TSI Testing Information:

The Assessment & Testing Office provides testing services in support of our students in order to create opportunities for Student Success. The TSI Assessment is offered on a walk in basis during the listed business hours below: 

Summer 2026 Extended Hours
(June 1st - July 26th) : 
Monday - Thursday (DWWC 221)
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday (Zoom Only): 
8:00am - 5:00pm
Click Here for Zoom Room

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 (JH-106)(Fall and Spring Semesters)
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 the TSI test. It can be a drivers license, passport, high school ID, state ID. No photos of ID's can be accepted.

**While the TSI is offered on a walk-in basis, there are limited opportunities for appointments. Completing the TSI assessment in a timely manner is highly encouraged to continue with next steps of the registration process.**

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:

1. The importance of assessment in a student's academic career.
2. Sample questions in all subject areas covered on the TSI.
3. Information on developmental education options, including course pairing, non-course based, modular and other non-conventional interventions.
4. 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) 

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:

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.