Exemptions
- Student is exempt on the basis of SAT I scores (less than 5 years old) with a minimum qualifying score of 1070 composite, with 500 Critical Reading and 500 Math.
- Student is exempt on the basis of the ACT (less than 5 years old) with a minimum qualifying score of 23 composite, with 19 English and 19 Math.
- Student is exempt on the basis of high school exit level TAKS with a minimum qualifying score of 2200 Math and 2200 English Language Arts with Writing sub-score of 3.
- TSI exemption given by another Texas public institution. Official transcript must be on file to document exemption.
- Student has an associate degree or higher from a United States regionally accredited institution.
- Transfer student from a U.S. private or out-of-state regionally accredited institution with three or more credit level hours.
- 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 member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States. Must provide a copy of DD214 to document exemption.
- Students who have an ACT composite score of 23 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math with an ACT Math score of 19 (or higher) even though the ACT English may be less than 19. Likewise, an ACT English score of 19 (or higher), even though the ACT Math may be less than 19, can be exempt from TSI Reading and TSI Writing.
- Students who have an SAT composite score of 1070 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math with a SAT Math score of 500 (or higher) even though the SAT Critical Reading may be less than 500. Likewise, an SAT Critical Reading score of 500 (or higher), even though the SAT Math may be less than 500, can be exempt from TSI Reading and Writing.
- Students with a TAKS Math score of 2200 (or higher) can be exempt from TSI Math. Likewise, a TAKS English Language Arts score of 2200 with a TAKS Writing sub-score of 3 exempts a student from TSI Reading and TSI Writing. The TAKS English Language Arts component is "all or nothing." In other words, a student with a TAKS English Language Arts score of 2200 with a TAKS Writing sub-score of 2 is NOT exempt from neither TSI Reading nor TSI Writing.
All test scores must be documented on an official document (transcript). Faxes, student score reports, or Xerox copies are not considered official.
Students may be required to participate in Collin local assessments prior to enrollment in certain subjects. Please check with an academic advisor for further information as to which test/assessment is required.
Temporary Waivers
- Students enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Degree plan must be on file).
- Students currently serving on active military duty (United States Armed Forces).
- Who must take the TSI test?
Unless otherwise exempt or waived, all students registering at a Texas public college must take the TSI test. - When do I have to take the TSI test?
The test must be taken before you can enroll in any college-level course at any Texas public institution of higher education. - What test instruments are used for TSI?
ACT Compass (given at Collin), ACCUPLACER, ASSET, and THEA (formerly TASP). - How do I register and pay for the TSI test?
All prospective students of Collin must get a Testing Referral Form from either the Admissions and Records Office or Advising. This form should be taken to the Cashier's Office for payment of the appropriate fee. This receipt should then be taken to any of the three campus Testing Centers listed below. An appointment will be scheduled at that time.
THEA registration is available online at www.thea.nesinc.com (the unit cost of each test, approximately $29, shall be borne by the student). - What happens if I do not pass all three sections of the TSI Test?
Students who initially fail to be placed at college level on a portion of the TSI cannot take a college-level course in the failed subject area until they complete the required developmental courses and/or retest.
