Galveston College Testing Center

TSIA 2.0 - Texas Success Initiative
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was set up by the Texas Legislature to ensure that public college students have the academic skills needed to succeed in college-level courses. New to college students must demonstrate college readiness by meeting minimum standards on TSI in Math and English or by meeting an exemption for each area. Students not meeting the standard are required to enroll in developmental courses to improve their academic skills and prepare them for college-level courses.

More information provided by the state: Student Informational Brochure 

What's on the Test?

English Language Arts multiple-choice

Reading

    • Reading Comprehension & Literary Analysis- inferences in text, author's craft, vocabulary.
    • Informational & Argumentative Texts- main and supporting ideas, vocabulary, synthesis.

Writing

    • Revising and Editing: sentences, paragraphs, essays.

TSIA2 Essay 

  • 300-600 word response to a prompt

Scored on six qualities:

    • Purpose & Focus
    • Organization & Structure
    • Development & Support
    • Sentence Variety & Style
    • Mechanical Conventions
    • Critical Thinking

Math multiple-choice

Contains four subtopics:

  • Quantitative Reasoning
     ratios, proportions, percents, linear equations.
  • Algebraic Reasoning
    quadratic, polynomial, exponential & radical equations, evaluating functions & word problems.
  • Geometry & Spatial Reasoning
    measurement conversion, perimeter, area, surface area & volume, triangle trigonometry.
  • Probability & Statistics
    classifying data, computing, interpreting probability, describing data measures & spread.

The TSI is administered on the computer. The TSIA 2.0 is an adaptive exam, test questions are based on your response to the previous question. Questions will either increase or decrease in difficulty depending on how you respond. Once you answer a test question, you cannot go back to change an answer.  There may also be an additional diagnostic exam to provide more detailed placement information.

You may demonstrate college readiness through a list of approved exemptions. The most common exemptions are listed below: 

Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the ACT English is exempt from ELAR TSIA2, composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the ACT math is exempt for the math section of the TSIA2.
Scores may not be more than 5 years old.

480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 530 on Math. Scores may not be more than 5 years old.

2000+ on English III Reading & English III Writing, and Algebra II of 4000+ are exempt from the TSIA2.

Students who have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in a related field with a grade of C or better, either at another institution or by using AP scores, IB scores, or dual credit grades may be exempt, see catalog for details.

Students who have graduated with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education are exempt from TSIA2.

Students who on or after August 1, 1990, were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or service as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces.

Effective 5/12/2021, a minimum of 165 on the GED Mathematical Reasoning are exempt from TSIA2 math; a minimum of 165 on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) are from TSIA2 ELAR.   
Scores may not be more than 5 years old.

A complete list of TSIA 2.0 exemptions & waivers is in the Current Catalog

Refresh your skills and knowledge, this may help get a higher score and ensure you are ready for college-level courses.

Free TSIA2 Study App

    • Create an account
    • Select a practice test

Take a test to see your score or select learn as you go for explanations of how to solve each question.

Accuplacer/TSIA 2.0 Study Guides: 

Sample English Language Arts Questions

       English Language Arts Essay Guide

Sample Math Questions

Mometrix TSIA2 Preparation Videos 

TSIA 2.0 Math Help

Khan Academy

Step 1:    

Mandatory pre-assessment activity 

  • Create an account or login to your Accuplacer account.
  • After logging in, select “TSIA 2.0 Pre-Assessment Activity”.
  • Complete the pre-assessment, print your certificate, and bring it to the testing center, or email it to [email protected]

Step 2:    

Choose your TSIA 2.0 option

     A. Schedule in person/on campus TSIA 2.0:
              www.registerblast.com/galvestonc          

  • Choose TSIA 2.0
  • Choose the TSIA 2.0 test* you need.
  • Select your test date and time.
  • Pay the TSIA fee: 
    Complete test- $29.00
    Per section- $10.00

    *if you do not know what section(s) you need to take, please meet with an advisor before testing*

OR

     B. Remote TSIA2 from Home (Request a voucher)                                                      www.registerblast.com/galvestonc      

  • Choose TSIA 2.0
  • REMOTE TSIA2- TSI From Home.
    $11.50 fee due at the time you order.
    You will receive your voucher & instructions for scheduling within 24 business hours.  There is a nonrefundable fee for the online proctor paid at the time of scheduling.

