All About Testing

There are three primary tests that San Jacinto College administers to begin your academic pathway. Each exam has a unique purpose and specific requirements. Learn more about these exam in this overview.

TestingInformation

Testing Accuplacer ESL

The Accuplacer ESL exam is an English language proficiency test for non-native English speakers in the areas of Listening, Reading, Sentence Meaning and Language Use, and Written Essay to determine ESOL course placement.

Do I need this test?

Only if you are a non-native English speaker. However, the best way to determine your requirement is to meet with an Academic Advisor..

Is there a fee?

No, unless you have to retake it. If you do, then there is a $15 fee for each section you’re retesting in or $30 for the entire exam.

What are the test formats?

You can only take this test in-person at any campus or virtually.

What will I need for the testing day?

You will need a Testing Request Form and a current government ID.

Anything else I need to know?

You should know:

• The Accuplacer ESL test is an untimed assessment that takes 2½ to 3 hours to complete.

• You’re allowed fourteen days to finish an exam with the exception of the essay. Essays must be completed in one sitting without breaks.

• Get ready for this exam with these practice tests.

Testing TSIA2

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) is a placement exam determining college level course readiness in Math, ELA, Reading and Writing 16.

Do I need this test?

That depends on prior placement testing. If you took the SAT, ACT, or Texas College Bridge, then you may not need to take the TSIA2. The best way to determine your requirement is to meet with an Academic Advisor.

Is there a fee?

No, unless you have to retake it. If you do, then there is a $15 fee for each section you’re retesting in or $30 for the entire exam.

What are the test formats?

You can take this test in-person at any campus or virtually.

What will I need for the testing day?

You will need a Testing Request Form, Pre-Assessment Activity Certificate, and a current government ID.

need to know? Anything else I

Yes. There area few more items to keep in mind:

• You will need to complete a Pre-Assessment Activity Certificate which is a state mandated prior to taking the TSIA2.

• The TSIA2 is untimed and generally takes 3 ½ to 4 hours to complete.

• You’re permitted fourteen days to finish an exam with the exception of the essay. The essay must be completed in one sitting without breaks.

• Outside calculators will not be allowed into the Testing Center.

• Prepare for this exam by accessing practice tests here.

Testing CLEP

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) are exams you can take to earn college credit without have to take a course.

Do I need this test?

This depends on your knowledge level with certain courses. You have the option to take course specific exams to earn college credits. Speak to your Academic Advisor to learn how this may benefit your college journey.

Is there a fee?

Yes. CLEP College Board charges $90 to register for an exam, and San Jac charges an additional $20 to proctor the exam. The College Board fee will increase to $93 in July 2023 and requires you to create an account.

What are the test formats?

You can only take this test in-person at any San Jac campus.

What will I need for the testing day?

You will need a Testing Request Form, Pre-Assessment Activity Certificate, and a current government ID.

need to know? Anything else I

Some important things to be aware of:

• CLEP Exams are times for 90 minutes. Optional essay sections have added built-in time to complete those questions.

• You can take a break, but the time will not be paused while you do so.

• Re-testing for CLEP Exams is only allowed after a three-month waiting period. Confirm your eligibility with CLEP before attempting to retest at 800-257-9558.

• You can learn more about special CLEP accommodations here.

• Modern States Education Alliance offers free online courses to help you prepare for the test and may cover

Credits Count? How do CLEP

Your best way to determine which CLEP Exams can count towards your degree is to connect with your Academic Advisor. Here’s a general guideline how CLEP credits are awarded towards your San Jac degree:

• You need a minimum of three earned credit hours at San Jac.

• No more than 30 credit hours, in combination with other credit examination scores, can be earned from CLEP.

• CLEP credits are not awarded for courses where you previously earned a grade of A, B., C, D, F, FX, W. WL, or I.

• For any language exam:

▪ Courses 1411 & 1412 receive 8 credit hours for scores between 50-62

▪ Courses 2311 and 2312 receive an additional 6 hours for scores over 63

More About CLEP

CLEP offers 34 introductory-level subject exams to earn credit toward your degree. San Jacinto College awards credits for only 20 of these exams. A list of approval CLEP exams is provided in the next section.

EXAM

College Composition

American Literature

English Literature College Algebra

Chemistry

Calculus

French

French German German Spanish Spanish American Government

History of the US 1: Early Colonization to 1877

History of the US II: 1865 to Present

Principles of Macroeconomics

Principles of Microeconomics

Introductory Psychology

Introductory Sociology

Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648

Western Civilization II: 1648 to Present

Financial Accounting

Introductory Business Law

COURSE

ENGL 1301

ENGL 2327 & ENGL 2328

ENGL 2322 & ENGL 2323

MATH 1314

CHEM 1311/CHEM 1111

MATH 2413

FREN 2311/FREN 2312

FREN 1411/FREN 1412

GERM 2311/GERM 2312

GERM 1411/GERM 1412

SPAN 2311/SPAN 2312

SPAN 1411/SPAN 1412

GOVT 2305

HIST 1301

HIST 1302

ECON 2301

ECON 2302

PSYC 2301

SOCI 1301

HIST 2311

HIST 2312

ACCT 2301

BUSI 2301

For Testing Getting Ready

Here are some additional resources for you to prepare for your exams. Practice tests are a great way to understanding the testing format and types of questions in each exam. You will also need to test your computer prior to the day of testing.

TSIA & ACCUPLACER PRACTICE

You can access practice materials here.

CLEP PRACTICE

Practice materials can be found here.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VIRTUAL TESTING

You will need to use a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and audio capabilities.

You will need the Zoom application for testing. If you don’t have Zoom, install it from their website.

Once the install is complete, perform a test.

Check to see if Accuplacer runs correctly by clicking here.