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TSI Testing Information

Students are strongly encouraged to take a TSI approved test before coming to orientation so that the scores may be used to help determine initial placement in college courses.

If you have never taken the THEA test and think you might be exempt, see "Exemptions" to find out if you will have to take a test for TSI purposes

If you are not exempt, you must take a TSI approved test. There are variations of the approved TSI tests:

Please note: THEA is a test that is only administered in Texas; however, the Asset, Compass and Accuplacer are available nationwide. For out of state students, please confirm that the testing center you choose administers the Written Essay portion of the exam if you need to test in Writing. In addition, the Sentence/Writing Skills and Written Essay portions must be taken on the same day in order to be considered compliant in Writing.

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.

  • Regularly Scheduled THEA Test

    The Regularly Scheduled THEA test is given by National Evaluation Systems (NES) at many locations across Texas approximately six times a year.

    The scores for the regularly scheduled THEA test are made available two weeks (or 10 working days) after the test date. A registration booklet is needed to register for each of these tests. The cost of the test varies depending on the date on which you register.

    Internet Registration is available to THEA Test examinees! Please visit www.thea.nesinc.com to inquire about THEA internet registration.

  • THEA Quick Exam

    The THEA Quick Exam is a campus version of the THEA test. These scores are also made available within five to seven work days. If you would like to find out more about this test, which is available on a limited basis, please call Texas Tech University’s Testing Office at (806) 742-3671 and they can provide any information you might need.

    Students entering Texas Tech from Texas are encouraged to take the THEA test while in high school. It takes about 3 weeks to receive THEA test results. You must register for an orientation at least 3 weeks after your THEA test date to allow time for your scores to be delivered to Texas Tech.

    Other Approved TSI Tests

    Other Approved TSI Tests: Accuplacer, Asset, Compass.These alternate TSI tests are given at most community colleges. Texas Tech currently administers the Accuplacer in our Academic Testing Services Office, Room 214, West Hall before 1 PM any weekday. Please contact the Testing Office at (806) 742-3671 to inquire about the Accuplacer test at Texas Tech University. The following website includes test prep for the Accuplacer exam: http://www.testprepreview.com/accuplacer_practice.htm

    Students testing at a school other than Tech, particularly those out-of-state, must be certain to take the correct portion of the TSI test selected. Please use the guidelines listed below.

    Note: some schools will not share test results. Before you test, verify that the other school is willing to fax Tech a copy of your official scores or provide you with an official copy of the score report to submit to us. Please fax results to 806-742-4767.

    Test Portion Required for TTU Required Score
    ASSET: Reading Skills 41
    Elementary Algebra 38
    Writing Skills (objective) 40
    Written Essay 5
    COMPASS: Reading Skills 81
    Algebra 39
    Writing Skills 59
    Written Essay 5
    ACCUPLACER: Reading Comprehension 78
    Elementary Algebra 63
    Sentence Skills 80
    Written Essay 5
    THEA: Reading 230
    Math 230
    Writing 220
    Essay 5

  • Students who have taken an approved TSI test at another Texas public institution,

    must have that school send a copy of the official score report or official college transcript to Texas Tech University showing the TSI exemption. Please include the writing sample score on the score report or transcript. Before testing at another school, make certain that school is willing to give you an official score report or will fax a report directly to Tech: 806-742-4767.

  • Students entering Texas Tech University from out-of-state,

    will be expected to take the Accuplacer test at Texas Tech when they arrive on campus the first morning of orientation prior to the orientation check-in time if they have not completed testing.

    Please note: The Math Placement Exam will NOT satisfy TSI requirements. Go to www.math.ttu.edu

    TESTING AT TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

    For students attending a 3 day Orientation: All students needing to test may take the Accuplacer test in our Testing Center at Texas Tech the morning of the first day of orientation before check-in and no later than 1PM. The Testing Center opens at 8:00am daily Monday through Friday and on Sundays ONLY when an Orientation is scheduled to begin on Sunday.

    For students attending a 1 day Orientation: You may attend your mandatory session first, schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor for later in the day, then proceed to the Testing Center prior to meeting your academic advisor.

    The cost of the exam is $50.00 and is payable to Texas Tech University with check, money order, Visa, or MasterCard. Although the exam is untimed, plan on approximately one hour per section (there are 3 sections and an essay). Bring your driver’s license or passport for identification purposes. For more information, please visit the Academic Testing Center’s website:Academic Testing Services at TTU.You may test at TTU once a day.