The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was instituted by the Texas Legislature to ensure that students enrolled in public colleges and universities possess the academic skills needed to perform effectively in college-level course work. Entering college students are required to demonstrate their college readiness by meeting minimum standards on TSI Assessments in math, reading, and writing or by demonstrating an exemption for each area. Those students who do not meet these standards are required to enroll in appropriate developmental courses designed to improve their academic skills and prepare them for college-level courses.

This Student Informational Brochure provided by the state offers additional information.

The UH TSI Orientation Guide is a quick summary of the process for our admitted students.

The process of ensuring that you are compliant with the TSI requirements happens in three phases: Exemption, Assessment, and Remediation. 

Phase 1: TSI Exemptions and Waivers

You may demonstrate college readiness through a list of approved exemptions. The documents that you submitted at the time of application to the University of Houston are automatically evaluated to determine whether there are any possible exemptions, including national test scores and courses listed on transcripts. If there is information to exempt one or more TSI areas, the exemptions are automatically recorded in your student account; if you are complete in all three areas, your TSI requirement will be recorded as complete.

If you are incomplete in any of the three areas after your exemptions are automatically reviewed, a TSI enrollment hold will be placed on your account, which will prevent all enrollment, and a To-do List for TSI Compliancy will be added to your student account for each incomplete subject area. You’ll be sent an email to explain the TSI requirements and what exemptions are allowed.

If you have documentation you believe qualifies you for a TSI exemption (e.g, TSI test scores taken at another institution or unofficial transcripts) you may submit it by email at tsi@uh.edu. Sometimes documentation you have already submitted includes information that may exempt you from TSI (e.g, TSI status or test scores listed on transcripts or transcripts that have been submitted but not yet processed). The TSI staff will perform a manual review of your documentation, record TSI areas as complete, and, if all three areas are complete, release the hold. Note that unofficial documentation will allow for a one-semester waiver for the purpose of temporarily releasing the TSI hold, however official documentation must be submitted to UH Admissions to avoid having the enrollment hold reapplied.

If your documentation does not meet exemption requirements, your next step will be to take the appropriate TSI Assessments. 

The state allows these TSI exemptions:

• ACT exemption - For the ACT administered PRIOR to February 15, 2023: a composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test shall be exempt for both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment and/or 19 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment. Scores may not be more than 5 years old at the time of exemption.;
• For the ACT administered on or AFTER February 15, 2023: a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests shall be exempt for both reading and writing or ELAR sections of the TSI Assessment. A score of 22 on the mathematics test shall be exempt from the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment. There is no composite score.
• SAT exemption: 480 on Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 530 on Math. Scores may not be more than 5 years old at the time of exemption.
• TAKS exemption: 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 on the Eleventh-grade exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Scores may not be more than 5 years old at the time of exemption.
• STAAR exemption: STAAR end-of-course (EOC) exam scores, including a minimum score on English III Reading of 2000, English III Writing of 2000, and Algebra II of 4000, shall be exempt from the TSI Assessments in those respective areas of reading, writing, and math. (Note: It is our understanding from the State that although HB5 disallowed administration of the English III exams for a time period, they were administered in some cases prior to the effective date for HB5. In addition, starting with AY 2015-2016, school districts may opt into administering these exams again. Therefore, these STARR EOC exemptions remain in rule and in effect (TAC, Rule 4.54(b).) Scores may not be more than 5 years old at the time of exemption.
• Degree exemption: students who have graduated with an associate (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science) as determined by the University of Houston or a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.
• Course work exemption: students with a passing grade in college-level coursework in a related field, either at UH, external transfer credit posted to the UH account, or by using AP exam scores, IB exam scores, or dual credit grades, as determined by the University of Houston. See the UH TSI Course Exemption list for courses that will satisfy an exemption. 
• Prior military service exemption: students who on or after August 1, 1990, were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or service as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces. Please submit a copy of the DD-214 form as documentation.
• GED: Effective 5/12/2021 a minimum score of 165 on the Mathematical Reasoning subject test shall be exempt for mathematics. A minimum score of 165 on the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) subject test shall be exempt for English Language Arts Reading (ELAR).  The high school equivalency test exemptions are valid up to five (5) years from the date of testing.
• HiSET: Effective 5/12/2021 a minimum score of 15 on the Mathematics subtest shall be exempt for mathematics. A minimum score of 15 on the Reading subtest and a minimum score of 15 on the Writing subtest, including a minimum score of 4 on the essay, shall be exempt for English Language Arts Reading (ELAR).  The high school equivalency test exemptions are valid up to five (5) years from the date of testing.
  • NOTE: HiSET has informed the Texas Education Agency that it will no longer administer its test after 8/31/21. Therefore, HiSET scores with test administration dates after 8/31/21 will no longer be useable for the TSI exemption. However, HiSET college readiness scores with test dates on or prior to 8/31/21 will still be useable up to five (5) years from the date of testing.

