TSIA2 Test Prep

What is TSIA2?

The TSIA2, or Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0, is the updated version of the original TSI Assessment. This test consists of placement assessments for students who plan to attend a Texas public university or college. The exams are administered in Mathematics and English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), and institutions use the results to help determine whether a student is ready for study at the college level.

Kyla Blaze

The ALEKS went so well!! I placed exactly into the college math class I needed, skipping algebra 1-3 and into statistics!! Without this course through mathhelp.com I would have had to take 4 math classes before this class I needed for my bachelor’s degree! I loved the details in the instructions and mini practice quizes and the different types of problems. In high school I remember the teacher showing only one example then the test would have a different type of problem and I didn't know how to do that type of problem such as reciprocals and negative on the bottom instead of the top and so much more! The explanations of why the problem is wrong on your tests helped tremendously as well. Your course was amazing.

Tamara

I honestly have only good things to say about the experience! I was aiming for anywhere above 61 on my ALEKS test and scored a 64. I found it really helpful to have practice questions and quiz questions so the user has a feedback loop on their progress and confidence in the topic. Also, the ability to toggle between the practice/quiz questions and the associated lecture if you get a question wrong was very helpful. Most importantly the clarity of your explanations and example questions were right on point! Thank you very much!

Mohamed Abdalla

The best course I had. I scored 86 on the ALEKS test thanks to this class. The most helpful content for me was the simplified videos and the quizzes.

Jillian Barrette

I loved your teaching throughout this program! Thank you for all the hard work you put into compiling and teaching such a stream-lined curriculum. I only needed to test into MAT142 at Arizona State University to continue my education but it’s been 15 years since my last math course and as a nurse, I use some basic math for drug dosage calculations or area under the curve for chemotherapy calculations but this program was a great refresher for everything in between. I had super limited time to view the program, so I had to skip some on the more advanced trig, calculus and statistics sections and go ahead and take the ALEKS test so I could enroll for spring semester but I was able to test in to the math class I needed, so I consider it a success. I wouldn’t have felt anywhere near as confident going in if I hadn’t completed the program first.

I definitely think every section was very well thought out. The practice questions and the test questions were a definite bonus. It gave me plenty of chances to try out problems without guidance and the ability to review the written out solution for each answer was phenomenal. I was also grateful for the ability to skip around, to see my progress and scores and to be able to speed up the audio for each section. The reminders and pointing out the common mistakes that students make was a great touch! It made me think about what could trip me up later on and those little tidbits will stick with me.

I sincerely appreciate your help and I may be back later on if my course doesn’t provide the caliber of teaching that this program did.

Sarah Poynter

The ALEKS test went as well as it could for somebody that’s been out of the classroom for 25 years. The MathHelp site actually helped me a ton to prep. I don't have to take remedial math thank goodness. The ALEKS prep broke out the subjects beautifully and allowed you to build on it if you needed to. I hopped around a bit myself, but overall super easy to navigate either way you do it. Thanks!

Byron Miller

Thanks to Mathhelp I scored three levels above where I needed to be on my Aleks test. Fantastic course. I really liked how you could change the speed of playback - I would usually watch at 1.5x speed. If I could have done that when I was taking math in high school I wouldn't have been so bored. The tests and review units were all really well done and everything helped. Thanks so much for all the work you put into this, it's really great!

Kevin Santos

The ALEKS program was very helpful with the perfect balance of instruction and practice.

Macie Burkholder

The ALEKS test went great. I hadn't taken a math class for over 5 years so I was a little nervous to take the test so I wanted to be as prepared as possible when taking the test. It was really helpful in refreshing my memory and teaching me things I never learned. What I found most helpful was the video lessons as they helped walk me through everything. The program was really helpful.

What is the difference between the TSI test and the new TSIA2?

The most notable difference is that the TSI test consisted of three exams (Reading, Writing, and Math), and the new TSIA2 uses only two (ELAR and Math). In the new version of the test, Reading and Writing assessments have been combined into one ELAR assessment. The TSIA2 exams are also scored differently, with a new range of college readiness benchmark levels.

What math should I review for the TSIA2?

The items to review for the TSIA2 math test fall into four main categories: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebraic Reasoning, Geometric and Spatial Reasoning, and Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning. Within these categories, your tutoring should cover the following topics.

