Testing Requirements

*Texas Higher Education Assessment (previously known as TASP)

In 1987, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2182. This bill, which became effective with the fall 1989 semester, requires that all Texas public college and university students be tested for reading, writing and mathematics skills. This legislation applies to students enrolling in Tyler Junior College.

What is the THEA Test?

The THEA Test measures the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that a high school graduate should possess upon entry into higher education. It does not measure skills you are expected to acquire in your collegiate level work. Each test section is composed of about 40-50 multiple-choice questions. The writing section also requires that you write an essay of about 300-600 words.

Do I have to take the test?

You must take the THEA Test (or an acceptable alternative test) if you are a full- or part-time student at a public community college or university in Texas or if you are planning to enter any educator preparation program in Texas unless you qualify for a THEA exemption. See the current THEA Test Registration Bulletin for a listing of THEA exemptions.

When do I have to take the THEA Test?

The THEA Test must be taken before enrolling at a Texas public institution of higher education. (Exceptions, with prior approval, may be given, for certain certificate programs or individuals in certain circumstances.)

What happens if I do not take the test?

Unless a specific exception applies, the THEA law requires that you take the THEA Test before enrolling in any college level course work. If you do not, you will be limited to enrolling in non-credit developmental courses only.

What happens if I do not pass all three sections of the THEA Test?

The law says that you will have to be in continuous (every semester) remediation until you pass all parts of the THEA Test or until completing the college's developmental program in the areas failed. This is done by taking developmental courses.

If I have not satisfied THEA requirements, must I be in remediation in all areas where I have failed?

Yes, you must be until you have completed the developmental courses in each area where you have not satisfied the THEA requirement. When you satisfactorily complete the highest-level course in each area where you are deficient, you will take the THEA examination as a part of that course.

How do I register to take the test?

To register for the THEA Test, you must fill out a registration form prior to the test administration. The THEA Test Registration Bulletin provides you with all the information necessary to register for the THEA Test and is available through your Testing Center, admissions/registrar's office, or contact: THEA Test, National Evaluation Systems, Inc., P. O. Box 140347, Austin, Texas 78714-0347, 512-927-5397.

All registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Mail your registration as soon as possible before the deadline. See the back cover of the THEA Test Registration Bulletin for a schedule of test dates and deadlines.

Computer-Administered Testing (CAT). The Computer-Administered THEA Test is offered on an emergency basis at various test centers across the state. Not all dates and times are available at all sites. Registration for the Computer-Administered THEA Test is by telephone only. See the THEA Test Registration Bulletin for details.

Are students with disabilities provided special testing accommodations for THEA?

Students with disabilities who seek special testing accommodations for testing should consult the Testing Center at 903-510-2713.

Does THEA offer special provisions for students with disabilities?

Students diagnosed with certain specific disabilities may be eligible for special provisions and should contact the Testing Center or admissions/registrar's office.

Is Tyler Junior College a THEA Testing Center?

Yes. However, you may choose to register at any center listed in the THEA Registration Bulletin.

If I am transferring from out of state or a private college (i.e., SMU, Rice, Baylor, etc . . .) do I still have to take the THEA Test?

Yes, unless you have completed three college-level hours prior to fall 1989, or meet any of the exemption qualifications below. (Summer only transfer students may ask about other exemptions.)

Where can I get additional information about THEA testing requirements, test dates, etc.?

You can get answers to your THEA questions from the THEA Registration Bulletin or by calling the Registrar's Office at 903-510-2713 or the Admission's Office at 903-510-2523.

Who Is Exempt from Taking the Test?

You may be exempt from taking the THEA Test if any one of the conditions listed below applies to you.

You receive credit for at least three (3) semester credit hours or the equivalent of college-level work prior to 1989.
You are blind and receive credit for at least three (3) semester credit hours of college-level work prior to fall 1995.
(Appropriate testing accommodations will be available for blind students who do not meet this exemption requirement.)
If you are deaf and you received credit for at least three (3) semester credit hours of college-level work prior to fall 1995, you are exempt from the basic skills testing (i.e., THEA Test) requirement for students entering college. However, if you are deaf but did NOT receive credit for at least three (3) semester credit hours of college-level work prior to fall 1995, you are required to take and pass the Stanford Achievement Test in lieu of the THEA Test. Contact your college advisor for more information. Please contact National Evaluation Systems, Inc., for a copy of the Stanford Achievement Test Registration Bulletin.
You have met qualifying standards on the American College Test (ACT), Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), or the exit-level Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) test:

- ACT composite score of 23 or higher with English and math part scores equal to or greater than 19.

- SAT (for tests from April 1995 and later) combined scores of 1070 or higher with verbal and math part scores equal to or greater than 500.

- SAT (for tests prior to April 1995) combined scores of 970 with verbal part score equal to or greater than 420 and math part score equal to or greater than 470.

- TAAS scale scores (for tests from spring 1994 and later) of TLI X-89 or higher in reading, TLI X-86 or higher in math, and 1770 or higher in writing.

- TAAS scale scores (for tests prior to spring 1994) of 1790 or higher in all three applicable areas (reading, math and writing).

ACT and SAT scores may be no more than five years old and exit-level TAAS scores may be no more than three years old. The exemption scores must be achieved at a single administration of the ACT or SAT or the first attempt of the TAAS. (Separate scores from different tests or separate scores from different administrations of the same test cannot be combined to qualify for an exemption.)

You are 55 years of age or older and not seeking a degree or certificate from a Texas public institution that chooses to make this exemption available.
You are enrolled on a temporary basis in a Texas public institution of higher education.
You are enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent).

Check with the Testing Center or Admissions Office to determine whether you are eligible for an exemption.

*Subject to change by Texas State Legislature.