TSI Practice Test 2026

Prepare for the TSI certification. Practice questions with answer explanations covering all exam domains.

TSI - Texas Success InitiativeOct 21, 202619 min readFacts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
TSI Practice Test 2026

An Overview of the TSI test

  • Candidate has met the minimum standards on SAT, ACT, and other tests for college readiness.
  • Candidate has completed college-level courses in English and Math.
  • Candidate has enrolled in a Level 1 certificate program, which is less than 43 semester credit hours.
  • Candidate doesn’t want a degree.
  • Candidate has been or is currently in the military.  

Format and Content Outline

  • information explaining the significance of the TSI Assessment and how it works
  • practice questions and feedback
  • information explaining candidates’ college developmental education or high school options if they don’t meet the minimum standard passing score. 
  • Information regarding community and campus resources 
TSI Reading Test
Content Areas Number of Questions on Placement Test Number of Questions on DE Diagnostic Test 
  • Main Idea and Supporting Details
  • Author’s Use of Language
  • Inferences in a Text or Texts
  • Literary Analysis
Approximately 24 questions Approximately 40 to 48 questions
TSI Writing Test
Content Areas Number of Questions on Placement Test Number of Questions on DE Diagnostic Test 
  • Sentence Structure
  • Agreement
  • Sentence Logic
  • Essay Revision
Approximately 20 questions Approximately 40 to 48 questions
TSI Mathematics Test
Content Areas Number of Questions on Placement Test Number of Questions on DE Diagnostic Test 
  • Elementary Algebra and Functions
  • Intermediate Algebra and Functions
  • Geometry and Measurement
  • Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
Approximately 20 questions Approximately 40 questions 
  1. Literary Analysis - This will determine whether the candidate knows how to analyze and identify elements of literary works. 
  2. Main Idea and Supporting Details - This will determine whether the candidate knows how to identify and comprehend the main idea of a passage and its explicit textual information.
  3. Inferences in a Text or Texts - This will determine whether the candidate knows how to organize ideas by making connections between two passages and inferences in single passages. 
  4. Author’s Use of Language - This will determine whether the candidate knows how to analyze tone, rhetorical strategies, organization and author’s purpose, among others. 
  1. Essay Revision - This will determine whether the candidate is capable of providing organization, unity, and coherence. There must also be effective uses of evidence.
  2. Agreement - This will determine whether the candidate is capable of performing subject-verb and pronoun agreements. 
  3. Sentence Structure - This will determine whether the candidate has knowledge of run-on sentences, fragments, subordination, comma splices, etc.
  4. Sentence Logic - This will determine whether the candidate is capable of using logical transitions and correctly placing modifying clauses. 
  1. Elementary Algebra and Functions - This will determine whether the candidate has knowledge of algebraic equations and expressions, linear equations, and word problems.    
  2. Intermediate Algebra and Functions - This will determine whether the candidate has knowledge of equations involving radicals, roots, powers and quadratic and other polynomial expressions.
  3. Geometry and Measurement - This will determine whether the candidate has knowledge of three-dimensional measurements, plane geometry, etc.
  4. Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability - This will determine whether the candidate has knowledge of categorical and quantitative data interpretation, probabilistic reasoning, and statistical measures. 
  • Reading - 351 to 390
  • Mathematics - 350 to 390
  • Writing - Essay score of 5 or Essay score of 4 and 340 for the multiple-choice
  1. awe and amazement
  2. interest and support
  3. disgust and distaste
  4. fear and apprehension
  1. Some people doubted the existence of the toad.
  2. Scientists were confident that they would find the toad.
  3. The surviving toads have been relocated to Europe.
  4. No human being had seen the toad since 1924.
  1. in fact
  2. therefore
  3. moreover
  4. in contrast
  1. that keep viewers in a state of endless fright and which draw
  2. keep viewers in a state of endless fright and drawing
  3. that keep viewers in a state of endless fright draw
  4. that keep viewers in a state of endless fright and they draw
  1. have been found
  2. has been found
  3. having been found
  4. being found
  1. 21x − 18 
  2. 21x − 14 
  3. 8x
  4. 8
  1. 7
  2. 8
  3. 9
  4. 10
  1. 36
  2. 144
  3. 243
  4. 486
  • As mentioned, you must first complete your PAA because it is a statutory requirement. Your high school will give you a proof of certificate. You can show the document on test day.
  • You should research the minimum passing standards for your preferred college or university. Remember that the TSI test is considered as either a diagnostic test or a placement test. It will help your college or university know the appropriate academic level to put you based on your skills and interest. 
  • You should pay the necessary fees. Most TSI testing usually costs $29. 
  • You should schedule your TSI test dates and take the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You must provide a valid I.D. It must contain your photograph.
  • You must present your Pre-Assessment Activity Completion Letter or Certificate
  • You must show your receipt or waiver for your payment of the testing fees. 

