TSI Tests

What Is the TSIA2?

The current version of the TSI test is the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0, commonly called the TSIA2. Its purpose is to help your college determine whether you are ready for college-level classes in math, reading, and writing. If you are not yet ready, the results help identify which developmental courses or support may be needed to get you fully prepared to succeed.

Who Needs to Take the TSI Assessment?

All entering undergraduate students at Texas public colleges and universities must take the TSI Assessment unless they qualify for an exemption. The most common exemption is for meeting the minimum college-readiness scores on the ACT, SAT, or the STAAR Algebra II and English III end-of-course exams. Other exemptions apply to students who have already completed college-level courses, students enrolled in certain certificate programs, and certain current and former members of the military.

TSI Test Sections

The TSI Test has two sections: Mathematics and English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR). Both consist of multiple-choice questions, and the ELAR section also includes an essay.

Is the TSI Test Computer Adaptive?

Yes. The multiple-choice sections are computer adaptive, which means the difficulty of each question is based on how you answered the previous ones. Because of this, you cannot skip a question or go back to change an answer, so read each question carefully before choosing. The essay is not adaptive. There is no time limit on any part of the test.

TSI Test Format

Each subject begins with a College Readiness Classification (CRC) test. If your CRC score is below the college-ready cutoff, you then take a longer Diagnostic test in that subject.

• Mathematics: 20-question CRC test, followed by a 48-question Diagnostic test if needed
• ELAR: 30-question CRC test, followed by a 48-question Diagnostic test if needed
• Essay: 1 writing prompt, taken as part of the ELAR section

How to Prepare for the TSI Test

The TSI Test is aligned to the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards, which are covered in the Texas high school curriculum. Some of the questions will be challenging, so you will want to do some test prep. The best way to prepare is to review the concepts in our free TSI study guide and then work through plenty of TSI practice questions.

You can start right here with our free TSIA2 practice tests. They are fully updated for 2026 and include sample questions that are very similar to those on the actual test. Good luck!