TSI Exemptions

Are You TSI Exempt?

If you have already taken the TSI Assessment, completing the authorization form will allow UT Tyler to access your official scores online. Send the form to tsi@uttyler.edu using your Patriot email account.  

A student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards is TSI exempt. Test scores are only valid if they are within a five-year period of the testing date.

The following scores make a student Reading Exempt:

• TAKS (Exit Level) : 2200 - ELA with 3 Essay
• STAAR (EOC): Minimum Level 2 score of 4000-English III*
• ACT: A composite of 23 with a 19 in English
• SAT: EBRW 480+

The following scores make a student Writing Exempt:

• TAKS (Exit Level) : 2000- ELA with 3 Essay
• STAAR (EOC) : Minimum Level 2 score of 4000 - English III*
• ACT: A composite of 23 with a 19 in English
• SAT: EBRW 480+

The following scores make a student Math Exempt

• TAKS (Exit Level) : 2200 - Math
• STAAR (EOC) : Minimum Level 2 score of 4000 - Algebra II
• ACT: A composite of 23 with a 19 in Math
• SAT: 530+

*English II and Algebra I STAAR scores will not satisfy requirement.

Other Exemptions

Out-of-State Transfer Students

•  A student who transfers to an institution from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework (evaluation required).

In-State Transfer Students

•  A student who has previously attended any institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution.

Certificate Programs

•  A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute or a public state college.

Active Military

•  A student who is 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 and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.

Discharged Military

• A student who on or after Aug. 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.

Non Degree Seeking

• An institution may exempt a non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking student.

A TSI exemption does not exempt a student from the university's admission requirements.

Credit by Examination (AP test scores, IB, CLEP)

• A student who achieves the required score on certain AP, IB, or CLEP tests will receive college credit for the associated class as well as TSI exemption in that area. Credit for ENGL 1301 will exempt a student from reading and writing TSI testing. Credit for college-level math will exempt a student from TSI testing in math. Some examination credits such as HIST 1301, or PSYC 1301 may exempt a student from reading TSI requirements only. Contact TSI@uttyler.edu for a review of your credit by examination scores. Your OFFICIAL scores must be provided to UT Tyler to receive credit and TSI exemption.

Credit By Examination at UT Tyler | AP Exam, CLEP Exam, IB Exam

Dual Credit Coursework

• A student who provides an OFFICIAL college transcript showing the successful completion of dual credit coursework may be exempted from TSI testing in some areas. The completion of ENGL 1301 with a grade of C or better will exempt a student from TSI testing in reading and writing. The completion of college-level math with a grade of C or better will exempt a student from TSI testing in math. Letter grades of D or below will not be accepted as “successful completion”. Some additional dual credit coursework such as HIST 1301, or PSYC 1301 may exempt a student from TSI testing in reading only. Contact TSI@uttyler.edu for a review of your dual credit coursework.

*Completion of developmental coursework at another institution does not guarantee that a student meets the college readiness standard based on TSI requirements for UT Tyler.

Dual Credit (uttyler.edu)
Credit By Examination at UT Tyler | AP Exam, CLEP Exam, IB Exam
Information about Credit by Examination at UT Tyler including: Advanced Placement, College-Level Examination Program and  International Baccalaureate Program