TSI Practice Test: What to Expect Before Test Day

A TSI practice test mirrors the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0, covering Mathematics, Reading, and Writing (ELAR) with computer-adaptive multiple-choice questions plus a 300-500 word essay. Most practice tests include 20 math questions, 30 ELAR items, and scored feedback aligned to the college-readiness benchmarks of 950 (math), 945+ELAR with a 5+ essay. Practice with the free TSI practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (300+ questions with answer explanations).

How to Use a TSI Practice Test Effectively

Take one full-length TSI practice test under timed conditions to establish a baseline, then review every missed question against the four reporting categories before retesting. Focus extra review on Quantitative Reasoning and Elementary Algebra, since these produce the lowest average scores among Texas students.

What to Expect from a TSI Practice Test

A TSI practice test mirrors the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0, covering Mathematics, Reading, and Writing (ELAR) with multiple-choice questions and an essay section. Expect around 20 questions per subject on the full test, with adaptive difficulty that adjusts based on your answers.

How a Free TSI Practice Test Improves Your Score

Taking a free TSI practice test helps you identify weak areas before test day, especially in algebra, geometry, and passage analysis. Students who complete at least three full-length practice tests typically raise their math score above the 950 college-ready threshold.

TSI Practice Test Scoring and Passing Requirements

Scores on the TSI practice test range from 910 to 990, with 950 as the minimum college-ready benchmark for Math and Reading. The Writing section requires a 340 multiple-choice score plus a 4 on the essay, or a 5 on the essay alone if the multiple-choice score is between 310 and 339.

Best Way to Use a TSI Practice Test for Prep

Start with an untimed TSI practice test to gauge your baseline, then review every incorrect answer with the provided explanations. Focus your second attempt under strict 2-hour timing conditions to build stamina for the actual proctored exam.

Many readers pair this guide with the tsia2 practice test to check their readiness before exam day.

Many readers pair this guide with the tsi math study guide to check their readiness before exam day.

Many readers pair this guide with the tsi test practice questions to check their readiness before exam day.

TSI: upcoming dates and official changes

  • Sep 1, 2026: Tarrant County College waives its $29 TSI fee for eligible Tarrant County high school students who test from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. (tccd.edu)

Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

  • The TSIA2 ELAR College Readiness Classification test has 30 items, half on reading and half on writing, and is followed by an essay. (accuplacer.collegeboard.org)
  • The TSIA2 Mathematics College Readiness Classification test has 20 multiple-choice items. (reportcenter.highered.texas.gov)
  • The TSIA2 is untimed, so there is no time limit for finishing the test. (reportcenter.highered.texas.gov)
  • TSIA2 College Readiness Classification scores are reported on an 81-point scale from 910 to 990. (accuplacer.collegeboard.org)
  • To be college ready in TSIA2 ELAR, a student needs a CRC score of 945–990 and an essay score of at least 5, or a CRC score below 945 with a Diagnostic score of 5 or 6 and an essay score of 5 or higher. (reportcenter.highered.texas.gov)
  • The first TSIA2 attempt at the Sam Houston State University Testing Center costs $53.50, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. (shsu.edu)
  • The TSI Assessment costs $29 at Tarrant County College, and the fee is waived for Tarrant County high school students or in-county residents who test between September 1, 2026 and August 31, 2027. (tccd.edu)
  • At Sam Houston State University a TSIA2 retest costs $18.50 for one subject area, $33.50 for two, and $53.50 for three, with no required waiting period. (shsu.edu)
  • At Tarrant County College, a TSI Assessment retest costs $10 per section or $29 for all three sections. (tccd.edu)

Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

TSI Exam at a Glance

ItemDetailOfficial source
Number of questions (ELAR)30 multiple-choice items plus an essayaccuplacer.collegeboard.org
Number of questions (Mathematics)20 multiple-choice itemsreportcenter.highered.texas.gov
Time limitUntimedreportcenter.highered.texas.gov
Passing score (CRC score scale)910–990 (81-point scale)accuplacer.collegeboard.org
Passing score (ELAR)945–990 plus Essay 5+, or below 945 with Diagnostic 5–6 plus Essay 5+reportcenter.highered.texas.gov
Passing score (Mathematics)950–990, or below 950 with Diagnostic level 6reportcenter.highered.texas.gov
Exam fee (Sam Houston State University)$53.50 first attemptshsu.edu
Exam fee (Tarrant County College)$29 (waived for eligible Tarrant County HS students 2026-27)tccd.edu
Exam fee (Tarrant County College remote proctoring)$29.50 per ProctorU appointment (TCC pays for up to 2)tccd.edu
Exam fee (Texas State University)$25 Math / $35 ELAR / $60 all sectionstxst.edu
Exam fee (UT Dallas)$12 per subjectets.utdallas.edu
Retake fee (Sam Houston State University)$18.50 / $33.50 / $53.50 for 1 / 2 / 3 subject areasshsu.edu
Retake fee (Tarrant County College)$10 per section or $29 for all 3 sectionstccd.edu
Retake policyRetake any timereportcenter.highered.texas.gov
Retake policy (ELAR standalone retest)Standalone ELAR retests allowed since Oct 5, 2023reportcenter.highered.texas.gov
Validity5 yearsTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
DeliveryComputer-adaptive multiple-choice tests plus an essayreportcenter.highered.texas.gov
EligibilityRequired unless exempt (SAT, ACT, STAAR EOC, College Prep Course)Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Score releaseImmediately on completionreportcenter.highered.texas.gov

Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

Free TSI Study Tools

Interactive TSI resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

Important: The TSI exam covers multiple domains. Allocate more study time to unfamiliar topics while maintaining review of strong areas.

TSI Practice Test 2026
  • ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
  • ✓Bring required identification documents
  • ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
  • ✓Read each question carefully before answering
  • ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
  • ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
  • ✓Review flagged questions before submitting

TSI Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the TSI - Texas Success Initiative exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

TSI Math Practice Test

TSI Exam Questions covering Math Practice Test. Master TSI Test concepts for certification prep.

TSI Reading Practice Test

Free TSI Practice Test featuring Reading Practice Test. Improve your TSI Exam score with mock test prep.

TSI Reading Test

TSI Mock Exam on Reading Test. TSI Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

TSI Reading Test #2

TSI Test Prep for Reading Test #2. Practice TSI Quiz questions and boost your score.

TSI Reading Test #3

TSI Questions and Answers on Reading Test #3. Free TSI practice for exam readiness.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Algebraic R...

TSI Mock Test covering - Texas Success Initiative Algebraic Reasoning and Functions. Online TSI Test practice with instant feedback.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Algebraic R...

Free TSI Quiz on - Texas Success Initiative Algebraic Reasoning and Functions Questions and Answers. TSI Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Essay and S...

TSI Practice Questions for - Texas Success Initiative Essay and Sentence Revision. Build confidence for your TSI certification exam.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Essay and S...

TSI Test Online for - Texas Success Initiative Essay and Sentence Revision Questions and Answers. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Literary an...

TSI Study Material on - Texas Success Initiative Literary and Informational Texts. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Literary an...

Free TSI Test covering - Texas Success Initiative Literary and Informational Texts Questions and Answers. Practice and track your TSI exam readiness.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Reading and...

TSI Exam Questions covering - Texas Success Initiative Reading and Textual Analysis. Master TSI Test concepts for certification prep.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Reading and...

Free TSI Practice Test featuring - Texas Success Initiative Reading and Textual Analysis Questions and Answers. Improve your TSI Exam score with mock test prep.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Sentence Re...

TSI Mock Exam on - Texas Success Initiative Sentence Revision and Editing. TSI Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Sentence Re...

TSI Test Prep for - Texas Success Initiative Sentence Revision and Editing Questions and Answers. Practice TSI Quiz questions and boost your score.

TSI Writing Practice Test

TSI Questions and Answers on Writing Practice Test. Free TSI practice for exam readiness.

TSI Writing Practice Test #2

TSI Mock Test covering Writing Practice Test #2. Online TSI Test practice with instant feedback.

TSI Writing Practice Test #3

Free TSI Quiz on Writing Practice Test #3. TSI Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

✅Pros
  • +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
  • +Increases job market competitiveness
  • +Provides structured learning goals
  • +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
❌Cons
  • −Study materials can be expensive
  • −Exam anxiety can affect performance
  • −Requires dedicated preparation time
  • −Retake fees apply if you don't pass

Sample TSI Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free TSI practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

  1. A text's purpose is to persuade readers to recycle. Which sentence is most likely the author's thesis?

    • A. Every household should recycle to protect future resources
    • B. Recycling bins are often blue
    • C. Glass can be melted and reshaped
    • D. Some cities collect trash weekly

Answer: A. Every household should recycle to protect future resources

A persuasive thesis states a clear position the rest of the text supports.

  • If f(x) = 3x^2 - 4x + 1, what is the value of f(-2)?

