Texas Success Initiative Exemptions

If you meet any of the conditions listed below, you may be exempt from taking a Texas Success Initiative (TSI) placement test. Documentation for exemptions is collected and reviewed by Highlander Central in the Enrollment Services Center. Students qualifying for an exemption based on test scores must ensure their official scores are submitted to McLennan Community College. For more information about eligibility for an exemption, call Highlander Central at 254-299-8622.

  • Your scores on ACT, SAT, GED, or STAAR meet or exceed minimum requirements.

    Exemplary Test Score Chart for TSI Waiver

    ACT (taken on or after February 15, 2023)

    Composite ScoreNo Composite
    Minimum Math22
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or WritingCombined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E+R) tests
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    ACT (if taken before February 15, 2023)

    Composite Score23
    Minimum Math19
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing19 on English
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    SAT (taken March 5, 2016 to present)

    Composite ScoreNo Composite — can qualify in one category
    Minimum Math530
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing480 EBRW
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    SAT (taken April 1995 to March 4, 2016)

    Composite Score1070 — all categories must be met to be considered exempt
    Minimum Math500
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing500 EBRW
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    SAT (taken prior to April 1995)

    Composite Score970 — all categories must be met to be considered exempt
    Minimum Math470
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing420
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    GED (taken on or after May 12, 2021)

    Composite ScoreN/A
    Minimum Math165
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing165
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    STAAR (Level 2)

    Composite ScoreN/A
    Minimum Math4000 (Level 2) Algebra II
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing2000 (Level 2) English III
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    TAKS

    Composite ScoreN/A
    Minimum Math2200
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing2200 with Writing Sub-Score of 3
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    HiSET

    Composite ScoreN/A
    Minimum Math15 Mathematics subtest
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing15 Reading subtest and 15 Writing subtest, including a minimum essay of 4
    Expiration of Scores5 years

    College Bridge

    Composite ScoreN/A
    Minimum MathCompletion of the certificate
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or WritingCompletion of the certificate
    Expiration of ScoresStudents have one year from the start of college to complete college-level coursework in Math and/or English with a grade of 'C' or better. Students have two years to start the clock.

    AP

    Composite ScoreN/A
    Minimum Math3+ on Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Precalculus or Statistics
    Minimum English, Reading, and/or Writing3+ on English Language and Composition
    Expiration of Scores5 years
  • You had active military duty for at least 3 years preceding enrollment.
  • You previously attended any institution and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution.
  • On or after August 1, 1990, you were honorably discharged, retired or released from the U.S. Military, Texas National Guard or as a member of the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
  • You have completed an associate or bachelor's degree from a college or university. If the degree was earned outside of the United States, an evaluation of the transcript or diploma must be submitted to determine if it meets exemption criteria. MCC requires evaluations be conducted by a National Association of Credit Evaluation Services member, naces.org
  • You have college-level work in the areas of reading, math and writing.
  • You plan to enroll in a certificate program with fewer than 42 semester hours. (Students enrolled in a certificate program may accumulate only 6 college-level hours outside their certificate program before becoming responsible for meeting TSI requirements.)
  • You are certified as one of the following and employed in the corresponding public service role:
    • An emergency medical technician (as certified under Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, and employed by a political subdivision), or
    • A firefighter (as defined by fire protection personnel under Section 419.021, Government Code), or
    • A peace officer (elected, appointed, or employed, as described in Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure)