Placement Testing

Placement Testing

Placement testing, also known as assessment, is an important part of student success in post-secondary education. Information gained from assessment is used to advise students in the selection of courses that will provide the best possible opportunity for academic success.

Assessment is not used for admission purposes. After being admitted to the college, an assessment is mandatory for new students to determine placement level and/or to satisfy the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). 

The Assessment Test 

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment is our state placement examination. The TSI determines whether students have the skills to succeed in college-level courses and it helps to place students in courses they are ready for, either college-level courses or courses to prepare them for college-level courses.

The TSI assesses the kinds of skills needed for success in college. You do not need to pass or fail the TSI; it only determines your current skill level in the area(s) tested so that you can be placed appropriately.

The TSI tests your academic preparation in four areas:

  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Essay

There is an $18 charge for taking all four TSI sections. Each section alone is $6.

Before you take the TSI assessment, there is a mandatory, state-mandated Pre Assessment Activity (PAA) that must be completed. Every institution in Texas has their own PAA; PAAs from other institutions may not be used to satisfy LC’s PAA requirement and vice versa. The PAA is a mandatory activity that all first-time students who do not have TSI exemptions must complete before they can test. LC’s PAA can be found online at https://forms.laredo.edu/forms/tsiform/. You will find a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the PAA. You may print the certificate or capture a photo of it to provide proof of completion.

Taking the TSI 

Follow the steps below to take the TSI assessment.

1. Apply for Admissions at the Enrollment and Registration Services Center.

2. You will be provided an Assessment Permit at the Enrollment and Registration Services Center. You may also wish to visit the Student Success Center to obtain an assessment permit from one of the advisers.

3. Pay the TSI assessment fee at the Bursar’s Office at either campus. Fee is $18 for all sections of the test, or $6 for each section.

4. Complete the PAA online. You may complete the PAA from home.

5. Bring your Assessment permit, payment receipt, PAA proof of completion, and valid, government-issued photo ID to the Assessment Center at either campus during testing hours.

6. The TSI is administered on a walk-in basis. Testing hours for the TSI are Monday – Thursday from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Friday's from 8:00 am to 8:30 am. The only TSI exams that will be allowed on Friday's will be either the Reading or Math sections. All other exams will be administered between Monday and Thursday.

You should allow approximately 3-5 hours for the entire TSI assessment. The TSI assessment is computer-based and computer-adaptive, which means questions increase or decrease in difficulty level depending on how you respond. The TSI Assessment is untimed; however, it is important that you allow yourself enough time to complete each section because the results are a key factor in determining your course placement. Be sure to bring the following documents on the day of the test:

  • Assessment Permit
  • Proof of completion for the PAA
  • Payment receipt for TSI fee
  • Valid, government-issued photo ID

 

The TSI is computerized, so you will not need to bring paper or pens/pencils. You will be provided with scratch paper and pencils at the Assessment Center.

You may NOT bring books, dictionaries, calculators, cell phones, laptops, tablets, notes, papers, or other aids into the testing room. Students who give or receive assistance during the TSI, use notes of any kind, remove test materials from the Assessment Center, or engage in any other prohibited/disruptive conduct may be subject to disciplinary action. Only the test-taker will be allowed in the testing room.

For test preparation, you may visit: 

www.accuplacer.org (Click on the Information for Students tab)

https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students (Select ACCUPLACER Tests)

https://forms.laredo.edu/forms/tsiform/

Other Assessment Tests  

In addition to our state assessment examination, TSI, the Texas Success Initiative may also be satisfied with the results of the following examinations:

  • The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
  • The American College Test (ACT)
  • The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)
  • The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)

Or other alternative tests approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). To verify if you qualify for exemptions based on scores from any of the above mentioned tests, make sure to take your test results to the Enrollment Registration Services Center and/or to the Student Success Center.



For more information on placement testing and assessment, contact:

Fort McIntosh Campus
Lerma-Peña Building, room 227

956.721.5418 

 

South Campus
William "Billy" Hall Student Center, room A245

956.794.4418