Assessment and Testing
UPCOMING CLOSURES:
Employee Development Day | Friday, October 30, 2026 | College Closed
Veterans Day | November 11, 2026 | College Closed
Thanksgiving Holiday Break | November 26-29, 2026 | College Closed
Winter Holiday Break | December 19, 2026-January 3, 2027| College Closed
TSI Testing Information:
The Assessment & Testing Center provides testing services, including test administration of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment for college placement and for TSI requirements and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam.
TSI testing is on a walk-in basis only during the listed business hours below. Students are limited to one testing opportunity per day; students taking TSI or CLEP must bring a valid photo ID, No Exceptions. If you are taking the CLEP exam, please bring a printed copy of the payment receipt to the scheduled appointment. All testing fees are non-refundable.
Fall and Spring Semesters
Monday – Thursday (DWWC 221)
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday (DWWC 221)
1:00pm – 5:00 p.m.
General Inquiries and Information - Cypress Campus Center 1st Floor (Vista Learning Hub)
Monday – Thursday
5:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m
Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
A physical ID is required to take any test. It can be a drivers license, passport, high school ID, state ID. No photos of ID's will or can be accepted.
TSI Fees
TSI at No Cost*
The TSIA 2 is currently available at no cost for students that have a Northwest Vista College application, but only for the initial test administration. This does not apply to retest.
Students needing TSIA 2 for Dual Credit or Early Admit are not eligible for no-cost option.
The following fees will apply for those not eligible for no cost TSI:
$32 for a full exam
$24 for English Language Arts and Reading only (may also include essay)
$12 for Math only
$12 for Essay Retest only
Pre-Assessment Test Prep Module
All students taking the TSI assessment need to complete the Test Prep module located under the Enrollment Checklist Information Card in your ACES account.
Collectively called the Test Prep Module. This online module address:
- The importance of assessment in a student's academic career.
- Sample questions in all subject areas covered on the TSI.
- Information on developmental education options, including course pairing, non-course based, modular and other non-conventional interventions.
- Information on institutional and community resources available to assist students with college success.
The Test Prep Module must be completed prior to testing, NO EXCEPTIONS.
What to Expect On Test Day
Please bring the following items with you:
1. Photo ID
2. Form of Payment (We accept cash or card only)
3. A locker will be provided for other personal belongings
How long does it take to complete the TSI Assessment?
The TSI Assessment is not a timed test. The average time to complete all sections of the test is about 4 hours. All TSI sections must be completed within 14 days of starting your session.
How long does it take to receive my scores?
Students will receive a copy of their score report upon completion of their exam.
How long is my score valid?
TSI Assessment scores are valid for 5 years from the date of testing.
How can I prepare for the exam?
TSI practice questions provided by CollegeBoard
TSIA 2 ELAR Practice Questions
TSIA 2 Math Practice Questions
TSIA 2 Essay Practice Questions
Taking the TSI Exam From Home
Students who cannot complete TSI testing within our testing hours can submit a request to complete testing through Meazure Learning’s ProctorU. ProctorU is a third party proctoring service offered by request only.
CLICK Here for Information on Taking TSI From Home
We Look Forward to Serving You!
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment is a state mandated placement exam, used to assess a student's proficiency in Writing, Reading, and Mathematics. Undergraduate students who enter without an exemption are required to take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA 2.0). This includes all transfer and visiting (formerly transient) students. For more detailed information on the TSI, please refer to the Student Informational Brochure.
If you have previously taken the TSI and need to submit scores to NVC, CLICK HERE to submit a request. this allows NVC to pull your previous score report. Once we pull your scores we will follow up with you regarding your next enrollment steps.
You can also find your score report here.
TSI Assessment Scores
The TSI Assessment 2 (TSIA 2) College Level Placement Scores:
TSI Exemptions & Waivers
You may be eligible for an exemption or waiver from the TSI based on your previous college coursework, military service or previous test scores. Do not take the TSI if any of the following apply to you:
Click here for additional exemption information for the TSI.
