TSI Assessment

The TSI Assessment is part of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program designed to help Navarro College determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. This program also will help determine what type of course or intervention will best meet your needs to help you become better prepared for college-level course work if you are not ready.

If you are incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment – unless you are already exempt. Based on how you perform you may either be enrolled in a college-level course that matches your skill level or be placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

 

WHAT IS THE TSI ASSESSMENT, AND WHAT SKILLS ARE COVERED IN THE TEST?

The TSI Assessment is a computer adaptive test, which means that each question is chosen based on your answers to previous questions, tailoring your test specifically for you and your ability level. The test helps us determine if you’re ready for college-level course work in the general subjects of writing, reading and mathematics. Your scores will be used to either place you in a college-level course or in the appropriate developmental course to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

UPDATE: The new TSI was launched in January 2021 and now includes two parts, the English and Language Arts section (ELAR) and the Math section. The newly approved college readiness benchmarks for writing are as follows:

 

English and Language Arts (ELAR)

A placement score ≥ 945 and essay ≥5; or < 945 and diagnostic ≥5 and essay ≥5

 

Math

a placement score ≥ 950 or < 950 and diagnostic score of 6
 
 

WHAT IS THE TSI PRE-ASSESSMENT, AND WHY DO I HAVE TO TAKE IT BEFORE TESTING?

It is mandatory that you complete the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) prior to taking the TSI Assessment for the first time. The PAA helps prepare you for the placement test and includes the following information:

  • An explanation of the importance of the TSI Assessment

  • Practice test questions and feedback

  • An explanation of all your developmental education options, if you don’t meet the minimum passing standard

  • Information on campus and community resources that will help you succeed as a college student

 

Also, the CollegeBoard offers a new TSI Assessment Web-Based Study App that is free for all students. You can use this tool to familiarize yourself with basic content questions asked on the TSI Assessment. The study guide app features practice tests in the Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, College-Level Math, Reading, Comprehension and Sentence Skills which can be accessed from a tablet, smartphone, or computer using a standard browser.

 

HOW DO I TAKE THE TSI ASSESSMENT AT NAVARRO COLLEGE?

The TSI Assessment is administered on an appointment basis at each of Navarro College’s Testing Centers. The days and times available varies for the different campuses, so be sure to call ahead to set your appointment.

 

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?

The fee for the TSI Assessment is $35 for Navarro College students. The TSI Assessment fee is to be paid at the Cashier’s Office the day of the test. Navarro College prospective students should have submitted an Application for Admission to the Admissions Office prior to testing.

 

HOW LONG DOES THE TEST TAKE TO COMPLETE?

The test is untimed, and the actual length of the test varies. You should allot three to five hours for the TSI Assessment. Please keep in mind, the multiple-choice portions of the TSI Assessment can be saved and finished later if you run out of time for the day or need to take a long break; however, you must complete the essay portion in one sitting.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO TEST?

You will need photo identification and the $35 test fee. The Navarro College Testing Center will provide scratch paper and pencils; the calculator is built into the test program. No study aids will be allowed.

 

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE TSI ASSESSMENT TEST?

You can go to the official TSI College Board Learning Resource Site for valuable information on study materials.  This is also a great site to enter a Learning Locator Code for specific help in subject areas if you have already taken the TSIA2. 

TSI Student Information Brochure (PDF)  

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM EXEMPT FROM THE TSIA/TSI TEST?

Texas Success Initiative Exemptions
• Scored a 23 or higher on the ACT composite and a minimum of 19 on both the English and math tests;

• SAT administered prior to March 2016: Earned a combined (verbal critical reading + math) SAT score of 1070, with a minimum score of 500 on both sections;

• SAT administered March 2016 and later: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) minimum score of 480, Mathematics minimum score of 530 (no combined score needed);

• STAAR end-of course (EOC) with a minimum Level 2 score of 4000 on the English III shall be exempt from the TSI reading and writing, and a minimum Level 2 score of 4000 on the Algebra II EOC is exempt from the TSI math.

• A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.

• Veterans, active duty personnel, and a student who is serving as and, for at least 3 years preceding enrollment, has served as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed services; A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.

• Transfer from another institution having satisfactorily completed collegelevel coursework; or

• Enroll in a certificate program of one year or less (Level One certificates) at a public institution.

• A student who successfully completes a college preparatory course under TEC 28.014 is exempt for a period of 24 months from the date of high school graduation. The student must enroll in the student’s first college - level course in the exempted content area in the student’s first year of enrollment in an institution of higher education.

Download/Print TSI Exemption List (PDF)