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. Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) scores are 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 to 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 TSI Assessment requirements:

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

Scores are subject to change without notice. Please refer to this Catalog section (online) for the latest updates.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Exemptions

The following may be used to exempt you from one or more parts of the TSI Assessment.

Test	Reading and Writing Exemption Criteria	Math Exemption Criteria
ACT (prior to February 15, 2023) taken within 5 years from the testing date	Composite 23+ and English 19+	Composite 23+ and Mathematics 19+
ACT (taken on or after February 15, 2023) taken within 5 years from the testing date	Combined English and Reading score of 40+	Mathematics 22+
SAT (March 2016 or later) taken within 5 years from the test date	Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 480+	Math 530+
STAAR (EOC) for Graduates	Level 2 ENGL 3 4000+	Level 2 Algebra 2 4000+
GED (effective May 12, 2021) taken within 5 years from testing date	Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA) 165+	Mathematical Reasoning 165+
HISET (effective May 12, 2021) taken within 5 years from testing date	Reading 15+ and Writing 15+ and Essay 4+	Mathematics 15+

College Readiness Benchmark

You have completed the Texas Success Initiative Assessment requirements for a subject area if you earn the minimum score listed in the tables and date ranges below. Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) scores are valid for a period of five years from the date of testing.

Note: College Readiness Diagnostic Test Score (DIAG)

TSIA2 Administered on or After 1-11-2021

English/Language/Arts/Reading (ELAR)	Math
Essay 5–8 and 945+ OR < 945 and DIAG ≥ 5 and Essay ≥ 5	950+ OR < 950 and DIAG 6

TSIA2 Administered Prior to 1-11-2021

Reading	Writing	Math
351+	Essay 4 and 340+ OR Essay 5 and ABE DIAG 4+	350+

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Exemptions

All students who are taking college-level courses must satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program requirements unless they qualify for a TSI Assessment 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, or STAAR 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.

Earned Degrees

Students who have earned an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution are exempt from all Texas Success Initiative program requirements.

Previous Coursework

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 document.

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.

Level 1 Certificate Waiver

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 TSI program requirements. TSI program requirements apply if you change your major or take courses outside of your Level 1 certificate plan.

College Preparatory Course (CPC) Waiver

Students who successfully complete a college preparatory course (PCP), as allowed by the Texas Education Agency, are waived for a period of 24 (twenty-four) months from the date of high school graduation with respect to the content area of the course. For more information on eligibility, please contact the Admissions Office by calling 361‐698‐1290 or emailing enroll@delmar.edu.

Texas College Bridge (TCB)

Students who successfully complete a Texas College Bridge (TCB) course are waived for a period of 24 (twenty-four) months from the date of high school graduation with respect to the content area of the course. For more information on eligibility, please contact the Admissions Office by calling 361‐698‐1290 or emailing enroll@delmar.edu.

Non-English Speaking Students

If you are a student whose primary language is other than English and who is 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.

Assessment and Placement

Subpages