Texas Success Initiative Assessment

The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative enacted by the Texas State Legislature and is designed to determine a student’s readiness for college-level coursework in the general areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.

If you are an entering college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSIA—unless you are already exempt (read below)—to determine your readiness for college-level work. 

Play the video above to learn about the general aspects of the TSI Assessment and why it matters.

Qualifying for a TSI exemption means that you can enroll in any entry-level college course without restrictions. In other words, there are no prerequisites for enrollment in the entry-level college courses. In most cases, exemptions are subject specific, which means you may qualify for an exemption in one area such as reading but not in another area like mathematics or writing. You may be exempt if you: 

• Have met the minimum college readiness standard on the SAT®, ACT, or the English III/Algebra II STAAR End-of-Course high school tests;
• Have successfully completed college-level course(s);
• Have enrolled in a Level-One certificate program (fewer than 43 semester credit hours);
• Are not seeking a degree; or
• Have been, or currently are, in the military.