TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment)
What is the TSA?
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is divided into two parts: a 90-minute, multiple-choice Thinking Skills Assessment and a 30-minute writing task.
If applying for Philosophy, Politics and Economics, you will be required to take both sections of the TSA.
However, you will be required to take Section 1 only if you are applying for:
- Economics and Management
- Experimental Psychology
- History and Economics
- Human Sciences
- Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.
Section 1 is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions and aims to assess the following: Problem-solving skills, including numerical reasoning. Critical thinking skills, including understanding argument and reasoning using everyday language.
Section 2 is a writing task that seeks to evaluate a candidate’s ability to organise ideas in a clear and concise manner, and communicate them effectively in writing. Questions are not subject-specific and candidates must answer one question from a choice of four.
This Oxford admissions test is now computer-based, and you will need to arrange to take it at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. You will be able to register to take the TSA from Thursday 15 August 2024 until Friday 4 October 2024. Instructions on how to do this can be found under the How do I register? tab on this page.
All applicants taking this test will be invited to practise taking a sample paper online in advance of test day. We also strongly recommend that you explore all the past papers and resources available under the Test preparation and practice materials tab. As the content and structure of this test has not changed, all existing online resources and past papers are still valuable preparation.
How do I register?
Candidates can register to take their admissions test free of charge between Thursday 15 August and Friday 4 October 2024 and we strongly recommend you do this as soon as possible.
It is particularly important that you register early if you are requesting access arrangements, as this involves a few additional steps. You will be required to submit documented evidence of eligibility as soon as possible and have this accepted by Oxford.
When registering for your test you will be asked for your UCAS ID but if you haven't yet started your UCAS application, you can come back and fill this in later. However, it is important you do this or we may not be able to match your test score with your Oxford application.
Please read these instructions thoroughly before booking your admissions test. In summary, the steps you will need to take are as follows:
Step 1: From 15 August, go to the registration portal and follow the instructions to create your own Oxford admissions test user account and register for your test. It will be easier to do this if you know your course code:
- Economics and Management - LN12
- Experimental Psychology - C830
- History and Economics - LV11
- Human Sciences - BCL0
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics - L0V0
- Philosophy and Linguistics - VQ51
- Psychology and Linguistics - CQ81
- Psychology and Philosophy - CV85
Step 2: Let us know if you would like to request access arrangements for your admissions test. Depending on what your requirements are, this may take up to ten days to organise and your Pearson VUE test centre may be booked on your behalf. Anyone requesting access arrangements will be required to provide supporting documentation from a medical or educational specialist. If at all possible, we recommend uploading this when you register for your test as this will expedite the process. In all cases, you must provide this evidence of eligibility by 20 September (or at the time of registering if doing so after 20 September).
Step 3: Once registered, follow the instructions to book your test at a Pearson VUE test centre. If you have requested category 2 or 'other' access arrangements, this will be done on your behalf, just follow the on-screen instructions.
You will receive direct email confirmation of successfully arranging your test appointment, giving the date, appointment time and duration and address of the test centre selected. If you do not receive this confirmation, make sure to check your spam folders. You can expect to receive emails about your test from: [email protected] and [email protected].
Please note that the duration of your test appointment will show as longer than the time of your test. It will allow for you to arrive 15 minutes early, undergo ID and security checks and other preliminary procedures.
No changes to your test appointment can be made after test registration closes on 4 October.
Additional support
View our FAQs or contact Oxford’s undergraduate applicant helpdesk with questions regarding your application
Contact Pearson VUE customer service with queries about your test centre booking
You can make changes to your test appointment by signing into your Oxford Admissions Test user account and selecting 'manage appointment'.
Test preparation and practice materials
We strongly recommend that you explore the past papers and practice materials here.
The TSA practice test allows you to familiarise yourself with the new online test platform and format for 2025-entry. Please note that as this is for practice only, you will not be able to submit this for a score or feedback after taking the test.
