TSI Exemptions And Waivers

Students may seek exemption or waiver from the TSI based on:

• 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 to register before your official transcript arrives.)
  • 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: Developmental classes are not accepted as exemptions.
  • Note: International transcripts are not accepted for TSI exemption.
  • 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.
    
  • 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. SuperScores are not usable. All acceptable scores must come from the same test date.
    • 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 (3) Level 2 score of 4000 or higher. Algebra II (2) 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.)
      • Military
        • 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. Must provide a copy of DD214 (Member 2 or Member 4 version) to document exemption.
          • 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 and has been serving for at least three (3) years preceding enrollment.
          • 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.
              • Eligible students should send and email with their full name and CWID number to TSI_info@collin.edu to request this information be updated on their record.
              • A non-degree-seeking student (Students taking courses with a TSI requirement or planning to transfer courses to another college must be TSI complete.)
              • College Prep 2 Year Waiver
                • High School Transcript - Collin College will only accept college prep programs offered by these partnering high schools.
                  • A student who has successfully completed College Preparatory courses through a Collin partnering high school is eligible to receive a waiver for two (2) years from the date of high school graduation if they have successfully completed the program.
                    • Successful completion of College Prep English/Language Arts allows for a two year waiver for Reading and Writing.
                    • Successful completion of College Prep Math allows for a two year waiver for Math.
                    • A student who has successfully completed College Preparatory courses through the Texas College Bridge program is eligible to receive a waiver for two (2) years from the date of high school graduation if they have successfully completed the program.
                      • Successful completion of College Prep English/Language Arts allows for a two year waiver for Reading and Writing.
                      • Successful completion of College Prep Math allows for a two year waiver for Math.

                      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 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)