TSA Cambridge About the Test
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Cambridge is a 90 minute multiple choice test for applicants to certain colleges and courses at the University of Cambridge. To find out whether you will need to take the TSA you are advised to look at the exact entry requirements for a particular course.
TSA colleges and courses
Background and development of TSA Cambridge
Test Format
The standard TSA is available as an online or paper based test, the college to which you are applying will specify which version you will take. The version of the TSA used for admissions to PPS is delivered in paper format only.
- TSA Specification (PDF, 288)
Section |
What does it test? |
Questions |
Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) | Problem solving skills, including numerical and spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills, including understanding arguments and reasoning using everyday language. |
50 multiple choice questions |
90 minutes |
| Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Politics, Psychology & Sociology test version | Critical thinking skills, including understanding arguments and reasoning using everyday language. |
50 multiple choice questions |
90 minutes |
Scoring
The TSA is a multiple-choice test giving 1 mark per question. Scores are calibrated onto the TSA scale (running from approximately 0-100), with scores being reported to one decimal place. The scale is not a percentage based on raw scores, but an estimate of the candidate's ability calculated using a statistical technique called Rasch which takes into account question and overall test difficulty so that scores are comparable.
The average TSA score of an applicant to the University of Cambridge is typically in the high 50s, with only around 10% of applicants scoring over 70.
Marking is automated, Cambridge Assessment does not accept requests for re-marks.
Delivery
Candidates will take the test at interview. The majority of applicants taking the TSA will take it at the college they have applied to, either on screen or as a paper based test. Candidates will be informed where and when they need to take the TSA by the college to which they are applying.
Results
Cambridge Assessment does not release TSA results directly to candidates. Results will be passed to the college at Cambridge to which a candidate has applied. The use of results varies between colleges; candidates should contact the college they have applied to in order to find out how their results will be used.
TSA |
Content |
Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) | 50 multiple choice questions | 90 minutes |
TSA Cambridge
Test Preparation
TSA resources for candidates and teachers, including past papers, recommended reading lists and specifications.
Background & Research
Information about the need for TSA and research papers relating to TSA