Student Studying on Laptop

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

All incoming students, unless exempt, take the Texas Success Initiatives Assessment (TSIA2). This assessment evaluates your skill levels in mathematics, reading, and writing so we can set you up for academic success by placing you in the appropriate course program.

testing-tsi

Schedule Your TSIA2

Each Testing Center features different test options. Check below to see which campus fits your needs and to register for your exam. 
Central CampusGeneration ParkNorth CampusSouth Campus

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) became effective Sept. 1, 2003. This initiative requires that incoming students, unless exempt, be assessed for college readiness in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing. 

Students must demonstrate college readiness (area by area) before being allowed to enroll in college-level courses with a certain area skill requirement. College readiness is demonstrated by: 

  • Prior college-level coursework with a grade of D or higher
  • Passing an approved assessment test
  • Successful completion of college preparatory coursework with a grade of C or higher

Students that don't pass an area of the assessment are not allowed to enroll in college-level classes with certain skill requirements until those college readiness requirements are met. Students can meet the skills requirement by completing the sequence of college preparatory courses for that area or by passing a retest of the assessment. 

Incoming students who are not exempt, and who have not met TSI testing requirements, must meet with an educational planner/counselor, admission, or ACT advisor. This appointment will help determine if you must take an assessment test.

TSI Exemptions

Do you think you qualify for an exemption for some or all of the TSI? Check below to see what exceptions may apply to you.

If students have met one of the following conditions, they are exempt from the provisions of the Texas Success Initiative:

  • Have graduated with an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
  • Are serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, in the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a Reserves unit of the Armed Forces of the United States. Exemptions are also given for those who have been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment, or were honorably discharged, retired, or released on or after Aug. 1, 1990.
  • Have previously met TASP requirements or were exempt from the TASP.
  • ACT composite score of 23 or higher on the PLAN with an English score of 19 or higher, or an English score of 435 on the ACT-Aspire.  ACT composite score of 23 or higher on the PLAN with a 19 or higher in mathematics, or a mathematics score of 431 on the ACT-Aspire. (Scores are valid for five years from the date of testing. Scores on a residual ACT are not acceptable for TSI exemption.)
  • Students who took the SAT test prior to March 5, 2016 may use the following scores: Combined critical reading (formerly "verbal") and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading test can be exempt for both reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment, and/or 500 on the mathematics tests can be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment.
  • Exit-level TAKS mathematics score of 2200 or higher and a language arts score of 2200 or higher with an essay score of 3 or higher. Scores are valid for five years from the date of testing.
  • Transfer from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and have satisfactorily (with a grade of D or higher) completed college-level coursework related to a skill area(s). Students who have not completed coursework related to all skill areas must be assessed in the unmet area(s) and must participate in college preparatory studies if the area(s) is not met on the test.
  • Have attended any regionally accredited institution of higher education and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution. This includes passing scores on an approved assessment, a previous determination of college readiness (exemption) under the TASP, or the completion (with grades of C or higher) of college preparatory studies at that institution.

Students who do not meet all-area exemption standards on one of the above tests are considered exempt in the individual areas where the composite and area standard is met. 

Here are the partial exemptions based on the SAT, ACT, or exit-level TAKS: 

Reading and Writing:

  • ACT Composite 23+ and
  • ACT English 19+
  • Prior to March 1, 2016 SAT Composite 1070+ and Verbal (Critical Reading) 500+
  • SAT after March 1, 2016 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 480+
  • TAKS Language Arts 2200+ and Essay of 3+
  • STAAR EOC English III 4000+

Mathematics:

  • ACT Composite 23+ and ACT Mathematics 19+
  • Prior to March 1, 2016 SAT Composite 1070+ and Mathematics 500+
  • SAT After March March 1, 2016  530+
  • TAKS Mathematics 2200+
  • STAAR Algebra II, 4000

Important: Students who are partially exempt based on the ACT, SAT, or TAKS or STAAR must test for TSI purposes in the areas where they are not exempt prior to enrolling for any courses.

Students who are not seeking a degree or certificate may defer the required testing and college preparatory education provisions of the TSI. However, they may accumulate no more than 15 term hours of college-level credit while they delay. Once students have earned 15 college-level credit hours, they must meet all TSI requirements. 

To delay assessment and college preparatory studies, students must meet with an educational planner/ counselor to declare that they are not seeking a degree or certificate. Students with this status must meet all course skill prerequisites, so an assessment may be required. 

Note: Students in this status are not eligible for state or federal financial aid.

TSIA2 Background, Basics, and Prep

On January 11th, 2021, the Accuplacer Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) replaced the original TSIA test. Now that the TSIA2 is available, students will no longer have the option to take the original TSIA. Any students with ongoing TSIA tests will need to restart using TSIA2. 

Existing TSIA scores from completed tests will remain valid for up to 5 years after the test date. However, depending on which TSIA sections you completed, you should speak to an advisor to see if any TSIA2 testing is appropriate for you.

The TSIA2 consists of two multiple-choice sections: Mathematics and ELAR (an integrated reading and writing section). The TSIA2 will also include a WritePlacer Essay section. 

Pre-Assessment Activity

Before you take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2), students must complete a pre-assessment activity (PAA) before their first attempt per TAC Rule §4.55(a).

