University Testing Center

The University Testing Center (UTC)

A commitment to integrity and professionalism while providing secure and quality services to our clientele.

Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0, formerly TSI (TSIA2)

The TSIA2 is a series of college readiness assessments for students enrolling in public colleges and universities in Texas.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quailty (TCEQ)

The TCEQ is dedicated to protecting public health, preserving natural resources, and supporting sustainable growth.

The University Testing Center (UTC)

Mission

The University Testing Center provides institutional and national exams for both students and community members. We are committed to:

- Providing a safe, secure, and professional testing environment.
- Following national testing standards and government regulations.
- Protecting the integrity of every exam through ethical practices and security measures.
- Treating every test taker with respect, fairness, and professionalism.

Current Offerings @ UTC

- The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2), formerly called the TSI
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Certification Exam (TCEQ)
- University Correspondence Proctoring & Paper Based Testing

Future Offerings @ UTC

- General Educational Development Exam (GED)
- American College Test (ACT)
- Standarized College Admissons Test (SAT)
- College - Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- ........ And many more

Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 and Exemptions

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a college readiness assessment for students attending public colleges and universities in Texas. It measures a student’s skills in reading, writing, and math to see if you are ready for college-level classes. Texas Southern University uses TSIA2 scores, along with the students’ academic background and goals, to place them in the courses that best match their skill level. Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 4, Subchapter C (Rules §4.51 – §4.62).

Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 Exemptions

SAT Assessment (Effective 03/2016)

SAT Subtest Math - 530 or higher
SAT Subtest Critical Reading - 480 or higher
Scores are good for 5 years

ACT Assessment (Effective before 02/15/2023)

Composite Score - 23 + Math - 19
Composite Score - 23 + Engl - 16
Scores are good for 5 years

ACT Assessment (Effective after 02/15/2023)

Math - 22
English + Reading = 40
Scores are good for 5 years

TAKS Exemption

11th grade exit - 2200 or higher in Math and/or English
Language Arts with Writing Composition - 3 or higher
Both metrics must met

STAAR Exemption - End of Course (EOC) Assessment

Math - Level 2 score or higher on Algebra II Section
English - Level 2 score or higher on English III Section

Existing Degree Exemption

Having an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Texas College Bridge (TCB) Exemption

The TCB program is a partnership with the Texas Education Agency and the NROC Project where high school juniors and seniors are allowed to take college prep courses to ensure college readiness.

Greenlight Certificates of Completion (earned in 25-26 or 24-25)
EdReady Certificates of Completion
Select - share to an email / person - TSI@Tsu.Edu
Include your TSU Student ID# (T#)
TCB Certificates are good for 2 years

Military Exemption

Students who are Active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces or Texas National Guard will be exempted. Official documentation of active-duty status for enrollment period is required. Students must file a Verification of Active Duty Form each semester which can be obtained in the Base Education Office.

Students who are members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces for at least three (3) years preceding enrollment.

Students who on or after August 1,1990, with an honorable discharge, retirement, or release from active duty as a member of the United States Armed Forces, Texas National Guard, or member of reserve component will be exempted. A copy of the DD214 form showing this status is required.

Transfer Student Exemption

A student entering TSU from a private and / or out-of-state, regionally accredited college or university, may meet exemption criteria of TSIA2 based on earning a grade of C or higher in courses that are equivalent to the following TSU courses:

Writing - Freshman English I & II - ENG 1301 or ENG 1302 (ENG 131 or ENG 132)

Reading

English Literature - 230, 231, 235, & 244 (World, American & African American)
United States History - HIST 231 or 232
American Government - POLS 235 or 236
General Psychology - PSY 131

Mathematics - College Algebra or any Higher-Level Math - MATH 1314 (MATH 133)

Send All Official School Transcripts with TAKS or STAAR scores to Admissions@Tsu.Edu

Send SAT and ACT scores from vendor platform to Admissons@Tsu.Edu

Send DD214 for Military Exemptions to TSI@Tsu.Edu
Let's Warm Up for the TSIA2

The State of Texas requires each student to complete the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) before taking any portion of the TSIA2. Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Rule §4.55.b.