    • A. 5
    • B. -3
    • C. 21
    • D. 1
  • Answer: C. 21

    To evaluate f(-2), substitute -2 for every x in the function: f(-2) = 3(-2)^2 - 4(-2) + 1. This simplifies to 3(4) + 8 + 1, which is 12 + 8 + 1 = 21.

  • Select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. The first choice is the same as the original sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first answer: Claude Monet was a famous painter who's well-known painting includes Starry Night and Water Lilly Pond.

    • A. whose well-known paintings include
    • B. who's well-known painting includes
    • C. whose well-known painting including
    • D. who well-known paintings include
  • Answer: A. whose well-known paintings include

    Explanation: The correct way to refer to a person, in this case Monet, is through the use of the pronoun whose which eliminates two of the choices. Two paintings are identified, so the plural form must be used, eliminating another of the choices. This choice uses whose and paintings, indicating there is more than one, making it the correct choice.

  • Which of the following numbers is irrational?

    • A. √16
    • B. √9
    • C. √2
    • D. 0.333…
  • Answer: C. √2

    √2 ≈ 1.41421… is non-terminating and non-repeating, so it cannot be expressed as a ratio of integers.

    Take the full TSI practice test

    🎓

    🎓 What is the TSI test in Texas?

    The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is the placement test Texas public colleges and universities use to check whether non-exempt students are ready for college-level English and math. Your results help advisers place you in the right courses.

    START TSI PRACTICE TEST
    📝

    📝 What do you need to do before you can take the TSIA2?

    You must complete the mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) before registering. The PAA explains why the test matters, shows sample questions, and covers developmental-education and campus-resource options.

    START TSI PRACTICE TEST
    ⏱️

    ⏱️ Is the TSI test timed?

    No. The TSIA2 is untimed, so there is no limit on how long you take. The multiple-choice tests are computer-adaptive, meaning questions get harder or easier based on your answers.

    START TSI PRACTICE TEST
    📚

    📚 How many questions are on the TSI reading and writing (ELAR) test?

    The ELAR College Readiness Classification (CRC) test has 30 multiple-choice questions on reading and writing. If you score below the benchmark, you take a 48-question ELAR Diagnostic Test (24 reading-focused, 24 writing-focused).

    START TSI READING PRACTICE TEST
    ➗

    ➗ How many questions are on the TSI math test?

    The Mathematics CRC test has 20 multiple-choice questions across quantitative, algebraic, geometric and spatial, and probabilistic and statistical reasoning. Students below the benchmark move to a 48-question Math Diagnostic Test with 12 questions per category.

    START TSI MATH PRACTICE TEST
    ✅

    ✅ What is a passing score on the TSI math test?

    You are college ready in math with a CRC score of 950–990. A CRC score below 950 still counts if you earn a Mathematics Diagnostic Test score of 6. TSIA2 CRC scores range from 910 to 990.

    START TSI MATH PRACTICE TEST
    🏆

    🏆 What score do you need to pass the TSI reading and writing test?

    You need an ELAR CRC score of 945–990 plus an essay score of at least 5. If your CRC score is below 945, you can still qualify with an ELAR Diagnostic score of 5 or 6 and an essay score of 5 or higher.

    START TSI READING PRACTICE TEST
    ✍️

    ✍️ How long is the TSI essay and how is it scored?

    You write a 300- to 600-word essay in response to one randomly selected prompt. An automated system scores it from 1 to 8 on six qualities, including purpose and focus, organization, development, style, conventions, and critical thinking.

    START TSI WRITING PRACTICE TEST
    🧮

    🧮 Can you use a calculator on the TSI math test?

    Handheld calculators are not allowed on the online TSIA2 math test. Some questions include a built-in pop-up calculator: basic four-function, square-root, or a TI-84 graphing calculator.

    START TSI MATH PRACTICE TEST
    🔁

    🔁 Can you retake the TSI test if you fail?

    Yes. You may retake a TSIA2 test at any time, but College Board strongly recommends extra study first because scores rarely improve much without it. Ask your college testing center about retest rules and any fees.

    START TSI PRACTICE TEST

    TSI Practice Test Questions and Answers

    Official Resources

    How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

    Sources & references

    Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

    1. tea.texas.gov — Eligibility, score validity · verified Oct 2026
    2. reportcenter.highered.texas.gov — Test delivery, retake policy, score release, time limit, passing score, exam format · verified Oct 2026
    3. txst.edu — Fees · verified Oct 2026
    4. tccd.edu — Retake fee, fees, exam information · verified Oct 2026
    5. shsu.edu — Fees, retake fee · verified Oct 2026
    6. ets.utdallas.edu — Fees · verified Oct 2026