Testing

Welcome to the Cisco College Testing Center!

The Testing Center will be glad to work with you to schedule an exam. Testing Center hours vary by semester and location, and some dates are reserved for specific testing such as the GED or HESI A2. Please see below for information on specific tests.

Testing is conducted in a large group setting. Computer seats are spaced 3 feet apart. Testers are welcome to wear a mask if desired.

For the complete list of policies for the Cisco College Testing Center, see the Testing Center Policy Manual.

TSIA2 Placement Test Information

All students entering Cisco College must take the TSIA2 (unless you are exempt). The TSIA2 is composed of two sections: Math and ELAR (English Language Arts Reading). Each of these sections contains up to two parts. Testers may be required to take one or both sections of the test. Testers who need both sections are not required to take both sections in one testing session. They may choose to schedule each section on a different day.

Please visit the Texas Success Initiative section of the Cisco website for information about exemptions and which section(s) a student will need to take.

To schedule a TSIA2 test click here.

Effective January 11, 2021, testers wishing to take the TSIA2 test through Cisco College must apply to Cisco College and receive a Cisco College student ID in order to test. The student ID should be available within 48 business hours after the application is completed and will be required at the time of testing. For admissions information please see the Cisco College website or use the following link: https://www.cisco.edu/admissions.

• TSIA2 Preparation
  • TSIA2 Pre-Assessment Activity
  • Free TSIA2 Study App
  • TSIA2 Study Materials
• About the Test
  • The TSIA2 is untimed, so the time necessary to complete the exam will vary. However, as a guide, allow approximately 1-2 hours per section. Allow additional time after completing the test to talk with a counselor for an explanation of TSIA2 test scores. Students still testing at closing time will have the test saved and will schedule a time to return and complete the exam.
  • Scheduling for the TSIA2 is done by email (testing@cisco.edu).
  • The TSIA2 requires a Pre-Assessment Activity be completed prior to testing. The link to this can be found on the Cisco website under Admissions/Testing/TSIA2 Preparation or by clicking here. After completing the pre-assessment slide show, electronically complete the Pre-Assessment Verification Form and email a copy to testing@cisco.edu. If you cannot electronically complete the Pre-Assessment Form, you may print and complete it, then scan and email it to the Testing Center.
  • The TSIA2 is composed of multiple choice questions and is taken completely on the computer. The ELAR section includes an essay which is also typed on the computer.
  • The TSIA2 test fee must be paid prior to being allowed to test. This fee is payable by cash, money order (made out to Cisco College), debit card, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express. The fee per section is:
    • Math - $12
    • ELAR - $24
    • Both Sections - $36
  • Testers will need to know their Cisco College Student ID number for the test.
  • Testers must present a current and valid photo ID. Acceptable forms of photo ID are: driver's license, state-approved or federal ID, military ID, college ID, high school ID, middle school ID, passport, tribal ID, naturalization card or certificate of citizenship, or the College Board Student ID Form.
  • No food, beverages or tobacco products are allowed in the Testing Center.
  • Candidates are not permitted to bring their own writing instruments into the testing room.
  • Personal items, including electronic devices such as watches, and cell phones are not allowed in the Testing Center. Lockers are provided for these small personal items or small purses. Large items such as books, large purses, and backpacks are not allowed in the Testing Center and secure storage is not available for these items.
  • Outside calculators (unless for a prescribed accommodation) are prohibited when taking the TSIA2.
  • By testing at either campus of Cisco College, testers are agreeing to abide by the Cisco College Testing Center policies, Guidelines, and TSIA2 Placement Test Information. For complete information concerning policies, see the Cisco College Testing Center Policy Manual.
    
  • Testers seeking special accommodations for the TSIA2 must contact the Disability Services Coordinator with their documentation prior to scheduling for the TSIA2. You can find the contact information for the Disability Services Coordinators by clicking the "Students with Disabilities" link at the bottom of the page.
  • All TSIA/TSIA2 test scores are valid for five years from the date of testing.

  *You will not be allowed to open other tabs, windows or applications during your test session.

• What to Bring
  • Current and Valid Photo ID
  • Cisco College Student ID number

HESI A2 Testing Information

HESI A2 for LVN to ADN Bridge Program Applicants

Currently, the HESI A2 exam for LVN to ADN Bridge Program applicants is only offered in a group test setting and is only given on the Abilene campus of Cisco College. The HESI A2 is offered on specific dates according to the application deadline for the class being entered. Applicants must take the HESI A2 exam at Cisco College and may only test with the class being applied for.

August class with May 31 deadline - HESI A2 offered in March, April and May.

• About the Test

  Applicants to the Cisco College LVN to ADN Bridge Program must take the HESI A2 exam at Cisco College. Please contact the Testing Center on the Abilene campus for the current HESI A2 test dates.

  • Testers must be applicants to the LVN to ADN Bridge Program at Cisco College.
  • For LVN to ADN Bridge Program applicants, the HESI A2 is composed of four multiple-choice sections and is taken completely on the computer. The preferred score in each section is 75. The sections are: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Critical Thinking.
  • Applicants will have four hours to complete all four sections.
  • No food, beverages or tobacco products are allowed in the Testing Center.
  • Testers are not permitted to bring their own writing instruments into the testing room.
  • Only testers and Cisco College personnel are allowed in the Testing Center.
  • Personal items, including electronic devices such as watches and cell phones are not allowed in the Testing Center.
  • No outside calculators are allowed. However, there is a calculator built into the Math portion of the HESI A2.
  • The HESI A2 is only one part of the application for the LVN to ADN Bridge Program. Applicants must complete a program checklist to ensure that they have met all application requirements in order to be considered for the program.

