Master the TSIA2:
Your Path to College Success
Everything Texas students and families need to understand college readiness tests, avoid remedial courses, and save time and money.
REQUIRED Before Testing: Complete the PAA
The Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) is mandatory before you can schedule your TSIA2 test
What is the PAA?
The Pre-Assessment Activity includes practice questions and study resources to help you prepare effectively.
You cannot register for the TSIA2 without completing it first!
Important Email Tip
Use your personal email address when creating your College Board account.
After graduation, you'll lose access to your school email, but you'll still need your TSIA2 scores!
How to Complete the PAA
Visit the College Board PAA site
Access free practice resources and assessment activities
Create account with personal email
Use an email you'll have access to after graduation
Complete all PAA activities
Work through practice questions and study materials
Schedule your TSIA2 test
After PAA completion, you'll be cleared to register
Official College Board TSIA2 Pre-Assessment Activity
You May Not Need the TSIA2!
Good news: If you have passing SAT or ACT scores, you can skip the TSIA2 entirely. You can mix and match scores from both tests!
Valid Score Combinations:
- • SAT Math 530+ and SAT Reading 530+
- • ACT Math 19+ AND English 19+ (both with 23+ Composite)
- • SAT Math 530+ and ACT English 19+ with 23+ Composite
- • ACT Math 19+ with 23+ Composite and SAT Reading 530+
Submit your official scores to your Texas college and you're cleared for college-level courses!
What is the TSIA2?
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 measures your readiness for college-level coursework in reading, writing, and math.
Purpose & Overview
The TSIA2 helps Texas colleges determine if you're ready for college-level classes or need additional preparation first.
It's an untimed, adaptive computer test that adjusts difficulty based on your answers. This means stronger performance leads to harder questions.
Why This Matters to You
Passing scores mean you can start earning college credit right away. No remedial classes, no extra tuition, no delays.
Failing scores require paid remedial coursework before accessing college-level classes—even at test-optional schools.
Three Core Subject Areas
Reading ELAR
Literary analysis, comprehension, and critical thinking
- ▪ Main ideas & themes
- ▪ Inference & analysis
- ▪ Vocabulary in context
Writing ELAR
Essay composition, grammar, and revision
- ▪ Essay development
- ▪ Grammar & usage
- ▪ Organization & clarity
Mathematics
Algebra, functions, and statistics
- ▪ Algebra & functions
- ▪ Statistics & probability
- ▪ Problem solving
Test-Optional ≠ Score-Optional
Critical distinction: Many Texas colleges don't require tests for admission, but they DO require passing scores for course placement.
If you don't have passing scores, you MUST:
- Pay for remedial classes out of pocket (tuition and fees)
- Attend the entire course (adds extra semester time)
- Pass with satisfactory grades before taking college-level courses
- Earn zero college credit toward your degree for these classes
Bottom line: Prepare seriously for these tests to save time, money, and frustration.
TSIA2 vs. SAT vs. ACT
Understanding which test scores satisfy Texas college readiness requirements
| Test | Texas Passing Scores | Cost | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TSIA2
Texas-specific
|
|
Free first attempt $10-$30 retakes |
Untimed Adaptive Computer-based |
|
SAT
National test
|
|
~$60 per test | 3 hours Timed Multiple dates/year |
|
ACT
National test
|
|
~$60-$85 per test | 2h 55min Timed Multiple dates/year |
Mix & Match Allowed
Pass reading on SAT and math on TSIA2? That works! Any valid combination satisfies requirements.
TSIA2 Cost Varies
Costs depend on your college and school district. Some offer free first attempts, while others may charge fees—check with your institution.
Strategic Test Choice
If you're applying nationally, SAT/ACT serves dual purposes: admission AND Texas placement.
Who Needs to Take the TSIA2?
Find out if you're required to take this assessment
Incoming College Students
First-year students without qualifying SAT/ACT scores must take the TSIA2 before enrolling in college-level courses.
Dual Credit Students
High school students taking college courses must demonstrate readiness through TSIA2 or qualifying scores.
Transfer Students
Students transferring from outside Texas or without documented college-level coursework may need testing.
Out-of-State Students
Non-exempt students from other states attending Texas public institutions must meet placement requirements.
TSIA2 Study Resources
Free and comprehensive preparation materials organized by subject
Reading ELAR Preparation
Build comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills essential for college reading.
Reading Comprehension
Analyze passages and identify main ideas
Vocabulary in Context
Understand words through contextual clues
Critical Analysis
Evaluate arguments and author's purpose
Information Literacy
Identify key details and supporting evidence
How to Register for TSIA2
Simple steps to schedule your assessment
Contact Your Testing Center
Reach out to your college's testing center or your high school if you're a dual credit student. Find contact info on their website.
Schedule Your Appointment
Most centers offer multiple testing dates. Some allow walk-ins, but scheduling ahead is recommended.
Bring Valid Photo ID
You'll need government-issued ID: driver's license, state ID, or passport. No ID = no test.
Understand Costs
Costs depend on your college and school district. Some offer free first attempts, while others may charge fees. Retakes usually cost $10-$30 per section.
If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you typically get reduced TSIA2 fees. Check with your school district or testing college about available discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the TSIA2 take?
Can I retake the TSIA2?
What are TSIA2 passing scores?
Mathematics - You're college ready if:
- • Score 950-990 on the CRC Test, OR
- • Score below 950 on CRC Test but achieve Diagnostic Level 6 on the Diagnostic Test
ELAR (Reading/Writing) - You're college ready if:
- • Score 945-990 on the multiple-choice CRC Test AND score 5 or higher on the Essay Test, OR
- • Score below 945 on CRC Test but achieve Diagnostic Level 5+ on Diagnostic Test AND score 5 or higher on the Essay Test
Important: You MUST score 5 or higher on the Essay to pass ELAR.