The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-required assessment test to determine college-readiness in reading, writing, and math. All first-time college students must take the TSI test before enrolling in classes unless you are exempt or complete.
Follow this checklist to take the TSI assessment test at Austin Community College or determine if you are exempt.
Check the list of TSI exemptions and score completions to determine if you have already met TSI requirements in one or more areas (reading, writing, and math) or meet the criteria for an exemption. You must show proof of exemption. You may take your proof of exemption or waiver, if applicable, to any campus Advising Office. Those who are not exempt/complete should go to Step 2.
You do not have to take the TSI Assessment if you:
The following tests can be used to exempt you from one or more parts of the TSI Assessment. Tests must have been taken within the previous five years.
MINIMUM SCORES ELIGIBLE FOR TSI ASSESSMENT EXEMPTION
| TEST | READING & WRITING EXEMPTION | MATH EXEMPTION |
|---|---|---|
| SAT (March 2016 and later) | 480 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 530 Math |
| SAT (prior to March 2016) | 1070 Combined with 500 Critical Reading | 1070 Combined with 500 Math |
| ACT | 23 Composite with 19 English | 23 Composite with 19 Math |
| TAKS | 2200 ELA (English Language Arts) with 3+ Writing sub-score | 2200 Math |
| STAAR | 4000 on the English III (EOC) | 4000 on the Algebra II (E0C) |
Note: Mixing or combining scores from the SAT administered prior to March 2016 and the SAT administered March 2016 and later, is not allowable.
You have completed Texas Success Initiative requirements for a subject area if you:
| Assessment | Reading | Writing | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSI Assessment | 351 | *5 or 4/340 | 350 |
| Compass (tested and enrolled before 8/26/13) | 81 | 6 or 5/59 | 39 |
| ASSET (tested and enrolled before 8/26/13) | 41 | 6 or 5/40 | 38 |
| Accuplacer (tested and enrolled before 8/26/13) | 78 | W-6 or 5/80 | 63 |
| THEA/TASP (between 9/1/95 and 8/26/13) | 230 | 220 | 230 |
| THEA/TASP (before 9/1/95) | 220 | 220 | 220 |
Note*: A placement score less than 340 and an ABE Diagnostic level of at least 4, and essay score of at least 5.
Complete the Request for TSI Scores if you would like to pull your test scores taken at another HS/college/university.
If you are incomplete in any area(s) and are unable to provide proof of exemption, you must take the TSI Assessment. Complete the TSI assessment preparation steps if you need to take all or part of the assessment. The steps provide test preparation instruction and practices resources. You will need to print out the Pre-Assessment Activity Completion Certificate and take it with you on the day of the test.
If you need to take the assessment, pay your testing fees online.
Important: Purchase only the test section(s) you need to take, as payments are not refundable. Payment is valid for 30 days from date of purchase. Save the printed receipt as proof you paid.
If you are eligible for a Pell Grant, you can request an TSI Assessment fee waiver from Financial Aid.
Review the TSI testing schedule to find the best time and location. Contact the testing center at your campus to schedule the test. Drop-in testing is available at some campuses; please call the campus for more information. Seating is not guaranteed.
Arrive on the scheduled day, time, and location. Bring the following:
Get plenty of rest the night before your test. Allow at least five hours to complete all test sections. A diagnostic exam may also be required, depending on your results.