Texas Success Initiative

    * ACCUPLACER
    * Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA)
    * ASSET
    * COMPASS

ACCUPLACER is recommended in most circumstances due to its flexibility. As a computerized test, students can often schedule a testing time within 24-48 hours and receive their scores upon completion of the test. If a student only needs to test in one area, ACCUPLACER allows for the student to only pay for that section. The entire test takes about 2-3 hours, but students are allowed the time they need to finish.

For out-of-state students, arrangements can be made to test at a local community college or university. NOTE: the Texas WritePlacer portion is required. Contact Educational Services at 806-651-2341 to make the necessary arrangements.

THEA is an equivalent test that is taken with pencil and paper, lasts a maximum of five hours, must have scheduled test dates, and has a three week time lapse for the test to be mailed back and scored. Colleges and universities are allowed to schedule additional local dates for Quick THEA. The test contents are the same. Quick THEA differs with an additional cost of $10, walk-ins are allowed to test and the test scores are returned in 4-7 days.

When must I take the test?

All students must test prior to enrolling in any college-level course work unless the student qualifies for an exemption. For testing information, contact Testing Services.

What are some available exemptions?

A student is exempt from all TSI requirements under any one of the following conditions:

• The student has earned a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
• The student is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years prior to enrollment.
• The student has been honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard or reserve component on or after August 1, 1990.
• The student has attended another institution and has been determined to have met TSI requirements.
• The student has transferred to the University from an accredited out-of-state, private or independent institution of higher education with a grade of "C" or better on designated college-level course work.
• The student has met requirements under TASP policies prior to September 1, 2003.
• The student is non-degree seeking (taking courses for personal enrichment, not to seek a degree).

A student is exempt from one or more TSI requirements under the following conditions.  SAI I and ACT scores used to support an exemption must be less than five years old; TAKS scores must be less than three years old. 

• The student with an ACT composite score of at least 23 and a math score of at least 19 is exempt from the math requirement.
• The student with an ACT composite score of at least 23 and an English score of at least 19 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements.
• The student with an SAT I score of at least 1070 and a math score of at least 500 is exempt from the math requirement.
• The student with an SAT I score of at least 1070 and a verbal score of at least 500 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements.
• The student with a TAKS math score of at least 2200 is exempt from the math requirement.
• The student with a TAKS English/language arts score of at least 2200 and an essay score of at least 3 is exempt from the reading and writing requirements.

NOTE: Students who have met TSI requirements may still be required to take an assessment for placement purposes. See Math Placement Exam Requirements.

What is considered a passing score?

ACCUPLACER
Reading: 78
Elementary Algebra: 63
Writing: 6 on essay, or combined score of 80 on Sentence Skills and 5 on essay

THEA
Reading: 230
Mathematics: 230
Writing: 220

COMPASS
Reading: 81
Algebra: 39
Writing: 6 on essay, or combined score of 59 on writing and 5 on essay

ASSET
Reading: 41
Elementary Algebra: 38
Writing: 6 on essay, or combined score of 40 on writing and 5 on essay

What if I'm an education major?

Students seeking admission into the teacher certification program may be required to take a TSI-approved test regardless of exemption or passing scores. For more information, contact the Department of Education at 806-651-2626.

What if I don't pass?

Students not passing sections of the test are required by law to participate in appropriate developmental course work. Students may retest once every 30 days.

How do I register for the test?

To schedule a testing time for ACCUPLACER, contact Educational Services at 806-651-2341. The THEA test bulletin and registration form are available online.

How do I get accommodations for a learning disability?

Students with special needs must contact Testing Services and arrange to pre-register for a testing time and date. To request accommodations on THEA, the process is outlined online.

For more information about the Texas Success Initiative, contact one of the following:

Advising: Student Advising, Registration and Retention (STARR) Center
806-651-5300
advisingcenter@wtamu.edu

Admissions Office
806-651-2020
1-800-99-WTAMU (98268)
admissions@wtamu.edu

Testing Services
806-651-2341

THEA
512-927-5397