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What is on the TSI test?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 12, 2026

The TSI exam covers 4 different sections - mathematics, reading, writing, and an essay section. The TSI exam consists primarily of multiple choice questions.

What topics are on the TSI?

The TSI test consists of three parts: math, reading, and writing. The math part of this test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions.
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In this section, students are tested on four main topics:

  • Elementary Algebra & Functions.
  • Intermediate Algebra & Functions.
  • Geometry & Measurement.
  • Data Analysis, Statistics, & Probability.

What do they look for on the TSI test?

TSI Scores

The scores for the Writing portion of the TSI are based on a scale of 1 to 8 with a score of 5 being adequate mastery of on-demand essay writing. Test takers should aim to achieve between 350 and 390 for math and 351 to 390 for reading.

What math is on the TSI?

What math is on the TSI? The TSI math exam is composed of 20 multiple-choice questions on the following topics: Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Measurement, Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability.

How do I pass the TSI test?

How to Pass TSI Test: Top Tips and Key Tactics

  1. Don't overshoot the essay writing test. ...
  2. Focus on making your essay as grammatically flawless as possible. ...
  3. Take full advantage of the fact that there is no time limit! ...
  4. Double-check the questions! ...
  5. Don't be afraid to use online practice tests!
42 related questions found

Can I use a calculator on the TSI?

Are calculators allowed for the TSI Assessment? No calculators are allowed to be brought in to the testing room. A calculator is provided within the testing program, as appropriate.

What is a good TSI score?

You are considered college ready if your score falls within the range of 350 to 390. If your score is 349 or lower, you will be placed in a developmental course or Adult Basic Education course.

What happens if I fail the math TSI?

If you do not pass one or all parts (reading, writing and math) of the TSI Assessment, you may be required to enroll in developmental education coursework or accelerated intervention before you can enroll in a college credit course for the subject in which you did not pass.

How do I prepare for TSI?

Best TSI Math Prep Resource for 2022

  1. Review TSI Math Formulas wisely. ...
  2. Take Practice Tests. ...
  3. Register for TSI Math Test. ...
  4. Take the TSI Math test. ...
  5. Check your score reports. ...
  6. Interpret your score.

Is 960 a good TSI score?

You are considered college ready if your score falls within the range of 350–390. If your score is 349 or lower, you may be placed in a developmental course or intervention.

Is 945 a good TSI score?

If you score below 945 on the multiple-choice CRC Test, receive a diagnostic level of 5 or higher on the Diagnostic Test, and score of 5 or higher on the Essay Test. If your scores don't meet these criteria, you may be placed in a developmental course or provided an appropriate intervention.

Is 950 a good TSI score?

Mathematics: College Readiness Score of at least 950 or CRC score below 950 and diagnostic level of 6 (Entry-level college Math or Statistics allowed). Obtaining a score of 950 or greater or a score below 950 and a diagnostic level of 6 enables students to register for MAT 1023,1033,1043 and MAT 1073 or STA 1043,1053.

What is passing score for math TSI?

Some college level courses require passing scores in more than one area. Below are the passing cut scores for TSIA as set by the state: Mathematics: a minimum score of 350. Reading: a minimum score of 351.

How long does a TSI test take?

The TSI Assessment is not a timed test. The average time to complete all sections of the test is 3–5 hours.

How many times can you take TSI?

How many times can I take the TSI Assessment? There is no limit to the number of times the TSI Assessment may be taken. However, the TSI Assessment fee of $50 must be paid each time the TSI Assessment is taken at Texas Tech University.

Do all colleges require TSI?

Not all incoming students need to take the TSI Assessment. There are many ways you can be exempt. Qualifying for a TSI Assessment exemption means that you can enroll in any entry-level college course without restrictions. In other words, there are no prerequisites for enrollment in college-level courses.

How many questions can you miss on the TSI math?

You will need a score of 351 to pass, which, once again, means that you can safely miss between 1–3 questions. The TSI Math tests you on Algebra I and II, Geometry, and some Statistics, only probability and measures of central tendency.

What is the passing score for English TSI?

Scores and Developmental Resources

Placement score of at least 340 and an essay score of at least a 4; or, a placement score of less than 340, and an ABE Diagnostic level of at least 4, and an essay score of at least 5.

Is there an essay on the TSI?

One challenging component of the TSI test is the essay question. You will be asked to write a persuasive essay on a controversial issue or an issue of current interest. The TSI essay will be evaluated on your organization, focus, development and support, sentence structure, and mechanical conventions.

How many questions are on the TSI writing?

TSI Writing

Similar to the reading exam, the questions are multiple choice and there are approximately 20 questions on the placement test and 10 to 12 on the diagnostic test. Topics include essay revision, agreement, sentence structure, and sentence logic.

How many questions are on the TSI reading?

The TSI Assessment in Reading is also a completely multiple-choice assessment which will cover literary analysis, main ideas and supporting details, inferences in a text or texts and author's use of language. There are typically around 24 questions on the placement test and 10-12 questions on the DE Diagnostic Test.

What is a perfect score on the SAT?

A perfect SAT score is 1600. The minimum score is 400. And the average for the class of 2018 was 1068.

Can you fail the TSI?

You cannot pass or fail the TSI assessment. Based on how you perform, you may either enroll in: College-level courses that match your skill level, or. College readiness courses or interventions to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

Can you be exempt from TSI?

Students who transfer from a regionally accredited college or university and have earned a grade of C in specific courses are exempt in the related TSI component.