Assessment and Testing Center
Welcome to the Assessment and Testing Office!
The Assessment & Testing Office provides testing services in support of our students in order to create opportunities for Student Success.
You can contact us by e-mail at: nvc-assessment@alamo.edu
or by phone at 210-486-4346.
We look forward to serving you!
Assessment and Testing Center Hours
Fall Hours beginning September 3rd 2024:
Monday-Wednesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Thursdays: 8:00am-7:00pm
Fridays:1:00pm- 5:00pm
First Saturday of Month (Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec 7) : 9:00am-1:00pm*
*Saturday TSI testing is by appointment only. You can schedule your appointment by Clicking Here. Due to testing hour limitations, it is recommended that students test during our extended walk-in testing hours Monday-Friday**
TSI Testing Information:
An appointment is not required for TSI testing during our weekday office hours. Walk-in’s are welcomed during these times. A physical ID is required to take the TSI test. It can be a drivers license, passport, high school ID, state ID. No photos of ID's can be accepted.
**Completing the TSI assessment in a timely manner is highly encouraged to continue with next steps of the registration process.**
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment is a state mandated placement exam, used to assess a student's proficiency in Writing, Reading, and Mathematics. For more detailed information on the TSI, please refer to the Student Informational Brochure.
If you have previously taken the TSI and need to submit scores to NVC, CLICK HERE to submit a request. this allows NVC to pull your previous score report. Once we pull your scores we will follow up with you regarding your next enrollment steps.
You can also find your score report here.
TSI Fees
TSI at No Cost*
*The TSIA 2 is currently available at no cost for students that have a Northwest Vista College application and only for the initial test administration. This does not apply for retest. Students needing TSIA 2 for the purpose of Dual Credit or Early Admit are not eligible for No Cost option.
The following fees will apply for those not eligible for no cost TSI:
$32 for a full exam
$24 for English Language Arts and Reading only (may also include essay)
$12 for Math only
$12 for Essay Retest only
TSI Assessment Scores
The TSI Assessment 2 (TSIA 2) College Level Placement Scores:
Pre-Assessment Activity
All students taking the TSI assessment must complete the Test Prep module located under the Start Here tab in your ACES account.
Collectively called the Pre-Assessment Activity, this online module address:
- The importance of assessment in a student's academic career.
- Provide sample questions in all subject areas covered on the TSI.
- Offer information on developmental education options including course pairing, non-course based, modular and other non-conventional interventions.
- Information on institutional and community resources available to assist students with college success.
The pre-assessment activity must be completed prior to testing, NO EXCEPTIONS.
TSI Exemptions & Waivers
You may be eligible for an exemption or waiver from the TSI based on your previous college coursework, military experience or previous test scores. Do not take the TSI if any of the following apply to you:
Click here for additional exemption information.
Learn how to send your SAT scores by watching the video below.
TSIA 2 Testing Hours
There is no appointment required; See walk-in hours on top of this webpage.
What to Expect On Test Day
Please bring the following items with you:
- Photo ID
- Form of Payment (We accept cash or card only)
- A locker will be provided for other personal belongings
How long does it take to complete the TSI Assessment?
The TSI Assessment is not a timed test. The average time to complete all sections of the test is about 4 hours. All TSI sections must be completed within 14 days of starting your session.
How long does it take to receive my scores?
Students will receive a copy of their score report upon completion of their exam.
How long is my score valid?
TSI Assessment scores are valid for 5 years from the date of testing.
How can I prepare for the exam?
TSI practice questions provided by CollegeBoard
TSIA 2 ELAR Practice Questions
TSIA 2 Math Practice Questions
TSIA 2 Essay Practice Questions
Students unable to complete TSI testing within our testing hours can submit a request to complete testing through Examity. Examity is a third party proctoring service offered by request only.
After TSI Testing
After you complete your exam
First Time In College (FTiC) Students: FTiC students will register for classes at New Student Orientation (NSO).
Once all enrollment steps have been completed, sign up for NSO.
Transfer Students: Transfer students will register for classes and sign up for Transfer and Former Student Orientation.
Once all enrollment steps have been completed, sign up for Transfer Student Orientation.
Helpful Links:Campus Resources Student Advocacy & Resource Center Scholarships
Course Exam Services (CES) offers proctoring for students enrolled in Northwest Vista College courses with special circumstances, specifically:
-
- Exam accommodations (e.g. extended time) for students who have proper documentation
- Make-up exam for students who miss an exam date
All proctoring is available in person and by appointment only
Same-day appointments or drop-ins are no longer accepted
A valid picture ID is required of all testers
For more information please visit the Course Exam Services homepage
Fall 2024 Office Hours:
Monday-Wednesday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
Friday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
First Saturday of the month: 9:00am - 1:00pm
AP and CLEP
The Testing Office has resumed CLEP administration and is available for students attending Northwest Vista College. Call 210-486-4346 to make an appointment.
Tuesday at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Thursday at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
If you want to take CLEP at home, CollegeBoard is offering a CLEP from Home virtual option - you can find more information here.
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
The Northwest Vista College Assessment & Testing Office is a testing site for CLEP exams. If you are interested in taking a CLEP Exam, please review the available subjects listed on the CollegeBoard CLEP webpage.
CLEP Fees
- $20 NVC CLEP Proctoring Fee due on day of Test. Click Here to pay NVC CLEP Fee
- $93 College Board CLEP Fee Click Here to Create a College Board CLEP Account to Pay
- Be Sure to review our CLEP Policy Guidelines before committing to your purchase, our office cannot refund you for this purchase as it is made through CollegeBoard.
CLEP Administration
- Make an appointment with Testing Office to take the CLEP on Campus.
- Show up at least 30 minutes ahead of scheduled time for CLEP Administration.
- Must have valid State/Government issued ID.
- Note: Biographical information on ID must match what is printed on CLEP Registration Ticket. Click Here for the CLEP Identification Policy
- Must have printed receipt for NVC CLEP Proctoring Fee
- Must have print out of CLEP Registration Ticket.
- Allow for at most 2 hours (3 hours if taking College Composition CLEP).
Awarding AP/CLEP Credits
Requirements to Award AP and CLEP Credit:
- Official Score Report from College Board must be sent to Northwest Vista College.
- Must meet the Credit by Exam Score Policy for AP and CLEP. Click Here to view CLEP/AP Credit Policy
- Notice - AP Statistic course credit to award is under review for Fall 2020 that will change from Math 1442 to Math 1342. Fall 2020 Catalog will be updated after review.
- Successfully completed 6 credit hours at Alamo Colleges.
- Students may not earn more than 45 total hours of non-traditional credit.
- Credit by exam may not be awarded for a course given a grade. Exceptions:
- If withdrawn from course before census, Credit by exam may be awarded,
- If withdrawn from course after census, must wait six months from last day of that term.
- Students must submit a Credit by Exam Request to the Northwest Vista College Testing Office, specifying the courses they want to be awarded using their AP and/or CLEP scores.
CLICK HERE to submit a request to have your AP/CLEP Credit Posted to your Record
For special accommodations for instructor exams please contact NVC Student Accessibility Services (Disabilities Support) at 210-486-4466 or by email at NVC-SAS@alamo.edu.