TSI Over Zoom
The State of Texas requires all NON-EXEMPT (TSI Exemptions) incoming students to complete the mandatory TSI Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) and then to take the TSI Assessment test before registering for classes. TSI exams are administered by the Testing Services Office to meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. For more information about the TSI Assessment, view the TSI Assessment Student Informational Brochure. You can also look under the Student Portal for more resources in preparation for taking the test.
Starting April 1st, 2024:
We will test over Zoom on Mondays at 9:00am and 11:00am and Fridays at 9:00am only.
*If you are taking all sections, you can only test at 9:00am.
Before Registration:
You will need to take the TSI Pre-Assessment located in your Howdy portal.
Once logged in, click on the My Records tab and follow the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) link that is located under the Texas Success Initiative section. A tab labelled "Pre-Assessment Activity" will show and you will click there to access the activity.
For detailed instructions click HERE.
NOTE: If you are "College Ready", a tab for the Pre-Assessment Activity will not show.
Once logged in, click on the My Records tab and follow the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) link that is located under the Texas Success Initiative section. A tab labelled "Pre-Assessment Activity" will show and you will click there to access the activity.
For detailed instructions click HERE.
NOTE: If you are "College Ready", a tab for the Pre-Assessment Activity will not show.
You will also need to read over the Rules and Regulations below:
The Day of Your Exam
Before Your Exam:
Please note that Tablets/Chromebooks cannot be used for Zoom testing.
You will need to dress like you are taking the test in-person or in a classroom setting. Student rule 37 grants faculty and staff the authority to maintain responsible standards of student dress and grooming within the classroom. Test proctors can and will cancel your exam if you are not appropriately dressed.
In addition to the TSI Pre-Assessment, you will need to read over the email sent to the email address provided upon registering and download Zoom if you have not already. The email will be sent the day before your scheduled exam date.
The email you will be sent will include:
- Zoom link for the meeting
- Date and time of exam
- Instructions on what is acceptable and unacceptable during the test
- TAMU Online Test Center Rules - more information/instruction is included in the email.
*IMPORTANT:
You will need to be in a room/area where no one will disturb you and there is a stable internet connection. Use a computer/laptop that contains a working microphone and camera.
You will need to be in a room/area where no one will disturb you and there is a stable internet connection. Use a computer/laptop that contains a working microphone and camera.
What materials you will need:
- government issued ID that is unexpired with a photo (driver’s license, passport, Texas Department of Public Safety identification card, current alien resident’s card). A student/school ID is not considered an acceptable ID as most student/school IDs do not contain a signature or expiration date.
- 2 pages of scratch paper
- 2 non-mechanical pencils
- Pens, mechanical pencils, markers, etc. are not allowed to be used during the exam.
- A desktop or laptop computer with Zoom capabilities
- Please note: a working microphone and camera are required
- A desk or table that is completely clear of anything outside of the aforementioned materials.
Without an acceptable materials you will not be permitted to test.
What To Expect During Your Exam:
After reading over the instructions in the email, you will use the link to join the meeting 15 minutes prior to your scheduled test session with your materials.
Once all testers have joined the meeting, the proctor will explain what the test session is going to be like and what actions are prohibited.
Afterwards, the proctor will check your government-issued ID, materials, and your room/desk area. Once everything has been checked, your proctor will instruct you to share your screen and the proctor will request remote control in able to guide you to your test and grant you access for the test.
Once all testers have joined the meeting, the proctor will explain what the test session is going to be like and what actions are prohibited.
Afterwards, the proctor will check your government-issued ID, materials, and your room/desk area. Once everything has been checked, your proctor will instruct you to share your screen and the proctor will request remote control in able to guide you to your test and grant you access for the test.
Once you begin, your camera, microphone, and screen sharing are REQUIRED to stay on at all times. If anything is turned off, or if you leave Zoom without your proctor's permission, your test will be invalidated and you will have to repay the fee to test again.
A proctor monitors the Zoom at all times.
After Your Exam:
You will be emailed your Individual Score Report for your personal records immediately after your exam. Our office receives them as well and are sent to the Academic Success Center immediately after you finish.
FAQ's
If you have not received your email:
You will receive it the day before your scheduled date to your Texas A&M email. If you do not receive it by 4pm the day before, please contact our office.**IMPORTANT**: Please check your TAMU email address before calling.