Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
TSI Compliance Office
West Hall, Room 116
Box 45015
Lubbock, TX 79406
Voice: (806) 742-1183 ext. 248
FAX (806) 742-4767
TSI Compliance Office
What is TSI? Click here to view a brief informational presentation.
THEA Practice Test available at: www.thea.nesinc.com
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) took the place of TASP as of September 1, 2003. Under the Texas Success Initiative, any student who is not exempt is required to take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), the Compass, Accuplacer, or Asset test to test for basic skills in the areas of reading, math, and writing.
TSI was implemented to ensure that students enrolled in Texas public colleges and universities possess the necessary academic skills to succeed. The THEA test – a diagnostic assessment of reading, mathematics, and writing skills – must be taken by all entering undergraduate students without exempt or waived statuses. Students may also take the TSI approved tests: Accuplacer, Asset, or Compass.
TSI test scores are not used to determine admissions status; however, entering students must test before enrolling in college-level courses in any Texas public institution of higher education.
Students are strongly encouraged to take a TSI approved test before coming to Texas Tech so that the scores may be used to help determine initial placement in college courses. Please see additional information under Testing Information.
THEA test registration must usually be completed a month prior to the scheduled testing date. Six or more test dates are available each year at 110 Texas locations. THEA test registration booklets are available at most Texas public college and universities or by writing to the testing company, National Evaluation Systems, Inc., PO Box 140347, Austin, Texas 78714-0347.
Students who have tested but have not attained the established minimum scores on one or more sections of the test are required by Texas Law to obtain TSI advising and to enroll in a formal program of skills development each semester until they have passed all sections of the test. Assigned skills development must be completed as a condition of enrollment.