Testing, Tracking, Assessment and Evaluation

Texas Success Initiative (TSI):   Effective September 1, 2003, the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) law was repealed and replaced by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The TSI requires students to be assessed in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics skills PRIOR to enrolling in college and to be advised based on the results of the assessment. A student has satisfied the TSI requirements if she/he scores the following on the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test:

SAT and ACT scores are only valid for 5 years from the date of testing and all requirements listed above must be met on the same test date. TAAS and TAKS scores are valid for only three years from the date of testing and scores for exemption purposes must be on the first attempt. 

Other exemptions include:

1. A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
2. A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment. A certified copy of orders or documentation showing length of service is required.
3. A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States. A certified copy of the certificate of release is required. 

Prairie View A&M University will use the approved Texas Higher Education Assessment as the assessment tool for TSI. Before students are allowed to enroll at PVAMU they must have valid documentation on file for an exemption or they must have taken the THEA prior to enrolling in any college level classes.  

COMPASS, ACCUPLACER, or ASSET scores are only accepted when documented on an "Official Transcript".   It is the student’s responsibility to verify that an institution administering the COMPASS, ACCUPLACER or ASSET test will be able to validate those scores on an official transcript; otherwise the student will need to take the THEA.Be advised that most institutions will only validate COMPASS, ACCUPLACER OR ASSET scores if the student enrolls in classes at that particular institution.] 

We (PVAMU) administer THEA and Quick THEA. To register for the Regular THEA you may obtain a Registration Bulletin from your counselor and follow the instructions. Additional information can be obtained from the THEA website: http://www.thea.nesinc.com/

QUICK THEA INFORMATION

1. Call the TTAE Unit at (936) 261-3610 or sign up at Room 238 - Delco Building, to reserve a seat.
2. Pay $29 on the day of the test. 
   • Payments accepted are:
     • personal check
     • money order`
     • VISA or Master Card (MUST HAVE STUDENT'S NAME ONLY. Use of anyone else's card is  ABSOLUTELY NOT permitted)
     • or purchase order (we do not accept cash). 
   • All personal checks or money orders are made payable to NES. Be sure to write your social security number on your payment.
3. Bring two (2) forms of identification (one with a recent photo).
4. Bring two (2) No. 2 pencils -NO INK PENS

Walkins are welcomed for QTHEA as long as there are seats available. 

• Score reports are guaranteed within (10) working days.
• Scores may not be produced if any or all outstanding fees that are applicable are not paid in full. 
• The test session is (5) hours long. The time may be used to work on any or all three sections of the test. 

Test Day Regulations:

Please note: Items NOT allowed in testing room:

• Backpacks, briefcases,or packages;
• Unapproved calculators, calculator watches, watches with alarms, or highlighters (unless prior written approval is granted and you have been notified by Evaluation Systems);

  • Only Basic Four Function Calculators Allowed - Sharing Calculators is STRICTLY PROHIIBITED 

• Cameras(watch for pocket sized cameras), cellular phones, electronic pagers, or any other electronic or communication devices;
• Slide rules,dictionaries, or spell checkers;
• Books,notes,notebooks, paper, or study aids;
• Food or beverages (unless prior written apporval is granted*)

Items will be collected. Anyone caught with items after test begins are required to leave testing site IMMEDIATELY.

Testing Dates  

 Contact Information

T.T.A.E. STAFF