You must have TSI assessment scores on file prior to enrolling for college-level courses. If you meet any of the following conditions, you are exempt or waived from the TSI requirements. If you are TSI exempt, you are still required to meet course prerequisites which can include taking a college assessment test to determine college level readiness skills. Some DCCC course prerequisites could require a higher cut score than those outlined by the THECB TSI state minimum requirements.
- For a period of five years from the date of assessment, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards is exempt: (Scores for exemption must be attained in one sitting.) Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisites requirements, which can include taking a college assessment test.
- ACT: English = 19, Math = 19, Composite = 23
- SAT: Verbal = 500, Math = 500, Combined = 1070
The 2005 SAT has new score ranges. These new ranges will be posted once THECB announces the 2005 SAT score requirements as they relate to TSI.
Students who take SAT & ACT tests starting in April 2004 to present date can qualify for partial exemptions as outlined below.
For a period of (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards shall be exempt.
- ACT: Composition score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test and/or the mathematics tests shall be exempt for those corresponding sections.
- SAT: A combined verbal and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the verbal test and/or the mathematics tests shall be exempt for those corresponding sections.
- For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the Eleventh grade exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the math section and/or a minimum scale score of 2200 on the English Language Arts section with a writing subsection score of at least 3, shall be exempt from assessment required under this title for those corresponding sections. Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisite requirements which can include taking a college assessment test.
- A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Texas public institution and submits appropriate documentation of degree and official transcript is exempt. Degrees and transcripts from regionally accredited private or independent institutions of higher education or regionally accredited out-of-state institutions of higher education are not considered exempt by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, but transcripts will be evaluated to determine college level readiness in the component areas of reading, writing skills and mathematics. Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisite requirements which can include taking a college assessment test.
- A student who transfers to the DCCC from a regionally accredited private or independent institution of higher education or a regionally accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed at least 3 hours college-level core-related coursework with a grade of "C" or better is exempt. The transferred college-level core-related coursework will be evaluated to determine which component area(s) reading, writing or math will have been met. An official transcript must be submitted. Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisite requirements which can include taking a college assessment test.
- A student who has previously attended any accredited institution of higher education and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution is exempt. An official transcript must be submitted. Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisite requirements which can include taking a college assessment test.
- A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less will be waived of TSI requirements (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours). Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisite requirements which can include taking a college assessment test.
- 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 is exempt. Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisite requirements which can include taking a college assessment test.
- 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 is exempt. Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisite requirements which can include taking a college assessment test.
- A non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking student is waived from TSI requirements. Students must still meet DCCC course prerequisite requirements which can include taking a college assessment test.