The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI exam) comes with three subtests in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing.
All three TSI subtests include 20 to 24 questions in the multiple-choice format.
The TSI Writing subtest additionally has a section where students must produce a five-paragraph essay.
The TSI Assessments is a computer-adaptive exam meaning that a student’s responses affect the difficulty level of subsequent questions.
The questions on the TSI Assessment are not timed. Students can take all the time they need and answer the questions as accurately as they possibly can without time pressure. The TSI exam results are given right after completion.
TSI math test
The TSI Assessment Math porting has exclusively questions in the multiple-choice format. These questions cover mainly Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Those are the fields you need to concentrate on to do well.
You need to have an understanding of elementary and intermediate algebra, algebraic functions, geometry, data analysis, and statistics and probability.
Elementary algebra and algebraic functions assess a student’s knowledge of algebraic expressions. algebraic equations, linear equations, inequalities, number sense and systems, and word problems.
Questions in the intermediate algebra and algebraic functions section measure a student’s understanding equations, quadratic expressions, polynomial expressions, algebraic functions, and roots, powers, and radicals.
To be successful on the math portion of the TSI Assessment, a student also needs to have a good understanding of mathematical functions, basic operations, rational and exponential expressions, and mathematical equations.
The TSI Math subtest assesses also a student’s knowledge of measurements (for instance planar geometry), transformations and symmetry, area, volume, and three-dimensional measurements.
A student’s skills and knowledge regarding data analysis, statistics, and probability are also measured. TSI test-takers must understand how to interpret and apply categorical and quantitative data, probabilistic reasoning, and statistical data and measures.
To benefit from this website’s free TSI Math practice tests, go to this page.
TSI math test-How many questions are there?
The TSI Assessment Math portion comes with some twenty multiple-choice formatted questions. If students don’t reach that passing score, they’ll be given another forty questions to determine their math level. These next 40 questions cover more elementary Math such as percents, decimals, area, perimeter, and multiplication.
This DE (Developmental Education) Diagnostic test is given to students that score below the required college-readiness level (check out TSI Scores). The extra questions in this section provide schools with information about the students’ strengths and weaknesses advisors and counselors will be able to provide appropriate remedial courses.
Students are required to minimally meet college-readiness standards for adult basic education (ABE) levels. The scores in this part resemble a 9th-grade level in reading, writing, and math. College-bound students that score in this range generally require additional coursework before they are allowed to sign up for college classes.
TSI math scoring
Students should always get properly prepared and ready to pass the 20-question part of the TSI. There is no time limit. There are four levels of TSI Math scoring:
M0 – 335 and below
M0 is basically pre-algebra and students scoring in this range will not be able to start college courses, even if they passed reading and writing. Only community colleges offer courses for the M0 level.
M1 – 336-345
Students scoring in the M1 range require additional remedial course work as well.
M2 – 346-349
M2 students will need at least scores in the W2 writing and R2 reading categories to sign up for college courses.
M3 – 350+
M3 level students have demonstrated to command mathematics at a level that’s sufficient to attend credit-bearing college courses successfully.
There is no passing or failing score in the TSI Assessment, but generally, the following scores apply for students not having to take remedial courses:
• Mathematics – 335
• Reading – 341
• Writing – 349
In Texas, students looking to go to university or college must take the TSI Assessment. However, there are several ways that students may be exempt from having to take the TSI exam.
Exempt status
Students that have come up with sufficient scores the ACT, SAT, TAKS, or STAAR or another state-recognized college-entrance test or passed the GED test “College-Ready” scores may see the requirement to take the TSI Assessment waived. Students who already completed college-level English and Math classes while still in high school may also see TSI requirements dismissed. Learn more about TSI exemptions on this page.
Students with a military background, students enrolled in a Level-1 certificate program (under 43 credit hours), and students not seeking a college degree are usually exempt from taking the TSI Assessment. In general, though, college-bound students that do not meet the above requirements are required to take the TSI Assessment. Read also this TSI Study Guide
In conclusion, the TSI Assessment assesses a student’s weaknesses and strengths in Writing, Reading, and Mathematics. TSI Assessment results are an indication of a student’s readiness to successfully attend credit-bearing college courses.
To sit for the TSI Assessment is required for students in Texas that don’t have exempt status and that plan to enroll in a public institution of higher education in order to earn a college degree or a Level-2 Certificate (42 credit hours or up).