Step 3:    

Test Day

What to Bring:

  • Photo ID*
  • Pre-Assessment Certificate
    first time testers

The full TSIA 2.0 takes about four hours to complete, you make take breaks between sections.

Take your TSIA2 test

*All students will be required to show valid, current, photo ID.*

Section College Ready Score
Math 950+      or
  <949 AND diagnostic 6+
ELAR 945+     or
  <944 AND diagnostic 5+
Essay

5+ AND college ready ELAR


Interpreting your TSIA 2.0 Scores

TSIA prior to Jan. 11,2021:

Section College Ready Score
Math 350+
Reading 351+
Writing
Essay

340+ AND
4+

TSIA Writing/Essay scores cannot be
combined with TSIA 2.0 ELAR scores.

The TSI test is required for all incoming GC students unless you are exempt.

GC uses your TSI scores to help you find courses that are best for your academic success.

You can schedule an appointment any time the Testing Center is open.

Fall & Spring Semesters:

Monday – Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm

Friday: 8 am to 5 pm

Saturday: 8 am to noon

Summer Semester:

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 am to 6 pm

No appointment is required to TSI test, walk-ins are welcome. However, if you make an appointment you are guaranteed a seat.
Schedule at: www.registerblast.com/galvestonc 

You can take the Pre-Assessment anytime before your TSI test session. Visit the Accuplacer Student Portal to complete get your Pre-Assessment.

You do not have to take the TSIA again, give GC permission to pull your TSIA scores from the state database: https://gcedu.formstack.com/forms/tsi_test_form 

The TSIA 2.0 has two main sections:
English Language Arts (ELAR) and Math.
The ELAR has both multiple choice & essay portions.
The Math has only multiple choice questions.

The entire TSI is administered on the computer. The TSIA 2.0 is an adaptive exam, which means test questions are based on your response to the previous question. Questions will either increase or decrease in difficulty depending on how you respond. Once you answer a question, you may not go back to change an answer.  You may also be given an additional diagnostic exam in a particular subject to provide more detailed placement information.

There is no timer on the TSI test. The average time to complete the exam is about 3-4 hours.

Scores are immediately available. You will receive an unofficial printed copy at the Testing Center and a link to your unoffical score report via email.

You may not use your own calculator, but there is a calculator built into the test. If you cannot find the calculator, ask the test proctor for assistance.

No, formula sheets are not permitted for the TSI test. 

You cannot pass or fail the TSI test, based on the scores you'll be enrolled in:

  • college level courses that match your skill level
  • college readiness courses to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college level courses

  • Photo ID
  • Pre-Assessment Certificate
  • Receipt

Yes, you may retest on any section of the TSI at any time.

If you want to register today, take your unofficial score report to Admissions and go see your advisor to choose your courses.

Other Tests Offered

A new version of the TEAS exam is being released June 3, 2022.

REGISTER NOW FOR TEAS

1. Click Register Now

2. Choose "TEAS GROUP" in
the first menu

3. Choose "TEAS Exam"

4. Select the Date & Time

4. Follow the on screen instructions to complete registration and pay.


You must create an ATI account in order to register for the test.

1. Visit www.atitesting.com

2. Click "Create Account"

3. Follow the on screen instructions to create your ATI account. Please bring your username and password with you to your TEAS exam.

*Galveston College Nursing applicants must take the test in person, remote testing scores are not accepted.*

The ATI TEAS Version 7 has four content areas: reading, math, science, and English.

