TSI Full or Partial Exemptions


Students may seek exemption from the TSI based on:

  • SAT (College Code 1951) - (less than 5 years old) Scores with an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher and a Math score of 530 or higher. Send a copy of your score report that shows your full name, scores and date of test. A PDF copy works best if available. Official scores will still need to be sent. 
  • ACT (College Code 4046)
    • Tests taken on or before Feb. 14, 2023 - A student with an ACT Composite Score of 23 (or higher) is exempt from TSI Math with an ACT Math score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT English may be less than 19. A student with an ACT Composite Score of 23 (or higher) is exempt from TSI ELAR with an ACT English score of 19 or higher, even though the Math may be less than 19.  Scores must be less than 5 years old.
    • Tests taken on or after Feb. 15, 2023 - (less than 5 years old) A student with a Math score of 22 or higher is exempt from TSI Math even if the student does not meet the English/Reading requirement. A student with a combined English and Reading score of 40 or higher is exempt from the TSI ELAR even if the student does not meet the Math requirement.
  • STAAR (less than 5 years old) English III Level 2 score of 4000 or higher. Algebra II Level 2 score of 4000 or higher.
  • High School Equivalency (HSE) - Meeting the college readiness benchmark on either of the state's approved High School Equivalency HSE) tests for tests taken on or after May 12, 2021 (less than 5 years old):
    • GED scores of 165 or higher on the Mathematical Reasoning subject test and 165 or higher on the Reasoning Through Language Arts RLAA) subject test
    • HiSET* scores of 15 or higher on the Mathematics sub test and a score of 15 or higher on the Reading sub test and a score of 15 or higher on the Writing sub test (that includes a minimum score of 4 on the essay). (Note: HiSET scores are only valid on tests taken 5/12/2021 through 8/31/2021 that are less than 5 years old.)
  • College Transcripts (Official transcript must be on file to document these exemptions. An unofficial copy showing your full name, the institution's name, and your courses and grades can be used for a temporary waiver.)
    • TSI exemption given by another Texas public institution.
    • Completion of an associate degree or higher from a United States accredited institution.
    • Transfer student from a U.S. private or out-of-state accredited institution with three or more credit level hours (D or better).
    • Note: International transcripts are not accepted for TSI exemption.
  • 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.  Must provide a copy of DD214 (Member 2 or Member 4 version) to document exemption.
  • Other
    • 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 non-degree-seeking student (Students taking courses with a TSI requirement or planning to transfer courses to another college must be TSI complete.)

May I register for classes pending the arrival of my official scores?

YES, YOU CAN!

Once your application has been processed by Admissions, you may submit a Conditional TSI Compliance Contract and an unofficial copy of your qualifying scores to: 

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

This contract will allow 60 days for your OFFICIAL TSI documentation to arrive! CLICK HERE for the contract and complete details!