Prerequisites and Corequisites
Prerequisite Specialists: prerequisites@cuesta.edu / phone (805) 546-3100, ext. 2655 / fax (805) 546-3113
A list of Cuesta courses requiring prerequisite verification BEFORE registering can be viewed by clicking the following link: Prerequisite Courses.
Prerequisite and corequisite courses completed or in-progress (IP) at Cuesta College will be cleared automatically, as will Cuesta College assessment test scores that satisfy prerequisites. Successful completion of a prerequisite or corequisite course is achieved by a final grade of a "C" or better.
Index
I: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
II: PREREQUISITES AND COREQUISITES
a. Definitions
b. English prerequisites
c. Math prerequisites
d. Physics prerequisites
III: CLEARING PREREQUISITES AND COREQUISITES
a. Clearance and Challenge Forms
b. Prerequisite courses completed or in-progress at Cuesta
c. Prerequisite courses completed or in-progress at an institution
other than Cuesta
d. Prerequisites completed in HIGH SCHOOL
e. Prerequisites cleared with AP TEST SCORES
f. Prerequisites cleared with ASSESSMENT TEST SCORES
g. Processing Time (clearance is not immediate)
h. Submit forms in person, by mail or fax
IV: CHALLENGING PREREQUISITES AND COREQUISITES
V: PREREQ AND TEST ERROR (registration computer block)
I: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a course prerequisite and/or corequisite? (additional definitions)
• A prerequisite is a course (or equivalent skills or prior experience) that a student must pass (or possess) before enrolling in the more advanced course.
• A corequisite is a course that a student must enroll in at the same time as, or in some cases prior to, enrolling in the desired course.
Who needs to complete prerequisites or corequisites?
• Prerequisites and corequisites apply to all students, including dual enrollment and personal enrichment students.
How do I know if a course has a prerequisite or corequisite?
• Prerequisite and corequisite requirements for a course can be found by checking the course CRN section information (e.g. MATH 229 - CRN 30510) in the on-line Find Classes Search, by clicking on the CRN or the View Catalog Entry link.
• A list of Cuesta courses requiring prerequisite verification BEFORE registering can be viewed by clicking the following link: Prerequisite Courses.
What happens if I register for a course that needs a prerequisite or corequisite which I have not met?
• If a student does not meet the prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s) for a course, as posted on the on-line class schedule CRN link, the student may not be allowed to register in the course. The student may be "computer blocked" and receive a PREREQ AND TEST ERROR message.
Do I have to submit a prerequisite clearance request form if I took or I am currently taking the prerequisite course at Cuesta?
• NO, you do not need to complete a Prerequisite Clearance Request form. Prerequisite and corequisite courses completed or in-progress (IP) at Cuesta College will be cleared automatically, as will Cuesta College assessment test scores that satisfy prerequisites.
How do I verify prerequisite courses completed at an institution other than Cuesta College?
• Submit an official transcript to the Cuesta College Records Office.
• Complete a Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A and attach a copy of your transcript and other documentation, as needed (see form). A completed request can be submitted in one of the following ways:
o By hand delivering it to the Academic Counseling Department in the Student Services building (SLO or NCC) or to the Assessment office (SLO campus).
o By mailing it to Cuesta College, Counseling Department (attention Prerequisites), P.O. box 8106, Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106.
o By faxing it to Prerequisite Specialists at (805) 546-3113.
• Plan ahead; prerequisite clearance is NOT IMMEDIATE. See link for details on processing time.
What if I’m currently enrolled in the prerequisite course and want to register for a course that requires its completion?
• If you are enrolled in the prerequisite course at Cuesta, the student records program will allow you to register in the next level course. If you do not pass the prerequisite course with a “C” or better you will need to drop the next level course.
• If you are enrolled in the prerequisite course at another school, you will need to complete a Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A (available to print form webpage and at the counseling, registration, and assessment offices). Completion of this form allows you to register in the class but you must submit a transcript showing a final grade of “C” or better once the course is completed. The transcript with the final course grade must be submitted to the counseling office at least 5 days prior to the start of the term or you may be dropped from the course requiring the prerequisite.
What if I do not have a copy of my transcript and I did not send a copy to Cuesta?
• You will not be able to clear a prerequisite course with coursework completed at an institution other than Cuesta without a transcript.
• For English, you may choose to take an English assessment exam which will serve to clear prerequisites for admittance into English 099, 156, or 201A.
