Placement Testing

Purpose of Placement Tests

State Law requires all students attending public institutions of higher education be assessed in reading, writing and mathematics before enrolling in classes. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state legislated program designed to improve student success in college.

All students, unless considered TSI Complete/Exempt, must take a complete assessment (Compass or Accuplacer) prior to enrolling in classes. Students scoring below the placement test standards are required to enroll in developmental courses which do not apply towards a degree or certificate. Students may be able to file for an exemption from testing and should contact an academic advisor for further information.

Determining Course Placement

• These are not Pass/Fail Tests
• A placement test helps determine appropriate academic level.
• Proper course placement during the first year is critical to fostering student success in college.Placement scores help to ensure students enroll in courses that best match their academic skills and prior learning experience.
• Enrollment in most college-level courses requires meeting a minimum score or students will need to complete all appropriate developmental coursework with a “C” or better.

Placement Tests

All of the colleges within the Lone Star College System provide placement testing for students who will be attending in our System. There is a $29 fee to take these tests (or $10 per section). Students will need to contact their campus Advising/Counseling Office to obtain a testing ticket and pay the fee in the Business Office prior to testing.

Compass Test

COMPASS is the primary assessment tool for the Lone Star College System.  It is a computerized, non-timed placement test.  It consists of three multiple choice sections:  Reading, Writing, Math, as well as an essay.  Students receive their placement scores immediately after testing.

Accuplacer

Accuplacer is the secondary assessment tool for the Lone Star College System.  It is also a computerized, non-timed placement test.  It consists of three multiple choice sections:  Reading, Writing, Math, as well as an essay.  Students receive their placement scores immediately after testing.

THEA

THEA and Quick THEA was created by National Evaluation Systems for the State of Texas and can also be taken to meet the Texas Success Inititative.  Students will register through the THEA Web site or by mailing your information to them.  The student is given 5 hours to take this paper/pencil test.  It also includes a Reading, Writing, Essay and math section.  The THEA is given six (6) times a year.  The Quick THEA can be set-up through one of our testing centers.  Your results for both versions are mailed to the student approximately 3 weeks following the test.

TSI Complete Minimum Scores and Exemptions

Students who have recently taken approved college assessment tests (SAT, ACT, TAKS, COMPASS, Accuplacer, THEA and ASSET) may be exempt from part or all placement tests. Students who have completed the approved developmental course sequence may also be exempt from placement testing.

SAT and ACT scores are valid for 5 years; TAKS, COMPASS, ASSET, Accuplacer and THEA are valid for 3 years.

^*Students may be exempt from any individual section if they have the composite score AND the required subject score.

^**Students may be exempt from individual sections based on TAKS scores; Students MUST still be assessed in Math for placement purposes.

^***The Writing essay and objective components of the COMPASS, ASSET, and ACCUPLACER test instruments are to be taken at the same time for TSI purposes only.

Students will also be considered TSI Complete if:

• The student transfers in courses from a private, independent or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and has satisfactorily completed college level coursework, with a “C” or better.
• The student has previously attended any Texas state college or university and has been determined to be TSI Complete by that institution.
• The student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.
• The student is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent).
• 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 a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment. Also, a student who on or after August 1, 1990, 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.

NOTE: Students must still meet prerequisites for all classes

Test Preparation

The score a student makes on their placement test determines their course sequence. Because of this, it is highly recommended to prepare for the placement test.

View more information about Test Preparation

Placement Testing Process

Scheduling your placement test

1. Apply to Lone Star College before scheduling any tests.
2. Visit the campus Advising/Counseling Office to see if you need to take any placement tests. Obtain a test referral form, if needed and pay the fee to the campus business office.
3. Visit the campus Testing Center to schedule a placement test.

Taking your placement test

1. Check in at the Campus Testing Center at least 15 minutes before test time.
2. Present a state or government issued photo ID and the receipt from the Campus Business Office. Also be sure and bring your Social Security number and any testing fee waiver you may qualify for.
3. Receive your test results at the conclusion of the test