Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

What is TSI?

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-legislated program designed to improve student success at the college level. The TSI Assessment test helps determine if a student admitted to college is prepared to take college-level coursework in Reading, Writing and mathematics. Incoming college students in Texas are required to take the TSI Assessment unless they are exempt and will either be placed in college-level courses or placed in a developmental course depending on their assessment test scores.

Understanding the TSI Assessment Test

The current TSI Assessment test is version two, commonly referred to as TSIA2. TSIA2 was administered for any student taking the test after Jan. 11, 2021, and replaced the original TSI Assessment test (TSIA).

Before taking TSIA2, students are required to participate in a Pre-Assessment Activity. The activity will explain some of the test procedures and provide practice test questions along with feedback on answers to the practice questions. The activity also will provide options and campus resources to help them meet minimum standards.

The TSI Assessment in Mathematics contains a multiple-choice assessment with approximately 20 items on the placement test and 10 items in each section of the diagnostic test. Students with passing scores on the placement test will not be required to take the diagnostic test.

The TSI Assessment in Reading contains multiple choice with approximately 24 questions in the placement test and 10-12 items in each section of the diagnostic test.

The TSI Assessment in Writing contains a multiple-choice section and an essay section. There are approximately 24 items in the placement test and 10-12 items per section in the diagnostic test. For the essay section, students are asked to write a five-paragraph essay on an issue of current interest.

What scores do I need to pass?

The minimum passing standards for the TSIA2 require a College Readiness Classification (CRC) score of at least 950 or a CRC score below 950 and a diagnostic level of 6 for Mathematics. A CRC score of at least 945 and an essay score of at least 5, or a CRC score below 945 and a diagnostic level of 5 or 6, and an essay score of at least 5 are required for the English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) test.

For students who took the original TSIA, the standards are slightly different and require a score of 351 or higher on Reading, a score of 340 or higher and an essay score of 4 or higher for Writing, and a score of 350 or higher for Math.

Who is exempt from taking the TSI Assessment?

Not all incoming students are required to take the TSI Assessment. In fact, there are several ways to earn an exemption from the TSI Assessment, which allows a student to enroll in any entry-level college course without restrictions.

Meeting one of the following criteria may qualify a student for a TSI exemption.

• Scored a 23 or higher on the ACT composite and a minimum of 19 on both English and Math (Note: for ACT administered PRIOR to February 15, 2023; scores may not be older than 5 years at the time of exemption).
• For ACT administered AFTER February 15, 2023, a combined score of 40 for English and Reading, and a score of 22 for Math.
• A SAT score of 480 of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 530 on Math. Scores must be issued within 5 years at time of exemption.
• A STAAR minimum score on English III Reading of 2000, English III Writing of 2000, and Algebra II of 4000.
• Students transferring from other institutions having satisfactorily completed college-level coursework.
• Students who have enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level One certificates) at a public institution.

I have already taken the TSIA2 at my high school or another institution, how do I submit my score to TTU?

Email your scores to your academic advisor or upload them to our College Preparatory Application.

Is there a fee to take the TSI Assessment?

There is a $50 fee each time your take the TSI Assessment at Texas Tech University. For more information, visit our FAQ page.

Online TSI testing option.

1. Go to www.depts.ttu.edu/testing and select Exam Services. Then select off-campus testing voucher to fill out the request form.
2. Do your pre-assessment (if you haven’t already). You’ll receive an email with this link after you submit your request form.

You will have to meet certain equipment requirements set by the online vendor to test online. You will need a webcam, speakers and microphone on your computer. You can find out more at https://examity.com/accuplacer-students/. Please watch the video under scheduling.

Payment Information:

The Texas Tech remote setup fee is $30 (this will be paid by debit or credit through an online system). There is a separate proctoring fee for Examity that you will pay directly to Examity when you set up your time. The Examity fee is approximately $25 (plus tax) but could go up. After you do the request and pre-assessment, you’ll receive an email from testing@ttu.edu to make your online payment. This will take 1 – 2 business days.

Within 3 business days of receiving your payment, your voucher will be created. This will come from Accuplacer.

You will set an appointment through Examity after you get your voucher from Accuplacer. Read through the instructions on the voucher email at that time.

For questions: TTU Academic Testing Services

To take the TSI Assessment or learn more about taking the TSI Assessment at TTU or at a local site:

Academic Testing Services Website
West Hall 214
(806) 742-3671
testing@ttu.edu

TSI Developmental Education Office

To get help with registering for TSI courses, and to learn more about TSI coursework:

Drane Hall 227
(806) 742-3242
tsi@ttu.edu