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 

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.

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.