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Frequently Asked Questions

What is TSI?

TSI stands for the Texas Academic Skills Program. It is a placement exam that covers the areas of reading, writing, and math.

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Why am I required to take the TSI Test?

State law mandates that any student entering a Texas public college or university must take this test, unless otherwise exempted. This test helps determine whether students are ready for college level coursework in the areas of reading, writing, and math.

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How are you exempt from the TSI Test?

Please click on the following exemptions/exceptions that are listed below for a detailed explanation:
  1. ACT/SAT/TAAS
  2. Active Duty Military
  3. Baccalaureate Degrees
  4. Certification Programs of one year or less
  5. Deaf students
  6. Dyslexia and other related disorders
  7. Enrollment on a temporary basis
  8. Grandfathering
  9. High School graduates
  10. International Students
  11. National Student Exchange Program Participants
  12. Out-of-state students
  13. Students 55 years of age or older

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How can I register for the TSI Test?

If you would like to register for the regular scheduled TSI Test, you can pick up a registration bulletin outside the TSI Office – Holden Hall, Room 72. If you want to register for the Quick TSI, you must visit the Testing Center – West Hall, Room 213 for available dates. To register for the TSI CAT, you must call the National Evaluation System in Austin, TX at 512/927-5101.

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If I fail a section of the TSI test, do I have to retest in each area again?

No. Once you have passed a portion of the TSI Test, you are complete with that area. You only have to retake the failed portion.

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How many times can I take the TSI Test?

You can take the regular scheduled TSI Test as often as it is offered. Once you have taken the Quick TSI, you must wait at least 90 days before taking this type of test again. Once you have taken the TSI CAT (the computer administered test), you must wait at least 120 days before taking the test on computer again.

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What is the difference between the regular scheduled TSI Test, the Quick TSI, and the CAT (Computer Administered Test)?

There is no difference in these tests as far as the material that is covered, but the cost for each test varies based on how quickly you would like your results to be reported. The regular scheduled TSI cost $29 and takes 3-4 weeks for your scores to be reported. The Quick TSI cost $54 and takes 8-10 days for the scores to be received. The TSI CAT cost $89 and you will receive the score immediately for the reading and math portion, but it will require 3 days for the writing section to be reported.

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Can anyone take the Quick TSI?

Yes. The test was intended for out-of-state students and first time takers, but generally the sessions do not fill up. Please feel free to contact the Testing Center (742-3671) for availability.

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What is the Math Placement Exam?

The math placement exam is a free test designed by the math department to assess which math course would be appropriate for each individual student. To obtain more information about this exam, please visit www.math.ttu.edu)

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Why are there two holds on my record?

There is a current and future hold on all TSI liable students’ records. The current hold is released once the TSI Office has advised a student for the applicable semester. The future hold is in place to capture students prior to the next registration period.

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Why do I have to go through TSI Advisement?

TSI advisement is required in order to familiarize students with the TSI Office. In the advising session, students are also told about their responsibilities and which remedial course is required to be on their schedule.

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Do I have to have a TSI class on my schedule every semester?

Yes. Until all TSI requirements have been met, you must have a TSI class on your schedule each and every semester you are enrolled.

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Do remedial courses transfer from another school to Texas Tech University?

No, but if you have completed remediation at another Texas public college or university, we will honor that school’s decision. For further information about transferring remedial coursework, please visit with your TSI Advisor.

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What are my options as a student with a learning difference?

  1. There are several academic support services on campus that can assist you in completing your TSI requirements. Please refer to your TSI Student Handbook on pg. 9 & 10, or visit the online brochure provided by the TECHniques Center at www.techniques.ttu.edu/#Brochures
  2. You may also qualify for Senate Bill 944.
  3. You can recieve academic accomodations through Student Disability Services. You will need to contact Student Disability Services to see the guidelines for the program. http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentaffairs/sds/

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What is the attendance policy ?

As stated throughout the handbook, students who test but do not meet the passing scores in all sections of the THEA or TSI approved alternate Test are required by state law to obtain TSI advising and continuously enroll in a formal program of skills development until all TSI requirements are satisfied. Students must enroll in and attend a developmental program as arranged by the TSI Skills Development Office. Developmental program attendance is mandatory. Non-compliance with the rules of attendance will result in a student being withdrawn from the university. Withdrawals are subject to University policies as set forth in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students may appeal withdrawals when unusual extenuating circumstances exist by picking up an Appeal of Withdrawal form in Holden Hall Room 72. The written appeal, along with appropriate documentation, must accompany the Appeal of Withdrawal form.
Rules of Attendance:
  1. Attendance in a TSI required developmental skills class is MANDATORY.
  2. If you are 20 minutes late, by the instructor's watch or classroom clock, you will be counted absent.
  3. Attendance is documented through class attendance records by a method that the instructor chooses.
  4. The TSI Skills Development Office will notify students of all recorded absences reported by instructors on a weekly basis and one courtesy warning e-mail notifications are sent to the students' current e-mail address when the student has met the attendance limit. Failure to receive mail is no excuse for not complying with the Attendance Policy. It is the student's responsibility to maintain correct and current e-mail and local and permanent addresses with the TSI Office (refer to pg. 3). Completing a Change of Address form will update address information.
  5. The total number of absences for a student does not reset when changing class schedules for skills development classes or when an appeal is approved.
    5 - Courses based classes
    1. Allowable number of absences:
    (MATH 0301; MATH 0302; ENGL 0301)
    4 - Non-Course Classes
    (TSI 0101; TSI 0201; TSI 0301; TSI 0102; TSI 0202; TSI 0302; TSI 0103; TSI 0203; TSI 0303)

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What do I do if I am withdrawn from TTU for non-compliance?

Students can appeal withdrawals when extenuating circumstances exist by picking up an Appeal of Withdrawal form in Holden Hall Rm 72.

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