Students who fail to achieve a passing score on any section of an initial assessment will be advised and provided an individual plan designed to help them achieve college readiness. Students found deficient in one or more of the three areas will be required to enroll in a program of developmental coursework.
Cost
The cost of taking the TSI Assessment at Western Texas College is $15 for ELAR (Reading, Writing, and Essay) and $15 for Math. Test fees are payable to the Business Office in person or over the phone at 325-574-7606.
The test can also be taken online, through a virtual test proctoring service. Different fees apply for virtual testing; please contact testing@wtc.edu for current prices.
Pre-Assessment Activity
Before a student can take the TSI Assessment, they must complete a Pre-Assessment Activity. WTC is required by the state of Texas to provide the Pre-Assessment Activity and document participation. Students will not be allowed to take the TSI Assessment until they have completed this activity. Once complete, students must forward the email confirmation to: testing@wtc.edu.
Schedule a Test
Test-takers MUST make an appointment prior to testing; walk-ins will NOT be accommodated. Fill out a TSI Assessment Request form or email testing@wtc.edu to make an appointment.
Exemptions
The following students are exempt from Basic Skills Testing:
1. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on the ACT:
Prior to March 3, 2023
- A student must achieve a minimum composite score of 23 with at least a 19 on the math section for an exemption in math.
- A student must achieve a minimum composite score of 23 with at least a 19 on the English section for an exemption in reading and writing.
On or after March 3, 2023
- A student must achieve a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests to be exempt for both reading and writing or ELAR sections of the TSI Assessment.
- A student must achieve a minimum score of 22 on mathematics for an exemption in math. There is no composite score.
2. a) SAT administered on or after March 5, 2016: a minimum score of 480 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test shall be exempt for both reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment; a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test shall be exempt from the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment. There is no combined score. b) SAT administered before March 5, 2016: a combined verbal and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the verbal test and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt for those corresponding sections. Mixing or combining scores from the SAT administered prior to March 2016 and the SAT administered on or after March 5, 2016, is not allowable.
3. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, STAAR end-of-course (EOC) with a minimum score of Level 2 on the English III EOC shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment required under this title for both reading and writing, and a minimum score of Level 2 on the Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment required under this title for the mathematics section.
4. A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.
5. A student who transfers to an institution from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution.
6. A student who has previously attended any institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution.
7. A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college.
8. A student who is 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 has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
9. A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
10. An institution may exempt a non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking student.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the TSI Assessment?
Most students require 3-5 hours to complete the entire test (Reading, Writing, and Math).
How much time am I allowed to take the test?
The TSI Assessment is not timed; students may have as much time as they need to complete the exam.
Do I have to take the entire test in one day?
No. The TSI test may be broken up into several shorter time periods. It is important to let the test proctor know in advance if you plan to break the test up over several days.
Will I be able to use a calculator on the math portion of the test?
On test questions that allow the use of a calculator, an icon will appear on the menu bar at the top of the screen. Test-takers simply click the calculator icon to utilize an on-screen calculator. External calculators are not allowed.
Can I bring blank scratch paper with me?
Scratch paper and pencils are provided by the test proctor. Test-takers are not allowed to bring their own paper in.
Can I take a break during the test?
Yes. Between test subjects, the proctor can save your test and you will be allowed to leave the testing room for a short break. Please only take breaks after you have fully completed any specific subject. You may NOT take a break during the essay portion of the test, as it cannot be saved in progress.
Can I bring snacks and drinks with me into the testing room?
No. If you bring a snack or beverage, you will be asked to leave it at the front of the room. If you need to take a break between test subjects, the test proctor will save your test and you may leave the testing room for a short break.
What do I need to bring with me to the testing center?
On the day of testing, you must show the test proctor a photo ID. If not already provided, you will also have to show proof of payment and provide a copy of your completed PAA confirmation email.
What can I NOT bring into the testing center?
Cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and any other electronic devices must be turned off or placed on silent (NOT VIBRATE) and left at the front of the testing room. Purses, backpacks, coats, food, drinks, and any other items must also be left at the front of the testing room. Hoods and hats are not allowed during testing.
TSI Assessment Request Form
TSI testing is by appointment only; walk-ins can NOT be accommodated.
Please fill out the form below and Testing Center staff will contact you during regular business hours to make an appointment.