The TSI (The Texas Success Initiative Assessment) test is used to determine the level of readiness of incoming students for college coursework. All incoming students of the Texas college are required to take the TSI test unless they are exempted under certain conditions. Student scores on this test indicate whether the student needs remedial classes or not.
The TSI test is an untimed computer-adaptive test with multiple-choice questions. Upon completion of the test, the student will receive a score and information about their skill level immediately.
The TSI test consists of three parts: math, reading and writing.
The math part of this test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. In this section, students are tested on four main topics:
- Elementary Algebra & Functions
- Intermediate Algebra & Functions
- Geometry & Measurement
- Data Analysis, Statistics, & Probability
Algebra and Functions
In the algebra section, test takers’ knowledge is tested at both the Elementary and intermediate levels to determine how well students are able to solve various algebraic equations. In the Elementary algebraic expressions and functions section, test takers are asked to solve simple equations and combine or simplify algebraic expressions. For Intermediate algebra and functions, test takers should also know what a quadratic equation is and how it can be solved. In this section, it is also important to know how to simplify the square roots and how to use the quadratic formula to solve problems. There are also questions about rational and exponential expressions, functions, and radicals in the Intermediate algebra and functions section.
Geometry and Measurement
The geometry & Measurement section measures test takers’ understanding of the geometric area, symmetry, and 3D shapes. In this section, test takers must prepare to answer questions such as missing measurements of rectangles, triangles, and circles. The questions of this section also measure the knowledge of the test takers about solid figures and 3D figures and geometric modeling for computer applications.
Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
In the Data Analysis, Statistics, & Probability section students’ ability is tested to work with data sets, probabilities, and statistics. How to interpret table and chart information is very important in this part. This section also includes questions about the mean, median, and other topics related to statistics and probabilities.
| math sections | topics | Number of questions | |
| #1 | Algebra and Functions | Fractions problems, Mixed Numbers problems, Decimals problems, Factoring Numbers, Greatest Common Factor, Least Common Multiple, Real Numbers and Integers, Proportions, Ratios, and Percent, Algebraic Expressions, Equations and Inequalities, Linear Functions, Exponents and Radicals, Polynomials, Functions | 15 |
| #2 | Geometry and Measurement | Pythagorean Theorem, Triangles, Polygons, Trapezoids, Circles, Cubes, Rectangular, Prism, Cylinder | 2 |
| #3 | Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability | Mean, Median, Mode, and Range, Histograms, Pie Graph, Probability Problems, Combinations and Permutations | 3 |
FAQs:
Is the TSI math test hard?
The difficulty of the TSI math test questions depends on the test taker. Because the TSI is a computer-adaptive test, the next question will be more difficult if the test taker answers the question correctly. However, the more difficult questions are answered, the higher the possible score will be.
How do I study for the TSI Math?
How you prepare for the TSI math test is very important. You can use good prep books to prepare well for the TSI math test. You can also use online practice tests for further practice after studying the TSI exam courses.
Can I bring a calculator to the test?
Not. Test takers are not allowed to bring calculators and other unnecessary devices. In addition, there is a pop-up calculator on the screen for some questions.
How many questions can you miss on the math TSI to pass?
In TSI math you will need a minimum score of 350, which means you can miss between 1 and 3 questions.
