TSI Assessment

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.

TSI Checklist

Follow this checklist to take the TSI assessment test at Austin Community College or determine if you are exempt.

1. Verify TSI status

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.

TSI Exemptions

You do not have to take the TSI Assessment if you:

  • Graduated college with an associate or bachelor’s degree; or
  • Have earned a C or higher in a college-level course at an accredited institution. The course must be equivalent to an ACC course on the approved ACC TSI course list.
  • Previously attended college and have been determined to have met college readiness standards by that institution; or
  • Are student who is enrolling in a Level 1 certificate program and are taking courses ONLY in the certificate award plan; or
  • Are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and have been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment; or
  • On or after August 1, 1990, were 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.
  • You have completed the SAT, ACT, or other approved assessment exam with the minimum score needed for TSI exemption.

Test Score Exemptions

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.

TSI Complete Scores

You have completed Texas Success Initiative requirements for a subject area if you:

  • Earn the minimum score listed in the chart below
State-Approved Minimum Scores to be TSI Complete
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.

Request TSI Scores

Complete the Request for TSI Scores if you would like to pull your test scores taken at another HS/college/university.

2. Complete TSI test preparation

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.

3. Pay testing fee

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 6 months 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.

4. Take your test

Review the TSI testing schedule to find the best time and location. Bring the following:

  • Official photo ID
  • Know your social security number
  • Pre-Assessment Activity Completion Certificate
  • Testing fee receipt or fee waiver

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.