1. (a) Except as set out in subsection (b) of this section, this subchapter applies to each entering undergraduate student not otherwise exempt under §4.54 of this subchapter (relating to Exemption).

2. (b) This subchapter does not apply to the following students, and an institution shall not require these students to demonstrate college readiness pursuant to this subchapter. To verify qualification under §4.52(b)(7) - (9), eligibility should be determined at each registration period. The following figure contains the full list of student categories to whom this subchapter does not apply.
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   1. (1) A student who has earned an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education;
   2. (2) A student who transfers to an institution of higher education 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 coursework in the corresponding subject area, as transcribed or otherwise determined by the receiving institution;
   3. (3) A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college;
   4. (4) A student enrolled in high school who is a non-degree-seeking student as defined in §4.53(8) of this subchapter (relating to Definitions);
   5. (5) 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;
   6. (6) 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; or

   7. (7) A student who is:

      1. (A) certified as an emergency medical technician under Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code; and
      2. (B) employed more than 20 hours a week by a political subdivision, according to Texas Local Government Code, §172.003;
   8. (8) A student who is employed more than 20 hours a week as fire protection personnel by Section 419.021, Government Code; or
   9. (9) A student who is elected, appointed, or employed more than 20 hours a week to serve as a peace officer described by Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law.

Source Note:The provisions of this §4.52 adopted to be effective May 16, 2024, 49 TexReg 3243; amended to be effective November 13, 2025, 50 TexReg 7238.