Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
All incoming students, unless exempt, take the Texas Success Initiatives Assessment (TSIA2). This assessment evaluates your skill levels in mathematics, reading, and writing so we can set you up for academic success by placing you in the appropriate course.
Schedule Your TSIA2
Pre-Assessment Activity
Before you take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2), you'll need to complete a pre-assessment activity (PAA) before your first attempt. By the way, you may be exempt from taking the TSI assessment so be sure to check to see if you qualify for an exemption.
The PAA is not graded. Its purpose is to help you understand what to expect when taking the TSIA2 and how to prepare for the test. After you complete your PAA, take a look at the other TSIA2 requirements and schedule your test. Important: Please provide your PAA completion certificate to the testing center when scheduling your TSIA2 exam.
Great news: The TSIA2 is not timed. Most students finish in around four hours, but you are allowed up to 14 days to finish. You can take breaks during any multiple-choice section, but you must finish your
essay in one sitting. Did you know San Jac offers virtual testing for the TSIA2? To test virtually, you
will need a desktop or laptop computer with a webcam and audio capabilities (speakers and microphone). Devices such as Chromebooks, cell phones, iPads, Surface and other tablets will
not work. TSIA2 scores are available for viewing on the same day you complete your exam. After
testing, you should meet with an advisor to discuss your scores and what they mean for class enrollment. To access your unofficial
score report, visit the Accuplacer student portal.Things To Know Before Scheduling Your TSIA2
Prepare For The Test
When you're ready to test, be sure to have:
*If needed, students can use the Accuplacer student ID form in place of a photo ID.
Need to prepare for the TSIA2? The Accuplacer student portal provides practice resources to help you prepare. Simply select resources for Texas students.
San Jac also provides workshops to help you improve your study skills, prepare for the TSIA, and receive subject-specific
support.
Virtual Testing Must-Haves
To ensure you meet the technical requirements, please follow these steps:
Note: You may join the Zoom meeting with an existing account or as a guest participant.
If the links above do not work or If you do not meet the technology requirements,
you must take the exam in person.
Finally, we highly recommend you review our Zoom testing guide to make sure your computer is ready for the test.
Meet With an Advisor
If your scores indicate that you need developmental courses, your advisor can help
you determine which classes to take. Advisors can also provide information on educational
support resources, such as tutoring and retesting.
Retests are available. Discuss options with your advisor. A retest fee may apply, and you may test only
once per day. If you plan to retest, your advisor can explain how to submit payment through your
SOS account.
retesting
Students are eligible to retest on the Accuplacer TSIA2, but there is a $15 charge per section attempted (Mathematics, ELAR multiple-choice and/or Writeplacer Essay). This retest fee applies to all students who have previously taken the Accuplacer TSIA2 or any other TSI assessment (Accuplacer TSIA 1.0, TASP/THEA, Asset, Compass) and have scores on record with San Jacinto College. This includes:
- Scores retrieved from another institution via cross-institution reporting or other transfer process, and
- Scores that have expired and are no longer valid when assessing college readiness
Some exceptions may apply for dual credit and early college high school students per specific memorandums of understanding established with the appropriate independent school district.
TSI Exemptions
If students have met one of the following conditions, they are exempt from the provisions of the Texas Success Initiative:
- Have graduated with an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
- Are serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, in the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserves unit of the Armed Forces of the United States. Exemptions are also given for those who have been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment, or were honorably discharged, retired, or released on or after Aug. 1, 1990.
- Have previously met TASP requirements or were exempt from the TASP.
- ACT composite score of 23 or higher on the PLAN with an English score of 19 or higher, or an English score of 435 on the ACT-Aspire. ACT composite score of 23 or higher on the PLAN with a 19 or higher in mathematics, or a mathematics score of 431 on the ACT-Aspire. Scores are valid for five years from the date of testing. Scores on a residual ACT are not acceptable for TSI exemption.
- Students who took the SAT test prior to March 5, 2016 may use the following scores: Combined critical reading (formerly "verbal") and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading test can be exempt for both reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment, and/or 500 on the mathematics tests can be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment.
- Exit-level TAKS mathematics score of 2200 or higher and a language arts score of 2200 or higher with an essay score of 3 or higher. Scores are valid for five years from the date of testing.
- Transfer from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework related to a skill area(s) with a grade of C or higher. Students who have not completed coursework related to all skill areas must be assessed in the unmet area(s) and must participate in college preparatory studies if the area(s) are not met on the test.
- Have attended any regionally accredited institution of higher education and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution. This includes passing scores on an approved assessment, a previous determination of college readiness (exemption) under the TASP, or the completion (with grades of C or higher) of college preparatory studies at that institution.
Students who do not meet all-area exemption standards on one of the above tests are considered exempt in the individual areas where the composite and area standard is met.
