The TSIA (Texas Success Initiative Assessment)

Important: The TSIA 2.0 (TSIA2) launched on January 11, 2021. This page is being updated to contain information about the new assessment. Meanwhile, information can be found on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s website.

Districts interested in the House Bill 3 (HB 3) Reimbursement process for the TSIA can find more information here.

The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative enacted by the Texas State Legislature and designed to determine a student’s readiness for college-level coursework in the general areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.

The TSIA, or one of its exemptions, has been required of Texas students entering a Texas college or university for nearly ten years. The TSIA is administered through the College Board’s Accuplacer digital platform. Universities, community colleges, school districts and high school campuses can request to administer the TSIA to students.

What are passing scores?

Students scoring at or above the cut scores are considered “college ready” and eligible to enroll in any entry level college course (for example, English composition, history, government, or college algebra). Some college level courses require passing scores in more than one area.

The minimum TSI Assessment scores required to satisfy TSI requirements are

Before January 11, 2021

  • Reading: 351
  • Mathematics: 350
  • Writing: Essay score of 4 and multiple choice of 340 or higher; OR multiple choice of less than 340, an ABE diagnostic level of at least 4, and essay of at least 5

After January 11, 2021

  • Mathematics: 950 OR 910-949 + diagnostic score of 6
  • ELAR: 945-990 + Essay of at least 5 OR 910-944, diagnostic score of 5 or 6, and Essay of 5-8