An assessment test is required by Texas law to ensure that all graduates of Texas public colleges possess the academic skills needed to perform effectively in the work place. All Associate degree-seeking students entering Lamar Institute of Technology, unless otherwise exempt, are required to take the COMPASS(Computer-Adaptive Placement Assessment Support Systems) test, THEA(Texas Higher Education Assessment) or any other accepted testing instrument (COMPASS, THEA, Asset, or Accuplacer). Prior to graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree, unless otherwise exempt, must pass all sections of an accepted testing instrument or complete their developmental education plan.

Certificate programs of less than 42 hours, which are designed to be completed in a year or less, are TSI-waived, provided that no more than 6 credit hours outside the certificate plan are earned. A TSI-waived Certificate program may, however, require a student to pass certain parts of an assessment test as a prerequisite for required general education courses. For more information or to obtain a copy of the THEA Registration Bulletin, visit the Student Services Office in the Beeson Building. To register for the Compass test, visit the ACT testing center or call (409) 880 8687.

COMPASS Testing For more information or to obtain a copy of the THEA Registration Bulletin, visit the Student Services Office in the Beeson Building, call 409-880-2285 to speak with a Student Advisor, or contact Ms. Francis Bruce via email at francis.bruce@lit.edu.

Exemptions:

• A graduate with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.
• A student who transfers from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level course work of at least 6 equivalent credit hours (three algebra, three designated writing/reading course ) with a grade of “C” or better.
• Partial Exemption: at least three credit hours of College Algebra exempts from the develop mental math requirement, at least three College hours of approved designated reading/writing class es exempts from developmental reading AND developmental writing.
• Transfer from any public Texas institution of higher education with completed requirements for Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Must be Evaluated by the trascript evaluator.
• A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment. Documentation is required.
• A student who on, or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard, or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
• A students not seeking a degree.
• ACT composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both the English and Math tests. All scores must be attained in one sitting. Scores are valid for five years.
• SAT combined verbal and math scores of 1,070 with a minimum of 500 on both the verbal and math tests. All scores must be attained in one sitting. Scores are valid for five years.
• TAKS (exit-level) - 2200 in math and/or 2200 in English/Language Arts (ELA) with a writing subscore of at least 3. Scores are valid for three years..

Click here to view TSI exemptions at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website.