TSI

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program is designed to help colleges and universities determine if you are ready for college-level coursework in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. All incoming college students are required to take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2) unless they qualify for an exemption based on their SAT or ACT scores (see FAQs below for exemption information). After high school, based on how you perform on the TSIA2 you may be enrolled in a college-level course and/or be placed in the appropriate developmental courses. Dual credit students may not take developmental courses and must meet the TCC TSIA2 requirements in order to take dual credit courses.

Northwest ISD offers the TSI throughout the year and students may choose to take it online or face-to-face. If you wish to take the TSIA2 please submit the 2021-2022 TSIA2 Voucher Request Form using the link below.

TSIA-2 Resources

Request to take the TSIA-2

TSIA Voucher Request Form For Dual Credit Students

Use this Form if you are taking the TSIA face-to-face at an nisd campus and Need the TSIA so you can take a dual credit course

TSIA Voucher Request Form for Graduating Seniors

Use this form if you are a 2023 Graduate who is not taking dual credit and who wants to take the TSIA Face-to-face.

TSIA Remote Testing Voucher Request Form

USE THIS FORM IF YOU WANT TO TEST USING YOUR COMPUTER OR CHROMEBOOK FROM HOME.

Helpful Links

Frequently Asked Questions

I need to take the TSIA2 for college admission, but my test date was canceled or postponed. What do I do now?

NISD can now offer remote TSIA2 testing. Please click on the appropriate link above and complete the form so we can generate a remote testing voucher.

I qualify for STAAR testing accommodations. Are these available for TSIA2?

Some accommodations are available for TSIA-2 testing. We will work with students who qualify for 504 or SPED accommodations to provide any allowed supports.

Why do I need to take the TSIA2 Assessment?

All college students in Texas public colleges must take the TSIA2 Assessment to determine their readiness for college-level coursework. Based on how a student performs on the TSIA2, he/she may be either be allowed to enroll in a college course or placed in a developmental course to help improve his/her skills and the likelihood of success.

In some cases, your SAT or ACT scores may qualify you to be exempt from all or part of the TSI Assessment.

My ACT and SAT Scores won't exempt me from the TSIA2. What score do I need on the TSIA2 to pass?

TSIA2 isn't a test that you pass or fail. It is a test that measures your readiness to take college-level classes. If you do not meet the college-readiness benchmark score, you will still likely be able to enroll in college; however, you may be required to take developmental courses before taking courses in your degree plan. Please note that developmental courses are NOT eligible for high school credit.

The college-ready standards for TSIA2 are:

Mathematics - 950-990 or 910-949 with a diagnostic level of 6
ELAR - 945-990 AND and an essay score of 5-8 or 910-944 and a diagnostic level 5-6 and an essay score of 5-8

How much does the TSIA2 cost?

The cost of the TSIA2 varies by institution. The general range is between $20 to $60, depending on how many sections a student is taking.

Northwest ISD dual credit students may take the TSIA2 at any NISD testing site up to three times at no charge. After the third attempt, there will be a $15 fee per section for each additional attempt. Students who choose to test at a non-NISD site may be required to pay additional fees. The cost will depend on the college and the testing site.

Seniors who will be attending a private college in Texas or any college outside the State may not be required to take the TSIA2. Please check with your college or university to confirm their requirements.

When and where do I test?

The TSIA2 Assessment is offered at the college you wish to attend. Visit their website and follow their procedures to sign up for testing.

NISD students may also take the TSIA2 Assessment in NISD remotely or face-to-face.

How long does the TSIA2 Assessment take?

The TSIA2 Assessment is not a timed test. The average time to complete all 3 sections of the test is 3-5 hours.

What happens if I do not finish the test?

You have 14 calendar days to complete the test. If you do not complete the test within that 14-day period, you will have to begin again with Question 1 on the test section where you stopped.

What do I need to bring with me to the test?

Government-issued photo identification or current campus ID badge.

Can I bring a calculator to the test?

No. Calculators are not allowed. No study materials, reference materials, or calculators may be used during the test. Cell phones and all other communication devices are strictly prohibited in the testing room. The mathematics test has an integrated calculator for questions where a calculator is allowed. Please see the video above to learn how to use the calculator.

How do I interpret my scores?

Your counselor, college advisor, or college and career facilitator will be able to help you interpret your scores.

I took the TSIA2 but did not meet the college readiness standard in one or more areas. What do I do now?

You may retest one more time after two weeks. During this time, we recommend that you spend some time preparing for the section(s) you need to retake using the resources above.

How many times can I take the TSIA2?

You may take the TSIA2 free of charge up to three times. After your third attempt, there will be a $15 fee per section for each subsequent attempt.

I have taken the TSI2 twice, but I still have not met the college readiness standard. What do I do now?

You will be allowed to test again once you have successfully completed a TSI Prep Course. Please see your College & Career Facilitator to be enrolled in this free course. You must successfully complete the TSIA2 Prep course before you will be allowed to try a 3rd time.

NISD Campus-Based College & Career Facilitators

Please note that colleges have varying admissions policies. While NISD is available to help, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to work with their college admissions office to ensure that they meet the enrollment requirements of each college they plan to attend. If you have additional questions about the TSI Assessment or need further guidance, please contact your school counselor, NISD College & Career Readiness, or the admissions and advising office at the college you plan to attend.