• For math, you may choose to take a math assessment exam which can serve to clear prerequisites for math courses no higher than math 127.
If you have submitted the Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A without having sent or attached transcripts, the form will be returned to you and no prerequisite clearance action will be taken.
What if I’ve satisfied the prerequisite through means other than completed coursework?
• Some prerequisites may be satisfied by means other than coursework (e.g. assessment level, certification, license, portfolio, previous knowledge, etc.). Students have the right to challenge prerequisites and corequisites on various grounds other than completion of coursework, in which case a Prerequisite Challenge Form B must be completed. Please refer to Student’s Right to Challenge for specific information.
Where do I submit the clearance or challenge forms?
• A completed request can be submitted in one of the following ways:
o By hand delivering it to the Academic Counseling Department in the Student Services building (SLO or NCC) or to the Assessment office (SLO campus).
o By mailing it to Cuesta College, Counseling Department (attention Prerequisites), P.O. box 8106, Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106.
o By faxing it to Prerequisite Specialists at (805) 546-3113.
• Plan ahead; prerequisite clearance is NOT IMMEDIATE. See link for details on processing time.
What if I still have more questions?
• Additional information can be found on this website. Please select an area of interest from the website INDEX.
• Contact the Academic Counseling Department at (805) 546-3138 or a Prerequisite Specialist at prerequisites@cuesta.edu or (805) 546-3100 ext. 2655.
II: PREREQUISITES AND COREQUISITES
Prerequisites and corequisites apply to all students, including dual enrollment and personal enrichment students.
For help completing prerequisite clearance or challenge forms visit the Academic Counseling Department in the Student Services Building.
Prerequisites, corequisites, and advisories are intended to enhance a student’s chance of success in a desired course. If a student does not meet prerequisites or corequisites for a course, as listed in the course schedule, the student may not be allowed to enroll in that course.
Prerequisite and corequisite courses completed or in-progress (IP) at Cuesta College will be cleared automatically, as will Cuesta College assessment test scores that satisfy prerequisites.
Successful completion of a prerequisite or corequisite course is achieved by a final grade of a "C" or better.
Many courses at Cuesta College have enforced prerequisites and/or corequisites. Prerequisite and corequisite requirements for a course can be found by checking the course CRN section information (e.g. MATH 229 - CRN 30510) in the on-line Find Classes Search, by clicking on the CRN or the View Catalog Entry link. If a student does not meet the prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s) for a course, as posted on the on-line class schedule CRN link, the student may not be allowed to register in the course. The student may be "computer blocked" and receive a PREREQ AND TEST ERROR message. A few courses with prerequisites may not have registration "computer blocks" in place and the student may be allowed to register but may be dropped from the course if they have not satisfied the prerequisites prior to the beginning of the term.
A list of Cuesta courses requiring prerequisite verification BEFORE registering in the course can be viewed by clicking on the following link: Prerequisite Courses.
Some prerequisites may be satisfied by means other than coursework (e.g. assessment level, certification, license, portfolio, previous knowledge, etc.). Students have the right to challenge prerequisites and corequisites on various grounds other than completion of coursework, in which case a Prerequisite Challenge Form B must be completed. Please refer to Student’s Right to Challenge for specific information.
a. DEFINITIONS:
• Prerequisite: A course that a student must pass before enrolling in the more advanced course. Equivalent skills or prior experience that a student possesses may also be accepted as a prerequisite for a course.
• Corequisite: A course that a student must enroll in at the same time as, or in some cases prior to, enrolling in the desired course.
• Advisory Recommendations: In addition to prerequisites, many courses at Cuesta College have recommended minimum math and/or English advisories, which are noted in the course schedule. Advisories have been established as a means of alerting students to the minimum standards necessary for class success. Enrollment in such courses is recommended only for students who have met the prescribed eligibility level.
• Prerequisite Clearance: Approval to use coursework completed at another institution for prerequisite purposes.
• Prerequisite Challenge: Request to use means other than coursework to clear prerequisites (e.g. certification, license, portfolio, previous knowledge, etc.).
b. ENGLISH PREREQUISITES:
Any student who has not been enrolled in an English course at Cuesta College is required to establish an English level placement by taking the English assessment exam prior to registration. A qualifying English assessment score will place students in English 099, 156, 165, or English 201A.
Transfer students who have completed English coursework at another institution, with a grade of "C" or better, and want to have it count as prerequisite coursework for Cuesta College should complete Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A. To use coursework from out-of-state or private institutions, supporting documentation such as catalog course description, course outline or a course syllabus must also be attached.
