The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is mandated by Texas law to ensure that students enrolled in Texas public colleges are ready for college-level coursework in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writing. The results of the assessment, in conjunction with your academic background, goals, and interests, are used by academic advisors and counselors to determine your course selection.
You cannot "pass" or "fail" the placement tests, but it is very important that you do your very best on these tests so that you will have an accurate measure of your academic skills.
Lamar University is not able to access your TSI scores unless you share them.
Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@dos5.net
Complete the form to check your TSI status/other exemptions.
Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@dos5.net
Learn more information about taking the TSI Assessment.
Phone: (409) 880-7217
Email: tsi@dos5.net
Choose test type to see the scores meriting exemption. There is a 5 year expiration on the following exams.
ACT On or After February 15, 2023
ACT | English + Reading | Math |
40+ | 22+ |
ACT Prior to February 15, 2023
ACT | Composite | English | Math |
23+ | 19+ | 19+ |
Determining exemption based upon the ACT exam (Prior to February 15, 2023) is a two step process; you must first meet the Composite minimum. If you earn the minimum Composite score, then you must also meet the minimum for each section to be exempt in that area. You are NOT exempt by earning a 19 in each section, the Composite must be at least 23.
Example: 24 Composite
17 English
22 Math
This student would be exempt in math, but would need to take both the reading and writing portions of the TSI Assessment.
Redesigned SAT | Reading and Writing | Math |
480+ | 530+ |
This exam does not require students to first earn a minimum Overall score. Earning the minimum score in each section will exempt students from taking the TSI Assessment in that area.
STAAR | English III | Algebra II |
Level II (4000) | Level II (4000) |
This exam does not require students to first earn a minimum Overall score. Earning the minimum score in each section will exempt students from taking the TSI Assessment in that area.
Students who complete Texas College Bridge offered by their high schools will receive a TSI requirement waiver valid for two years after high school graduation. To be fully exempt from the TSI, students must submit both the English and Math certificates. If you complete only one TCB program, you will need to submit TSI information for the other subject.
Certificates of completion can be shared through Greenlight or emailed to tsi@dos5.net.
TSI Assessments completed after January 11, 2021. TSI Version 2.0 (TSI2)
The minimum passing score for each section:
TSI Assessments completed before January 11, 2021.
The minimum passing score for each section:
To find out more about your score report for the assessments completed before January 11, 2021 and how to read it, refer to this brochure for more information.
The student brochure for assessments completed after January 11, 2021 can be found here.