Sign In / Sign Up for PAA - Accuplacer

Enter your official First and Last Name
Enter a personal email address
Select Texas Southern University for your Institution
Enter your Student ID # (include the T)
Select 3rd Practice Test - PAA

PDF: Guide to Completing the PAA
Video: Guide to Completing the PAA

PAA Completion Verification
Your PAA completion will be verified as part of the process. If a copy of your completion certificate is required, you will receive an email with instructions for submitting the certificate.
Let's Prepare for the TSIA2

TSIA2 Preparation Resources

Mometrix Academy TSIA2 Preparation

You can prepare on the Go!
TSIA2 Study App - Apple
TSIA2 Study App - Google
Let's Get Scheduled for the TSIA2

*** If you have not completed the PAA, see Step 2.***

The University Testing Center (UTC) offers two options for completing the TSIA2 assessment.

In-Person at the UTC
Remotely at home with a Live Proctor (Additional fees apply)
Follow the steps in the UTC Payment Center to complete your payment and schedule your TSIA2.
Understanding Your College Readiness Classification (CRC)

English, Language Arts, Reading & WritePlacer Essay

CRC score of 945 or higher + WritePlacer Essay of 5 or higher
CRC score of 944 or below + Diagnostic score of 5 + WritePlacer Essay of 5
College Level Course - ENG 1301 & PSY 1301, HIST 1301, or POLS 2305

CRC score 944 or below + Diagnostic score below 5 + WritePlacer score below 5
College Level Course - ENG 1301 + Co-Requisite Lab and one of the following PSY 2301, HIST 1301 or POLS 2305
Mathematics (MATH)

CRC score of 950 or higher
CRC score of 949 or below + Diagnostic score of 6
College Level Course - MATH 1314 or College Level Math for specific major

CRC score 949 or below + Diagnostic score below 6
College Level Course - MATH 1314 or College Level Math for specific major + Co-Requisite Lab
Connect with Your Advisor

After completing the TSIA2, connect with your Academic Advisor to discuss degree planning, career pathways, and resources that support your academic success.

Registration Hold Information
If required to complete any portion of the TSIA2, a Registration Hold will be placed on your account. You must complete the required testing before the hold can be removed.

For in-person and remote testing during business hours, the hold will be removed upon completion of your required assessment.

For remote testing completed outside of regular business hours, the hold will be removed the following business day.

Texas Environmental Quality Commission (TCEQ) Licensing Exams

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is dedicated to protecting public health, preserving natural resources, and supporting sustainable growth. Texas Southern University offers the TCEQ Certification Exams through computer-based testing, providing a secure, efficient, and accessible way for professionals to achieve their certification goals.

Certification Exam Registration and Fees
Examinee should verify registration instructions with TCEQ upon completing required course(s).
TCEQ Website
Certification Examination Fee

The University Testing Center (UTC) charges a $30.00 examination fee. Payment can be made at the UTC Payment Center.

Examinee will receive confirmation of exam appointment via email from the UTC.
Identification Requirements

To ensure a smooth examination experience, examinees must bring the required identification on exam day.

A valid driver's license, state-issued ID or passport must be presented as the primary form of identification.

The identification must clearly display the examinee's name, date of birth, signature and recognizable photograph.

The required identification must be physically presented at time of check-in.

Failure to provide acceptable identification will result in denied entry to the examination room.
Licensing Exam Results

Examinees results populate immediately upon submission of exam and can be sent to a personal email address.
Rescheduling the Licensing Exam

If an examinee is unable to keep their confirmed appointment, please contact the UTC in advanced for rescheduling options.

A rescheduling fee may apply.
Examination Attempt Fees

Many of the licensing exams allow multiple attempts. Each examination attempt requires payment of the applicable examination fee.

Only two attempts are allowed in the same day.

