NVC Texas Success Initiative

Texas Success Initiative (TSI):

Which THEA is right for me?
Exemptions & Waivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful Links
Practice Exams
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Which THEA Test is Right for Me?

The Accuplacer is offered as an Alternative THEA and is required for any new student enrolling into any public college or university who has never taken any test for THEA purposes before. The Alternative THEA exam requires a $15 fee. Students must present a valid picture ID, social security card and the fee at the time of the exam. The Accuplacer and essay are offered on a walk-in basis. See the current Testing Schedule for available times.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved the Accuplacer as an alternative to the THEA. The Alternative THEA exam is equivalent to the original THEA exam. All rules of the THEA apply to the Alternative THEA exam. The scores earned from the Alternative THEA will transfer to any college if results are posted a on Northwest Vista College transcript. Alternative THEA scores are placed on a Northwest Vista College transcript when credits are earned with the college.

Alternative THEA test scores may expire if no credits are earned two years after the test date. Students with no intent to enroll at Northwest Vista College, but wish to test only and have their scores sent to another college/university should first check with the receiving institution to determine acceptance. A score report will be furnished to the student upon request. The college/university has the right not to accept Alternative THEA scores if credits are not posted on a transcript.

State-wide THEA Exam

The state-wide THEA Exam is offered by an independent testing service, National Evaluation Systems, Inc six times throughout the year. You may pick up a THEA Test Registration Bulletin in the Student Success Center, LC106A.

Computer-Administered THEA (CAT)

The CAT Exam, the THEA offered on the computer, is administered only at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The CAT is offered on dates when the state-wide THEA Exam is not being administered. CAT Registration Bulletins are available in the Assessment Office, LC106A.

QT

The QT is offered by Northwest Vista College in agreement with National Evaluation Systems, Inc. The exam is similar to the state-wide THEA Exam, but is administered on Campus at select dates and times. Those attempting the Math portion may use a simple four function calculator. Other types of calculators such as Scientific Calculator or any other type of electronic device with calculator function will not be permitted. See the Testing Schedule for testing dates.

NOTICE: STUDENTS MUST PRESENT A PICTURE I.D. FOR ALL EXAMS

Exemptions & Waivers

The following test scores may exempt you from THEA:

SAT, if taken within the last five (5) years
Math: minimum 500
Verbal: minimum 500
With a total score of 1070 or greater
ACT, if taken within the last five (5) years
Math: minimum 19
Verbal: minimum 19
With a composite score of 23 or greater

Other exemptions are offered for students who:

are active duty military
have been discharged from the military on or after August 1, 1990
have complete a degree at an accredited college or university
have completed college-level coursework at a private or out-of-state college/university

A student who is exempt or waived from THEA may still be required to take an assessment exam in a particular area prior to enrolling in certain courses.

For details on these and other exemptions and waivers, please contact the Assessment Office at 348-2059 or e-mail aguillen@accd.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THEA AN ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENT?
No. However, ALL students must have THEA scores or alternative THEA test scores, on file, or provide official documents indicating proof of THEA exemption, before registering for any college level courses.

HOW DO I PROVE I AM EXEMPT FROM THEA?
Provide an official transcript from the high school where TAAS/SAT/ACT are recorded. If you previously attended another college/university and were exempt, provide those transcripts showing your exemption.

HOW OFTEN IS THE THEA TEST GIVEN?
The Alternative THEA test is offered in the Assessment & THEA Office, LC106A. See the current Testing Schedule. The State-wide THEA Exam is offered by an independent testing service only 6 times per year, see your bulletin for dates.

WHAT IF I DON'T TAKE THE TEST WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME?
Students not taking the THEA test when required will not be permitted to register for any college level course at any Texas public college or university.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL ALL OR PART OF THE TEST?
If your performance is below the minimum passing standard for a tested skill area on the THEA Test or approved alternative test, you will not be permitted to enroll in college-level courses that are intensive in an area you have not passed. Refer to the Reading, English and Math Intensive Course List in the Class Schedule.

IF I FAIL A PORTION OF THE TEST, DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE TEST AGAIN?
No, you would only need to retake the portion(s) of the test for which your score was below the minimum passing standard.

WHO MAY I CALL WITH ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Students may call the Assessment Office at 348-2059. The Assessment Office is located with the Student Success Center in room 106A of the Learning Resource Building.