Cisco College TSIA2 Test Pre-Assessment Activity - Prepare for TSIA2

Sep 27, 2026

Cisco College provides a pre-assessment overview of the TSIA2, explaining how the Texas Success Initiative testing and advisement program helps determine student readiness for college-level Writing/Reading (ELAR) and Math. The materials describe the proctored, untimed, computer-based format, the placement and possible diagnostic testing structure, score reporting, and required follow-up with an academic counselor. It also outlines TSIA2 exemptions and details content areas, question counts, and restrictions for both Mathematics and ELAR, plus the optional essay section.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

What is the TSIA2?

How does the TSIA2 work?

Exemptions from TSIA2 Test

The TSIA2 Mathematics Section

Some Examples From Each Math Area

The TSIA2 ELAR Section

Some Examples From Each ELAR Section

The Essay Section

Cisco College TSIA2 Test Pre-Assessment Activity What is the TSIA2? • The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a two-part program of testing and advisement. • The testing (TSIA2) section is designed to help Cisco College determine if a student is ready for college-level coursework in the areas of Writing/Reading (ELAR) and Math. On January 11, 2021 the TSIA2 replaced the TSIA. • The advisement section involves using the TSIA2 test scores in advising a student as to what courses they are prepared for. • Students that are not college ready in one or both areas of the TSIA2 will be advised into developmental courses designed to prepare the student for college-level coursework. • Students who are not college ready in either area will also be advised as to what college-level courses they can or cannot take until they are college-ready in both areas. How does the TSIA2 work? • The TSIA2 is a proctored test taken on a computer either on campus or remotely. It is an untimed test. • It consists of multiple choice questions in two sections: English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) and Math. It is also likely that the student will be asked to type an essay as part of the ELAR section. • Each section consists of a placement test and, if necessary, a student may take a diagnostic test in one or both sections. • When a student completes the test they will receive their scores and should visit with the academic counselor for their program or group for an explanation of their scores and course scheduling. Exemptions from TSIA2 Test Students may be exempt from one or both sections of the TSIA2 Exemptions may be: • Qualifying test scores on the ACT, SAT, TAKS, STAAR, or GED • Military Service • Previous college coursework • Successful completion during high school of the Texas College Bridge coursework (must present valid certificate of completion) • Certain Level I certificates may have TSIA2 requirements waived. Students should check with their academic counselor. • Dual credit students should contact the Dual Credit Office about exemptions. • For more information about exemptions, you may check the Cisco College website: under Admissions, go to Testing and click on the Texas Success Initiative and scroll down to the section entitled "How Do I Know If I'm Exempt.” The TSIA2 Mathematics Section • The TSIA2 Mathematics section consists of 20 multiple choice questions on the placement test and 48 additional questions if a student needs to take the diagnostic section • The test covers four broad areas: – Quantitative Reasoning – Algebraic Reasoning – Geometric and Spatial Reasoning – Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning • Some of the items covered in each of these sections are listed on the next page. Practice materials for the Math section are available in the links to study materials located at the end of this slide show. • You will not be allowed to use outside calculators on the test Some Examples From Each Math Area – Quantitative Reasoning • Use quantitative reasoning to compare magnitudes of rational and irrational numbers • Use quantitative reasoning to solve problems with ratios, proportions, and percents • Identify, manipulate, and interpret linear equations, inequalities, and expressions – Algebraic Reasoning • Solve linear equations, inequalities, and systems of linear equations • Evaluate linear functions • Solve equations and evaluate functions (e.g., quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical) – Geometric and Spatial Reasoning • Use quantitative reasoning to convert units within systems of measurement • Find perimeter, area, surface area and volume using a variety of methods, including estimation • Use transformations to investigate congruence, similarity, and symmetry – Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning • Use quantitative reasoning to compute and interpret probability • Classify data and construct appropriate representati

FAQs

What is the TSIA2 and what does it determine for students?

TSIA2 is the testing section of the Texas Success Initiative. It helps Cisco College determine whether a student is ready for college-level coursework in Writing/Reading (ELAR) and Math, and supports course advisement based on test scores.

How is the TSIA2 test administered and structured?

TSIA2 is a proctored, computer-based test taken either on campus or remotely and is untimed. It includes multiple-choice questions in ELAR and Math, and students may be asked to type an essay as part of the ELAR section, with placement testing and possible diagnostic testing.

What exemptions can allow students to be exempt from one or both TSIA2 sections?

Students may qualify for exemptions through qualifying test scores (ACT, SAT, TAKS, STAAR, or GED), military service, previous college coursework, successful completion of Texas College Bridge coursework (with a valid certificate), certain Level I certificates with waived requirements, or by contacting the Dual Credit Office for dual credit-related exemptions.

Sep 27, 2026

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