TSI Exemptions and Waivers

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TSIA2 Exemptions

The following provisions shall exempt a student from TSIA2:

  • For TSIA2 exemption purposes, ACT/SAT/STAAR/GED tests are valid for exactly five years from the qualifying test date.  ACT/SAT/STAAR/GED exemption standards are as follows:
    • ACT administered on or after February 15, 2023: a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests shall be exempt for both reading and writing (ELAR) sections of the TSIA2.  A score of 22 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSIA2.  There is no composite score.
    • ACT administered prior to February 15, 2023:  Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English and/or the mathematics tests shall exempt a student for the corresponding section(s) of the TSIA2. Partial exemptions are granted.

    • SAT scores on or after March 5, 2016: a minimum score of 480 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing test shall be exempt for both reading and writing (ELAR) sections of the TSIA2.  A minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the math section of TSIA2. 

    • STAAR – End of course (EOC) minimum score of 4000 on Level 2 of English III shall be exempt for both reading and writing (ELAR) sections of the TSIA2. Minimum score of 4000 on Level 2 of Algebra II shall be exempt for the math section of TSIA2.

    • GED - minimum score of 165 on the Mathematical Reasoning subject test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSIA2.  A minimum score of 165 on the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) subject test shall be exempt for the English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) section of the TSIA2.

  • Graduate – Students who have graduated with an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.
  • Military – While it is possible for many servicemembers and veterans to claim an exemption from taking the TSIA2 placement exam, this could result in placement in classes for which they are not academically prepared.   Please consult with an Academic Advisor before claiming the exemption. The student must submit a copy of the DD214 (Member 4 or Service 2 or 7) to either the Admissions Office or the Office for Veteran Success to claim this exemption. 
    • A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
    • A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
  • Transfer Student – Students transferring from a regionally accredited private or public institution having satisfactorily completed college-level coursework with a C or better in the related area(s). Students transferring from another Texas public institution of higher education identified on the incoming transcripts as “complete” for all or parts of TSIA2.

TSIA2 Waivers

  • Occupational Skills Award – An Occupational Skills Award is designed to be completed in two semesters or less and consists of 9-14 semester credit hours. Students enrolled in an Occupational Skills Award are waived from the TSIA2 requirement while enrolled in the Occupational Skills Award and are restricted to the Occupational Skills Award courses.  
  • Level-One Certificate (L1C) – An L1C is designed to be completed in one year or less and consists of 15-42 semester credit hours. Students enrolled in an L1C are waived from the TSIA2 requirement while enrolled in their waived program and are restricted to the courses within the waived program.
  • Transient students – Students from a private or an out-of-state institution are waived from TSIA2 requirements for one semester. Students must apply for the temporary waiver in the Admissions and Records Office by providing an official transcript from the private or out-of-state institution. The waiver is valid for one semester.  
  • Non-degree-seeking or non-certificate seeking students – Students declaring that they are non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking students are waived from the requirements of TSIA2 for one semester. Students must meet with an advisor to declare the status of non-degree seeking or non-certificate seeking status. Students who are non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Students who accumulate more than nine credit hours must meet TSIA2 requirements.

  • Dual Credit Waiver (this waiver can only be used to take dual credit or collegiate high school classes):

    • PSAT/NMSQT: An Evidence Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 460 will waive the student from the reading and writing (ELAR) sections of TSIA2. A Math score of 510 will waive the student from the math section of TSIA2. 

    • End of Course (STAAR EOC) minimum score of 4000 on Level II of English II will waive the student from the reading and writing (ELAR) sections of TSIA2.

    • End of Course (STAAR EOC) minimum score of 4000 on Level II the Algebra I STAAR EOC and passing grade in the Algebra II course will waive the student from the math section of TSIA2.

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