TSI FAQ

Your TSI Status FAQs

See our frequently asked questions

You can view your status in MyUTA by going to MyUTA -> Student Center -> TSI Status
  • Your TSI assessment status indicates whether you've taken the test as well as whether you've placed above or below the threshold for developmental coursework.
  • TSI Complete: All TSI requirements are met, and no further action is needed.
  • TSI Not Complete: One or more sections of the TSI assessment were attempted, but developmental coursework is required based on the assessment results. Retesting is optional.
  • TSI Liable: No documentation is available to determine your TSI status. Further action requires taking the test or providing an exemption.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is an assessment requiring by law that all undergraduate, degree-seeking students at Texas public colleges show college level readiness in English and Math.
  • Overall Status Liable: No. As the TSI Assessment is a placement test, your advisor will not be able to advise you appropriately without knowing where you are placed. Students must first have TSI assessment scores or an exemption on file.
  • Overall Status Not Complete: Yes, you can see your academic advisor to get advised for classes. You will be required to take TSI developmental courses for the subject area in which you are Not Complete. You also have the option to retest.
  • Overall Status Liable: Test results indicating a TSI Liable status means you cannot register for any classes until you take the TSIA2 assessment or submit an exemption.
  • Overall Status Not Complete: Yes, you can see your academic advisor to get advised for classes. You will be required to take TSI developmental courses for the subject area in which you are Not Complete. You also have the option to retest.
Contact your TSI Advisor by emailing tsi@uta.edu and providing the exemption you believe you qualify for. Students should always include their 10-digit UTA student ID number in all emails.
  • TSI Liable: Determine if you qualify for any exemptions and follow the instructions to submit the exemption officially to UTA. If you do not qualify for any exemptions, you will be required to test for the TSIA2.
  • TSI Not Complete: You will be required to enroll in TSI developmental coursework for the Not Complete subject area during your first semester at UTA. Your TSI advisor will advise you on which courses you are required to take. You also have the option to retest in the subject area you are Not Complete in.

Registering for TSIA2 FAQs

  • First complete the PAA here
  • Next, register for TSIA2
  • View the TSI PAA and Registration Guide here and follow the registration steps.
  • Pre-Assessment Activity is required under Texas law for all students before they take the TSIA2. It will cover the following:
    • Why you are being tested.
    • How How the TSIA2 works, including calculator and highlighter tutorials and practice test questions.
    • How test results impact your postsecondary options
    • Resources available to you.
  • UTA uses the PAA provided by Accuplacer
UTA uses the PAA provided by Accuplacer. If the other school used the same PAA and you already have a certificate from Accuplacer, you may use that at UTA. If you took a different PAA, you are required to do the PAA through Accuplacer.
Yes, you can take the TSIA2 online or remotely. Register here.
Yes, you can take the TSIA2 at another school. The other school will have their own information and processes on how to take the TSIA2. Follow their procedures and send your scores to UTA.
TSIA2 is an untimed, multiple-choice, computer-based adaptive assessment, which means that the questions increase or decrease in difficulty based on how you respond. It is used to determine your college readiness in the subjects of reading, writing, and/or math. Check out the TSI PAA and Registration Guide.pdf for more information.
  • Whole Test (Math, ELAR, & Essay): $58
  • Math Only: $23
  • ELAR & Essay: $43
  • ELAR Only: $23
  • Essay Only: $23
  • No additional proctoring fee if testing in-person at UTA
  • If you choose to test online, the proctoring company (Meazure Learning) will charge a separate proctoring fee starting at $28.

Submitting Scores FAQs

You can submit your TSI assessment scores by submitting an TSI Score Release Form. Please keep in mind that test scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.

Passing Scores for the TSI Assessment Test

TSIA2

(test date on or after January 11, 2021 – scores must be less than 5 years old)

Subject

Passing Score Option 1

Passing Score Option 2

English (Reading and Writing)

ELAR: 945 or higherandEssay:5 or higher

ELAR: less than 945andDiagnostic: 5 or higherandEssay: 5 or higher

Math

Math: 950 or higher

Math: less than 950andDiagnostic: 6

 

TSIA

(test date prior to January 11, 2021 – scores must be less than 5 years old)

Subject

Passing Score

Reading

351 or higher

Writing

340 or higher and Essay: 4 or higher

Math

350 or higher

If you requested a voucher through UTA, your test scores are automatically received within 48 hours. If you did not request a voucher through UTA and tested at another institution, you can submit an TSI Score Release Form for us to pull your scores.

It is recommended to submit scores as soon as possible as they will help determine your class placement.

  • If you have tested outside of UTA: you must wait at least 48 hours after testing before submitting your authorization form
  • If you have tested outside of UTA: you must wait at least 48 hours after testing before submitting your TSI Score Release Form
Yes, not meeting one or more of the requirements of the TSI Assessment test will not keep you from attending the University of Texas at Arlington. The tests are for placement purposes only. If you do not meet the minimum requirements for one or more sections, you will be enrolled in an appropriate developmental course.

TSI Exemptions FAQs

No. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state law that requires students to show college readiness. Students must comply with this mandate to enroll in Texas public institutions of higher education. The law requires all entering college students to be assessed for college readiness in reading, mathematics, and writing unless the student qualifies for an exemption. Non-exempt students must take the TSI Assessment (TSIA2).

A list of TSI Exemptions can be found here

If you do not have any exemptions, you are required to take the TSIA2. Taking the TSIA2 as soon as possible will allow you to progress in the enrollment process at UTA much faster. Students who receive a TSI Liable status cannot be advised or register for classes