Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the TSI Assessment test?
Answer: The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment is a program designed to help determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the general areas of mathematics, reading and writing. When necessary, you may be given an additional diagnostic test in a particular subject. This program also will help determine what type of course or intervention will best meet your needs to help you become better prepared for college- level course work. Before you take the TSI Assessment, you must participate in a mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity. It is very important that you complete this activity before you take the test because you will not be allowed to take the TSI Assessment until you have completed this activity.
Entering college students in Texas may be required to take a TSI Assessment tests unless you are already exempt based on ACT, SAT, TAKS and STAAR test scores. The Office of Admissions will determine which tests you need to take. The website provides more information about TSI exceptions and waivers.
NOTE: You must complete the Pre-Assessment activity prior to registering for the TSI assessment test. For more info, check our TSI Assessment page.
How do I register for my test?
Answer: If you paid online, refer to your confirmation email and locate the reference number (long number usually 14 digits long); you will need the reference number to reserve a seat online at . You can also reserve a seat in person at the Student Assessment & Testing Office(located in the Academic Advising Center Bldg., Suite 127), or call the TEST RESERVATION line at (915) 747-5009. Refer to the test schedule for dates and times.
If you experience any problems during online payment or online registration, please contact us at testing@utep.edu. Make sure you include as much detail as possible, including the type of equipment you are using (i.e.mobile, tablet, PC, Mac, etc) and the internet browser version (Example: Internet Explorer 11, Chrome 31.0.1650.63 m, etc.).
Where do I pay the testing fees?
Answer: Pay the test fee online with credit card at .
THE TEST FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.
Is there a fee for the placement tests?
Answer:
Tests | Fee | Time Limit | Retake Policy |
---|---|---|---|
French | $15.00 | No Limit | See (1) policy below. |
Spanish | $15.00 | 90 Minutes | See (1) policy below. |
Speech | $28.00 | 90 Minutes | There is no retake for this test. |
(1) – You may retake the French or Spanish test one year from the original test date only if you have not taken any French or Spanish courses during that time period.
What should I bring to the test?
Answer:
- A valid picture ID, see specific exam for ID rules
- CELL PHONES, ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES, AND WATCHES OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED!
What if I lost my test scores?
Answer: All institutional test scores can be obtained at the Student Assessment & Testing office, (915) 747 - 5009, located in the Academic Advising Center Building, Room 127, for a $5 fee, which can be paid online with credit card at . You can also pay with cash or check in person at the Student Business Services Office located in the Academic Services Building. It takes 24 hours to process the request.
National tests: Please check with their corresponding bulletin or website.
How and when can I get my test results?
Do I need to take the Accuplacer ESL test?
Answer:
- You must take the Accuplacer ESL placement test if you:
Received your secondary education (high school) in a language other than English. - Attended English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), English as a Second Language (ESL), or bilingual classes in high school.
- Submitted the institutional TOEFL (paper/pencil format) examination and scored between 500 and 599, as part of your admissions requirements.
- Submitted TOEFL iBT scores and scored between 61-100, as part of your admissions requirements.
- Submitted the PAA (Prueba de Aptitud Académica) score of 1000 or higher as part of your admissions requirements.
- Have any doubt about your ability to communicate in English with native speakers of English.
How long are my placement test scores valid for?
Answer:
- The TSI Assessment and all TSI alternative tests (TAKS, SAT, ACT and STAAR) are valid for 5 years from the day the exam was taken.
- Accuplacer ESL scores are valid for one year from the day the exam was taken.
- Higher level math is valid for 2 years.
- Spanish and French test scores please contact Languages and Linguistics at (915) 747 - 5767, Liberal Arts Bldg., Room 137.
Do you offer any test preparation classes?
What is the difference between the TOEFL iBT and the institutional TOEFL?
Answer: There are two types of TOEFL examinations administered at UTEP. If a student needs to transfer the TOEFL to another institution, he or she will have to register for the TOEFL iBT ().
If a student plans on attending UTEP and does not plan on transferring their TOEFL scores, they can take our institutional TOEFL in the Student Assessment & Testing office.
Where is the Student Assessment and Testing office located? What are the office hours?
Answer:
Mailing Address:
The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso
Student Assessment and Testing
Academic Advising Center Building, Room 127
500 W. Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Ave
El Paso, Texas 79968
Telephone: (915) 747-5009
Fax: (915) 747-8013
Physical Address:
The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso
Student Assessment and Testing
Academic Advising Center Building, Room 127
2060 Hawthorne St
El Paso, Texas 79902
Office Hours are:
• Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Saturday – Sunday Closed
• Holiday Hours may differ
How do I register for the THEA?
Answer: Registration for the THEA is done by paying TWO SEPARATE FEES:
- Pay a $29 fee directly to THEA at . You will need to create an account and pay with a visa or mastercard credit card
- Pay the $20 test administration fee with a credit card at
Once you have paid BOTH FEES, you will need to register for a test session at
What placement test(s) do I need to take?
Answer: Entering freshman and transfer students should contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, (915) 747-5890, Academic Services Bldg, to determine which test(s) you should take.
Current UTEP students should contact the Academic Advising Center, (915)747 - 5290, or your academic advisor to determine which test(s) you should take.
Can I get my results over the phone?
What is the difference between institutional ACT and a National ACT?
Answer: There are two types of ACT examinations administered at UTEP. If a student needs to transfer the ACT to another institution, he or she will have to register for the national ACT testing program ().
If a student plans on attending UTEP and does not plan on transferring their ACT scores, they can take our institutional ACT in the Student Assessment & Testing Office.