Assessment & Testing

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TSIA 2 Testing Hours

Tests are administered on Wednesday at 9:00 am.  Please call 24 - 48 hours in advance to ensure testing for that week.

What You Should Know Before You Test

  • You must complete your GoApplyTexas application for admissions prior to testing.
  • You must also complete the GoFAARR and Test Prep modules in AlamoENROLL before you are allowed to test.
  • The cost of the assessment is $32.00 and can be paid in advance through the VIRTUAL BUSINESS OFFICE.  Please bring a copy of your receipt on your test date!  We can also accept debit/credit card and cash payments on the day of the test.
  • Photo ID is required to test.

 

What Is the TSI Assessment?

The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help determine if you are ready for college-level coursework in the general areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. This program also will help determine what type of course or intervention will best meet your needs to help you become better prepared for college-level coursework if you are not ready.

If you are an entering college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSIA—unless you are already exempt (read below)—to determine your readiness for college-level work. Based on how you perform, you may either be enrolled in a college-level course that matches your skill level and/or be placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

 

Do I Have to Take the TSI Assessment?

Not all incoming students need to take the TSIA. There are many ways you can be exempt. You may be exempt if you:

  • Have met the minimum college readiness standard on the SAT®, ACT, or the English III/Algebra II STAAR End-of-Course high school tests;
  • Have successfully completed college-level course(s);
  • Have enrolled in a Level-One certificate program (fewer than 43 semester credit hours);
  • Are not seeking a degree; or
  • Have been, or currently are, in the military.

If you think you may be exempt, please contact an adviser at your college.

 

Pre-Assessment Activity

All students taking the TSI assessment must complete both the GoFAAAR and test prep modules located under the Start Here tab in your ACES account.

Collectively called the Pre-Assessment Activity, these online modules address:

  • The importance of assessment in a student's academic career.
  • Provide sample questions in all subject areas covered on the TSI.
  • Offer 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 pre-assessment activity must be completed prior to testing, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Free Study Materials

 

Proctored Exams

All Alamo Colleges in the district have established test centers; the off-site centers, such as Kerrville, have been designated as testing sites as well. 

When inquiring about proctored exams, students are asked to contact the Kerrville Center staff at least a week in advance of their desired test date or due date. Students must contact the instructor for approval of their intent to use the Kerrville site for the exam.  Upon consent of the instructor, the student must provide the instructor with the Kerrville Center's contact information to send testing conditions/specifications in advance.  The Greater Kerrville Center will only proctor exams for courses offered by Alamo Colleges.  On the day of their scheduled test administration, students must bring a photo ID or they will not be allowed to test.