Reading                       55 mins
39 questions:

    • 15- Key ideas & Details
    • 9- Craft & Structure
    • 15- Integration of Knowledg & Ideas

Math                             57 mins
34 questions:

    • 18- Numbers & Algebra
    • 16- Measurement & Data

Science                        60 mins
44 questions:

    • 18- Human Anatomy & Physiology
    • 9- Biology
    • 8- Chemistry
    • 9- Scientific Reasoning

English Usage         37 mins
33 questions:

    • 12- Conventions of Standard English
    • 11- Knowledge of Language
    • 10- Expressing Ideas in Writing

Multiple-Choice Item Types:
4 answer options with only one option as the correct answer. 

Alternate Item Types:
Not standard multiple-choice, single answer questions:

Multiple Select items: four or more possible answers to a question and more than 1 may be correct. No partial credit is given.

Supply Answer items: provide the answer to the question or “fill in the blank” without a set of options. 

Hot Spot items: image with two to five clickable areas; click on the area of the image identified as the correct response.

Ordered Response items: place a set of response options in the correct order.

New official ATI TEAS prep was released on February 24, 2022 and is available at:

www.atitesting.com/teas-prep 

Questions regarding admissions requirements or retesting? 

Contact the Nursing Deptartment.

Galveston College students may be required by their instructor to come to the Testing Center for make-up, retake, or certain classroom exams.

Make a GC Exam Appointment

Professor Portal Exam Submission

As an official CLEP Testing Center we administers all CLEP exams.  Exams below are accepted for credit at Galveston College according to the Admissions policies.
 CLEP exams accepted at Galveston College

Appointments and Payment

Step 1:  $87 CLEP fee- This payment is separate from proctor fee(s).  You will be required to bring your printed CLEP Ticket with you on exam day.

Step 2: CLEP Exams are given by appointment. 

SCHEDULE CLEP IN THE TESTING CENTER

Step 3: Test Day- $15 proctor fee (non-transferable/non-refundable) due to Galveston College Business Office M-222.

Report to the Testing Center at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time; bring your CLEP Ticket, valid Photo ID, and receipt.  CLEP examinees will need to abide by all Test Center Policies.

CLEP Exam Registration

Prepare for a CLEP Exam

CLEP Student ID Form (minors without a government-issued ID)

CLEP Exam Day

Score Reports and Transcripts: Upon Completion of the exam, most unofficial score reports are immediately available; you may be provided one by the exam administrator.  The official score report will go to the pre-designated address within three weeks.

CLEP Free Online Courses

Order your CLEP Transcripts*

*Galveston College cannot provide CLEP transcripts.

Galveston College administers all TCEQ Computer Based Tests.  Before scheduling an appointment, please be sure your exam is offered at computer-based testing locations.

You must first be approved by TCEQ before registering for this exam. Contact TCEQ for approval inquiries: 512‐239‐1000

Apply for TCEQ testing with TCEQ: CBT application

Renewal of TCEQ license: License Renewal

TCEQ exams are by appointment only during all hours of operation:

Schedule TCEQ

TCEQ on test day: Examinees need to report to the center at least 15 minutes prior to their appointment time.

Bring your current Texas driver’s license, and receipt for payment of the $50.00 non‐refundable, non‐transferable proctoring fee payable at Galveston College Business Office M-222.*
*Payments can be made on exam day or via phone 409-944-1362*

All Testing Center Policies apply.

As a courtesy to the community, we proctor correspondence tests from other colleges and universities whenever possible.  There is a $25.00 proctoring fee* for correspondence testing.  Correspondence exams are administered by appointment only. 

Schedule Correspondence Exam

It is the responsibility of the examinee to contact their college/university to arrange for exams to be sent directly to the Testing Center.

*Proctoring fees can be paid at the Business Office M-222 in person on exam day or by phone 409-944-1362*

Examinees will be subject to all Testing Center policies.

With prior approval from the Special Services Office, students with accommodations may take their exams with the Testing Center.

Students must have an approval letter on file with the Testing Center from the Special Services Office in which the services required are outlined for Testing Center.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Still Have Questions? Contact Us:

Testing Center R-117
[email protected]
409-944-1290