Depending on the course and level of the degree you intend to enroll in, you might be required to complete the requirements for the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) program requires an assessment of your skills in math, reading, and writing. You can complete your TSI requirement in one by meeting the minimum standards on test instruments approved by the state or by satisfying the exemption/exception criteria established by the state.
- Level One Certificate programs, consisting of 15-42 semester credit hours, are TSI exempt but require a basic skills assessment.
- Level Two Certificate programs, consisting of 43-59 semester credit hours, require completion of TSI Alternative Exam for graduation.
- Associate of Applied Science degrees (A.A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), andBachelor of Applied Technology (B.A.T.) require completion of TSI requirements.
You may not have to take an assessment exam, if you have
- previously attended any institution and have met readiness standards by that institution,
- achieved a sufficiently high score on ACT and SAT (with scores no older than 5 years), or TAAS/TAKS (with scores no older than 3 years)
- enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent), unless required as a prerequisite to the program, or
- graduated with an associate’s or baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
If you reside in Hidalgo or Starr Counties, you may use your student ID number to register for ACCUPLACER online via the South Texas College Marketplace. Tests are administered at the following locations:
If you reside outside of the college’s two county district, and are required to take the ACCUPLACER, you may contact the college’s assessment center to make arrangements to test in a location that is convenient and close to home.
Students at STC can use test scores from ASSET and COMPASS (offered by ACT), ACCUPLACER (offered by The College Board), and the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) for the completion of the TSI requirements and for placement purposes.
