What is the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)?
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state-required assessment that measures college readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics.
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.
|
Test |
Reading & Writing Exemption |
Math Exemption |
|
SAT (March 2016 and later) |
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW): 480 |
530 Math |
|
ACT taken before February 15, 2023 |
23 Composite with 19 English |
23 composites with 19 Math |
|
ACT taken on/after February 15, 2023 |
Combined score of 40 on English and Reading |
22 Math |
|
STAAR |
4000 on the English III (EOC) |
4000 on the Algebra II (EOC) |
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 StudentsStudents 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.
What Does It Mean to Be TSI-Complete?
You are considered TSI-complete in a subject area when you meet the state-approved minimum scores on the TSIA2.
|
Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 Subject |
Minimum Passing Score |
|
English, Language Arts & Reading (ELAR) |
945 and an essay score of 5 or higher or Less than 945 and a Diagnostic Level of 5 or more and an essay score of 5 or higher |
|
Math |
950 or Less than 950 and Diagnostic Level of 6 |
What If I Do Not Meet the Minimum Score?
If you do not meet the benchmark, you will meet with an academic advisor to determine appropriate placement.
You may be placed into:
Corequisite Courses
Enroll in a college-level course alongside a required support lab.
Developmental Courses
Complete a foundational course before enrolling in credit-bearing classes.
These supports are designed to help you stay on track for graduation.
How Do I Send My TSIA2 Scores to UTPB?
To retrieve your scores, visit the ACCUPLACER Student Portal and follow the TSIA2 retrieval instructions.
Email your score report to: registrar@utpb.edu
How Do I Register to Take the TSI?
Students needing to take the TSIA2 should contact or visit the UTPB Testing Center for registration information.