The state-allowed TSI waivers applicable to UH are as follows:

• Military Service waiver: Students serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces and have been serving for at least 3 years preceding enrollment are eligible for a one-semester waiver of the TSI requirements. Note that this is not a complete exemption but rather a temporary waiver; students in this category must demonstrate eligibility each semester in order to have the hold released.
• Non-degree seeking waiver: students who wish to take courses for personal enrichment but are not pursuing an undergraduate degree. This waiver is not an exemption from the TSI requirement for courses that note TSI as a prerequisite. Students may enroll in any coursework for which they have met prerequisite requirements. Students wishing to enroll in a course that requires TSI completion should speak with their advisor for options.

Phase 2: TSI Assessment

If you are not exempt from the TSI requirements, you will be required to take the appropriate section (Mathematics or English Language Arts Reading) of the TSI Assessment prior to enrolling in classes. 

Have you already taken the TSI Assessment at your high school or another institution?

• If you shared your scores with UH at the time that you tested, those scores should be automatically downloaded to your account. Check your Student Center under Admissions.
• If you did not yet share your scores with UH:
  • Log in to the Accuplacer Student Portal
  • View your Individual Score Report (ISR)
  • Select the “Share Score Report” button for each of your TSI scores - we need a complete TSI testing history for advising purposes
  • Select to share to University of Houston and Submit.
  • Click here for full retrieval instructions
• Please allow 2-3 business days for your TSI assessment scores to be downloaded to your Student Center and your TSI status to be updated.

First, you'll want to prepare for the TSIA2. 

To prepare for the TSIA2, please plan to dedicate several hours over a couple of weeks to refresh the math, reading, and writing skills that will be covered on the TSI assessment. Since many of the tested topics are taught as early as middle school, it has probably been several years since you worked on questions like these. Setting aside time to refresh your skills and knowledge may help you get a higher score and ensure you are ready to begin college-level coursework. Here are the TSI Assessment preparation resources available to help you prepare:

• Accuplacer Student Portal: The student portal allows access to practice resources, your Accuplacer (TSI) Score Report, test center locator, and test-taking tutorials.
• TSIA2 Resource Library: Browse by subject area, level, and type of resource. On the right side of the page, there is a Welcome box. For students taking the assessment for the first time, please click the “Enter Student Site” blue button. Students who are retaking the assessment, please enter your Learning Locator Code (found on the diagnostic score report that you received upon completion of your test) for targeted resources based on your test performance.
• UH LAUNCH: contact for TSI-specific peer tutoring and review workshops.
• IMPORTANT NOTE FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING ORIENTATION: Although we strongly recommend you take the TSI assessment well before orientation so your scores can be received in time and your enrollment will not be delayed, the good news is that you do not need to wait until you have taken this test to participate in New Student Orientation. See the Remediation Advising section below for how to discuss your TSI assessment status with your advisor.

Now, you are ready to take the TSI Assessment. 

1. Complete the TSI Pre-Assessment.
   • Create an account at the Accuplacer site.
   • When you receive the Accuplacer Welcome email, follow the instructions to access the TSIA2 Pre-Assessment.
   • Select University of Houston as the institution and select agree to share information with institution.
   • Note: You must complete all sections (ELAR and Mathematics sections) of the TSIA2 Pre-Assessment in order to generate a completion certificate.
   • Note: You only need to complete the Pre-Assessment the first time you take the TSIA2 for each subject area.
   • Upon completion of the TSIA2 Pre-Assessment, you will receive a completion certificate from NoReply@accuplacer.info
   • Email the completion certificate to ets@uh.edu
2. Take the TSIA2 assessment.
   • To take the TSIA2 remotely:
     • Submit the TSI Remote Request Form. A testing voucher generated by ACCUPLACER will be sent with instructions about how to proceed with scheduling and completing the TSI assessment. Once the assessment is completed, the scores will be uploaded to your UH record. 
     • Review the TSI Accuplacer Remote Voucher Notification and Instructions.
   • To take the TSIA2 in person:
     • Click Register > Assessments.
3. Find additional information:
   • See the UH Testing Services website for additional information on registration, test fees, and test content.
   • Note: Reading and Writing are combined into one English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) assessment in the TSIA2, so if you have previously passed or exempted only Reading or only Writing, you must still take the entire ELAR TSIA2 assessment.
   • Do you require testing assistance or accommodations? Please contact the Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center at 713-743-5400 or 713-749-1527 (TDD).
4. View your score report on the Accuplacer Student Portal  and share your score with University of Houston. UH will access your TSI test scores and upload to your student records. Please allow 48-72 hours for the system to update your TSI status.

