TSI (THEA)

The new name for the TASP Test is the THEA Test. The content of the THEA Test is the same as the former TASP Test. The THEA Test has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, under Senate Bill 286, Texas Education Code, Section 51.3062: Texas Success Initiative, for use by Texas institutions of higher education as an assessment instrument for entering students. The THEA Test provides the diagnostic data required by this legislation.

To pass the THEA Test, you must pass all three sections (reading, mathematics, and writing). You must participate in a developmental education program for those sections of the test that you have not passed until all institutional requirements are satisfied. Once you pass a section of the test, you do not have to take that section again. If you do not pass one or more sections, you may register again and take only the sections of the test that you have not already passed.

  1. The reading section of the THEA Test consists of approximately 40 multiple-choice questions matched to about seven reading selections of 300 to 750 words each. The selections represent a variety of subject areas and are similar to reading materials (e.g., textbooks, manuals) that students are likely to encounter during their first year of college. Students will be asked to answer several multiple-choice questions about each reading selection.
  2. The mathematics section of the THEA Test consists of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions covering four general areas: fundamental mathematics, algebra, geometry, and problem solving. The test questions focus on a student’s ability to perform mathematical operations and solve problems. Appropriate formulas will be provided to help students perform some of the calculations required by the test questions.
  3. The writing section of the THEA Test consists of two subsections: a writing sample subsection and a multiple-choice subsection. The writing sample subsection requires students to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in writing on a given topic. The multiple-choice subsection includes approximately 40 questions assessing students’ ability to recognize various elements of effective writing. You are scored first on the writing sample subsection. If your score on the writing sample subsection is neither a clear pass nor a clear fail, the multiple-choice subsection contributes to your passing status.

There is a practice test for THEA Test available at www.thea.nesinc.com

Passing THEA Test Scores

Reading 230 (270 for Education majors)
Writing 220
Math 230

You must take the THEA Test if any one of the conditions listed below applies to you:

  • You are entering a Texas public institution of higher education (i.e. a college, university, or technical institute) as a full-time or part-time student in an associate or baccalaureate degree program.
  • You are in a certificate program of 43-59 semester credit hours or the equivalent.
  • You are a student transferring from outside Texas or from a Texas private college or university to a Texas public college or university.
  • You are a student seeking admission to a Texas upper-level institution or program that requires the THEA test as a condition of admission.

If you are a deaf student, please see the Stanford Achievement Test Registration Bulletin for information about testing requirements. Contact UT Arlington Testing Services at (817) 272-2362 for more information.

Who is exempt from the THEA Test?

Please check with the Admissions office for current exemptions at www.uta.edu/admissions/successinitiative or contact the UT Arlington’s Admission’s office at (817) 272-6287. Exemptions may change and may not be the same at every college or university.

If you are seeking admission to a state-approved educator preparation program or alternative certification program, you are required to demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing and math. Students seeking admission to an approved educator preparation program or seeking a Texas certificate though an approved alternative certification program may meet this requirement by passing all three sections of the THEA test. The UT Arlington College of Education THEA requirements do not allow for any exemptions. If you have questions about the requirements for admission to a teacher education program, contact the UTA College of Education at (817) 272-2956, or the State Board for Educator Certification at (512) 469-3000 (Relay Texas TDD: 800/735-2989).

When must the THEA Test be taken?

  • You must take the THEA Test before enrolling in any college coursework.
  • If you are seeking admission to a state-approved educator preparation program, you should contact the teacher certification officer at your campus for information about when to take the THEA Test. (UTA College of Education).

Fees for the THEA

The fee for the THEA Test is $29.

Registration for the THEA

Registration is available on-line at www.thea.nesinc.com for the scheduled Saturday test dates.

ACCUPLACER IS HERE!!

The ACCUPLACER is a computer administered alternative to the THEA test. The ACCUPLACER is administered at UT Arlington to accommodate students who are not able to take a THEA test on a regular test date. Total testing time for all sections of the ACCUPLACER is 3 hours. The scores are non-transferable. Scores are available at the end of the testing session. The test includes 4 sections: Writing, Sentence Skills, Reading and Math. Writing and Sentence Skills must be taken at the same time. For a description of the test and sample questions go to the ACCUPLACER website: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/index.html.

Fees for the ACCUPLACER

$40 – All 4 sections; $40 – Writing + 1 section; $30 – Writing Only; $30 – Math & Reading; $15 – Math or Reading

Registration for the ACCUPLACER

Register by Fax:

Please visit our Test Application Forms page for more information.

Register by Mail:

Please visit our Test Application Forms page for more information.

Register in Person:

A test application form may be obtained in the Testing Services Office, Davis Hall, Suite 201. You must fill out the form, pay the fee at the Bursar (Davis Hall, 1st floor), and return the completed form to UT Arlington Testing Services at least 24 hours prior to desired test date. Because there is a limited capacity for each test date, students are encouraged to register for the test as soon as possible.

THEA Quick Test

The THEA Quick Test will be offered prior to the beginning of each semester. The THEA Quick Test is offered to UT Arlington students only who are not able to take the test on a regular test date. It is a five-hour paper based version of the regular THEA Test.

Only those students who have been admitted to UT Arlington or are continuing students at UT Arlington will be allowed to register for the THEA Quick Test. Registration will be done on a first-come first-served basis at Testing Services in Room 201 Davis Hall prior to the test date. Capacity is limited for each test date. It is expected that these dates will fill up quickly, therefore, you should register as soon as possible.

Final Summer 2008 Dates:

  • Friday, August 8 – 9:00 am

Registration for the THEA Quick

Register by Fax:

Please visit our Test Application Forms page for more information.

Register by Mail:

Please visit our Test Application Forms page for more information.

Register in Person:

A test application form may be obtained in the Testing Services Office, Davis Hall, Suite 201. You must fill out the form, pay the fee at the Bursar (Davis Hall, 1st floor), and return the completed form to UT Arlington Testing Services at least 24 hours prior to desired test date. Because there is a limited capacity for each test date, students are encouraged to register for the test as soon as possible.

Fees for the THEA Quick

$10.00 administration fee payable to UT Arlington (due at test registration – check, money order, or credit card)

$29.00 payable to National Evaluation Systems Inc. (due on test date – check, money order, Visa or MasterCard)
No Standbys – you must be registered to take the test.

Check In Requirements

Once registered you should report to the published location, at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the test. If you do not arrive fifteen minutes prior to the start of the test, you may forfeit your registration. You must bring a THEA payment of $29.00 in the form of check or money order made payable to National Evaluation Systems, Inc., or you may pay using Visa or MasterCard.

You must have two forms of identification.

  1. An official photo identification (driver’s license, student identification card).
  2. Non-Photo identification (social security card, valid credit card).

You will not be admitted to the test without the proper identification and payment. You will be asked to complete a registration form after you report to the test.

Score Information

Final scores are posted approximately seven business days after you take the THEA Quick Test. To see if the University has received your scores, please contact UT Arlington’s Admissions office at (817) 272-6287. If you have failed any THEA section, you will be required to register for and attend developmental education. Your advisor can access your THEA scores and advise you with regard to developmental coursework.