All new students must complete TSI requirements before registering for classes unless they qualify for an exemption or are considered TSI-complete.
Who Must Take the TSI?
Most new students entering a Texas public college or university must take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) unless they qualify for an exemption.
Students who are not exempt and are not TSI-complete must complete testing before enrolling in college-level coursework.
Am I Exempt from the TSI?
Many students qualify for an exemption. Official documentation (transcripts or test score reports) must be submitted to receive an exemption.
Standardized Test Scores (Valid for 5 Years)
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Test
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Reading & Writing Exemption
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Math Exemption
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SAT (March 2016 and later)
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Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW): 480
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530 - Math
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ACT taken before February 15, 2023
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23 Composite with 19 English
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23 Composite with 19 Math
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ACT taken on/after February 15, 2023
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Combined score of 40 on English and Reading
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22 Math
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STAAR
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4000 on the English III (EOC)
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4000 on the Algebra II (EOC)
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Prior Academic Achievement Exemptions
You may be exempt if you:
- Earned an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution
- Successfully completed college-level (1300-level) English or Math with a grade of C or better
- Were previously determined to be TSI-complete by another Texas public institution
Military and Public Service Exemptions
You may qualify if you are:
- Active-duty military serving at least three years
- Honorably discharged, retired, or released from service on or after August 1, 1990
Exemptions also apply to certain public safety employees, including:
- Emergency medical services personnel
- Fire department personnel
- Peace officers (including sheriffs, deputies, constables, and municipal police officers)
Other Exemptions
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students enrolled for personal enrichment (typically limited to 12–18 credit hours).
Level-One Certificate Programs
Students enrolled in certificate programs of 42 credit hours or fewer.
College Prep Courses
Students who completed a Texas College Bridge or district-approved college prep course (valid for 24 months). Certificates should be emailed to
registrar@utpb.edu.
GED (Effective May 12, 2021)
- 165+ in Math (Math exemption)
- 165+ in Reasoning Through Language Arts (ELAR exemption)
Valid for five years.
HiSET (Effective May 12, 2021 – August 31, 2021)
- 15+ in Math (Math exemption)
- 15+ in Reading and Writing (with minimum 4 on essay)
Valid for five years.