Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

Taking the TSIA2 is required, but don't worry!

Your TSIA2 scores and status do not affect your admission to TWU
The TSIA2 is not a test you can fail - it is a placement test that determines if you are ready for college-level math, reading, and writing
The test helps TWU see which courses are the best fit for you during your first year at TWU
If you are not college-ready, as determined by the TSIA2, TWU has resources for you! Pioneer Prep is here to help!

Every student planning to attend a Texas public university is required by law to take the TSIA2 test. The test assesses your college readiness in reading, mathematics, and writing.

How to Take the TSIA2

Step 1: Before Taking the Test

Take the mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)
- The PAA is only an exercise to be completed and will not be scored
- You are required to take the PAA on your own, either at home or at school
- Expect to spend less than 30 minutes on the PAA
After completing the PAA, you will receive an emailed proof of completion receipt and are now eligible to register for the TSIA2
Study for the test using the available study materials

Step 2: Register

TSIA2 test sessions are open to TWU students and the community. In-person Testing will take place at the TWU Testing Center.

Step 3: Day of the Test

Arrive at the test location indicated on your confirmation email at least 15 minutes before check-in. Late arrivals may not be admitted into the test center
Present a photo ID (a driver’s license or student ID is acceptable)
- Your ID must be a physical copy; photos or digital IDs are not accepted
Present your Pre Assessment Activity and payment receipt

About the TSIA2

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a series of placement tests for required for students enrolling in a Texas public university. The tests help Texas schools determine whether you’re ready for college-level courses.

Things to know:

The TSIA2 is an untimed test and can be quite lengthy. Please allot approximately 1.5-2 hours per section.
Consider packing a lunch or taking advantage of our on-campus dining options prior to testing
If you are unable to complete all sections of the exam, you may return within 14 days to complete the exam
- You must register for a new exam to come back and continue

About the Math Portion

This portion is made up of 20 questions and covers 4 content categories:

Quantitative Reasoning: Calculating ratios, proportions, and percentages, as well as identifying, manipulating, and interpreting linear equations and expressions
Algebraic Reasoning: Solving equations (linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical), evaluating functions, and solving algebraic problems in context
Geometric and Spatial Reasoning: Converting units within measurement systems, solving geometric problems (perimeter, area, surface area, and volume), performing transformations, and applying right triangle trigonometry
Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning: Classifying data, constructing appropriate representations of data, computing, and interpreting probability, and describing measures of center and spread of data

If you don’t meet the college readiness benchmark, you’ll be routed to the multiple-choice Mathematics Diagnostic Test. Take your time and answer each question to the best of your ability. This test provides you with a second opportunity to demonstrate your readiness in mathematics. The Mathematics Diagnostic Test is made up of 48 questions. There are 12 questions from each of the content categories listed above.

About the Reading and Writing Portion

This section is made up of 30 questions, covers 4 sub categories, and addresses these 2 content categories:

Reading-focused questions measure your skills in comprehension and analysis of literary texts, as well as informational and argumentative texts, including paired passages.
Writing-focused questions measure your skills in revision and editing of sentences, paragraphs, and early drafts of essays.

If you don’t meet the college readiness benchmark on the CRC you’ll then take the multiple-choice ELAR Diagnostic Test. Take your time and answer each question to the best of your ability. This test provides you with a second opportunity to demonstrate your readiness in ELAR. The ELAR Diagnostic Test contains 48 multiple-choice questions, of which 24 are reading-focused and 24 are writing-focused.

About the Essay Portion

The TSIA2 Essay Test is used along with the multiple-choice Reading and Writing component to see if you’re college-ready with respect to reading and writing.

The Essay Test requires you to provide a 300- to 600-word essay in response to one randomly selected prompt. You’re not allowed to use a dictionary or other outside resources.

To help you plan your essay and write rough drafts, you may ask the proctor for plain scratch paper, which will be collected at the end of your test session.

Check Your TSIA2 Status

TWU students can check their TSI status by following these steps:

Log in to your Pioneer Portal account,
Click the "Your Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Status" under the heading titled "Other Resources"

Here you can check if your scores have been sent to TWU and if you are classified as college-ready.

Check your TSIA2 Status in Pioneer Portal

Page last updated 1:35 PM, April 14, 2026