of at least 40 on English & Reading for an exemption in Reading and Writing (ELAR)

Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of the test in order to use the scores for an exemption.

 GED

A minimum score of 165 on the Mathematical Reasoning subject test for a TSI exemption in math;

A minimum score of 165 on the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) subject test for a TSI exemption in both reading and writing (ELAR).

Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of the test in order to use the scores for an exemption.

HiSET:

 A minimum score of 15 on the Mathematics subtest for a TSI exemption in Math;

A minimum score of 15 on the Reading subtest AND a minimum score of 15 on the Writing subtest, with a minimum score of 4 on the essay for a TSI exemption in both Reading and Writing (ELAR).

Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of the test in order to use the scores for an exemption.

TAKS

  • A minimum score of 2200 in Math for an exemption in Math
    and/or
  • 2200 in English Language Arts–with a writing sub-score of 3–for an exemption in Reading and Writing (ELAR).

Students must attend college within three (3) years from the date of their 11th grade exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test in order to use the scores for an exemption.

STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment

  • Algebra II – a minimum score of Level 2 (4000) for an exemption in Math
  • English III – a minimum score of Level 2 (4000) for an exemption in Reading and Writing (ELAR)

Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of their STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) test in order to use the scores for an exemption.

STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment for Dual Credit Only

  • Algebra I – a minimum score of Level 2 (4000), PLUS a final grade of 70 or better in Algebra II for an exemption in Mathematics
  • English II – a minimum score of Level 2 (4000) for an exemption in Reading and Writing (ELAR)

Dual Credit STAAR EOC exemptions are good only for the purpose of taking dual credit classes.

All test scores must be documented on an official document.

Students may be required to participate in Clarendon College local assessments prior to enrollment in certain subjects. Please check with an academic advisor for further information as to which test/assessment is required.
 
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must take the TSI test?
Unless otherwise exempt or waived, all students registering at a Texas public college must take the TSI test.
When do I have to take the TSI test?
The test must be taken before you can enroll in any college-level course at any Texas public institution of higher education.
What test instruments are used for TSI?
Beginning January 2021 TSIA2 Assessment; If enrolled prior to August 28, 2013: ACCUPLACER, ACT Compass, ASSET, and THEA (formerly TASP).
How do I register and pay for the TSI test?
All prospective students of Clarendon College must contact Student Services to arrange to take the TSI Assessment. 
What happens if I do not pass all sections of the TSI Test?
Students who initially fail to be placed at college level on a portion of the TSI cannot take a college-level course in the failed subject area until they complete the required developmental courses and/or retest to attain a passing score.  Dual credit students are not permitted to take developmental courses while in a high school program.

How long are my test scores good?
Successful scores are good for five years from the date of testing.

Can institutions require students to make a higher score than the state's minimum as a prerequisite to certain courses?
No. Beginning in Fall 2013, all institutions in Texas are required to use the same passing scores on the new TSI Assessment.

Do I have to take the test in-person at Clarendon College?
No. You can test at any Texas college close to you or you can arrange to take the test remotely by calling the Testing Coordinator on the main campus at 806-874-4820. (Note: There is an extra fee charged by the proctoring service for remote testing).

For any other questions about the TSI Assessment, contact the Testing Coordinator at 806-874-4820.
 
 
 
TSI Pre-Assessment Activity

The Texas Success Initiative Pre-Assessment Activity is designed to improve student success in college. Incoming college students are required to take the pre-assessment before taking the TSIA2 tests. After following the link provided students should create an account, and continue to take the Texas Success Initiative 2.0 Pre-Assessment Activity (TSIA 2-PAA). Once completed please take your certificate with you to prove you have taken the pre-assessment to the testing center in which you will be taking the test. If you have any problems or questions please contact 806-874-4820.

 

Practice for ACCUPLACER