TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment)
2025 TSA test dates: 21, 22, 23, 24 & 27 October
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.
We 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 valuable preparation.
This Oxford admissions test is now computer-based, and you will need to arrange to take it at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. Instructions on how to do this can be found under the How do I register? tab on this page.
How do I register?
Guidance for candidates on how to register for and book your admissions test will be made available soon.
Test preparation and practice materials
A test preparation guidance video and practice test hosted by the online test platform will be made available for candidates soon.
In the meantime, candidates can view the past papers and resources below to get a sense of the types of questions asked in the test. Please note that although the exact format of this year's test may differ slightly from these materials, working through past papers will still be very valuable preparation.
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.
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 at Pearson VUE test centres on 21, 22, 23, 24 & 27 October 2025.
What should I expect on test day?
More information on what to expect on test day will be made available soon.
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 after college decision letters are sent in January. Applicants will still be able to write to their college to request feedback.
YOU MUST TAKE SECTION 1 OF THE TSA IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR:
Economics and Management (LN12)
Experimental Psychology (C830)
History and Economics (LV11)
Human Sciences (BCL0)
Philosophy and Linguistics (VQ51)
Psychology and Linguistics (CQ81)
Psychology and Philosophy (CV85)
YOU MUST TAKE BOTH SECTIONS OF THE TSA IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR:
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