TSI and College Entrance Exams

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Winter Break- December 19th, 2024 - January 1st, 2025 (College Closed)
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These exams help measure student readiness for college-level coursework or for their specific program. They also help determine if additional courses or interventions are needed to prepare students for success in their college career and field of study. You will not be denied admission to the Alamo Colleges (San Antonio College) based on your TSI Assessment scores. 

TSIA 2.0

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) helps identify a student’s proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics to determine their level of readiness for college coursework. Following the TSIA, students may enroll in college-level classes or in courses or interventions to help them prepare for success in college-level coursework. No student will be denied admission to SAC or any Alamo College based on their TSIA or college placement scores.

Only testers and San Antonio College personnel are allowed in the Testing Room.  Children, parents, spouses, and friends are not allowed in the testing room.

See below for resources to help prepare for a successful TSIA exam. Parents, spouses, and friends are not allowed in the testing room.

Incoming students who do not need to take the TSIA may enroll in college-level courses without testing. See a list of exemptions here or contact an advisor for more information.

Students who need to test on the TSIA 2.0

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 or TSIA 2.0 is a state mandate placement exam required for all students planning to enroll in public colleges or universities to assess a student’s proficiency in Writing, Reading, and Math. Not all students need to take the TSIA 2.0 exam. There are many ways a student can be exempt meaning they do not need to take the TSIA 2.0 exam, see Exemptions. The TSIA 2.0 exemptions are subject-specific, which means a student may qualify for an exemption in one area (such as ELAR) but not in another area (such as Mathematics).  Undergraduate students who enter without an exemption are required to take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA 2.0).

Your scores on the TSIA 2.0 will determine if you are ready to take college-level courses. Students scoring at or above the College Readiness Benchmarks below are eligible for college-level courses. If your scores don’t meet the criteria, you may be placed in a developmental course or provided an appropriate intervention. You may also be in a corequisite model course, where you enroll in a college-level course while taking a developmental education course/intervention to help ensure your success in the college-level course. Contact the Advising Department for course placement using Common Entry Requirements. You will not be denied admissions to the Alamo Colleges based on your TSI Assessment scores.  

No Cost TSIA Exam: Active applications with San Antonio College may take the TSIA exam for FREE. This excludes re-testers for the TSIA, early admit, home school dual credit, dual credit, early college, P-TECH or T-STEM. 

TSIA 2.0 scores are valid 5 years from date of testing.

  • New College Readiness Benchmarks for Math
    • Mathematics – CRC >= 950, or
    • CRC < 950 and Diagnostic Level 6                                
  • New College Readiness Benchmarks for ELAR
    • ELAR -- CRC >= 945 and Essay >= 5 or
    • CRC < 945 and Diagnostic Level >= 5 and Essay >= 5 

For further information, please contact Advising or an Enrollment Coach.

SAC students ONLY:

TSIA 2.0 on Campus by Appt.*

To determine if you are exempt from the TSIA 2.0 exam: TSI Requirement Exemptions. If you believe you may be exempt from the TSIA 2.0 exam, please email us at sac-Assessment@alamo.edu (include your full name, banner ID#, and brief explanation). Please make sure you complete your AlamoENROLL modules on your ACES account. If you need assistance with ACES, contact IT department at (210) 486-0777.

If you have previously taken the TSI Assessment within the last 5 years at a testing site outside of the Alamo Colleges, please complete the “SAC Cross Institutional Reporting Form” below. Please note the information provided must match the information you entered when you tested. Please allow 1- 2 business days excluding weekends for your scores to be retrieved and entered into our system.

SAC Cross Institutional Reporting Form

If a student is not meeting the exemptions or waivers as defined above, they must take the TSIA 2.0 exam to determine student's readiness for college-level coursework in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics.Take the time to prepare! Get the Study App! Once you've created an account, you'll also have access to TSIA 2.0 practice tests resembling actual test. 

What is needed to take the TSI Exam?

Please review the complete list of items needed in order to test:

  • Must have completed an ApplyTexas application for one of the Alamo Colleges at ApplyTexas or have an active application on file at one of the Alamo Colleges District.  
  • Submit official High School transcripts or GED scores as well as any college/university transcripts previously attended to Admissions and Records. 
  • Login to ACES, select the "Start Here" tab, checklist items 1, 2, and 3 must be completed before you are eligible to test.
  • Click on the "Enroll" buttons to begin and complete the state-mandated Alamo Enroll modules (Test Prep Module and GO FAARR module), per THECB TSI Rule §4.55(b).
  • Make an appointment to take the TSIA 2.0 exam
  • The TSI assessment is not a timed test. The average time to complete all sections of the test is 3 - 5+ hours. 
  • Take the time to prepare! TSIA 2.0 Student Practice and Resources Quick Links located below.
  • Banner ID Number (To look up your Banner ID Number, select the "My Page" tab on your ACES account and scroll down to "My Advisor." You will need your Banner ID Number written down the day of testing).
  • No Cost TSIA Exam: Active applications with San Antonio College may take the TSIA exam for FREE. This excludes re-testers for the TSIA, early admit, home school dual credit, dual credit, early college, P-TECH or T-STEM.  
  • Retesting TSI Fees - Full Exam $32, Two Sections $24, Single Subject $12. Testing fees are non-refundable.
Acceptable forms of Identification