  You must contact Amy Cohen (amy.cohen@cisco.edu) prior to signing up for the HESI A2. You will not be permitted to register for the HESI A2 if you do not meet the minimum requirements for the LVN to ADN Bridge Program. HESI A2 test fees are nonrefundable.
  

• How to Sign Up for the HESI A2
  1. Complete the LVN to ADN Bridge Program Requirements Checklist with Amy Cohen to ensure that you are eligible for the program (see above).
  2. Contact the Testing Center by email (testing@cisco.edu) to determine what date is available and to confirm that your checklist has been received and that you have been cleared to pay.
  3. Follow the payment instructions in the reply email from the Testing Center. HESI A2 test fees are non-refundable. Steps 1 & 2 (above) must be completed before payment is made.
  4. After the Testing Center receives notification of your payment from the Business Office, you will receive a confirmation email with important information.
  5. Go to evolve.elsevier.com and create a username and password. Be sure to bring this username and password with you on the day you test. You will not be able to create an Evolve account at your test session.
     
  6. Please be aware that the test fee is nonrefundable. Due to the high demand for HESI A2, if you miss the date on which you are scheduled to test, it will be necessary to get special permission to sign up again. If you feel extenuating circumstances have caused you to miss your test date, please see the Allied Health counselor.
     
• What to Bring on Test Day
  • A current photo ID
  • Your Evolve username and password

HESI A2 for VN Applicants

Currently, the HESI A2 exam is only offered in a group test setting and is only given on the Abilene campus of Cisco College. The HESI A2 is offered on specific dates according to the application deadline for the class being entered. Applicants must take the HESI A2 at Cisco College and may only test with the class being applied for.

• January class with October 15 application deadline - HESI A2 offered in September and October
• May class with February 15 application deadline - HESI A2 offered in January and February
• August class with June 15 application deadline – HESI A2 offered in May and June

• About the Test
  Applicants to the Cisco College VN Program must take the HESI A2 exam at Cisco College. Please contact the Testing Center on the Abilene campus for the current VN HESI A2 test dates.

  • Testers must be applicants to the VN program at Cisco College
  • For VN applicants, the HESI A2 is composed of five multiple choice sections and is taken completely on the computer. The preferred score in each section is 75. The sections are: Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Critical Thinking.
  • Applicants will have five hours to complete all five sections.
  • No food, beverages or tobacco products are allowed in the Testing Center.
  • Candidates are not permitted to bring their own writing instruments into the testing room.
  • Only testers and Cisco College personnel are allowed in the Testing Center.
  • Personal items, including electronic devices such as watches and cell phones are not allowed in the Testing Center.
  • No outside calculators are allowed. However, there is a calculator built into the Math portion of the HESI A2.
  • The HESI A2 is only one part of the application for the VN program. Applicants must complete a program checklist to ensure that they have met all application requirements in order to be considered for the program.

  You must contact Amy Cohen (amy.cohen@cisco.edu) prior to signing up for the HESI A2. You will not be permitted to register for the HESI A2 if you do not meet the minimum requirements for the VN program. HESI A2 test fees are nonrefundable.
  

• How to Sign Up for the HESI A2
  1. Complete the VN Program Requirements Checklist with Amy Cohen to ensure that you are eligible for the program (see above).
  2. Contact the Testing Center by email (testing@cisco.edu) to determine what date is available and to confirm that your checklist has been received and that you have been cleared to pay.
  3. Follow the payment instructions in the reply email from the Testing Center. HESI A2 test fees are non-refundable. Steps 1 & 2 (above) must be completed before payment is made.
  4. After the Testing Center receives notification of your payment from the Business Office, you will receive a confirmation email with important information.
  5. Go to evolve.elsevier.com and create a username and password. Be sure to bring this username and password with you on the day you test. You will not be able to create an Evolve account at your test session.
     
  6. Please be aware that the test fee is nonrefundable. Due to the high demand for HESI A2, if you miss the date on which you are scheduled to test, it will be necessary to get special permission to sign up again. If you feel extenuating circumstances have caused you to miss your test date, please see the Allied Health counselor.
     
• What to Bring on Test Day
  • A photo ID
  • Your Evolve username and password

GED Testing - Cisco Campus Only

To register for the GED test, candidates need to visit www.ged.com.

To search for your existing Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency, visit txchse.com.

Test administrator: Leigh Dycus - leigh.dycus@cisco.edu

Credit By Examination (CLEP)

Cisco College recognizes credit by examination for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Advance Placement Program (AP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB). Students that score high enough on select exams may receive credit for coursework at Cisco College. Other institutions have varying policies on accepting credit by examination so a student wishing to transfer this credit to another institution needs to check with that institution regarding their policy. Click here for a full listing of credit by examination opportunities. Cisco College's School Code for CLEP and AP is 6096. For more information about CLEP testing, please visit https://clep.collegeboard.org/