Although the test platform has changed, the content of the test is similar to in previous years so working through past papers will still be very valuable preparation and should help you to feel confident on test day.
Note: the TSA was formerly administered by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT). It is now under licence to the University of Oxford, including all past papers and associated preparation materials.
Section 1 specimen and past papers
The first section of the TSA is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions. Below you can find a specimen paper, in addition to past papers going back to 2008. You can also download answer sheets for each paper and a score conversion chart.
- TSA Oxford 2022 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2022 Section 1 answer key and score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2021 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2021 Section 1 answer key and score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2019 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2019 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2019 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2018 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2018 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2018 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2017 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2017 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2017 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2016 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2016 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2016 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2015 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2015 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2015 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2014 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2014 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2014 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2013 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2013 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2013 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2012 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2012 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2012 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2011 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2011 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2011 Section 1 score conversion
- TSA Oxford 2010 Section 1
- TSA Oxford 2010 Section 1 answer key
- TSA Oxford 2010 Section 1 score conversion
Section 2 specimen and past papers
Section 2 of the TSA test is a writing task. You will have 30 minutes to write a single short essay. There will be a choice of four essay questions, on general subjects that do not require any specialised knowledge.
The writing task gives you an opportunity to show that you can communicate effectively in writing, organising your ideas and presenting them clearly and concisely. You should start by planning the essay carefully, deciding what are the main points that you want to make in the limited time available, and how to organise your answer to explain and convey them clearly. You will have plenty of space if you want to use it, but a concise and well-structured answer may be more effective than a longer essay.
It is important that your answer is relevant to the question, and addresses it directly. If the question requires you to make judgements and express your own opinions, try to provide coherent arguments to support your views, and consider the merits of possible counter-arguments. Your essay will be judged by the quality of the writing, and the way you use what you know.
Below you can find a specimen paper and past papers going back to 2008.
- TSA Oxford specimen Section 2
- TSA Oxford Writing Task specimen answer sheet
- TSA Oxford 2022 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2021 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2020 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2019 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2018 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2017 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2016 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2015 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2014 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2013 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2012 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2011 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2010 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2009 Section 2
- TSA Oxford 2008 Section 2
Explanation of results
Section 1 scores 1 mark per question. Scores are calculated on the TSA scale to one decimal place (running approximately 0–100). The scale is an estimate of the candidate’s ability, which makes scoring comparable by factoring in the question and overall test difficulty, using the Rasch statistical technique. Marking of this section is automated.
Section 2 is reviewed by the admissions tutor(s) of the college you apply to.
- Explanation of results 2016
- Explanation of results 2015
- Explanation of results 2014
- Explanation of results 2013
- Explanation of results 2012
- Explanation of results 2011
- Explanation of results 2010
- Explanation of results 2009
- Explanation of results 2008
- Explanation of results 2007
Further reading
- John Butterworth and Geoff Thwaites, Thinking Skills (Cambridge University Press, 2013)
- Anne Thomson, Critical Reasoning: A Practical Introduction (Routledge, 2008)
- Nigel Warburton, Thinking from A to Z (Routledge, 2000)
- Alec Fisher, Critical Thinking: An Introduction (Cambridge University Press, 2011)
When do I take the test?
Candidates will take the TSA on 24 October 2024 at Pearson VUE test centres.
What should I expect on test day?
You will be taking your admissions test at a Pearson VUE test centre and we advise that you read Pearson VUE's guidance on what to expect on your test day. This includes information on:
- Reschedule and cancellation policies
- Pearson VUE test centre management
- ID requirements
- Candidate rules
- Test centre check-in procedures
- Personal belongings (including information on note taking)
- In the test room
- Breaks
How do I get my results?
Admissions tutors will receive the results of all candidates' tests directly and in time to make their shortlisting decisions in November.
Test scores will be automatically distributed to all applicants shortly after college decision letters are sent in January. Applicants will still be able to write to their college to request feedback.