The PAA is not graded. Its purpose is to help students understand what to expect when taking the TSIA2 and how to prepare for the test. After you complete your PAA, take a look at the other TSIA2 requirements and schedule your test. 

Complete The PAA

Things To Know Before Scheduling Your TSIA2

Now that you have completed the PAA, you can start planning to take the TSIA2. Here is a helpful guide for the big day. Important: This test is only available for the purpose of enrollment with San Jac.

  1. Prepare For The Test

    Great news: The TSIA2 is not timed. Most students finish in around four hours, but you are allowed up to 14 days to finish. You can take breaks during any multiple-choice section, but you must finish your essay in one sitting.

    When you're ready to test, be sure to have: 

    • Your photo ID (driver's license, student ID, etc.)*
    • Your Testing Request Form 
    • Your PAA Completion Certificate
    • Payment for the retest proctoring fee or your receipt (if applicable)
    *If needed, students can use the Accuplacer Student ID Form in place of a photo ID. 

    Need to prepare for the TSIA2? The Accuplacer Student Portal provides practice resources (select Resources for Texas students) to help you prepare.

    Practice Resources

  2. Virtual Testing Must-Haves

    Did you know San Jac offers virtual testing for the TSIA2? To test virtually, you will need a desktop or laptop computer with a webcam and audio capabilities. Devices such as cell phones, iPads, Surface and other tablets will not work.

    To ensure you meet the technical requirements, please follow these steps: 

    Note: You may join the Zoom meeting with an existing account or as a guest participant.

  3. Meet With an Advisor

    After testing, you should meet with an advisor to discuss your scores and what they mean for class enrollment. To retrieve your unofficial score report, please visit the Accuplacer Student Portal.

    If your test scores require you to take developmental courses, meet with an advisor to help determine which courses you need to take. Advisors can also give your information on educational aids, including tutoring and retesting.

    Retests are available (discuss options with your advisor). You may need to pay a retest fee. You are able to test once per day. If you need to retest, speak with your advisor to learn how you can complete payment through your SOS Account.

San Jacinto College Student

Take the Test for Another College

Did you know San Jac offers TSIA2 testing for students attending another college or university? Our college also retrieves your scores if you have already taken the TSIA2 at another institution. Click the button to learn how you can request your scores or schedule a TSIA2 test at San Jac while attending a different school. 
Take the TSIA2 for Another School

retesting

Students are eligible to retest on the Accuplacer TSIA2, but there is a $15 charge per section attempted (Mathematics, ELAR multiple-choice and/or Writeplacer Essay). This retest fee applies to all students who have previously taken the Accuplacer TSIA2 or any other TSI assessment (Accuplacer TSIA 1.0, TASP/THEA, Asset, Compass) and have scores on record with San Jacinto College. This includes:

  1. Scores retrieved from another institution via cross-institution reporting or other transfer process, and
  2. Scores that have expired and are no longer valid when assessing college readiness.

Some exceptions may apply for Dual Credit and Early College High School students per specific Memorandums of Understanding established with the appropriate Independent School District.

Misconduct and Infraction Guidelines

San Jac Testing Centers have a responsibility to faculty and students to respond to any infractions that may occur. We administer the TSIA2 under policy, rules and guidelines set forth by the College Board and Accuplacer platform.

Testing Center staff will stop testing for anyone who commits an alleged testing infraction while taking the TSIA2. After correcting the alleged infraction, staff will allow the exam to resume if the alleged infraction is minor.  However, staff will not allow the exam to resume if the alleged infraction is major. Many minor alleged infractions may also result in staff not allowing an exam to resume and dismissing the examinee from the Testing Center.

Currently defined major infractions include, but are not limited to: 

  • Cheating: Using unauthorized aids, conspiring with an individual and impersonating or having someone impersonate you during a test. 
  • Bribery: Offering or accepting money or other compensation in exchange for test help or other benefit. 
  • Theft: Removing or attempting to remove test material or other privileged material from the Testing Center. 
  • Disruption or violence: Acting in a manner that causes a disruption or threat to others.

Currently defined minor infractions include, but are not limited to: 

  • General non-compliance: Failing to follow staff instructions and/or testing guidelines about test materials, breaks, etc.

Other actions and behaviors not defined here may be regarded as a major or minor infraction at the Testing Center's discretion.

Staff will complete a Notice of Testing Infraction form detailing the incident and submit the form and all collected materials to their Testing Coordinator for review. This will be in collaboration with the Dean of Student Records & College Registrar as well as the Dean of Student Development and a leader from an appropriate advising office.

The appropriate Dean, or designee, will determine appropriate disciplinary action.

FIND A TESTING CENTER

At the time of your appointment, report to the Testing Center on the campus where you prefer to test. Contact the location if you have any questions.

CAmpus Address Phone Email
Central Welcome Center C27.2200, 2nd Floor  281-998-6150 x 2025 testingcenter-central@sjcd.edu
North Welcome Center N6.220, 2nd Floor 281-998-6150 x 2347 testingcenter-north@sjcd.edu
South Welcome Center S6.220, 2nd Floor  281-998-6150 x 3433 testingcenter-south@sjcd.edu
Generation Park G2. 115 281-998-6150 x 8129
testingcenter-genpark@sjcd.edu