TSI Exemptions & Waivers

• A math score of 530 or higher will exempt the math TSI requirement.
• A reading and writing score of 480 or higher will exempt the reading and writing TSI requirements.

• A math score of 22 or higher will exempt the math TSI requirement.
• A combined English and reading score of 40 or higher will exempt the reading and writing TSI requirements.

• A math score of 19 or higher and composite score of 23 or higher will exempt the math TSI requirement.
• An English score of 19 or higher and composite score of 23 or higher will exempt the reading and writing TSI requirements.

If you received credit for course work equivalent to the following SHSU courses with a grade of "C" or better, you are exempt in that area:

• Math:
  • MATH 1314, 1316, 1324, 1332, 1342, 1369, 1384, 1385, 1410, 1420
• Reading and Writing:
  • ENGL 1301 or 1302
  • HIST 2311 or 2312
  • PHIL 1301, 2303, or 2306
  • SOCI 1301 or 2319
• Reading only:
  • ARTS 1303 or 1315
  • BUAD 2301 or 2321
  • CRIJ 2361 or 2362
  • ECON 2300, 2301, or 2302
  • ENGL 2332 or 2333
  • GEOG 1321, 2355, or 2356
  • HIST 1301 or 1302
  • MUSI 2348
  • POLS 2305 or 2306
  • PSYC 1301 or 2315
  • SOCI 1306

AP and CLEP scores must be articulated by our Admission’s Office before being considered for a TSI exemption.

If you have earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, you qualify for a TSI exemption in all areas. Please note that we are unable to accept applied associate's degrees for exemption.

For a TSI exemption to be applied, you must submit a copy of your transcript from your previous institution reflecting your degree conferral or a copy of your diploma. 

Veterans who were honorably discharged on or after August 1, 1990, are granted a TSI exemption in all areas.

For a TSI exemption to be applied, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 with the Special Additional Information section viewable. 

Your GED scores must have been earned within the past five years and no earlier than May 12, 2021.

• A mathematical reasoning score of 165 or higher will exempt the math TSI requirement.
• A reasoning through language arts score of 165 or higher will exempt the reading and writing TSI requirements.

• A mathematics score of 15 or higher will exempt the math TSI requirement.
• A reading score or 15 or higher, writing score of 15 or higher, and essay score of 4 or higher will exempt the reading and writing TSI requirements.

Your STAAR EOC scores must have been earned within the past five years. Please note that these tests have not been offered since 2021 and are no longer required to graduate high school, so it is rare for incoming students to have taken them.

• An Algebra II, Level II score of 4000 or higher will exempt the math TSI requirement.
• An English III Reading, Level II score of 2000 or higher will exempt the reading and writing TSI requirements.

A Texas College Bridge TSI waiver is valid for two years from your high school graduation date. For the waiver to remain, you must enroll in your core English and/or math course during your first year of enrollment at a college.

• A math Texas College Bridge completion certificate will waive your math TSI requirement.
• An English Texas College Bridge completion certificate will waive your reading and writing TSI requirements.