TSIA2 Test Prep

TSIA2 Test Overview

The tests in TSIA2 either certify you as “college ready” 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.

  • 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 Enrollment Coaches in determining the course or courses in which you can enroll.

A Step By Step Guide to TSIA2 Registration

BE ADVISED: All test takers (TSTC students and non-students) will need to complete the Pre-Assessment Activity before taking the TSIA2 test.  Follow this step by step before you register for the TSIA2: tstc.edu/paa

To take the TSIA2 at TSTC:

  1. Visit tstc.edu/testing.  
  2. Scroll down to Contacts and click on the "Schedule your Exam Appointment" at the location closest to you.
  3. On the following page, use the dropdown menus  to choose a group, an exam, your preferred date and time, and your contact information.
    • If you plan on taking the test virtually, make sure to use the links at the top of the page.

    • Be sure to read the More Information section on the right for information on fees, registration, and retaking the test.

  4. Read the Exam Guideline Acknowledgement in the scroll box.
  5. Check the box under to acknowledge the guidelines. 
  6. Completed the Needed Information and then click Add to Cart.
  7. Complete the credit card fields and click Purchase Exams.
  8. Click Complete Registration.
    • Your confirmation email will appear on the screen.  You may print a copy for your records.
  9. Check your email and print your Confirmation Receipt. 
BE ADVISED: You must present a valid (curent) form of photo identification to be admitted to the test.  

What's on the Test?

Mathematics College Readiness Classification (CRC) Test

The Math portion contains 20 questions in 4 content categories:

Quantitative Reasoning (6 Questions)

Content category Content Description
Quantitative Reasoning    
  Compare magnitudes of rational and irrational numbers Apply math operations to rational and irrational numbers
  Solve problems with ratios, proportions, and percents Apply ratios, proportions, and percents to solve problems
  Solve proportional relationship problems in context (e.g., linear relationships in financial literacy and numeracy) Formulate a solution to a real-world situation based on the solution to a mathematical problem
  Identify, manipulate, and interpret linear equations, inequalities, and expressions Recognize and use algebraic properties, concepts, procedures, and algorithms to combine, transform, evaluate, and interpret expressions and equations

Algebraic Reasoning (7 Questions)

Content category Content Description
Algebraic Reasoning    
  Solve linear equations, inequalities, and systems of linear equations Recognize and use algebraic properties, concepts, procedures, and algorithms to solve equations, inequalities, and systems of linear  equations, as well as make connections among graphical, tabular, and  algebraic representations
  Evaluate linear functions Evaluate a linear function for a particular value
  Solve quadratic and exponential relationship problems in context (e.g., exponential decay/growth, compound interest, and depreciation) Formulate a solution to a real-world situation based on the solution to a mathematical problem
  Identify and manipulate quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical equations and expressions Recognize and use algebraic properties, concepts, procedures, and algorithms to combine, transform, and evaluate expressions and equations
  Solve equations and evaluate functions (e.g., quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical) Recognize and use algebraic properties, concepts, procedures, and algorithms to solve equations and evaluate functions, as well as make connections among graphical, tabular, and algebraic representations

Geometric and Spatial Reasoning (3 Questions)

Content category Content Description
Geometric and Spatial  Reasoning    
  Converting units within measurement systems Use proportional reasoning to  convert units of measurement
  Find perimeter, area, surface area and volume using a variety of methods, including estimation Recognize, identify, and validate properties of two- and three-dimensional figures, as well as calculate perimeter, area, surface area, and volume of figures
  Use transformations to investigate congruence, similarity, and symmetry Identify and apply transformations to figures
  Apply right triangle relationships and basic trigonometry Apply right angle relationships and use basic trigonometric ratios to solve problems
  Make connections between geometry and algebraic equations Make connections between geometry and algebra

Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning (4 Questions)

Content category Content Description
Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning    
  Compute and interpret probability Compute and interpret the probability of an event and its complement
  Compute and describe measures of center and spread of data Compute and describe summary statistics of data
  Classify data and construct appropriate representations of data Identify appropriate representations of data based on its type
  Analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from data Determine types of data, analyze given information, and determine a solution

ELAR College Readiness Classification (CRC) Test

The Reading and Writing portion contains 30 questions in 2 content categories:

Reading-Focused (15 Questions)

1 four-question Literary Text Analysis Set question

Content Category Content Description
Literary Text Analysis   Identify and analyze ideas in and elements of literary text.
  Explicit information Identify ideas explicitly stated and clearly indicated in literary texts.
  Inferences Draw reasonable inferences from literary texts.
  Author's Craft Analyze an author's word choice rhetorically
Analyze text structure, purpose, and audience
Analyze point of view and perspective in literary texts
  Vocabulary Determine the meaning of words and phrases in context in literary text.

