Texas Success Initiative Exemptions

If you meet any of the conditions below, you do not need to take a placement test for Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. If you qualify for exemption based on test scores, be sure to submit those scores to Highlander Central in the Enrollment Services Center.

  • Your scores on ACT, SAT, GED, or STAAR meet or exceed minimum requirements.

    Exemplary Test Score Chart for TSI Waiver
    Exemplary Test Score Chart for TSI Waiver
    Name of Test Composite Score
    (i.e., Critical Reading and Math scores)    		 Minimum Math Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing Expiration of Scores

    ACT

    (taken on or after February 15, 2023)

    		 No Composite 22 Combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests 5 years

    ACT

    (if taken before February 15, 2023)

    		 23 19 19 on English 5 years
    SAT (No Composite)
    Test taken between March 5, 2016 to Present (can qualify In one category)    		 530 480 EBRW 5 years
    SAT 1070
    Test taken between April 1995 to March 4, 2016 (all categories must be met to be considered exempt)    		 500 500 EBRW 5 years
    SAT 970
    Test taken prior to April 1995 (all categories must be met to be considered exempt)    		 470 420 5 years

    GED

    (taken on or after May 12, 2021)

    		 N/A 165 165 5 years

    STAAR (Level 2)

    		 N/A

    4000 (Level 2) Algebra II

    		 2000 (Level 2) English III 5 years
    STARR N/A 4000 Algebra I and passing grade for an Algebra 2 class in high school 4000 English II Expire at High School Graduation
    TAKS N/A 2200 2200 with Writing Sub-Score of 3 5 years
    HiSET N/A 15 Mathematics subtest 15 Reading subtest and 15 Writing subtest, including a minimum essay of 4 5 years
  • You had active military duty for at least 3 years preceding enrollment.
  • You previously attended any institution and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution.
  • On or after August 1, 1990, you were honorably discharged, retired or released from the U.S. Military, Texas National Guard or as a member of the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
  • You have completed an associate or bachelor's degree from a college or university.
  • You have college-level work in the areas of reading, math and writing.
  • You plan to enroll in a certificate program with fewer than 42 semester hours. (Students enrolled in a certificate program may accumulate only 6 college-level hours outside their certificate program before becoming responsible for meeting TSI requirements.)

For more information about eligibility for an exemption, call Highlander Central at 254-299-8622.