Please review the acceptable forms of identification per the 2018 Collegeboard Rules and Guidelines: 

  • Current and valid photo ID; expired documents are not acceptable.
  • ID must be an original document; photocopied documents are not acceptable and documents cannot be presented on a cell phone or any electronic device.
  • ID must have a recognizable photograph.
  • ID must bear your first and last name.
  • Driver's license/state approved or federal ID (with DOB and signature).
  • School IDs from the prior school year are valid through the end of December of the current calendar year. (For example, school IDs from 2021-22 can be used through December 31, 2022.) 
  • Passport.
  • Tribal ID.
  • Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship.

If you do not have any of the forms of identification above, you can use the Accuplacer Student ID Form for the TSIA.

Assessment and Testing General Office Hours

General Office Hours

Fall 2024 Hours of Operation

September 1 to December 13

  • Monday, and Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
  • First Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. for TSIA2 exams by appointment for SAC students only.  

***All exams should be completed in one sitting.  Testing lab closes 30 minutes prior to closing time.***

For additional information regarding holds and TSI testing, please contact the Assessment Center via email: sac-assessment@alamo.edu (please include your Banner ID# on your email).

If your college or university needs your TSI scores that were taken at San Antonio College, we recommend that you contact their Testing Center to retrieve your scores through Cross-Institution Reporting in Accuplacer.  All public Texas schools have access to these scores through Accuplacer. You may also view, print and share your scores with other institutions TSIA scores in Accuplacer. If you tested at your high school contact them for your scores. 

TSI Testing Accommodations

Services are available upon request from the student and must be supported by documentation supplied by a credentialed or certified person (PhD, MD, diagnostic credential). To request accommodations for TSI testing please visit the Student Accessibility Services  website, Victory Center Room 122, or call (210) 486-0020 to schedule an appointment to meet with a dSS Advisor. Please take into consideration the time-sensitive process in requesting accommodations for the exam. Carefully follow the step-by-step guidelines listed on the dSS website.

Scheduling Exam

Students requiring accommodations for the TSIA 2.0/CLEP/TEAS must provide approved accomodations letter to SAC's Assessment Center prior to taking the test. Approval by SAC's Student Accessibility Services will be required prior to scheduling. 

Additionally, all examinees who require extended time must complete the Accommodation Testing Request Form to test at San Antonio College-Assessment and Testing at least one week prior to the desired exam date.

 

TSIA 2.0 from Home

College Board Accuplacer provides Meazure Learning ProctorU Proctoring Platform as the online proctor services for the TSI Assessment so students may take it from home. Meazure Learning has contracted with College Board which is the maker of the TSI Assessment. San Antonio College's Testing Office only provides the voucher needed to take the TSI with Meazure Learning. Please allow two business days to process your request.

Disclaimer: Meazure Learning is not affiliated with Alamo Colleges nor San Antonio College. It is contracted through College Board's Accuplacer Testing System. Any issues with their services must be addressed with Meazure Learning. Their contact information is located at the sign in website. The link to the website is located on your TSI Voucher. 

Meazure Learning ProctorU On-line Proctoring Fee

$28

The TSI Assessment voucher fee is for re-takes only. In addition to the fee, Meazure Learning charges its own fee to provide on-line proctoring service. Students will pay this fee when scheduling their appointment with Meazure Learning.

If you would like to pursue the Meazure Learning option, use the following steps as your guide: 

Step 1: Verify you meet the technology requirements

Computer Requirements

  • Browser: Google Chrome v39 or later, Firefox v34 or later, Internet Explorer v8 or later, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari v6 or later. Please disable your pop-up blocker.
  • Operating System: Windows 7 or later, Mac OS 10.8 or later
  • Equipment: Desktop or laptop computer or Chromebooks (tablets and phones are not supported)
    • Built-in or external webcam, microphone and speakers
    • 2GB or more of RAM
    • Internet Connection: An upload and download speed of 2Mbps

Test your computer requirements here

Step 2: Make sure you know the rules to take the TSI from Home

  • You will be asked to show the same current and valid photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include:
    • Driver’s license, High School ID, Military ID, Middle School ID, State or federal approved ID, College ID, Passport, Tribal ID card, Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship.
  • You must have a voucher number provided by ACCUPLACER.
  • You must test alone in a quiet room without disruptions.
  • The following are not allowed during testing:
    • Food, drink, calculators, and breaks.
  • Scratch paper is allowed along with a standard pen/pencil.
    • You will be asked to show both sides of your scratch paper to the proctor at the beginning and end of your test session.

