TSI Assessment (TSIA)

The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help determine if you are ready for college-level coursework in the general areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. This program also will help determine what type of course or intervention will best meet your needs to help you become better prepared for college-level coursework if you are not ready. Undergraduate students who enter without an exemption are required to take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2).

What is the TSIA 2?

The TSIA2 helps determine whether you’re ready for college-level coursework in English language arts and reading (ELAR) and mathematics.

The TSIA2 contains multiple-choice questions aligned to Texas College and Career Readiness Standards, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Adult Education and Literacy Content Standards 2.0, and National Reporting System Educational Functioning Levels. The ELAR Test also contains an essay component you must complete to be considered college ready in ELAR.

Here are more details about TSIA2:

• Multiple-choice tests in TSIA2 are computer adaptive, which means that questions increase or decrease in difficulty depending on how you respond.
• The assessments are untimed, which means there’s no time limit on how long you can take to complete testing. 
• In most cases, TSIA2 provides results upon completion. When you complete the assessment, you immediately receive a score report.

Do I Have to Take the TSI Assessment?

Not all incoming students need to take the TSIA2. There are many ways you can be exempt. Qualifying for a TSI exemption means that you can enroll in any entry-level college course without restrictions.

You may be exempt if you:

• Have met the minimum college readiness standard on the SAT®, ACT, or the English III/Algebra II STAAR End-of-Course high school tests;
• Have successfully completed college-level course(s);
• Have enrolled in a Level-One certificate program (fewer than 43 semester credit hours);
• Are not seeking a degree; or
• Have been, or currently are, in the military.

TSIA 2 Student Informational Brochure             Free TSIA2 Practice Resources