Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA)
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment, better known as the TSI test, is a program which determines the appropriate level of college course work for an incoming student. The TSI test consists of three separate exams: Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. Although there are several criteria which exempt a student from the need for this program, many incoming college students in Texas will be required to take them. Other than the essay portion, the exams themselves are multiple choice and computer adaptive, as questions increase or decrease in difficulty based upon previous answers. Successful scoring on the TSI proves your readiness for college-level course work and will save you substantial time and money by allowing you to avoid remedial classes.
WHO TAKES TSIA?
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 the 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.
TSIA EXEMPTIONS:
A student shall be exempt from taking the TSIA if the student has:
scored a composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test shall exempt both Reading and Writing sections of the TSIA;
scored a composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the Math test shall exempt the Math section of the TSIA;
taken the SAT administered prior to March 2016 and earned a minimum score (verbal critical reading + math) SAT score of 1070, with a minimum score of 500 on both sections;
• taken the SAT administered March 2016 and later and earned scores on the evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) assessment of 480, and a minimum score of 530 in Mathematics (no combined score needed);
a TAKS scale score of at least 2200 on the math section and/or 2200 on the English Language Arts section with a writing subsection score of at least 3;
Veterans, active duty personnel, and a student who is serving as and, for at least 3 years preceding enrollment, has served as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed services;
Transfer from another institution having satisfactorily completed college-level coursework; or
Enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level One certificates) at a public institution.
TSIA PREP
The TSI test consists of three separate exams: Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. Select a link below to receive additional content information for each tested subject area.
Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Measurement, and Intermediate Algebra and Functions
Author’s Use of Language, Literary Analysis, Inferences in a Text or Texts, and Main Idea and Supporting Details
Written Essay, Multiple Choice, Sentence Logic, Essay Revision, Sentence Structure, Agreement