Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) is a standardized test developed by Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. It is a college readiness test and serves as one of many criteria for admission into post secondary courses. Several colleges in the state use its results along with other considerations such as grade point average, achievements, recommendation letters etc.
Eligibility-
This test is for the admission into undergraduate degree or certificate programs in colleges and universities situated in Texas. So THEA is taken by entering freshman-level students.
Test Overview-
THEA consists of three sections- reading, mathematics and writing. The reading section examines reading comprehension and ability to analyze and interpret information. This section consists of seven passages similar to text in course books followed by a total of 40 multiple choice questions. The mathematics section is derived from topics in general mathematics, algebra, geometry and problem solving. There are 50 multiple choice questions in this section. The writing section has two subsections. In one, there is a writing assignment while in second, are 40 questions examining ability to recognize different elements of effective writing. The writing sample is expected to be of 300 to 600 words. It assesses skills pertaining to perception of given subject, logical arrangement of views and effective presentation.
Test Format-
THEA is a criterion referenced and objective test. The examinee is evaluated in respect to a set standard instead of performance of other examinees. This test is available in three formats- paper and pencil test, quick test and internet based test. The quick test is similar to paper and pencil based test. It is offered by colleges, universities and high schools which have provision to conduct it, on a schedule decided by the institution itself. The internet based testing is available only at certain test sites.
Marking Scheme-
The reading section, mathematics section and multiple choice portion of the writing section are given scaled scores in a range from 100 to 300. The passing score for reading and mathematics section is 230. The passing score for multiple choice portion of the writing section is 220. The writing sample is checked by two human scorers and awarded points between 2 and 8. The passing score for writing assignment is 4 or above. If the examinee has passed the writing assignment, pass or fail of test is determined by scores of multiple choice sections. The test result is reported to examinee, institutions mentioned by him/her and test site in two weeks from testing. The results are never conveyed through telephone, fax, e-mail or in person.
Schedule-
The paper and pencil test is available on fixed dates of a year. For internet based test (IBT) and quick test, a test site is required to be contacted. The registrations can be done through internet or mail. The registrations are allowed in regular, late and emergency periods. The mail option is not available for registration in late and emergency periods.
Exam Fees-
THEA test fee is $29. There are additional charges for late registration ($20), emergency registration ($30), change of registration ($15), rescoring ($10), clearing an account ($20), order of test study guide ($20), alternate mailing method of score report ($25), additional institution score report (standard delivery- $12 per institution, Emergency delivery- $25 per institution), and examinee score report reprint (standard delivery- $12 per report, Emergency delivery- $25 per report).