Successful completion with a "C" or better in the following courses will satisfy TSI compliance
Have SAT Scores?
Learn how to send your SAT scores by watching the video below and visiting the SAT Collegeboard website.
After TSI Testing
First Time In College (FTiC) Students: FTiC students will register for classes at New Student Orientation (NSO). Be sure you review and complete all enrollment steps found below:
View the Enrollment Steps for First Time In College Students
Next, you will need to :
Request Your Wildcat Orientation
Ready to begin your Wildcat journey? Contact your Certified Enrollment Coach and gain access to your online orientation course.
This is your first step into Wildcat life:
✨ Learn the ropes
✨ Get connected
✨ Start strong
Find your Enrollment Coach below and let the Wildcat journey begin! 🐾
Transfer Students: Transfer students will register for classes and sign up for Transfer and Former Student Orientation.
Once all transfer and former students enrollment steps are completed please visit the Wildcat Orientation (Transfer) page for more information.
Helpful Links:Campus Resources Student Advocacy & Resource Center Scholarships
The Testing Office offers the CLEP administration and is available for students attending Northwest Vista College. Call 210-486-4346 to make an appointment.
CLEP (College Level Examination Program):
The Northwest Vista College Assessment & Testing Office is a testing site for CLEP exams. If you are interested in taking a CLEP Exam, please review the available subjects listed on the CollegeBoard CLEP webpage.
CLEP Testing Schedule:
Fall/Spring Semesters
Tuesday: 09:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Summer Semesters
Tuesday: 09:00 AM, 12:00pm and 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM, 12:00pm and 3:00 PM
If you prefer to take CLEP at home, CollegeBoard offers a CLEP from Home virtual option. You can find more information here.
CLEP Fees:
- $20 NVC CLEP Proctoring Fee due on the day of the test. Click Here to pay NVC CLEP Fee
- $97 College Board CLEP Fee. Click Here to Create a College Board CLEP Account to Pay
- Be Sure to review our CLEP Policy Guidelines before committing to your purchase, as our office cannot refund you for this purchase made through CollegeBoard.
Free CLEP Preparation and Testing
Modern States Education Alliance™ is a non-profit dedicated to college access for all. Modern States offers free, high-quality online courses taught by college professors that prepare you for virtually all of the major AP and CLEP exams, which are well-established and widely accepted.
After you complete the coursework and practice questions on the Modern States website, request a CLEP voucher code. Modern States will also reimburse the cost of your CLEP exam (proctor fee) when you request a Test Center Reimbursement.
CLEP Administration:
- Call the testing center to make an appointment to take the CLEP Exam on Campus.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time for CLEP Exam Administration.
- Bring a valid State or Government issued ID.
- Note: The Biographical information on the ID must match what is printed on the CLEP Registration Ticket. Click Here for the CLEP Identification Policy
- Bring a printed receipt for NVC CLEP Proctoring Fee.
- Bring a print out of CLEP Registration Ticket.
- Allow up to 2 hours for the exam (3 hours if taking College Composition CLEP).
Awarding AP/CLEP Credits:
Requirements to Award AP and CLEP Credit:
- An official score report from College Board must be sent to Northwest Vista College.
- Must meet the Credit by Exam Score Policy for AP and CLEP. Click Here to view CLEP/AP Credit Policy
- Students may not earn more than 45 total hours of non-traditional credit.
- Credit by exam may not be awarded for a course given a grade. Exceptions:
- If withdrawn from course before census, Credit by exam may be awarded,
- If withdrawn from course after census, must wait six months from last day of that term.
- Students must submit a Credit by Exam Request to the Northwest Vista College Testing Office, specifying the courses they want to be awarded using their AP and/or CLEP scores.
**CLICK HERE to submit a request to have your AP/CLEP Credit Posted to your Record**
For special accommodations for instructor exams please contact NVC Student Accessibility Services (Disabilities Support) at 210-486-4466 or by email at NVC-SAS@alamo.edu.