South Plains College TASP Testing

TSI Test requirements affect all NEW students who enroll in college courses in the State of Texas. Please read the following information carefully.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state program designed to ensure that all Texas institutions provide placement testing, personal advisement and appropriate instruction to students to enhance their opportunities for success in their college studies. All new students entering Texas colleges and universities are required to take a placement test prior to enrolling in college-level courses, unless exempt from testing under specified state standards (i.e., scores on ACT, SAT or TAKS). Testing will indicate whether a student possesses adequate basic college-level skills in reading, writing and mathematics necessary to begin an undergraduate program of study.

If testing indicates a need for building certain skills in any or all of the skill areas, students will be required to enroll in and successfully complete the developmental programs. In addition, certain college-level courses in the core curriculum are restricted with enrollment allowed for only those students who have met the state-specified placement test standards. All three parts of the placement test must be successfully mastered before a student is awarded an associate degree, certain certificates of proficiency, or allowed to transfer into junior or senior-level courses at a public university.

College success has always been a top priority at South Plains College and SPC wants to see that you make a smooth transition into this program. At SPC, the test WILL NOT be used as an admissions criterion. Failure to take an approved placement test prior to registration will limit your choices of classes that you may enroll in. It is important, especially if you are a transfer student, to consult a faculty advisor or counselor about TSI regulations and SPC policies prior to registration.

WHICH COURSES ARE RESTRICTED?

Students who have taken the placement test and failed a portion may still take college-level classes that are not restricted to the failed area of the placement test.

Restricted courses if you have failed the reading portion of an approved placement test are:
GOVT 2301, GOVT 2302, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2301, PSYC 2301, BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420. All Internet sections of the following courses: ANTH 2351, PSYC 2306, PSYC 2314, SOCI 1301, SOCI 1306, SOCI 2301, SOCI 2306, COSC 1401

All College-Level Math courses are restricted if you have failed the Math portion of the placement test. All College-Level English courses are restricted if you have failed the Writing and Reading portion of the placement test.

WHO MUST TAKE THE TEST?

Any person who is a full-time or part-time student and who does not meet one of the exemptions provided below must take a placement test. SPC administers the ACCUPLACER and the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA). This policy applies to students who enroll in academic-transfer programs that lead to an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree and also students who enroll in technical programs that award an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Applied Arts degree. Students who enroll in certificate programs containing 43 or more semester hours of college-level credit courses are also required to take a placement test.

WHO IS EXEMPT FROM TAKING THE TEST?

A student is exempt from taking the placement test if he or she meets one or more of the following conditions.

• The student performs at levels that the THECB defines for an exemption on the SAT, the ACT, or the TAAS or TAKS and enrolls within the time limits defined in the THECB rule.

•The student has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Texas public institution of higher education.

• The student is not seeking a degree or certificate, meets the SPC definition of a "casual student" and is not attempting to enroll in a restricted class.

• The student transfers with a college-level hours in the applicable TSI areas from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education.

• The student has been determined college-ready by a Texas college previously attended.

• The student is enrolled in a certain Level-One Certificate program (42 or fewer semester hours).

• The student has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree.

• The student 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 the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving at least three years preceding enrollment.

• On or after August 1, 1990, the student was honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.

• The student is not seeking a degree or certificate and meets the SPC definition of a “casual student.”

Students must submit a copy of their documentation to the Admissions and Records Office to qualify for any of the exemptions listed above.

STUDENTS WHO ENROLL IN CERTAIN CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE THEA OR ACCUPLACER TEST. EXEMPT PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

Accounting Associate Certificate
Advanced Processes and Fabrication Certificate
Automotive Collision Repair Basic Skills Certificate
Automotive Collision Repair Advanced Skills Certificate
Automotive Service Technology
Automotive Technology- Drive Train Certificate
Automotive Tech.- Electrical/Driveability Certificate
Basic Fire Academy Certificate
Business Management Certificate
CNC Programming Certificate
Commercial Music Certificate
Commercial Refrigeration Technician Certificate
Computer and Network Technician Certificate
Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Certificate
Cosmetology Certificate
Cosmetology Instructor Certificate
Diesel Auxiliary Systems and Controls Certificate
Diesel Engines and Drive Systems Certificate
Electronics Service Technology Certificate
Electronics Technology Certificate
Emergency Medical Tech. Intermediate Certificate
Emergency Medical Tech. Paramedic Certificate
Fire and Arson Investigator Certificate
Fire Inspector Certificate
Fire Officer I & II Certificate
General Business Certificate
Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Certificate
Internet Certificate
Law Enforcement Academy Certificate
Machinist Trades Certificate
Microcomputing Certificate
Networking Certificate
Office Technology Certificate
Powertrain, Engine and Climate Controls Certificate
Real Estate Salesmanship Certificate
Software Applications Certificate
Surgical Technology Certificate
Suspension, Brakes, Performance & Elect. Certificate
Transcription Specialist Certificate
Vocational Nursing Certificate
Welding Technology Certificate

Contact the Counseling Center for more information about programs which are not subject to TSI requirements.

TESTING INFORMATION

South Plains College’s Levelland Campus and the SPC Reese Center have been designated Testing Centers for the THEA Test. THEA Test Registration Bulletins are available at no charge from South Plains College by contacting the Testing Office on either campus. Test dates are set on a statewide basis, and students must register in advance for the test. There is a $29 fee to sit for the test which is paid by the student. Accuplacer is a computer-adaptive test and is also administered at the Levelland campus and the SPC Reese Center. Please contact the Testing Center at the appropriate campus for times and dates when the ACCUPLACER test will be administered. Students can reach the Testing Center in Levelland at (806) 894-9611, ext. 2367, or the Testing and learning Center at the Reese Center at (806) 885-3048, ext. 4631 or 4689. The test fee will be based on the cost of the test administration and materials. Students can view the testing schedule at www.southplainscollege.edu/test/

FAILURE TO TAKE THE TEST?

If you are NOT WAIVED or EXEMPT from taking the placement test, it is important that you take the test before you enroll in college-level courses. Otherwise, you can only register for developmental classes. You will not be able to register for college-level credit courses until you have taken the placement test.

FOR MORE INFORMATION