Online TSIA2 Prep and Practice Tests

TSIA2 stands for the Texas Success Initiative Assessment, version 2. Launched in 2021, the TSIA2 is computer-adapted test taken by Texas high school students in order to enroll in a Texas college, including dual enrollment courses taken during high school. The TSIA2 is the assessment test created to support the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The TSI is the product of a state law which outlines how Texas colleges are required to assess the readiness of applying students. About 135,000 high school students take the TSIA2 every year or about 35% of graduating seniors who are enrolled in a Texas public school.

Technically, any student wanting to enroll in a Texas college, including for dual enrollment during high school, would take the TSIA2. However, only about 35% of graduating Texas seniors actually take the TSIA2 during their high school career. The low percentage is because there are many ways (exemptions) to get out of taking the TSIA2 including getting a “passing score” on the ACT, SAT, or STAAR English III and Algebra II.

Yes, most Texas students actually take the ACT or SAT instead of the TSIA2. For 2021-2022 academic year, 243,410 students took the SAT and 84,822 took the ACT, but only 50,269 took the TSIA2. You are exempt from taking the TSIA2 with the following scores:

ACT Test Minimum Scores for TSIA2 Exemption

• English & Writing – combined score greater than 40
• Math – 22 or higher

SAT Test Minimum Scores for TSIA2 Exemption

• Reading and Writing – 480 or higher
• Mathematics – 530 or higher

Students were previously allowed to take STAAR English III and STAAR Algebra II end of course exams instead of the TSIA2; however, those STAAR tests are no longer offered.

Most students take the TSIA2 in the spring of their sophomore year in preparation for dual credit courses their junior year. However, students can technically take the TSIA2 anytime and as often as they want so long as they complete it before they enroll in a Texas college.

Because TSIA2 scores are good for five years from the date of test completion, students could even take it as early as 8th grade!

The TSIA2 is not a particularly hard test in comparison to the more popular ACT and SAT college admissions exams. In particular, the fact that it is untimed and can be taken an infinite number of times makes it significantly less stressful than the ACT or SAT. However, it may be difficult for you if you were already scoring poorly in your on-level math and English courses.

The TSIA2 is a pass/fail test, so the only score that matters is one that allows you to pass. There are at least two ways to pass each exam.

Passing Scores for TSIA English Language Arts and Reading

• College Readiness Classification (CRC) score of at least 945 and an essay score of at least 5; or
• CRC score below 945, Diagnostic level of 5 or 6, and an essay score of at least 5.

Passing Scores for TSIAMathematics

• College Readiness Classification (CRC) score of at least 950; or
• CRC score below 950 and a Diagnostic level of 6.

The cost to take the TSIA2 out of pocket is generally $29 for all three sections (ELAR, Math, Essay). However, the cost is lower to retest only in the sections you previously failed. ELAR by itself is $20 (including essay), Math is $10, ELAR Multiple choice is $10, and Essay is $10. However, your high school will probably pay for you to take the TSIA2 test, especially if you need it for dual enrollment courses and it’s your first attempt.

Yes, you will have access to an on-screen calculator for many of the math questions. Depending on the particular question, you’ll have access to either a four-function calculator, a four-function calculator with square root, or a graphing calculator. However, you are not allowed to use your own, offline calculator.

Yes, you can complete the ELAR test and Math tests in different sittings or even different days. You can even save and resume your progress as often as you like so long as the test is completed within 13 days from when you started. However, essays must be completed in a single session to avoid getting a different prompt.

The TSIA2 is an untimed test that can be paused and resumed infinitely so long as it is completed within 13 days from start date. However, assuming that most students will spend 1 minute per question, the test could be:

• As short as 60 minutes if you pass both the ELAR and Math CRC and aren’t required to take the Diagnostic but do spend 20 minutes on the essay.
• About 3 hours if you fail the CRC for both ELAR and Math and are required to also take the Diagnostic tests and make it to the Essay test.
• As long as 104 hours if you managed to spend 8 hours a day for all possible 13 days that you could sit for.

No, a dictionary is not allowed for any student either in the testing app or at the testing location. This restriction includes students classified as English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) or English Language Learners (ELL)

There’s technically no limit to the number of times you can take the TSIA2. However, if your school does not require you to pay for the test out of pocket, they may set their own restrictions if you want them to pay for the registration fees.

Unless something goes wrong, students will receive their scores instantly after completing all applicable sections. Even the essay is machine-scored so that score is also instant.

The Texas Education Agency and the test’s vendor, College Board, claim that the TSIA2 is super accommodating by design. Features that make it especially accommodating are that it’s untimed and includes features like a calculator, highlighter, save-and-continue ability.

Any additional accommodations must be requested from and approved by your school’s dual credit partner’s office of disability support services. That’s a mouthful that means you have to get additional accommodations not from your high school but from the college your school partners with. Note that accommodations for the TSIA2 are governed by Texas college rules and not Texas high school rules.