The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-legislated program that provides assistance with reading, writing and math skills of students entering Texas public colleges and universities. The program consists of testing, advisement, placement and developmental education for students who do not pass one or more sections of the test. There are several testing options as well as exemptions and waivers from the State mandate. Students need to be aware that while the State has their own standards of college level readiness, each individual institution can set their own depending on what the institution deems "College level ready."
All students entering a Texas public college or university must have their academic skills assessed by one of the following state-approved instruments:
- THEA
- THEA IBT
- ASSET
- Accuplacer
- QT (Quick THEA)
Official scores must be on file with the institution before enrolling unless a student qualifies for a state determined exemption.
TSI Requirement Exemptions
Students may be exempt from taking a TSI-eligible exam, unless it is needed as a prerequisite for a specific course, if they meet one of the following:
- ACT
Composite score of twenty-three (23) or higher, with a minimum score of nineteen (19) in each section of the English and math tests. Scores are valid for five (5) years from date of testing.*
- SAT
Combined score of 1070 or higher, with a minimum of 500 in each section of the verbal and math tests. Scores are valid for five (5) years from date of testing.*
- TAKS Exit-Level
Minimum scale score of 2200 on the exit-level math section and 2200 on the English Language Arts (ELA) section with a writing sub-section score of three (3) or higher. Scores are valid for three (3) years from date of testing.
- Readiness Status
Met college-level readiness standards in English, reading, and mathematics at an accredited Texas public institution of higher education.
- Transfer from Private or Accredited Out-of-State Institutions
Satisfactorily completed a minimum of three (3) college-level semester credit hours in English, reading, and math with a grade of “C” or better.
- Degree
Earned an Associate or Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited Texas public institution of higher education.
- Certificate
Enrolled in THECB approved Certificate Level-One Programs of one (1) year or less with forty-two (42) or fewer semester credit hours that do not require specific skill levels for course enrollment.
- Military
Currently serving on Active Duty in the US Armed Forces, Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the US Armed Forces for at least three (3) years preceding enrollment.
After August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, released, or retired from Active Duty as a member of the US Armed Forces, Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the US Armed Forces.
Students who do not provide official documentation to verify one of the exemptions above are required to take one of the TSI assessments.
Click Here to View the TSI Requirements & Alamo Colleges Placement Guidelines
You may also contact the Assessment Center in person at STCM 227 or by email at nlc-assessment@alamo.edu for any further assistance.