Approved passing TSI scores:

• For TSI Assessment, v2 (TSIA2), administered AFTER 1/11/21: The minimum passing standards for the TSIA2 are as follows:
  • Mathematics: a College Readiness Classification (CRC) score of at least 950; or a CRC score below 950 and a Diagnostic level of 6.
  • English Language Arts Reading (ELAR): a College Readiness Classification (CRC) score of at least 945 and an essay score of at least 5; or a CRC score below 945 and a Diagnostic level of 5 or 6 and an essay score of at least 5.
• For TSI Assessment (TSIA) administered BEFORE 1/11/21: The minimum passing score for each TSI Assessment section are as follows:
  • Mathematics: a score ranging from 350 to 390.
  • Reading: a score ranging from 351 to 390;
  • Writing: a placement score of at least 340, and an essay score of at least a 4; or a placement score of less than 340, and an ABE Diagnostic level of at least 4, and an essay score of at least 5;
• Note: You may mix passing scores from the old TSIA and TSIA2. For example, if you passed Reading and Writing on the TSIA, and are incomplete in math only, you may take only the math portion of the TSIA2. However, Reading and Writing are combined into one assessment in the TSIA2, so if you passed only Reading or only Writing previously, you must take the entire ELAR TSIA2 assessment.

Phase 3: Remediation Advising for an Individual Success Plan

If you do not pass one or more TSI Assessments, your enrollment hold will remain on your student account. When you meet with your college advisor for Remediation Advising during New Student Orientation, let them know you are not TSI complete. They will discuss with you a success plan based on your needs and degree plan, as well as on your past performance in the affected subject area(s). This plan may include developmental coursework or other supports necessary to ensure readiness to perform college-level academic coursework. Once your TSI Remediation Advising is completed and documented, your college will waive your TSI requirement for one semester and lift the TSI hold temporarily so that you can enroll in your first semester classes. At any time that you are able, you can choose to retake the assessment, and if you pass, you can drop any developmental coursework. Otherwise, you must follow this plan by taking the courses as instructed by your college.

See the developmental education page for this term's sections.

Once you pass the developmental course, your TSI requirement for that subject will be completed. However, you will still be enrolled in that course at the time that registration for the following semester begins, and so you will not yet have satisfied the requirement. Please make an appointment your academic advisor to request to have your hold released in order to enroll in courses for the second semester. If you are not able to demonstrate that you are TSI complete by the end of the first semester, the TSI hold will be replaced on your student account, meaning you will need to see your advisor to make a plan for meeting the TSI requirement in your second semester at UH.

Students should complete the TSI requirement within two consecutive long semesters at UH (i.e., within the first academic year). The TSI hold will be replaced on the student account each semester a student remains incomplete. Students who remain incomplete beyond two semesters should make an appointment with their academic advisor for options to continue enrollment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have questions about TSI. Who can I ask?

Q: I turned in my transcripts that show a TSI exemption. Why do I still have a hold?

Q: I scored higher on the SAT the second time I took it. Can those scores exempt me?

Q: I was TSI complete at my last institution.  Why do I still have a hold?

Q: If I bring documentation on the day of my orientation to exempt me from TSI, will my hold be removed immediately?

Q: How many times can I re-take the TSI Assessment?

A: You may take the TSI Assessment as many times as you like. You are encouraged to take time in between to prepare for the re-take so that you can be successful. See the TSI information on the UH Testing Services website for more information on the TSI Assessment.

Q: I am currently enrolled in courses at another institution that will allow me to be exempt from TSI.  Why do I have a hold?

Q: I have AP/IB test scores that are high enough to earn course credit.  Why do I have a TSI hold?

Q: I completed dual credit courses.  Why do I have a TSI hold?

Q:  I have taken COMPASS/ACCUPLACER/THEA/ASSET.  Can I use this score to be exempt from TSI?

Q: I am currently serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces, have been serving for at least 3 years, and I did not have a hold at my previous institution.  Why do I have a hold?

Q: I am a former member of the U.S. armed forces or Texas National Guard. To be exempt what documentation should I submit?

Q: What is the difference between a TSI waiver and a TSI exemption?

Q: I have completed college-level courses at an international institution.  Why do I have a hold?