Here are the partial exemptions based on the SAT, ACT, or exit-level TAKS:
Reading and Writing:
- ACT Composite 23+ and
- ACT English 19+
- Prior to March 1, 2016 SAT Composite 1070+ and Verbal (Critical Reading) 500+
- SAT after March 1, 2016 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 480+
- TAKS Language Arts 2200+ and Essay of 3+
- STAAR EOC English III 4000+
Mathematics:
- ACT Composite 23+ and ACT Mathematics 19+
- Prior to March 1, 2016 SAT Composite 1070+ and Mathematics 500+
- SAT After March March 1, 2016 530+
- TAKS Mathematics 2200+
- STAAR Algebra II, 4000
Important: Students who are partially exempt based on the ACT, SAT, or TAKS or STAAR must test for TSI purposes in the areas where they are not exempt prior to enrolling for any courses.
Students who are not seeking a degree or certificate may defer the required testing and college preparatory education provisions of the TSI. However, they may accumulate no more than 15 term hours of college-level credit while they delay. Once students have earned 15 college-level credit hours, they must meet all TSI requirements.
To delay assessment and college preparatory studies, students must meet with an advisor to declare that they are not seeking a degree or certificate. Students with this status must meet all course skill prerequisites, so an assessment may be required.
Please note: Students in this status are not eligible for state or federal financial aid.
Students must successfully complete Texas College Bridge in English and/or math, an online college preparatory course. To qualify for this exemption, students must provide a Texas College Bridge certificate of completion. The exemption remains valid for 24 months following the date of high school graduation.
Official documentation of TCB completion must be submitted to San Jacinto College for verification.
Students who successfully complete college prep courses through Galena Park ISD with a grade of P or a score of 70 or higher may be considered TSI complete in the corresponding subject area.
Official Galena Park ISD documentation confirming successful completion must be submitted to San Jacinto College for verification.
Take the Test for Another College
Additional Information
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requires that incoming students, unless exempt, be assessed for college readiness in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing.
On January 11th, 2021, the Accuplacer Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) replaced the original TSIA test. Now that the TSIA2 is available, students will no longer have the option to take the original TSIA. Any students with ongoing TSIA tests will need to restart using TSIA2.
Existing TSIA scores from completed tests will remain valid for up to 5 years after the test date. However, depending on which TSIA sections you completed, you should speak to an advisor to see if any TSIA2 testing is appropriate for you.
The TSIA2 consists of two multiple-choice sections: Mathematics and ELAR (an integrated reading and writing section). The TSIA2 will also include a WritePlacer Essay section. Students must demonstrate college readiness before being allowed to enroll in college-level courses with a certain area skill requirement. College readiness is demonstrated by:
- Prior college-level coursework with a grade of C or higher
- Passing an approved assessment test
- Successful completion of college preparatory coursework with a grade of C or higher
Students that don't pass an area of the assessment are not allowed to enroll in college-level classes with certain skill requirements until those college readiness requirements are met. Students can meet the skills requirement by completing the sequence of college preparatory courses for that area or by passing a retest of the assessment.
Incoming students who are not exempt, and who have not met TSI testing requirements, must meet with an educational planner/counselor, admission, or ACT advisor. This appointment will help determine if you must take an assessment test.
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requires that incoming students, unless exempt, be assessed for college readiness in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing.
On January 11th, 2021, the Accuplacer Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) replaced the original TSIA test. Now that the TSIA2 is available, students will no longer have the option to take the original TSIA. Any students with ongoing TSIA tests will need to restart using TSIA2.
Existing TSIA scores from completed tests will remain valid for up to 5 years after the test date. However, depending on which TSIA sections you completed, you should speak to an advisor to see if any TSIA2 testing is appropriate for you.
The TSIA2 consists of two multiple-choice sections: Mathematics and ELAR (an integrated reading and writing section). The TSIA2 will also include a WritePlacer Essay section. Students must demonstrate college readiness before being allowed to enroll in college-level courses with a certain area skill requirement. College readiness is demonstrated by:
- Prior college-level coursework with a grade of C or higher
- Passing an approved assessment test
- Successful completion of college preparatory coursework with a grade of C or higher
Students that don't pass an area of the assessment are not allowed to enroll in college-level classes with certain skill requirements until those college readiness requirements are met. Students can meet the skills requirement by completing the sequence of college preparatory courses for that area or by passing a retest of the assessment.
Incoming students who are not exempt, and who have not met TSI testing requirements, must meet with an educational planner/counselor, admission, or ACT advisor. This appointment will help determine if you must take an assessment test.
Have you taken the TSI Assessment at another Texas college or high school? You can use the TSI Cross-Institutional Score Report Request Form to request that we retrieve those scores.
You can submit this request online using your student login, or SOS. If you haven't already, click here to claim your account.
Prefer to submit your request in person or via email? Please complete this paper form and submit it with a copy of your photo ID for verification. Your request could take up to 72 hours to complete.
If you submit your form via email, please use the designated email for the Testing Center at the campus of your choice.
| Testing Center | |
| Central Campus | testingcenter-central@sjcd.edu |
| North Campus | testingcenter-north@sjcd.edu |
| South Campus | testingcenter-south@sjcd.edu |
| Generation Park | testingcenter-genpark@sjcd.edu |
San Jac Testing Centers have a responsibility to faculty and students to respond to any infractions that may occur. We administer the TSIA2 under policy, rules and guidelines set forth by the College Board and Accuplacer platform.
