Assessment and Placement Testing

Texas Administrative Code RULE §4.55 defines the requirements for assessment of the academic skills of each entering, non-exempt undergraduate student prior to enrollment in college. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) ensures that all incoming college students are provided with 1) assessment of their readiness for freshmen-level academic coursework, 2) advisement and educational support necessary to assist students who are not ready to enroll in academic coursework, and 3) evaluation to determine when they are ready to enroll in college-level coursework.

Effective fall 2013, the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA), Version 2.0 is the only assessment instrument approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Test administrators of the TSIA must follow the requirements and processes for test administration as set forth by the THECB and the test vendor.

The TSIA measures mathematics, writing, and reading skills to determine a student’s readiness to enroll in college entry-level freshman courses. Students are required to test and to be advised based on the results of their TSIA scores. Students will not be denied admission to Texas Southmost College based on TSIA or other college placement scores. However, testing must be completed prior to enrollment in classes, except for enrollment into Certificate Level One programs.

TSC has a central testing center located in the Oliveira Student Service Center which administers tests required for the TSI. The testing center publishes a calendar of testing times on their web page, which can be found on the Office of Testing web page. Students are required to schedule tests and submit payment in advance, and should contact the testing center for additional information. Test scores are usually available immediately following completion of the test. College Enrollment Coaches can assist students with score interpretation.

Students must complete a pre-assessment activity (PAA) prior to taking the TSI Assessment Test. The PAA is also offered at the Testing Center.