Texas Success Initiative

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is an academic policy mandated by the Texas Legislature. Its purpose is to assess the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshman-level students should have if they are to perform effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texas public colleges or universities.

The THEA, the Texas Higher Education Test Assessment Test, formerly known as the TASP Test, must be taken before enrolling in any college-level coursework.  Each section of the THEA Test is designed to measure a student’s academic skills against an established standard of competence. Your score on each section of the test is based on your performance in relation to the skills being tested.

To pass the THEA Test, you must pass all three sections (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing).  You may take one, two, or three sections at a given test administration.  Once you pass a section of the test, you do not have to take that section again.  If you do not pass one or more sections, you may register again and take only the section (s) of the test that you have not already passed.

What are the THEA exemptions?

You are exempt if you meet any one of the following:

• SAT total of 1070 and verbal 500 and math 500 -- SAT test dates April 1995 and later
• ACT composite of 23 and English 19 and math 19. Scores may not be more than 5 years old at the time of exemption.
• TAKS with Mathematics 2200, English Language Arts 2200, and writing score of 3. Scores may not be more than 3 years old at the time of exemption
• Passing scores on a TSI-approved test (THEA, ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, or ASSET)

Where do I go to sign up to take the THEA?

Follow this link to find out where and when the THEA is offered: Testing Dates