TSIA Exemptions

How to know if you need to complete the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2)
If you have the  "Texas Success Initiative College Readiness Requirements" Checklist on your pre-enrollment To-do List in the Student Center, you have to be placed into core courses one of two ways.

  • Have an approved exemption (reason) for not taking Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2); or
  • Take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2)

Not all new students are required to complete the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). Several exemptions are available to students who meet certain criteria. Exemptions for students usually fall into one of the categories below. 

If you meet any of the exemption requirements listed below, please upload your test scores, transcripts or supporting document in your Student Center by:

  • Visiting myeagle.hccs.edu.
  • Selecting "Student Sign In."
  • Selecting "Checklist" box/tile to complete "Texas Success Initiative (TSI) College Readiness Requirements" To-do List on the Onboarding and Pre-enrollment Checklist.
  • Select the Upload Button.
  • Upload test score, transcripts or supporting document. 

TSI Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) Exemptions

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Test scores (see chart below) that may exempt you from TSIA2 OR

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Transcript from an accredited college/university/institution where you have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution (7 business days to evaluate and process transcripts). OR

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Veteran or active duty personnel serving for at least 3 years preceding enrollment. OR

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Enrollment in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent).

TSI Placement Exemptions

SAT
  • 480 or higher on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
  • 530 or higher on Mathematics

 

ACT
Before: February 15, 2023
  • 23 or higher Composite Score and
  • 19 or higher on English
  • 19 or higher on Math
After: February 15, 2023
  • No composite score required
  • 40 combined on English & Reading
  • 22 or higher on Math

 

STARR
  • 4000 or higher on Reading and Writing on English III - End of Course Exam
  • 4000 or higher on Algebra II - End of Course Exam

 

TSI
  • 950 or higher on Math – Ready for College-Level Math (i.e. MATH 1314 – College Algebra)
  • 945 or higher with Essay 5 – Ready for College-Level English (i.e. ENGL 1301 – Composition I)

 

  • If exempt - Send official test scores from CollegeBoard.org or previous institution to admissions@hccs.edu
  • If not exempt, receive authorization from Academic Advisor to take the assessment.
  • The TSI Placement Exam does not prevent enrollment. See developmental courses below.
  • Scores have expiration dates.

Possible Developmental Courses

Reading and WritingStand Alone Options
INRW 0300 & ENGL 1301 Composition I INRW 0100 & INRW 0410
INRW 0301 & HIST 1301 United States History I INRW 0410
INRW 0302 & HUMA 1301 Introduction to Humanities INRW 0420
INRW 0303 & SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology  

 

Mathematics
Stand Alone Options
MATH 0324 & MATH 1324 Math for Business & Social Sci. MATH 0106 Basic Mathematics
MATH 0332 & MATH 1332 Contemporary Mathematics MATH 0324P Basic for Business
MATH 0342 & MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods MATH 0332P Intro to Algebra
MATH 0314 & MATH 1314 College Algebra MATH 0342P Basic for Statistics  
    MATH 0314P Intermediate Algebra

Contact Enrollment or Academic Advising

For questions about TSIA exemptions, please connect with an Enrollment Representative or Academic Advisor by clicking here to use Virtual Lobby.