Axe ’Em, Jacks!
The Texas Success Initiative is a state-mandated program designed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to determine whether you're ready for entry-level college coursework in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. Students who don't meet one or more of the established benchmarks of the Texas Success Initiative Assessment are required to participate in appropriate foundational/support coursework.
SFA doesn't accept Texas College Bridge certificates as an exemption for TSI testing or coursework.
The TSI Assessment is mandatory for all incoming students unless you qualify for an exemption. TSI requirements apply to all students in Texas public colleges and universities.
All exemptions are subject to verification by the TSI coordinator. Read the criteria carefully and be sure to send the proper documentation based on the exemption reason for which you qualify.
You qualify for full exemption if:
- You are not a degree-seeking student.
- You've earned an associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, as recognized by the THECB.
- You qualify for one of these military exemptions:
- Currently serving your third or more year of active duty as a member of the armed forces, Texas National Guard or a reserve component of the armed forces. Send proof of enlistment date to tsi@sfasu.edu.
- Have been honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces or the Texas National Guard on or after Aug. 1, 1990. Send copy of DD214 to tsi@sfasu.edu.
Check criteria for partial exemption from taking the TSI Assessment
TSI Assessment for mathematics
You qualify for exemption from the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment if you answer "yes" to one of the following two questions:
- Do you have credit (grade D or higher) for any college-level math course?
- Do you have any of the following scores or higher from a test that is less than five years old?
- ACT scores taken before March 2023
- 23 composite and 19 math (from same testing date)
- ACT scores taken March 2023 to present
- 22 math (no composite score)
- SAT scores: 530 math
- GED Mathematical Reasoning: 165
- ACT scores taken before March 2023
If your answer is "yes" to either of these questions, you do not need to take the TSI Assessment for math and should view instructions for sending documentation.
Otherwise, you must take the TSI Assessment for math.
TSI Assessment for English language arts/reading and essay
You qualify for exemption from the ELAR and essay section of the TSI Assessment if you answer "yes" to one of the following two questions:
- Do you have credit (grade D or higher) for ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1302?
- Do you have any of the following scores or higher from a test that is less than five years old?
- ACT scores taken before March 2023
- 23 composite and 19 English (from same testing date)
- ACT scores taken March 2023 to present
- 40 combined reading and writing scores (scores may be from separate tests, no super scores, no composite score)
- SAT scores: 480 evidence-based reading/writing
- GED Reasoning Through Language Arts: 165
- ACT scores taken before March 2023
If your answer is "yes" to either of these questions, you do not need to take the TSI Assessment for ELAR and essay and should view instructions for sending documentation.
Otherwise, you must take the TSI Assessment for ELAR and essay.
Use this section only if you meet any exemption criteria above.
Submitting test scores
If your test scores meet exemption criteria, email a copy of the test scores to tsi@sfasu.edu.
You may download a free PDF copy of your official SAT scores from your College Board account. You must pay for and send your ACT scores directly from your myACT account.
Access TSI Assessment scores at College Board's ACCUPLACER Student Portal website. Your name, birthdate, date of testing and all scores must be visible.
Sending your unofficial transcript
To show you meet TSI Assessment exemption through college course credit, email a copy of your unofficial college transcript to tsi@sfasu.edu. Include your name, name of college, course(s) and final grades in the documentation.