11 discrete Informational Text Analysis and Synthesis questions 

Content Category Content Description
Informational Text Analysis and Synthesis   Identify and analyze information and ideas in and elements of informational text.
  Main ideas and supporting details Identify main ideas of and comprehend explicitly state and clearly indicated information and ideas in informational texts.
  Inferences (single-passage) Draw reasonable inferences from informational texts.
  Author's craft Analyze an author's word choice rhetorically
Analyze text structure, purpose, and audience
Analyze point of view and perspective in literary texts
  Vocabulary Determine the meaning of words and phrases in context in informational texts
  Synthesis Draw reasonable connections between two related argumentative texts including determining rhetorical relationships, analyzing commonalities, and analyzing claims and counterclaims. 

Writing-Focused (15 Questions)

1 four-item Essay Revision and Editing set

Content Category Content Description
Essay Revision and Editing   Revise and edit prose text as needed to improve development, organization, and rhetorical word choice
Ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English grammar, usage, and punctuation
  Development Revise as necessary to improve the development of text
  Organization Revise as necessary to improve the organization of text
  Effective language use Revise as necessary to improve the rhetorical use of language
  Standard English conventions Edit text as necessary to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English grammar, usage, and punctuation

11 discrete Sentence Revision, Editing, and Completion questions

Content Category Content Description
Sentence Revision, Editing, and Completion   Edit and complete sentences as necessary to ensure conformity and conventions of standard written English grammar, usage, and punctuation
  Conventions of grammar Edit and complete sentences as necessary to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard English grammar
  Conventions of usage Edit and complete sentences as necessary to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English usage
  Conventions of punctuation Edit and complete sentences as necessary to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English punctuation

Essay Test

The Essay Test requires you to write a 300-600 word essay in response to a randomly selected prompt.

Your score is based on the following six qualities:

Purpose and Focus

  • The extent to which you present information in a unified and coherent manner, clearly addressing the issue.

Organization and Structure

  • The extent to which you order and connect ideas.

Development and Support

  • The extent to which you develop and support ideas.

Sentence Variety and Style

  • The extent to which you craft sentences and paragraphs demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure. 

Mechanical Conventions

  • The extent to which you express ideas using Standard English conventions.

Critical Thinking

  • The extent to which you communicate a point of view and demonstrate reasoned relationships among ideas. 

Mathematics Diagnostic Test

If you don’t meet the college readiness benchmark, you’ll be routed to the multiple-choice Mathematics Diagnostic Test. This test provides you with a second opportunity to demonstrate your readiness in mathematics. 

The Mathematics Diagnostic Test is made up of 48 questions 4 content categories:

Quantitative Reasoning (12 Questions)

Content category Content Description
Quantitative Reasoning    
  Perform basic math operations with whole numbers and integers, decimals, and fractions Use mathematical symbols to represent words that represent those symbols
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
  Round numbers to a given decimal place Round to a specified place value, including 10, 100, and 1,000
  Compare numbers in a variety of forms, including decimals, fractions, and percents Compare and order whole numbers, decimals, and fractions (including on a number line).
  Compare magnitudes of rational and irrational numbers Apply math operations to rational and irrational numbers
  Solve problems with ratios, proportions, and percents Apply ratios, proportions, and percents to solve problems
  Solve proportional relationship problems in context (e.g., linear relationships in financial literacy and numeracy) Formulate a solution to a real-world situation based on the solution to a mathematical problem
  Identify, manipulate, and interpret linear equations, inequalities, and expressions Recognize and use algebraic properties, concepts, procedures, and algorithms to combine, transform, evaluate, and interpret expressions and equations

Algebraic Reasoning (12 Questions)​​​​​​

Content category Content Description
Algebraic Reasoning    
  Solve linear equations, inequalities, and systems of linear equations Recognize and use algebraic properties, concepts, procedures, and algorithms to solve equations, inequalities, and systems of linear  equations, as well as make connections among graphical, tabular, and  algebraic representations
  Evaluate linear functions Evaluate a linear function for a particular value
  Solve quadratic and exponential relationship problems in context (e.g., exponential decay/growth, compound interest, and depreciation) Formulate a solution to a real-world situation based on the solution to a mathematical problem
  Identify and manipulate quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical equations and expressions Recognize and use algebraic properties, concepts, procedures, and algorithms to combine, transform, and evaluate expressions and equations
  Solve equations and evaluate functions (e.g., quadratic, polynomial, exponential, rational, and radical) Recognize and use algebraic properties, concepts, procedures, and algorithms to solve equations and evaluate functions, as well as make connections among graphical, tabular, and algebraic representations

