College of Liberal Arts The University of Texas at Austin

THEA Test

The Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) is designed to help you succeed in college. The THEA is a state-legislated program that uses an exam to identify college-bound students who need further preparation in reading, math, or writing. The program then provides developmental instruction for those students whose test scores suggest that they would benefit from such intervention. For authoritative information on THEA, see < www.utexas.edu/student/utlc/tsi/index.html>.

THEA Requirements
Unless you are exempt from THEA (see below), you must take the THEA test before enrolling for college courses. Students who have already earned college-level credit from Texas public colleges (including credit by examination and transfer credit), but have not taken the THEA Test should contact the Texas Success Initiative Program office at UT in FAC, Room 33 (Phone: 512-471-8277).

THEA Test Registration Bulletins are available at Texas public high schools and colleges. At UT, you can pick up the bulletins from the Texas Success Initiative Program office in FAC 33, the Measurement and Evaluation Center, and the information desk in the Main Building. A fee is charged for the exam. The THEA test is offered every semester at over 100 locations in Texas, including UT.

If you have scores below the state-set standards on one or more of the THEA subtests, or if you did not take one or more of the subtests, you will be required to participate in skill development courses until your skills reach the state standard.

THEA Exemptions (from UT THEA Office information)
Students can be EXEMPT from THEA regulations by presenting official documentation of any of the following (exempting scores must be obtained in a single test administration):

  • SAT I is at least 1070, and verbal and math subscores are at least 500. Scores must not be older than 5 years.
  • ACT composite is at least 23, and English and math subscores are at least 19. Scores must not be older than 5 years.
  • TAAS writing score is at least 1770, reading TLI greater than or equal to 89, and math TLI greater than or equal to 86. Scores must not be older than 3 years.
  • Three hours of college-level credit earned before September, 1989 or a bachelor's degree has been earned.

Students seeking Texas Teacher Certification should discuss THEA requirements with the certifying college or university.