TSI Exemptions

Submitting Documentation

Please review the exemption details bellow to check if you qualify for a TSI exemption and see what documents you must submit if so. Once your Collin College application has been processed by Admissions, you may submit an email with the necessary documentation, your full name, and CWID number to the following:

• The Testing Office (by email to TSI_info@collin.edu)
• Academic Planning/Advising (in person)
• Admissions (in person)

 

TSI Exemption Qualifications

For a period of five years from the date of testing, students may seek exemption from TSI based on:

 

ACT and SAT Scores

• An ACT Math score of 22 or higher shall be exempt for mathematics and a combined English and Reading score of 40 or higher shall be exempt for both reading and writing (or ELAR) based on exams taken on or after February 15, 2023.
• An ACT Composite score of 23 or higher with an individual Mathematics score of no less than 19 shall be exempt for mathematics based on exams taken on or before February 14, 2023.
• An ACT Composite score of 23 or higher with an individual English score of no less than 19 shall be exempt for both reading and writing (or ELAR) based on exams taken on or before February 14, 2023.
• SAT with an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher shall be exempt from both reading and writing (or ELAR). SAT with a Math score of 530 or higher shall be exempt from mathematics.

 

Other Scores

• GED scores of 165 or higher on the Mathematical Reasoning subject test shall be exempt from mathematics; scoring 165 or higher on the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) subject test shall be exempt from English Language Arts Reading (ELAR). Tests must have been taken on or after May 12, 2021.
• HiSET scores of 15 or higher on the Mathematics subtest shall be exempt from mathematics; a score of 15 or higher on the Reading subtest and a score of 15 or higher on the Writing subtest (including a minimum score of 4 on the essay) shall be exempt from English Language Arts Reading (ELAR). Tests must have been taken between May 12, 2021 to August 31, 2021.
• STAAR End of Course Test with a minimum score of 4000 on STAAR English III EOC shall be exempt for both reading and writing (ELAR). A minimum score of 4000 on STAAR Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from mathematics.

 

 

TSI Assessment Exemption Qualifications

Additionally, students may seek exemption from TSI assessment in ELAR and/or mathematics for the following course and program completions:

 

Transcripts and Coursework 

• A student who successfully met or completed college readiness standards in reading/writing (ELAR) and/or mathematics at any Texas public, private, independent institution of higher education or U.S. accredited out-of-state institution as determined by the receiving institution (i.e. Collin College) is exempt from the corresponding TSI component.
• A student who successfully completed college level coursework in reading/writing (ELAR) and/or mathematics with a D or better at any Texas public, private, independent institution of higher education or out-of-state institution is exempt from the corresponding TSI component.
• A student who completed a college-level reading/writing (ELAR) or mathematics dual credit course, including a College Connect dual credit course with a grade of D or better from any Texas public institution of higher education is exempt from the corresponding TSI component.
• A student who earned a Texas First Diploma is exempt from the TSI ELAR and mathematics components.
• A student who has earned an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited US institution of higher education is exempt from the TSI ELAR and mathematics components.

 

College Preparatory Courses

A student who successfully completes an accepted college preparatory course is exempt for a period of 24 months from the date of high school graduation with respect to the content area of the course (ELAR and/or mathematics). The student must register for the exempted course in their first year of enrollment at Collin College.

 

High School Transcripts

Collin College will only accept college prep programs offered at partnering high school districts. The high school transcript must show a grade of 70 or higher for one semester for the ELA course, and a grade of 70 or higher for two semesters for the Math course. Questions about partnering school districts should be sent to TSI_info@collin.edu.

Texas College Bridge Program

Texas College Bridge program certificates will only be accepted at Collin College for students who graduated in the spring of 2024 or before. Students who graduate high school after spring 2024 will not be able to use Texas College Bridge certificates for a TSI waiver at Collin College and will have to either take the TSI assessments or provide another form of exemption.

 

Active or Retired Military Students

A student who is active or retired military meeting the following qualifications:

• Retired Military - Documentation for a student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.  Eligible students should submit a copy of DD214 (Member 2 or Member 4 version) to TSI_info@collin.edu. Please include your CWID number and full name in your email.
• Active Military - A student who is currently serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States. Eligible students should submit a current LES statement to TSI_info@collin.edu. Please include your CWID number and full name in your email.

 

 

Other Exemptions

• Level 1 Certificate Programs - A student who is enrolled in a workforce certificate program of one year or less (42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent). A degree plan must be on file.
• Non-degree Seeking Students - A non-degree-seeking student (Students taking courses with a TSI requirement will need to be TSI satisfied to meet most course eligibility requirements).