The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a program that requires all undergraduate students to demonstrate their readiness in three key areas: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Through this initiative, the testing center aims to identify student's strengths and areas of improvement in order for students to be successful in college-level coursework.
TSI Assessment scores are not used to determine admissions status; however, entering students must show they are in compliant or take the TSI Assessment before enrolling in college-level courses. The results of the assessment, in conjunction with your academic background, goals and interests, are used by academic advisers to place you in the appropriate entry math and English courses.
Effective January 11, 2021, the only assessment that can be used to satisfy the Texas Success Initiative requirments for college readiness is the Texas Success Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). Test scores achieved prior to this date via the original TSIA remain valid for five years from the test date, and will continue to satisfy TSI requirements until expiration date. For more information on the TSIA2, please visit the College Board Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2).
Before registering to take the TSI Exam, all students must take the pre-assessment (PAA). You will not be allowed to take the TSI Assessment until you completed this activity. The PAA can be accessed at https://practice.accuplacer.org/login. Be sure to register, complete the PAA, print out the pre-assessment certificate and bring it with you to our Testing Center on the day of your TSI exam.
Students that are TSI incomplete or did not send documentation to prove compliance will have a TSI hold on their account that prevents course registration. To retrieve and send UNT Dallas your TSI score, please follow the instructions on the CollegeBoard website
After taking your TSI exam, you will receive your results in the subject areas you tested for. The chart below explains what scores are required to be placed in college level courses. If you do not meet the minimum cut-off scores, you will be placed into the appropriate developmental courses. This will be assessed with your designated advisor who will guide you in course registration. If taking TSIA2 for the first time you are required to take all subjects.
TSI Area |
Minimum Score |
| ELAR |
950-990 OR: ≤ 945, a Diagnostic of 6 and Essay score 5-8 OR: 945-949, with a Diagnostic ≥5 and an Essay score ≥5 |
| ESSAY |
6 OR a combination of 5-8 if other ELAR passing scores are met as described above |
| MATH |
950-990 OR: 910-949, with a Diagnostic of 6 |