Do I have to take the TASP Test?
You must take the TASP Test or an approved alternative test if you plan to take college-level courses at a Texas public community college, public technical college, or public university. There are some exemptions.
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I don't do well on these kinds of tests. What should I do?
Find out what is available in your school or community to help you prepare for this test and others that you may be taking. You can learn how to improve test-taking skills or work with a teacher or tutor to learn good test-taking strategies.
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When should I take the TASP Test?
You may wish to take the TASP Test while you are in high school. If your test results show you need to improve your reading, writing, or math skills, you can take courses, work with a tutor, or take other steps to improve your skills before you graduate.
You must take the TASP Test, or an approved alternative test, before you can begin college courses at a public institution of higher education.
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What if I do not pass all sections of the test?
Talk to your high school counselor or college admissions counselor about how to improve your skills by tutoring or taking certain classes. Be aware that you must pass the TASP Test or an approved alternative test, or meet the state's standards in other ways, before you can graduate from a public two-year college or enroll in junior- or senior-level courses at a public university.
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What if I don't take the TASP Test in time to enroll in a public college or university?
Ask your college or university admissions counselor for information about Quick TASP or approved alternative tests. Also, ask about the computer-administered test.
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Can I take the test more than once?
Yes, but remember there is no reason to retake sections of the test you have already passed. The passing scores you receive on the TASP Test while in high school count toward meeting the TASP requirements for five years after you take the test if you do not enroll in college, or will count indefinitely if you enroll within a five-year period. Each time you take the TASP Test, you will be required to pay the registration fee.
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What is required if I take college courses while I am in high school?
You will be required to take the TASP Test or an approved alternative test before enrolling in dual-credit courses (receiving credit for a high school class and a college course at the same time) or enrolling concurrently (receiving credit for a college course while you are enrolled in high school). You can only take college courses in the subject areas you passed on the test (reading, writing, and math).
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Who gets my TASP Test scores and when?
You and your parents should receive your scores about two weeks after you take the test. When you register for the test, you can designate one or more colleges or universities to receive your scores; however, no one else will know your scores unless you decide they should.
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Can I take the test on a computer?
Yes, at 12 sites across the state at colleges and universities. If you miss all of the regularly scheduled test dates, you may be able to take it at one of these sites.
When you take the TASP Test by computer, you will receive unofficial test scores immediately that will allow you to enroll in college courses. You should get your official TASP Test scores within a few days.
The registration fee is more than the paper-and-pencil test fee, and seating is limited. Registration for the computer-administered test is by telephone only at: (512) 927-5100.
You may also take an alternative test on a computer. Ask your high school counselor about how to register for it, and ask about the fee.
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Are there accommodations for students with disabilities?
Yes, you can request a special accommodation on the form in the TASP Test Registration Bulletin.
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Each section of the TASP Test has 40 to 50 multiple-choice questions. The reading section has about seven passages that are 300 to 700 words long and questions about each passage. The math section covers fundamental math, algebra, geometry, and problem solving. Beginning with the November 11, 2000 administration, you may use a four-function, nonprogrammable calculator (with square root and percentage keys). The writing section has a written essay of 300 to 600 words and multiple-choice questions.
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You do not have to take the TASP Test if you:
Ask your high school counselor or college admissions counselor for more details.
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For more information, contact:
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us
Division of Educational Partnerships
The Center for College Readiness
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, TX 78711-2788
(512) 427-6330
National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
http://www.tasp.nesinc.com
P.O. Box 140347
Austin, TX 78714-0347
(512) 927-5397
The Texas Academic Skills Program and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.
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