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TSI Exemptions & Waivers

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TSI Exemptions & Waivers

You may be able to exempt or temporarily waive TSI requirements using the methods below. Each exemption has unique ways to qualify. To submit exemption records, access our form using your SHSU email.

TSI Exemptions

Once applied, a TSI exemption does not expire.

Your SAT scores must have been earned within the past five years.
 
  • 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.
Your ACT scores must have been earned within the past five years.

If you tested February 15, 2023 or later:
  • 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.
If you tested before February 15, 2023:
  • 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.

Previous College Credit

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. 

EMTs, firefighters, and peace officers are eligible for a TSI exemption in all areas.
 
You must submit documentation of employment in the form of either your latest pay stub or a letter from your employer dated within the last 30 days. 

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

  • 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.

TSI Waivers

A TSI waiver is temporary and will be removed when no longer applicable. A removed waiver must be replaced by a TSI exemption or scores.

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.
Students who are active duty are allowed a temporary TSI waiver for all areas. Once you are honorably discharged, the waiver may be replaced by a permanent TSI military exemption.
 
For a TSI waiver to be applied, you must submit a copy of your Leave and Earnings Statement.

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Estill Building, Room 331 
Huntsville, TX 77340​

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Email: TSI@shsu.edu

​​Phone: 936.294.1040

Fax: 936.294.1737​

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Sam Houston State University
Office of the Registrar
Box 2029
Huntsville, TX 77341-2029

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