How Is the TSI Test Scored?
The TSI Assessment is part of the Texas Success Initiative, a program that helps Texas public colleges decide the appropriate level of coursework for an incoming student. Since January 11, 2021, the test has been the TSI Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). It has two sections: Mathematics, and English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), which combines reading and writing and includes an essay.
Although various criteria exempt a student from this requirement, most students entering a Texas public college or university need to take it. Apart from the ELAR essay, TSIA2 questions are multiple-choice and computer-adaptive, so questions get harder or easier based on your previous answers.
A good TSI score proves your readiness for college-level coursework and saves you considerable money and time by allowing you to avoid remedial classes.
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How the TSIA2 is scored
Each TSIA2 section starts with a College Readiness Classification (CRC) test. Your CRC score decides whether you meet the college readiness standard right away or continue to a longer Diagnostic test. The standards are set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in Texas Administrative Code Rule 4.57, and colleges may not set a higher or lower standard, so they are the same at every Texas public college.
TSIA2 Mathematics
- The math CRC test has 20 questions and is reported on a scale from 910 to 990.
- A CRC score of 950 or higher meets the math standard.
- If your CRC score is below 950, you take a 48-question Diagnostic test, with 12 questions in each of the four strands: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebraic Reasoning, Geometric and Spatial Reasoning, and Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning. A Diagnostic Level of 6 also meets the standard.
TSIA2 English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)
- The ELAR CRC test has 30 questions. You also write a 300- to 600-word essay, which is scored from 1 to 8 by an automated scoring system.
- A CRC score of 945 or higher together with an essay score of at least 5 meets the ELAR standard.
- If your CRC score is below 945, you take a 48-question Diagnostic test. A Diagnostic Level of 5 or 6 together with an essay score of at least 5 also meets the standard.
| TSIA2 section | You meet the college readiness standard with |
| Mathematics | A CRC score of 950 or higher, or a CRC score below 950 and a Diagnostic Level of 6 |
| ELAR | A CRC score of 945 or higher and an essay score of at least 5, or a CRC score below 945, a Diagnostic Level of 5 or 6, and an essay score of at least 5 |
Scores from the original TSI Assessment (history)
Tests taken before January 11, 2021 used the original TSI Assessment, which had a different score scale (for example, 350 was the math placement standard). TSI results are valid for five years from the test date, so those older scores have now expired. If you are testing today, only the TSIA2 standards above apply.
Developmental Education (DE) diagnostic tests
If your TSI Assessment score is below the college readiness standard, the TSIA2 Diagnostic test gives you and your advisor more detail about your strengths and weaknesses. Along with an overall Diagnostic Level, the score report rates each content area as basic, proficient, or advanced, which helps your college place you in the right course or support.
What are the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Diagnostic Tests?
The original TSI Assessment also set Adult Basic Education (ABE) levels for students whose writing, reading, and/or math skills were roughly below the ninth-grade level. The TSIA2 does not use separate ABE tests. Instead, its Diagnostic test reports a level for each section: Level 6 in math (labeled “adult secondary”) meets the math standard, and Level 5 or 6 in ELAR, with an essay score of at least 5, meets the ELAR standard.
Before January 11, 2021 (original TSI Assessment)
On the original test, Reading, Writing, and Math each had its own ABE cut score. Those results are now more than five years old, so they have expired and no longer count for placement.
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TSI exemptions
Students who meet one of the following conditions are exempted from the initial assessment exam or part of it. In either case, Texas State must obtain official proof to process the exemption. The SAT, ACT, or STAAR scores must be part of the student’s Texas State record. Formal grade reports must be submitted to the Office of Admissions (these grades may be submitted on your official high school transcript).
For five years from the date of the test, a student who meets the following standards or higher:
ACT:
For an ACT taken on or after February 15, 2023, a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading tests exempts you from ELAR, and a score of 22 on the math test exempts you from mathematics. For an ACT taken before February 15, 2023, you need a composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test (for ELAR) and/or 19 on the math test (for mathematics).
SAT:
For an SAT taken on or after March 5, 2016, you need a minimum of 480 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing to be exempt from ELAR and 530 on the math test to be exempt from mathematics. There is no combined score. Scores from the older SAT (before March 2016) are past the five-year limit and can no longer be used.
When will you get your scores?
The TSI assessment is scored by computer, and your TSIA2 score report is usually available immediately after you finish testing. You will be given an unofficial copy of your scores via email.
How do you get a copy of your test scores?
If you were not provided a copy of your exam results, you can access them by completing a TSI Score Search Request and selecting the email me my scores option.
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