What is the difference between the TSIA and TSIA 2.0 exams?
The TSIA 2.0 launched January 11, 2021 and it is the updated version of the TSIA exam; the content of the new exam is largely the same as the previous TSIA. One of the new features of the exam is that the TSIA2 exam combines the Reading and Writing sections into one: the English and Language Arts (ELAR) section. The score range has also been updated: 910 - 990; Essay: 0 - 8.
What are the benchmarks for college-readiness?
Benchmarks for College-Readiness in Math:
950-990 OR 910-949 AND Diagnostic Level 6
Benchmarks for College-Readiness in ELAR:
945-990 with an Essay score 5 or higher OR 910-944 AND Diagnostic Level 5-6 AND Essay score 5 or higher
Will Dual Enrollment students be allowed to take the TSIA 2.0 exam at LC?
Yes. Dual Enrollment students may take the exam at Laredo College. If you are still in high school, please contact your respective high school administrator/counselor and find out which section of the TSIA2 you need to take. You will need to request a TSI Testing Ticket from the Assessment Center in order to take the exam at LC. You will also need a photo ID the day of the test, along with the TSI Testing Ticket issued by the Assessment Center. Please contact your respective high school administrator/counselor if you are unsure if you are eligible for TSIA2 testing. It is important to first check with your respective high school administrator/counselor if there are any deadlines to take the TSIA2.
If I’ve taken the TSI in high school, can I use those scores for placement purposes?
Yes, but TSIA scores are only valid for 5 years from the date of testing. You must have passed the Reading, Writing, and Math sections. If you did not pass either of the exams and will be attending LC, you will need to take the new TSIA2 exam. For placement purposes/questions, please contact the Advising Center at 956-721-5135 (Ft. McIntosh), 956-794-4135 (South).
What if I don’t have a Palomino ID number?
If you’re not sure if you have a Palomino ID number or don’t know your Palomino ID number, please contact the Office Admissions at 956-721-5109
If you are a Dual Enrollment student, you may test using your high school ID number.
How do I find out what section of the TSIA2 I need to take?
If you already graduated high school and are an LC incoming freshman:
- You must visit your academic advisor at LC so that they can review your records and TSI Exemptions (if applicable) to let you know what TSIA2 section you are pending
If you are a high school student:
- You must visit your high school counselor so that they can tell you what section of the TSIA2 you are pending
How long is the TSIA 2.0 exam?
The TSIA2 is not a timed exam. Students work at their own pace. The TSIA2 can be a lenghty exam, so be prepared to spend anywhere from 2 to more than 5 hours on the test. There is no lunch break for the exam.
Do I need an ID in order to take the TSIA 2.0?
YES. You will need to show a photo ID for any and all testing purposes. Photos/screenshots/image captures/photocopies of IDs are NOT acceptable forms of identification. Your ID must be current (NOT EXPIRED) and must have a RECENT & RECOGNIZABLE photo of you. You will need to show your ID every time you wish to test, even if you are continuing a test session. For a list of acceptable IDs, please contact the Assessment Center at 956-721-5418 or 956-794-4418.
What is the cost of the TSIA 2.0 exam?
Exam fees are: $24 for the Complete test (ELAR and Math), $16 for the ELAR (with Essay), $8 for the ELAR Multiple Choice (No Essay), $8 for the Essay Only, and $8 for the Math.
Can I retake the TSIA2?
Yes. You may retake the TSIA2 exam if you did not meet benchmark scores. You may retake the exam as needed or as recommended by your academic advisor. It is not recommended to take the exam multiple times in one day. It is highly recommended that you review the TSIA2 Learning Resources (located on your test score report) prior to attempting the exam again.
When will I get my TSIA2 scores?
TSIA2 scores are available upon completion of your exam. You will receive a copy of your test scores as soon as you finish your test. If you save the exam, your scores will be available once the exam is completed in its entirety.
I lost my test scores. How can I get another copy of them?
You can request a copy of your TSIA scores in person at the Assessment Center at Ft. McIntosh or South Campus. You will be required to show a photo ID for any and all score releases. Only the person who took the exam can request test scores. We will not release scores to anyone other than the test-taker, NO EXCEPTIONS. Scores will not be released by email, fax, or phone. There is no charge for duplicate copies of scores.
Can I bring a calculator or dictionary for the exam?
No. You may not use a personal calculator during the exam. The Math section has a virtual calculator you may use. Dictionaries or any other testing aids are not allowed during the exam. You will be provided scratch paper and pencils at the testing center.
I need my TSIA2 scores to be sent to another institution. How do I do that?
The TSIA2 Accuplacer system is designed so that any insitution in Texas can access your TSIA scores, even if you took the exam in a different Texas college/university. Scores are no longer sent out to other institutions by postal mail. You must visit the testing center at the institution needing your scores and request a Cross Institution Search of your scores. You will need to know the name of the school/school district where you tested. You may need to show identification for score retrieval; please verify your institution's score release policy. By CollegeBoard policy, the institution you visit should be able to do a Cross Institution Search of your TSIA scores as long as that institution is located in Texas and as long as the institution where you tested is also located in Texas.