University Proctoring Services

Proctoring Services at Texas Southern University (TSU) provide secure, professional, and dependable exam monitoring designed to provide students and professionals with confidence throughout the testing process. With a strong commitment to integrity and confidentiality, our flexible proctoring options help create a seamless and supportive testing experience.

Whether you are completing an academic exam, licensing requirement, or professional certification, TSU is committed to providing reliable proctoring services you can trust, allowing you to focus on demonstrating your knowledge and achieving your goals.
Proctoring Services: Before You Schedule

Students should confirm with their instructor whether proctoring is required and approved for their examination prior to scheduling services. Verifying requirements in advance ensures alignment with course policies and supports a smooth, efficient testing process.
Scheduling and Payment for Proctoring Services

Once you have received approval from your instructor to use Proctoring Services, process your payment for the proctoring fee of $30.00 at the UTC Payment Center.

You will be required to include your instructor's contact information:

Full name
Institutional email address
Phone number

The UTC will contact your instructor with instructions for submitting the examination materials.

All required materials must be submitted to the UTC no later than 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam appointment.

A proctoring appointment confirmation will be sent to you via email and will include important information and instructions for your exam day.
After the Exam: What to Expect

The UTC is committed to securely returning completed examinations to your instructor on the same day.

While we strive to ensure timely delivery, the return period may vary when an alternative delivery method is required instead of secure electronic transmission.

The University Testing Center (UTC) offers a wide range of testing services for students and non-students alike. Texas Southern University ensures a smooth, accessible testing experience.

Whether you are a freshman, transfer student, or visiting examinee, the center provides guidance on test holds, parking, registration and making your exam day stress-free. Explore TSU’s full range of testing services for a seamless and efficient process.

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

University Testing Center (UTC) FAQs

Where is the UTC located?

Where do I park?

How do I contact UTC?

What are the current offerings of the UTC?

What are the hours of operation for the UTC?

The UTC is open Monday to Friday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and some Saturday's during our peak seasons.

Our testing hours are 9:00 a.m. - to 2:00 p.m.

Please speak with our resolute staff for any special case scenarios.

Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) (TSI) FAQs

What is the TSIA2?

The TSIA2 is a series of assessments for English, Language Arts, Reading (ELAR), Writing and Mathematics (MATH) that assist public colleges and universities in Texas to determine if a student is ready for college-level course.

Do all students attending TSU have to complete the TSIA2?

All incoming freshman and some transfer students must take the assessment, unless an exemption criterion has been met.

See the TSIAssessment 2.0 (TSIA2) tab for approved exemptions.

Is there a cost to take TSIA2?

How do I send TSU my scores if the TSIA2 has already been taken?

You can share your Individual Score Report (ISR) to TSI@Tsu.Edu from your Accuplacer Student Portal.

Complete a ISR Retrieval Request.

If my TSIA2 scores are on my high school transcript, do I still need to submit them?

Is there a guide to help a student prepare, schedule, and pay for the TSIA2?

How do out-of-state students complete the TSIA2?

Will TSU schedule a student's TSIA2 with the Live Proctor?

No, a student will request a Remote Voucher by completing payment at the UTC Payment Center.

After verifying the Pre-Assessment Activity has been completed, the tester will receive an email with details on scheduling with the Live Proctor, a third party vendor.

Is there a cost for using the Live Proctor?

Yes, effective February 1, 2026, Meazure Learning+ ProctorU changed their fee to $29.50 and the test must be scheduled 72 hours in advance.

If a student wants to take their assessment sooner, additional fees may be incurred.

If a student has been granted admissions to TSU, can they register for classes and take the assessment later?

How long does it take for a registration hold to be removed?

For in-person and remote testing during business hours, the hold will be removed upon completion of your required assessment.

For remote testing completed outside of regular business hours, the hold will be removed the following business day.

If I took the assessment more than six (6) years ago, can I use those scores?

If a student were TSIA2 cleared at another Texas school, would they need to retest at TSU?

How can a student request to have their TSIA2 scores sent to another school?

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