A full list of prohibited items can be found here:

Prohibited Items

  • Any device capable of recording audio, photographic, or video content, or capable of viewing or playing back such content
  • Unauthorized testing aids
  • Calculators (test takers with prescribed accommodation and those taking an accommodated format exempted)
  • Test taker provided keyboard, computer, or laptop, unless there is a documented disabling condition that requires the use of a very specific device
  • Cellular phones, tablets, pagers, smartphones, walkie-talkies, PDA's, or wireless communication devices
  • Dictionaries (standard and/or bilingual), books, pamphlets, or other reference materials
  • Digital cameras
  • Digital watches, smartwatches, or wristwatch cameras
  • Flash/Thumb drives or any other portable electronic device
  • Food, beverages, or tobacco products
  • Listening devices such as radios, media players (with or without headphones), or recorders
  • Nonmedical electronic devices
  • Paper of any kind (scratch paper must be provided and destroyed by the test center administrator; test takers cannot use or discard their own scratch paper)
  • Slide rules, protractors, compasses, or rulers
  • Weapons, firearms, or other items prohibited by law or test center/campus safety and security polices

Step 3: Request to take the TSI from Home

If you have decided to move forward with Meazure Learning ProctorU Proctoring Platform, you MUST complete a TSI Assessment Voucher Request with San Antonio College. By completing the Voucher Request Form, you confirm you have read and understood the rules in Step 2. If you have not read Step 2 please go back and do so now. Reviewing the list of prohibited items before your exam date can help ensure a safe and secure testing session.


Voucher Request

Step 4: Submit Payment

Once your request is received, the Testing Office will send you an email with instructions on payment for the TSI Assessment Voucher.

After payment has been made, you will then be emailed a TSI Assessment Voucher from College Board Accuplacer the maker of the Assessment.

Step 5: Set up an appointment with Meazure Learning after you receive your Voucher

You will receive your voucher by Email from Accuplacer.  It will provide instructions on creating your account with Meazure Learning in order to make an appointment to take your TSI Assessment at home.  You will need your voucher at that time.

You can use this quick guide to help create your profile when you receive your Voucher

Click Here for Quick Guide

Meazure Learning’s test-taker support team can be reached by the Live Chat feature on the Meazure Leaning ProctorU Platform, by calling 855-772-8678. If you need further assistance, please contact ProctorU Support by clicking the chat icon within your ProctorU account.

TSIA 2.0 Testing for Non-Alamo Colleges Students

TSIA 2.0

The SAC Assessment and Testing Center also provides TSIA 2.0 testing for San Antonio-area students planning to attend a college or university other than SAC or outside of the Alamo Colleges District. SAC will proctor the TSIA 2.0 exam with a voucher issued by your college.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Contact your college’s Testing Center to request and purchase a voucher to test at San Antonio College. Upon payment, they will create the voucher and send it electronically to you (the student) and to San Antonio College.
  2. Non-Alamo College students must complete a Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) and submit proof of completion prior to taking the TSI Assessment. The PAA is not graded. It’s designed to help students understand the importance of the TSIA for their academic career and placement, what to expect when taking the TSIA, and how to prepare for the test.
  3. After receiving your voucher from your home school, please schedule your TSIA2 appointment here. Your Banner Number is your college or university name.
  4. On the day of the exam, you will need to pay a $20.00 proctoring fee.
  5. Print out your voucher. It must be brought in with you on the day of the exam.

A valid photo ID is required.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

Bring one of the following forms of identification with you to the exam: 

  • Current and valid photo ID; expired documents are not acceptable.
  • ID must be an original document; photocopied documents or documents on a cell phone or other electronic device are not acceptable.
  • ID must have a recognizable photograph.
  • ID must bear your first and last name.
  • Driver's license/state approved or federal ID (with DOB and signature).
  • School IDs from the prior school year are valid through the end of December of the current calendar year. (For example, school IDs from 2022-23 can be used through December 31, 2023.) 
  • Tribal ID.
  • Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship.

If you do not have any of the forms of identification above, you can use the Accuplacer Student ID Form for the TSIA.

Once you complete the TSI exam, the test scores will automatically be uploaded into your home college system. No record of the test scores will be available at San Antonio College.

For additional information regarding TSI holds and TSI testing, please contact the Assessment Center via email: sac-assessment@alamo.edu (please include your Banner ID# on your email).