Compare rational and irrational numbers
Solve problems with ratio, proportion, and percent
Solve proportional relationship problems
Identify, manipulate, and interpret linear equations, inequalities, and expressions
Solve linear equations, inequalities, and systems of linear equations
Evaluate linear functions
Solve quadratic and exponential relationship problems
Identify and manipulate quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical equations and expressions
Solve equations and evaluate functions (quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical)
Convert units within (and between) systems of measurement
Find perimeter, area, surface area, and volume
Use transformations to investigate congruence, similarity, and symmetry
Apply right triangle relationships and basic trigonometry
Make connections between geometry and algebraic equations
Compute and interpret probability
Compute and describe measures of center and spread of data
Classify data and construct appropriate representations of data
Analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from data

START COURSE

Can I retake the TSIA2 math test?

You can retake the TSIA2 at any time if you would like to improve your scores. However, it’s best to study before you take the test the first time so that you can avoid having to retake it. An online program with efficient TSIA2 math tutoring and practice is the best way to get the help you need to pass the test.

How do I know if I am exempt from taking the TSIA2 test?

Students may be exempt from taking the TSIA2 test with qualifying scores on the following exams.

ACT composite score of 23 with at least 19 in Math or 19 in English
SAT (after 2016) 530 Mathematics or 480 Evidenced Based Reading and Writing
SAT (before 2016) composite score 1070 and 500 Math or 500 Verbal
STAAR scores in English II and Algebra II may be used but the scores are still to be determined so check with the Admissions Office at your college
PSAT/NMSQT (taken after 10/2015) 510 Math or 460 English
PSAT/NMSQT (taken before 10/2015) composite score of 107 and 50 Math or 50 English
You may also be exempt if you are a veteran or if you are enrolling in certificate level programs. Contact the Admissions Office at your college to be certain.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above, you’ll need to prepare thoroughly for the test. A study guide that features diagnostic quizzes, comprehensive lessons, guided review, and a TSIA2 practice test may be just what you need to hone your skills.

How do I find a tutor for the TSIA2?

Your college may be able to recommend a tutor. However, much more affordable options for TSIA2 test prep are available online.

Very helpful. I did well enough on the TSIA 2 that I don't have to take remedial classes in college. Thank you.Kristine DeLeon - August 2025

Thank you for your lessons on MathHelp, they were incredibly beneficial. I did pretty well on my TSIA2 and passed! I got a 966 in math. I was very nervous about the math portion since I haven't taken an actual math class in a while, but with the lessons and practice questions, I succeeded. I liked that the videos were straight forward and not a complicated mess of math terms. The simplicity of the videos and the practice questions allowed me to absorb the information faster, which was exactly what I needed.Cassi Alcoberes - July 2025

My TSIA2 went wonderfully! Honestly, I was really worried I wouldn't be able to retain much considering it's been over 5 years since I've taken a math class, but I got a score of 972! No remedial classes here. If there was a particular lesson I was struggling with, like fractions or factoring, having access to so many practice questions and test questions helped to solidify what I had learned or clear up parts that I didn't fully understand.Zoe Rohr - July 2025

What makes MathHelp.com different?

Complete courses that build your math foundation.

Concise videos that each cover a single concept.

Guided practice with audio explanations.

Self-pacing for all levels of ability inside each lesson.

What is the TSIA2 Test?

The Texas Assessment Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is the assessment instrument used to determine college readiness for non-exempt students, as required by the Texas Success Initiative. TSIA2 helps determine whether you’re ready for college-level coursework in English language arts and reading (ELAR) and mathematics. These are foundational subjects for your other college coursework. The results of TSIA2, in conjunction with your academic background, goals, and interests, are used by academic advisers and counselors to place you in the appropriate courses that match your achievement level.

The tests in TSIA2 either certify you as “college ready” (or TSI-met/complete) in a subject area or provide a diagnostic profile regarding your academic strengths and weaknesses so that targeted instruction may be provided to help you succeed in college-level courses. TSIA2 contains multiple-choice questions aligned to Texas College and Career Readiness Standards, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Adult Education and Literacy Content Standards 2.0, and National Reporting System Educational Functioning Levels. The ELAR Test also contains an essay component you must complete to be considered college ready in ELAR.

Multiple-choice tests in TSIA2 are computer adaptive, which means that questions increase or decrease in difficulty depending on how you respond. The assessments are untimed, which means there’s no time limit on how long you can take to complete testing. Remember to allow yourself enough time to consider your answer to each question—your test results will be used by advisers in determining the course or courses in which you can enroll.

The TSIA2 Mathematics test is made up of 20 questions and covers 4 content categories: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebraic Reasoning, Geometric and Spatial Reasoning, Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning. 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 results of this test will provide information on your strengths and weaknesses in each content area. The Mathematics Diagnostic Test is made up of 48 questions. There are 12 questions from each of the content categories listed above.