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: You will pay online here:
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!
Do I need to take the Accuplacer ESL test?
Answer:
- You must take the Accuplacer ESL 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.
- Taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination, and scored between paper based 500 - 599 as part of your admissions requirements. TOEFL IBT 61-99, or 3.5. TOEFL Essentials 7.0-10.0
- Taken the Prueba de Aptitud Académica (PAA) and scored 1000 or above as part of your admissions requirements.
- Taken the Duolingo and scores a minimun score of 100.
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.
What is the difference between the TOEFL iBT and the institutional TOEFL?
Answer: There are two types of TOEFL examinations administered at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ. 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 ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ 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 University of Texas at El Paso
Student Testing
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Library 4th floor, room 401
500 West University Ave
El Paso, Texas 79968
Telephone: (915) 747-5009
Physical Address:
The University of Texas at El Paso
Student Testing
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Library 4th floor, room 401
1900 Wiggins Rd
El Paso, Texas 79902
Office Hours are:
• Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Saturday – Sunday Closed
• Holiday Hours may differ
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 ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ 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 ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ. 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 ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and does not plan on transferring their ACT scores, they can take our institutional ACT in the Student Assessment & Testing Office.