Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Compliance
All new students are required to take a placement test to determine if developmental courses are needed in reading, writing and mathematics as required by the Texas Success Initiative. The TSI Placement Assessment is valid up to five years from the test date.
The purpose of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), mandated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is to grant institutions of higher education the flexibility and responsibility to improve individualized programs and ensure the success of students in higher education. All students must meet placement requirements before enrolling in restricted courses.
The following examinations may qualify to satisfy the TSI requirement:
- ACT - American College Test
- SAT - Scholastic Aptitude Test
- STAAR (EOC) - State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness
Note: Please see the exemptions table for more information.
Assessment Level Tables
Reading
| Examinations |
Level 1 (R1) |
Level 2 (R2) |
Level 3 (R3) |
| TSI Assessment |
341 and Below |
342–350 |
351+ |
| ACT (Reading) |
0–14 |
15–18 |
19+ |
| SAT taken prior to March 2016 (Reading) |
200–419 |
420–499 |
500+ |
SAT taken on or after March 5, 2016
(Evidence-based Reading and Writing) |
200–402 |
403–479 |
480+ |
Writing and English
| Examinations |
Level 1 (E1) |
Level 2 (E2) |
Level 3 (E3) |
| TSI Assessment |
Essay 0–3 and 353 and below |
Essay 0–3 and 354+ |
Essay 4 and 340+ or Essay 5 and ABE Diagnostic of 4+ |
| ACT (English) |
0–14 |
15–18 |
19+ |
| SAT taken prior to March 2016 (Reading) |
200–419 |
420–499 |
500+ |
SAT taken on or after March 5, 2016
(Evidence-based Reading and Writing) |
200–402 |
403–479 |
480+ |
Mathematics
| Examinations |
Level 0 (M0) |
Level 1 (M1) |
Level 2 (M2) |
Level 3 (M3) |
| TSI Assessment |
335 and below |
336–345 |
346–349 |
350+ |
| ACT (Mathematics) |
0–12 |
13–15 |
16–19 |
20+ |
| SAT taken prior to March 2016 (Mathematics) |
200–310 |
311–459 |
460–499 |
500+ |
SAT taken on or after March 5, 2016
(Mathematics) |
200–329 |
330–486 |
487–529 |
530+ |
Exemptions from All or Some Assessment Requirements
| Exemption Types |
Reading and Writing
Exemption Criteria |
Mathematics
Exemption Criteria |
| ACT taken within 5 years from the testing date |
Must be exempt from all parts with a composite of 23+, English 19+, and Mathematics 19+ |
| SAT (taken prior to March 2016) taken within 5 years from the testing date |
Must be exempt from all parts with a score of Reading 500+, Mathematics 500+, and a combine total of 1070+ |
| SAT (taken on or after March 5, 2016) taken within 5 years from the testing date |
Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 480+ |
Mathematics 530+ |
| 11th Grade TAKS within 5 years form the testing date |
ELA 2200+ with writing sample 3+ |
Mathematics 2200+ |
| STAAR (EOC) for graduates |
Level 2 ENGL 3
Writing 2000+
Reading 2000+ |
Level 2 Algebra 2
4000+ |
| Earned Degrees |
A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. |
Scores are subject to change without notice. Please refer to this Catalog section (online) for the latest updates.
TSI Exemptions
All students taking college-level courses must satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements, unless they qualify for a TSI exemption, waiver or exception.
Official documents must be submitted to the Student Enrollment Center for determining exemption. Exemptions are permanent and do not need to be renewed each semester.
Score Exempt
Students who meet qualifying standards on the SAT, ACT, STAAR or TAKS test may be eligible for an exemption. Please reference the "Exemptions from All or Some Assessment Requirements" table found in the Assessment Level Tables section of the Catalog to verify your eligibility for a score exemption or contact the Student Enrollment Center at (361) 698-1290.
Degree Exempt
Students who have earned an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution are exempt from all Texas Success Initiative requirements.
Transfer Exempt/Passed
Students whose previous Texas public college or university has determined that they have met minimum passing standards in Reading, Writing and English, and/or Math are exempt in the curricular area/s indicated, but must develop and pursue an Academic Success Plan in any remaining area(s). An official transcript or other appropriate documentation of status must be submitted.
Private/Out-of-State Transfer Exempt
Students who transfer from a regionally accredited college or university and have earned at least three semester hours of college level credit (in the subjects of Reading, Writing, and Math) are exempt at entry. An official transcript must be submitted.
Course Exempt
Students who have completed a restricted course from a regionally accredited college or university earning a grade of C or higher are exempt in the curricular area of that course but must develop and pursue an academic success plan with an advisor in any remaining area(s).
Veteran Exempt
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 the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States may be exempted. The veteran must provide a valid DD214.
Military Exempt
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 may be exempted. The service member must provide a valid statement of service from his or her unit of assignment.
Certificate Level 1
A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level 1 certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college is waived from the TSI requirement. TSI requirements apply if you change your major or take courses outside of your Level 1 certificate plan.
International Students
If you are an international student whose primary language is other than English, and you are taking only English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, you will take the Comprehensive English Language Test (CELT) to determine your placement into ESOL classes.
Certification/Licensing Exams
There are special licensing/certification/registry exams that students may be required to take upon completion of specific occupational degree programs. Check with your departmental advisor for additional information upon completion of your degree requirements.
Other Examinations/Exam Proctoring Services
Del Mar College employs exam proctoring services, as appropriate, to verify student identity in hybrid and online courses.