TSI Pre-Assessment

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) is a set of placement tests for students enrolling in public colleges and universities in Texas.  The tests help Texas schools determine college readiness in the areas of English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR), and Math.

If you're not ready for college-level courses, the tests help determine what types of courses or intervention will best prepare you for college-level work.  The assessments will provide diagnostic information and will make available customized on-line learning supports to assist you in reaching your educational goals.

TSIA2 Pre-Assessment Activity

  1. Welcome to the Lamar State College Orange Texas Success Initiative (TSIA2) Pre-Assessment Activity. The pre-assessment activity is designed for the following reasons:
    • Familiarize you with the purpose of the TSIA2 Assessment and its importance in your academic career.
    • Inform you about the assessment process and components, and give you the opportunity to practice with sample test items.
    • Inform you about course placement and developmental education options at LSCO.
    • Provide you with information about campus resources.
  2. You may be exempt from having to take the TSIA2 Assessment. You can find a list of exemptions here:

    Texas Administrative Code Rule §4.54

    Students seeking a degree or certificate with more than 42 hours and do not meet exemption criteria must take the TSI Assessment 2.0. Students in certificate programs with less than 42 hours are considered exempt from the TSI requirements.

  3. TSI is a state-legislated program designed to improve student success in college. Part of the program is an assessment to determine your basic skills in reading, mathematics and writing.

    The TSIA2 Assessment is an important part of the enrollment process at LSCO and should be taken seriously. Your TSIA2 Assessment score will determine what level your reading, writing and mathematics skills fall into.  

    The TSIA2 Assessment is an untimed, adaptive, computer based test. Contact the Testing Center to schedule the test.
    LSCO Testing Center
    (409) 882-3330
    Email:  Victoria.Norville@lsco.edu or TestingCenter@lsco.edu
    Room 104, Ron E. Lewis Library Building.

    Before taking the TSIA2 Assessment it is required that you review the test format and sample questions.

    Please review sample test questions by visiting the link below.  You will be asked to create an account, then select Texas Success Initiative 2.0 Pre-Assessment Activity. 

    https://practice.accuplacer.org/login

    You can review sample essays by visiting WritePlacer Guide with Sample Essays

    Student Portal - tsia2.accuplacer.org

    From the Student Portal you can:

    • Access tutorials for the highlighter, calculators, keyboard and mouse
    • Access and share your scores with institutions
    • Select "Texas Resources" to access informational brochures, study questions, study app

    Interpreting Your Score

    Please notify the Disability Student Services at 409-882-3370 if you need special testing accommodations.

    You should plan three to four hours for taking the TSIA2 Assessment. On the day of testing:

    • Arrive at the Testing Center 10 minutes before test time.
    • Scratch paper is provided.
    • Calculator is embedded in the assessment
    • Bring: Photo identification (DL or DPS ID) and receipt from cashier - English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR) $15, Math only $10, Complete Assessment $25.

    Scores will be available immediately upon completion of the testing session and you will be able to meet with an advisor to discuss course placement. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you may retake any or all sections of the TSI Assessment 2.0. We strongly recommend you take some additional time to review sample test questions prior to retesting.

    TSIA2 Learning Resources - tsia2.pearsonperspective.com

    Provides customized on-line learning supports for students not reaching the college readiness benchmark.  A Learning Locator Code is generated at the conclusion of assessment.

  4. You will be placed in classes based on your TSIA2 Assessment scores. LSCO offers courses in each of the skill levels.

    • Developmental Education: These classes help build the reading, writing and mathematics skills you need to be successful in college level classes. Developmental courses do not count toward degree requirements and may extend the time it will take you to complete your degree.
    • College Ready: Scoring in the College Ready range means you are not required to take any developmental course work and are considered TSI Complete.
    • Non-Course Based Competency Option (NCBO): Non-course based developmental education includes developmental education interventions that use learning approaches that, compared to traditional lecture-only classes, more effectively and efficiently prepare students for college-level work.

    You are considered TSI Complete if you:

    • Meet minimum standards on the TSI Assessment 2.0.
    • Meet one of the exemption/exception criteria established by the state.
    • Successfully complete specific developmental coursework.

    Students will work with an advisor to select classes appropriate to the student’s skill level and confidence level. Any student can take a developmental course, even if considered TSI Exempt or Complete. 

    All TSIA/TSIA2 scores are valid for 5 years from the date of testing.

  5. LSCO supports student success through a variety of resources including:
  6. Just a reminder. This is the TSI Pre-Assessment activity. When the actual test begins, you will be asked the following question:

    Were you provided with information and/or an activity to help you understand all of the following  1. The importance of this assessment, 2. Sample questions, 3. Course options, and 4. resources for students?

    You must answer “yes” to proceed with the test administration.
  7. When you are ready, please see the testing administrator to begin The TSI Assessment 2.0.  If you do not feel ready to take the test today, the testing administrator can reschedule your test for another time.

Contact Info

LSCO Testing Center

For more information, please contact:

Email: Victoria.Norville@lsco.edu
Phone: (409) 882-3330


Next Steps