Testing Center staff will stop testing for anyone who commits an alleged testing infraction while taking the TSIA2. After correcting the alleged infraction, staff will allow the exam to resume if the alleged infraction is minor. However, staff will not allow the exam to resume if the alleged infraction is major. Many minor alleged infractions may also result in staff not allowing an exam to resume and dismissing the examinee from the Testing Center.
Currently defined major infractions include, but are not limited to:
- Cheating: Using unauthorized aids, conspiring with an individual and impersonating or having someone impersonate you during a test.
- Bribery: Offering or accepting money or other compensation in exchange for test help or other benefit.
- Theft: Removing or attempting to remove test material or other privileged material from the Testing Center.
- Disruption or violence: Acting in a manner that causes a disruption or threat to others.
Currently defined minor infractions include, but are not limited to:
- General non-compliance: Failing to follow staff instructions and/or testing guidelines about test materials, breaks, etc.
Other actions and behaviors not defined here may be regarded as a major or minor infraction at the Testing Center's discretion.
Staff will complete a notice of testing infraction form detailing the incident and submit the form and all collected materials to their Testing Coordinator for review. This will be in collaboration with the Dean of Student Records & College Registrar as well as the Dean of Student Advising and a leader from an appropriate advising office.
The appropriate dean or designee will determine appropriate disciplinary action.
At the time of your appointment, report to the Testing Center on the campus where you prefer to test. Contact the location if you have any questions.
| Address | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Central Campus Welcome Center C27.2200, 2nd Floor |
281-998-6350 x 2025 | testingcenter-central@sjcd.edu |
| North Campus Welcome Center N6.220, 2nd Floor |
281-998-6350 x 2347 | testingcenter-north@sjcd.edu |
| South Campus Welcome Center S6.220, 2nd Floor |
281-998-6350 x 3433 | testingcenter-south@sjcd.edu |
| Generation Park Campus G2. 115 |
281-998-6350 x 8129 | testingcenter-genpark@sjcd.edu |
Zoom Testing Guide
This guide helps you prepare for testing with Zoom. It covers common issues you may encounter and how to fix them. You’ll also find checklists for both Windows and Mac computers to help your test session go smoothly.
Before your test, make sure you have completed the following:
- Download and install the Zoom Desktop Client
- Allow Zoom access to your microphone and camera
- Test your audio and video in Zoom
- Turn on "Focus Assist / Do Not Disturb" to block notifications
- Close unnecessary applications
- Confirm that your internet connection is stable
- Make sure Zoom is updated to the latest version
- Use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a phone or tablet
- Bookmark your Zoom meeting link and check your login information
- Test screen sharing if your exam requires it
Before your test, make sure you have completed the following:
- Download and install the Zoom Desktop Client
- Allow Zoom access to your microphone and camera
(System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Microphone/Camera > Allow Zoom) - Test your audio and video in Zoom
- Turn on "Do Not Disturb" to block notifications
- Close unnecessary applications
- Confirm that your internet connection is stable
- Make sure Zoom is updated to the latest version
- Use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a phone or tablet
- Bookmark your Zoom meeting link and check your login information
- Test screen sharing if your exam requires it
If you’re using a Mac, you may need to give Zoom permission to share your screen so the proctor can monitor your test.
What to do:
- Go to System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording
- Make sure Zoom is checked
- Restart Zoom and test screen sharing before your exam
Using Zoom in a browser limits features like screen sharing. Make sure you:
- Download and install the Zoom Desktop Client from https://zoom.us/download
- Open Zoom on your computer (not the browser) and join your test session
If the proctor can’t hear you or you can’t hear them:
- Click the ^ next to the microphone icon in Zoom
- Select the correct microphone and speaker
- Test your audio in Zoom’s settings
- Check your system audio and make sure external devices are properly connected
If your camera isn’t working:
- Mac: System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Camera > Allow Zoom
- Windows: Settings > Privacy > Camera > Allow Zoom
- Close other apps using the camera
- Restart Zoom and test your video before the exam
Slow or unstable internet can cause video or audio problems:
- Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible
- Sit close to your Wi-Fi router
- Close other apps or devices that use a lot of bandwidth
- Test your connection before the exam
Notifications can interrupt your test:
- Turn on Do Not Disturb mode (Mac: System Preferences > Notifications > Do Not Disturb; Windows: Settings > System > Focus Assist > Alarms Only)
- Close unnecessary apps
- Temporarily disable messaging and email notifications
If you have trouble joining:
- Double-check the meeting link
- Join 5–10 minutes early
- Make sure Zoom is allowed through firewall/antivirus settings
- Confirm that your network doesn’t block Zoom
Some devices don’t support all Zoom features:
- Use a laptop or desktop computer
- Make sure your operating system meets Zoom’s requirements:
- Windows: 7 or later
- Mac: 10.9 or later
- Chromebook: Chrome OS 29 or later
- Test all necessary features before your exam
Using an outdated Zoom version may cause problems:
- Open Zoom > Profile > Check for Updates
- Install updates and restart Zoom
- Make sure your Zoom is updated at least one day before the exam
