Texas Success Initiative
The Texas Success Initiative or TSI is a state mandate that requires all students to demonstrate college readiness in reading, writing, and math before taking college-level credit courses.
Exemptions & Waivers
You may be eligible for an exemption or waiver from the TSI based on your previous college coursework, military experience or previous test scores. Do not take the TSI if any of the following apply to you:
College Coursework
You earned an associates degree or higher or you have an official transcript from an accredited institution with college-level math and English courses.
Military Experience
You were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty, Texas National Guard, or military reserves on or after August 1, 1990. You are on active-duty service in the US military, the Texas National Guard or as a reservist.
Level 1 Certificate Program
You are seeking a certificate program of one year or less (42 or fewer semester credit hours). If you change your major or certificate level program then TSI requirements will apply.
Previous Test Scores
| EXAM | COMBINATION SCORE | ENGLISH/READING | MATH |
|
ACT |
N/A | 40+ English and Reading (E+R) |
22+ Math |
| ACT (scores valid for 5 years) Note: ACT taken prior February 15, 2023 |
23+ Composite | 19+ Reading and Writing | 19+ Math |
| SAT (scores valid for 5 years) Note: SAT taken ON or AFTER March 5, 2016 |
N/A |
480 Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing |
530 Math |
| STAAR end-of-course (EOC) (scores valid for 5 years) |
4000+ English III (Level 2 or Meets Standard) |
4000+ |
|
| General Education Development (GED) (scores valid for 5 years) Note: GED taken ON or AFTER January 1, 2014 |
165+ Reasoning through Language Arts | 165+ Mathematical Reasoning |
Note: Test scores are valid for 5 years.
Pre-Assessment Activity
All students taking the TSI assessment must complete both the GoFAAAR and test prep modules located under the Start Here tab in your ACES account.
Collectively called the Pre-Assessment Activity, these online modules address:
- The importance of assessment in a student's academic career.
- Provide sample questions in all subject areas covered on the TSI.
- Offer information on developmental education options including course pairing, non-course based, modular and other non-conventional interventions.
- Information on institutional and community resources available to assist students with college success.
The pre-assessment activity must be completed prior to testing, NO EXCEPTIONS.
TSI Fees
$32 for a full exam
$24 for English Language Arts and Reading only (may also include essay)
$12 for Math only
$12 for Essay Retest only
On Test Day
Please arrive no later than 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
You will need to show a valid picture ID and proof of test fee payment.