Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2)
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is comprised of Mathematics, ELAR (Reading/Writing Multiple Choice) and Essay. Texas law requires all entering college students to be assessed for college readiness in these subjects, unless the student qualifies for an exemption. Each student who fails to meet the minimum passing standard of the exam offered by the institution must be placed in a course or intervention designed to help the student achieve college readiness. Appointments are MANDATORY.
Each test is designed using adaptive techniques. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. This technique “zeroes-in” on just the right questions to fit your skills and abilities. The greater your demonstrated skill level, the more challenging the questions presented to you and greater the points awarded per question.
Once verifying an answer, you cannot return to that question. After answering each question, the computer calculates a score based on all of the answers you have given and uses this information to select the next question to display. Because the test is adaptive, you must answer every question when it is first given and cannot omit any question or come back later to change an answer.
If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick one of the remaining choices.
TSIA2 Exemptions
All students taking college-level courses must satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSIA2) requirements, unless they qualify for a TSI exemption, waiver or exception. Click THECB Rule 4.54 for TSIA2 Exemptions and TSI Overview for summary.
Fees
- $40.00 - All or 2/3 Assessments
- $20.00 - 1 Assessment
Fees may be Paid Online by clicking Pay Online and clicking appropriate icon. Fee(s) nonrefundable.
Two Options for Completing TSIA2
Option 1 - A&M-Texarkana (Bringle Lake) Proctoring
- Click HERE to login and complete the Online Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) if you have yet to complete. To access the PAA, the student must create an account if one has not been previously created, click CREATE ACCOUNT. Upon completion of PAA, a certificate will be accessible. The "Certificate of Completion" will need to be either a) printed and brought to the Testing Center or it can be b) emailed directly to the Testing Center at testingcenter@tamut.edu.
- Click Pay Online and pay for TSI Assessment(s).
- Schedule An Appointment.
Option 2 - Virtual (Online) Proctoring
TSIA2 Assessments testing is also offered remotely (online) via Examity. Please follow the below instructions and links to complete assessment(s). Students MUST adhere to Examity's rules and policies. Virtual (Online) proctoring allows current or prospective A&M-Texarkana students to complete the TSIA2 Assessment virtually (online). You MUST have a computer with a webcam, audio (mic) and good Internet connection. Examity is an approved vendor offering online proctoring services for TSIA2.
- Click HERE to login and complete the Online Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) if you have yet to complete. To access the PAA, the student must create an account if one has not been previously created, click CREATE ACCOUNT. Upon completion of PAA, a certificate will be accessible. The "Certificate of Completion" will need to be either a) printed and brought to the Testing Center or it can be b) emailed directly to the Testing Center at testingcenter@tamut.edu.
- Click Pay Online and pay for TSI Assessment(s).
- Upon completing the PAA and payment, schedule an appointment with the Testing Center and provide the below information to receive a Voucher number, which you must have prior to schedule an appointment with Examity.
- First Name
- Last Name
- A&M-Texarkana CWID# (Student ID)
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Mailing Address
- Birthdate
- Identify TSIA2 Assessment(s)
- You MUST complete and/or have a CURRENT A&M-Texarkana Application on file.
You MUST provide your A&M-Texarkana CWID #. - To test with Examity, you will need to create an Examity account.
- Confirm that you meet Examity’s technical requirements.
- Verify an Examity Virtual Proctor is available when you want to take the TSI Assessment(s).
- Please allow approximately three (3) business days for Vouchers to be emailed once ALL required information is received, as well as completed TSIA2 Assessment(s) scores to be posted DURING business hours of operation.
The day of your testing appointment with Examity, you will need the following items:
- Valid Photo ID
- Voucher Number
- Pencil
- Blank Scratch Paper
***Personal calculators are NOT permitted. You must use the calculator onscreen.
Note: Examity may have additional requirements. Please be sure to communicate with them to determine these requirements. You can contact Examity at (855) 392-6489 if you have additional questions.
Preparation
It is imperative that students prepare for this exam just as they would for any other exam. Solid preparation for the exam can save students both time and money. Additionally, it is extremely important that students take the exam seriously in order for TSIA2 to generate an accurate measure of students’ academic skills. This ensures that students are placed correctly into their academic courses.
Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)
Before you take the TSI Assessment, you must participate in a Pre-Assessment Activity. Texas A&M University-Texarkana is required to provide the Pre-Assessment Activity as well as document your participation, so it is very important that you complete this activity before you take the test. In addition, you will not be allowed to take the TSIA2 Assessment(s) until you have completed this activity.
Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) Website
Retest
If you are not satisfied with your score, you may retake the TSI Assessment at any time. However, before you attempt to retest, it is strongly recommended that you set aside time for additional study. It is very unlikely that your score will improve greatly without additional review and study.
TSIA2 Score Retrieval
Students have the ability to access their Student Portal to send TSIA2 scores (reports) to educational institutions.
In addition, if you have taken the TSI Assessment at another institution within the last five years, the Testing Center will attempt to locate your scores. Email the Testing Center (testingcenter@tamut.edu) the following REQUIRED information:
- Institution's Name
- First and Last Name
- Date of Birth
- Permission to Retrieve Score(s)
In the event we cannot locate your scores, we will notify you and you will need to visit Release Form (Test Scores) and complete to have your scores released. Please be sure to provide accurate contact information.
ADA Accommodations
Students with disabilities can contact the Disabilities Office at (903) 223-3062 or accommodations@tamut.edu. Accommodations MUST be in place two (2) week prior to scheduled appointment.