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 Additional Testing Options for Texas and Out of State Students 
TVCC Developmental Placement > Courses Blocked Until TSI Proficient

Texas Success Initiative

Who must test?

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was mandated by Texas law in 2003 and went into effect in September of 2003.  The purpose of TSI is to ensure that all students enrolling in public higher education in Texas possess the academic skills needed to perform effectively in college-level coursework.  TSI includes a testing component designed to identify and provide diagnostic information about the reading, writing, and mathematics skills of each students.  Students who do not receive the minimum required score on an approved assessment instrument are required to enroll in developmental courses or participate in other activities designed to assist the students in overcoming the academic deficiencies identified by that assessment.  The tests approved for Texas Success Initiative purposes are:  Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), Texas Higher Education Assessment Quick-Test (THEA QT), COMPASS, ASSET, and ACCUPLACER.

Who is exempt from TSI testing requirements?

  • You are exempt from testing for TSI if you present an official transcript from an accredited institution of higher education marked “TASP Exempt” or “TSI Complete”.
  • You may be TSI exempt due to ACT, SAT, TAAS, or TAKS scores (an official high school transcript is required for documentation).
     
    -ACT: Composite 23 with a minimum of 19 on both English and Math
     
    -SAT (taken after April 1995): Composite 1070 with a minimum 500 on verbal and math
     
    -TAAS: writing-1770, math-TLI 86, and reading-TLI 89 (only those graduating in 2004 may use TAAS scores)
     
    -TAKS:
    --10th grade scores provide a temporary waiver for TSI purposes;
    --11th grade scores provide a permanent exemption for TSI purposes.

    TAKS Scores needed for waiver or exemption:
    -Math score of 2200 or higher
    -ELA (English Language Arts) score of 2200 or higher WITH a 3 or 4 on the essay portion
     
    -ACT and SAT scores may be no more than five years old; TAAS and TAKS scores may be no more than three years old.
     
    -TAAS exemptions are based on individual performance from a single measure or test.  Subtest scores may not be combined.  There are no partial exemptions on TAAS.  Partial exemptions are available on TAKS and SAT or ACT tests dated April 2004 or later.
  • You are exempt from testing if you have graduated from a public institution of higher education in the state of Texas with an associate or baccalaureate degree.
  • You may be exempt from testing if you transfer from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education with a grade of “C” or better in selected college level courses.  Successful completion of a course in each content area will be required.  An official transcript is required before any exemptions can be determined.
  • You are waived from testing if you are enrolled in a Level-One certificate program with 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent.  Current high school students are not waived from testing under the Level-One certificate program unless exemption/waiver requirement is met under SAT, ACT, TAAS, or TAKS.

 

  • You are exempt from testing if you are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and having served for at least three years preceding enrollment.
  • You are exempt from testing if you are honorably discharged, retire, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or from service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States on or after August 1, 1990.

What's my first move?

If you are exempt from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) testing requirement or have already taken THEA (formerly TASP), THEA Quick -Test, COMPASS, ASSET, or Accuplacer, you must provide TVCC with official transcripts or score reports prior to enrolling.  Trinity Valley Community College regularly administers the THEA, THEA Quick-Test, and Accuplacer.

Remember, you may not register in academic courses until we receive your test scores or documentation of your exemption.  It is recommended that testing be completed at least two weeks prior to registration.  This stipulation also applies to those students planning to attend a Freshman Orientation session.  See the TVCC catalog for further details.

How do I register for testing?

You may register for the Certified THEA online at http://www.thea.nesinc.com.

The fee for both Accuplacer and the THEA Quick Test at all TVCC campuses is $49.  To avoid the higher fees, register for the Certified THEA ($29 during regular registration periods). 

THEA Quick-Test is regularly given on the first Monday of most months on the Athens campus in the Testing Center and on the first Friday of most months on the Terrell and Palestine campuses. 

-limited to the first 25 people signed in on the list hanging on the door of Room 133 in the Administration Building
-must arrive by 8:00 am-Check-in begins at this time
-must have photo ID
-must pay the $49.00 fee-cash, check or money order (payable to TVCC), VISA, or MasterCard

Pre-registration is not done for the THEA QT test dates, it is first-come, first-serve only.

Trinity Valley Community College is committed to helping area high schools prepare their students for a seamless entry and transition into the Texas Colleges and Universities of their choice.  In doing so, we  provide opportunities for Quick THEA administrations onsite at your high school during the school day.  More information can be obtained by contacting your high school counselor or by contacting the TVCC testing center at 903-675-6385.


ACCUPLACER is administered on the Athens, Palestine and Terrell campuses of TVCC.  You may register for ACCUPLACER by calling the TVCC Testing Center at 903.675.6385 or the Palestine or Terrell campuses.  Pre-registration is required and space is limited.  Payment is made to the TVCC Business Office prior to taking the test; therefore, arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in and pay the exam fee.  For the ACCUPLACER exam, the $49 exam fee can be paid with cash, check or money order (payable to TVCC), Visa, or MasterCard.

For all tests:

Arrive for the test about 10  minutes early before the starting time.  Seating is not guaranteed for late arrivals.  Testing will begin promptly at the designated time.  Bring several no. 2 pencils with erasers.  Those taking the math test on the Certified THEA and THEA Quick-Test may bring a basic, nonprogrammable four-function calculator (+, -, x, ÷, % and square root).  Allow a minimum of 5 hours for testing on Certified THEA and THEA Quick–Test and 2.5 to 3.5 hours for testing on ACCUPLACER.

All exams require the examinee to know their social security number; therefore, if the examinee does not have it memorized, they will need to bring their Social Security Card with them as well.

You must have two (2) forms of identification, one with a recent photograph and your name.  If you do not have photographic identification, you may not be admitted to the test.  Acceptable forms of identification include:

Driver's License Student Identification Card
Passport Military Identification Card
Library Card Current Alien Registration Card

You will not be allowed to take any unauthorized aids or materials into the test room.  Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, cell phones, pagers, prohibited calculators, watches with audible alarms, scratch paper, dictionaries, foreign language dictionaries, study guides, food or drink, backpacks, and large handbags.
 

What if I need special testing accommodations?

Special testing accommodations may be available on one of the six official statewide THEA dates only.

Registration information for special testing accommodations is available in the THEA Registration Bulletin, or you may contact the Testing or Counseling Offices for further information.
 


Page last updated on April 8, 2010

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