Do you have to take the TSI assessment?
The TSI exam is required by all Texas state public colleges, needed prior to enrollment in the first semester. The test examines a students readiness for college-level courses and assists in determining the appropriate level of course work for each student in their first semester.
There are certain circumstances in which a student may be exempt from taking the TSI exam all together. Are you wondering if you fall into that category?
You do not have to take the TSI exam if:
You have taken the SAT (before March 2016) and scored:
- A minimum combined critical reading and math score of 1070, with a minimum core of 500 on the Math (for TSI math exemption).
- A minimum combined critical reading and math score of 1070 with a minimum score of 500 on the critical reading (for TSI reading and writing exemption).
You have taken the SATs (after March 5, 2016) and scored:
- A minimum score of 530 on the math (for a TSI math exemption).
- A minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (for TSI reading and writing exemption).
- Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of the SAT test in order to use the scores for an exemption.
You have taken the ACT:
Must achieve a minimum composite score of 23 with:
- A minimum of 19 on math for TSI math exemption
- A minimum of 19 on English for TSI reading and writing exemption
- Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of the test in order to use the scores for an exemption.
You have taken the TAKS and scored:
- A minimum of 2200 in math for TSI math exemption
- A minimum of 2200 in English Language Arts, with a writing subscore of 3, for a TSI reading and writing exemption
- Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of their 11th grade exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test in order to use the scores for an exemption.
You have taken the SSTAAR End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment and scored:
- A minimum of Level 2 (4000) in Algebra II, for TSI math exemption
- A minimum of Level 2 (4000) in English III for TSI reading and writing exemption
- Students must attend college within five (5) years from the date of their STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) test in order to use the scores for an exemption.
Additional reasons (non-test exemptions) that exempt you from taking the TSI:
- Have an associate or bachelor’s degree from another college/university
- Have previously attended or transferring from a private/independent college/university or an accredited out-of-state college/university, AND have successfully completed college-level coursework (transcripts required).
- Currently enrolled in a 1 year or less certificate program at a public junior college, public technical institute, or public state college.
- Serving as an active duty member of the United States armed forces, Texas National Guard, or a member of the reserves for at least 3 years.
- Have been honorably discharged, retired, or released from the United States armed forces, Texas National Guard, or as a member of the reserve either on or after August 1, 1990.
- Currently enrolled at current college of enrollment on a temporary non-degree-seeking student.
