TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI)

Placement Testing Information
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was mandated through action of the 78th Texas Legislature to replace the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). Like TASP, TSI is designed to measure competency in reading, writing, and mathematics and to provide developmental studies in areas of identified deficiencies. All students not eligible for an exemption or waiver must take an approved placement test prior to enrolling in any Texas public college or university. Enrollment without test scores may be limited to developmental studies.

Exemptions

• Student is exempt on the basis of SAT I scores (less than 5 years old) with a minimum qualifying scores of 1070 total, with 500 verbal and math.
• Student is exempt on the basis of the ACT (less than 5 years old) with a minimum qualifying score of 23 composite, with 19 English and 19 math.
• Student is exempt on the basis of high school exit level TAKS (taken as a junior) with a minimum qualifying score of 2200 math and ENLA 2200 with writing subscore of 3.
• TSI exemption given by another Texas public institution. Official transcript must be on file to document exemption.
• Student has associate degree or higher from a United States regionally accredited institution.
• Transfer student from a U.S. private or out-of-state regionally accredited institution with three or more credit level hours.
• A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States. Must provide a copy of DD214 to document exemption.

All test scores must be documented on an official document (transcript). Faxes, student score reports, or Xerox copies are not considered official.

Students may be required to participate in Collin local assessments prior to enrollment in certain subjects. Check with your academic advisor.

Partial Exemptions*

• Students who tested after April 1, 2004 and have a composite score of 23 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math with an ACT Math score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT Verbal may be less than 19. Likewise, an ACT Verbal score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT Math may be less than 19 can be exempt from TSI Reading and TSI Writing.
• Students who tested after April 1, 2004 and have a composite score of 1070 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math with a SAT Math score of 500 (or higher) even though the SAT Verbal may be less than 500. Likewise, an SAT Verbal score of 500 (or higher) even though the SAT Math may be less than 500 can be exempt from TSI Reading and Writing.
• Students who tested after April 1, 2004 with a TAKS math score of 2200 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math. Likewise, TAKS Eng. Lang. Arts score of 2200 with a writing sample of 3 exempts a student from TSI Reading and TSI Writing. The TAKS Engl. Lang Arts component is "all or nothing." In other words, a student with a TAKS English Lang. Arts score of 2200 with a writing subscore of 2 is NOT exempt from either TSI Reading or TSI Writing.

*Note: Applies only to students who tested after April 1, 2004; must be approved by the TSI Office or the Director of Testing; and students must take incomplete portion of TSI test before exemption is awarded and/or registration.

Temporary Waivers

• Students enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Degree plan must be on file).
• Students currently serving on active military duty (United States Armed Forces).
• Non-degree seeking students with proper documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who must take the TSI test?

A. Unless otherwise exempt or waived, all students registering at a Texas public college must take the TSI test.
 

Q. When do I have to take the TSI test?

A. The test must be taken before you can enroll in any college-level course at any Texas public institution of higher education.
 

Q. What test instruments are used for TSI?

A. ACT Compass (given at CCCCD); ACCUPLACER; ASSET, and THEA (formerly TASP).
 

Q. How do I register and pay for the TSI test?

A. Compass: All three campuses are test sites for the Compass and you may register and pay on campus by contacting the Testing Center on the campus at which you want to take the Compass test. (CPC: 972-548-6849; PRC: 972-377-1523; SCC: 972-881-5922).
 

THEA registration is available online at www.thea.nesinc.com (the unit cost of each test, approximately $29, shall be borne by the student).
 

Q. What happens if I do not pass all three sections of the TSI Test?

A. Students who initially fail to be placed at college level on a portion of the TSI may be required to retest after completion of recommended developmental education courses. Furthermore, you cannot take a college-level course in the failed subject area until you complete the required developmental courses and/or retest.

For questions about TSI, contact the TSI Office at (972)881-5902 or e-mail the TSI Coordinator. You can also contact www.thea.nesinc.com.