Geometric and Spatial Reasoning (12 Questions)

Content category Content Description
Geometric and Spatial Reasoning    
  Identify common units of measurement Identify length, area, volume, time, and temperature as standard measurements
  Identify and define types of angles Identify and define angles including supplementary, complementary, and vertical angles
  Converting units within measurement systems Use proportional reasoning to  convert units of measurement
  Find perimeter, area, surface area and volume using a variety of methods, including estimation Recognize, identify, and validate properties of two- and three-dimensional figures, as well as calculate perimeter, area, surface area, and volume of figures
  Use transformations to investigate congruence, similarity, and symmetry Identify and apply transformations to figures
  Apply right triangle relationships and basic trigonometry Apply right angle relationships and use basic trigonometric ratios to solve problems
  Make connections between geometry and algebraic equations Make connections between geometry and algebra

Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning (12 Questions)

Content category Content Description
Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning    
  Sort and count data Sort and count data
  Construct simple graphs and tables Construct simple graphs and tables to represent data
  Compute and interpret probability Compute and interpret the probability of an event and its complement
  Compute and describe measures of center and spread of data Compute and describe summary statistics of data
  Classify data and construct appropriate representations of data Identify appropriate representations of data based on its type
  Analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from data Determine types of data, analyze given information, and determine a solution

Diagnostic Test

If you don’t meet the college readiness benchmark, you’ll be routed to the multiple-choice Diagnostic Test. This test provides you with a second opportunity to demonstrate your readiness in reading and writing. 

The Diagnostic Test is made up of 48 questions 4 content categories:

Reading-Focused (24 Questions)

3 four-question Literary Text Analysis Set question

Content Category Content Description
Literary Text Analysis   Identify and analyze ideas in and elements of literary text.
  Explicit information Identify ideas explicitly stated and clearly indicated in literary texts.
  Inferences Draw reasonable inferences from literary texts.
  Author's Craft Analyze an author's word choice rhetorically
Analyze text structure, purpose, and audience
Analyze point of view and perspective in literary texts
  Vocabulary Determine the meaning of words and phrases in context in literary text.

12 discrete Informational Text Analysis and Synthesis questions 

Content Category Content Description
Informational Text Analysis and Synthesis   Identify and analyze information and ideas in and elements of informational text.
  Main ideas and supporting details Identify main ideas of and comprehend explicitly state and clearly indicated information and ideas in informational texts.
  Inferences (single-passage) Draw reasonable inferences from informational texts.
  Author's craft Analyze an author's word choice rhetorically
Analyze text structure, purpose, and audience
Analyze point of view and perspective in literary texts
  Vocabulary Determine the meaning of words and phrases in context in informational texts
Apply decoding skills
  Synthesis Draw reasonable connections between two related argumentative texts including determining rhetorical relationships, analyzing commonalities, and analyzing claims and counterclaims. 

Writing-Focused (24 Questions)

3 four-item Essay Revision and Editing set

Content Category Content Description
Essay Revision and Editing   Revise and edit prose text as needed to improve development, organization, and rhetorical word choice
Ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English grammar, usage, and punctuation
  Development Revise as necessary to improve the development of text
  Organization Revise as necessary to improve the organization of text
  Effective language use Revise as necessary to improve the rhetorical use of language
  Standard English conventions Edit text as necessary to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English grammar, usage, and punctuation

12 discrete Sentence Revision, Editing, and Completion questions

Content Category Content Description
Sentence Revision, Editing, and Completion   Edit and complete sentences as necessary to ensure conformity and conventions of standard written English grammar, usage, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization
Make effective decisions regarding purpose, organization, and sentence combining
  Conventions of grammar Edit and complete sentences as necessary to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard English grammar
  Conventions of usage Edit and complete sentences as necessary to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English usage
  Conventions of punctuation Edit and complete sentences as necessary to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English punctuation
  Conventions of spelling and capitalization Edit and complete sentences as needed to ensure conformity to the conventions of standard written English spelling and capitalization
  Purpose and organization Make effective decisions regarding the appropriateness of written material for a given purpose and/or audience and the organization of written material
  Sentence combining Combine two sentences into a more effective single sentence