Do You Need A Test Referral?
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Basic Steps
- TSI requires testing in reading, writing, and math before enrolling in college level courses.
- If you do not meet college level placement in any area of the test, you must complete developmental courses before you can register in college level courses related to the area or areas not met.
- Once you successfully complete the highest level of the developmental coursework, you may enroll in the related college level coursework. TSI REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.
- YOU MAY NOT HAVE TO TEST: Click Here to see if you are exempt or waived from TSI.
Below are the exemptions and waivers to the TSI requirements. Review the information below. If you determine that you need to take the test, see Test Information, Review, and Initial Test Referral at the bottom of this site.
SAT/ACT EXEMPTIONACT English 19+ and Math 19+ with Composite 23+ within 5 years, one sitting
(Partial exemption may be awarded if the Composite score is met and English or Math is 19)
SAT Critical Reading 500+ and Math 500+ with Critical Reading and Math combined score1070+ within 5 years, one sitting
(Partial exemption may be awarded if Critical Reading and Math combined score add up to 1070+ and Critical Reading or Math is 500+)
| Click Here if you meet the SAT/ACT Exemption |
TAKS EXEMPTION—Texas High School Exit ExamELA 2200+ and Writing subsection 3+ Reading and Writing exempt
Math 2200+ Math exempt (Placement test required for math)
Scores need to be from the 11th grade TAKS test and not over 3 years old
| Click here if you meet the TAKS Exemption |
ASSOCIATE OR BACHELOR’S DEGREE FROM A TEXAS PUBLIC COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITYDegree awarded from a Texas state, regionally accredited university or college
All placement and prerequisites must be met for courses. Placement test may be required.
| Click Here if you meet the Degree Exemption |
TRANSFER/TRANSIENT STUDENT FROM A TEXAS PUBLIC COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITYAttended another regionally accredited Texas public higher education institution and met TSI standards in math, reading, and writing
All placement and prerequisites must be met for courses. Placement test may be required.
| Click Here if you meet the Transfer Exemption |
TRANSFER/TRANSIENT STUDENT FROM A REGIONALLY ACCREDITED COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY—PRIVATE OR OUT-OF-STATE
Completed courses from a regionally accredited university or college that meet the criteria set out by the Texas Success Initiative plan of DCCCD
All placement and prerequisites must be met for courses. Placement test may be required.
| Click Here if you meet the Transfer Exemption |
MILITARY EXEMPTION Certain restrictions apply.
All placement and prerequisites must be met for courses. Placement test may be required.
| Click Here if you meet the Military Exemption |
LEVEL 1 TSI CERTIFICATE WAIVER Enroll in a Level 1 Certificate Program—42 credit hours or less skill-building program
Restrictions apply to coursework and core classes.
All placement and prerequisites must be met for courses. Placement test may be required.
Financial Aid is not available to students seeking a Level 1 Certificate Waiver
| Click Here if you are seeking a Level 1 TSI Certificate Waiver |
NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS Enroll in a Non-Degree Seeking Waiver.
Restrictions apply to coursework and core classes.
This waiver does not meet degree seeking, transfer, or transient student requirements.
All placement and prerequisites must be met for courses. Placement test may be required.
Financial Aid is not available to non-degree seeking student.
| Click Here if you are a Non-Degree Seeking Student |
| OTHER TSI TEST SCORESCompleted THEA, Quick THEA, Accuplacer, Compass, Asset and have official score report or transcript | Click Here if you have other TSI Test Scores |
For more detail on the above exemptions and waivers see Exemptions/Waivers
GET YOUR TEST INFORMATION, REVIEW, AND TEST REFERRAL HERE
CLICK HERE for the TEST INFORMATION, REVIEW, AND TEST REFERRAL
It is important to review before attempting the test. This test will determine whether you will start in developmental courses or college level courses, SO BE PREPARED by reviewing the material on the Test Information, Review, and Test Referral site.
- Students with Disabilities Click here for additional information.
Testing accommodations are available but must be arranged in advance through Disability Services. You must provide current documentation—not over three years old. Some accommodations require more advanced planning; therefore, it is necessary to contact the Disability Service office in a timely manner.
To learn more about assistance and accommodations available to students with documented disabilities contact Disability Services.
If you have any questions, please email the TSI Coordinator or the Advising Center.