TSI Exemptions

TSI Assessment Exemptions

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

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 before 2/15/2023: A composite of 23 with a 19 in English
• ACT after 2/15/2023: A combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests
• 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 before 2/15/2023: A composite of 23 with a 19 in English
• ACT after 2/15/2023: A combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests
• 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 before 2/15/2023: A composite of 23 with a 19 in Math
• ACT after 2/15/2023: A score of 22 on the mathematics test
• SAT: 530+
  *English II and Algebra I STAAR scores will not satisfy requirement.
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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 in mathematics, reading, or writing. (An evaluation process by faculty is required. UT Tyler personnel will facilitate this process.).

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.

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, 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. 

At the University of Texas at Tyler we use a course grade of D to determine whether a student is qualified to satisfactorily complete college-level coursework in reading, writing, and/or mathematics. Institutional or transfer credit for the following courses is accepted for Reading and Writing: ENGL 1301, ENGL1302, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, POLS 2305, ENGL 232 , ENGL 2323, ENGL 2362, ENGL 2363, ECON 2301, ECON 2302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322, PSYC 1301, HUMA 1301. Institutional or transfer credit for college-level math is accepted for Math.