In lieu of an assessment score or a college course, an English high school Advanced Placement (AP) score of 3 or higher will clear students for having met the equivalent of completion of English 201A at Cuesta.
c. MATH PREREQUISITES:
Any student who has not been enrolled in a mathematics course at Cuesta College is required to establish a math level placement by taking the math assessment exam and/or by providing high school or college transcripts prior to registering in any math class. Students who wish to begin in Math 003 may directly enroll in the course without assessment testing. View Alternatives to Testing to determine whether or not you are required to test.
Transfer students, who have completed math coursework at another institution, with a grade of "C" or better, and want to have it count as prerequisite coursework for Cuesta College, should complete Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A. To use coursework from out-of-state or private institutions, supporting documentation such as catalog course description, course outline or a course syllabus must also be attached.
In lieu of an assessment score or a high school or college course, a Calculus AB high school Advanced Placement (AP) score of 3 or higher will clear students for having met the equivalent of completion of Math 265A at Cuesta.
Please note: Statistics is not a prerequisite for any math course at Cuesta College.
d. PHYSICS PREREQUISITES:
In order to satisfy prerequisite requirements for Physics 205B, 208B, and/or 208C with Physics courses completed at an institution other than Cuesta College, students must complete a Prerequisite Clearance Request Form C. Completion of this form includes consultation with the physical science department.
Prerequisites: return to top
III: CLEARING OR CHALLENGING PREREQUISITES AND COREQUISITES
Clearance of a prerequisite or corequisite course will only be applied towards prerequisite approval for Cuesta College courses and NOT for unit credit nor transfer purposes. Other institutions are not obligated to accept Cuesta College’s evaluation of external coursework.
An approved clearance request does not guarantee a space in any course.
If a student has not completed a required prerequisite or corequisite through assessment testing or course completion at Cuesta College, they must file a Prerequisite Clearance Request (Form A) or Challenge (Form B) BEFORE registering for the course requiring the prerequisite or corequisite.
a. PREREQUISITE FORMS:
For help completing prerequisite clearance or challenge forms visit the Academic Counseling Department in the Student Services Building.
Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A (for clearance of courses completed at an institution other than Cuesta)
Prerequisite Challenge Form B (for challenging prerequisites based on other grounds, see Student’s Right to Challenge)
Prerequisite Clearance Request Form C (for clearance of PHYSICS courses completed at an institution other than Cuesta)
b. PREREQUISITE COURSES COMPLETED OR IN-PROGRESS (IP) AT CUESTA:
Clearing of successfully completed prerequisite courses taken at Cuesta College will be done automatically when registering for a class. Successful completion of a prerequisite or corequisite course is achieved by a final grade of a "C" or better.
Clearing of in-progress (IP) courses taken at Cuesta College will be done automatically when registering for a class. If a grade of “C” or better is not earned upon completion of the in-progress prerequisite course, the student will be administratively dropped from the course requiring the prerequisite once the final grade is posted.
If a student believes they will not earn a “C” or better, or has been placed on Early Alert for the in-progress prerequisite course, they should meet with a counselor to discuss their options and consider re-enrolling in the prerequisite course in the following term.
c. PREREQUISITE COURSES COMPLETED OR IN-PROGRESS AT AN INSTITUTION OTHER THAN CUESTA:
Coursework successfully completed at an institution other than Cuesta College can be used to satisfy prerequisites and corequisites. Students must file a Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A BEFORE registering for the course requiring the prerequisite. Successful completion of a prerequisite or corequisite course is achieved by a final grade of a "C" or better.
With proof of enrollment, work-in-progress (IP), from institutions other than Cuesta College, can be used to clear prerequisite or corequisite. Student must file a Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A BEFORE registering for the course requiring the prerequisite.
A student permitted to enroll in a course based on a prerequisite in-progress basis, must submit a transcript with the final course grade of “C” or better five working days prior to the beginning of the term, or they may be administratively dropped from the course requiring the prerequisite.
d. PREREQUISITES COMPLETED IN HIGH SCHOOL:
Official high school transcripts will automatically be evaluated for math and chemistry prerequisite and corequisite clearance. Students do not need to submit prerequisite clearance forms for high school math and chemistry courses, completed with a grade of “C” or better, as long as official transcripts have been received by Cuesta’s Records office BEFORE registering for the course requiring the prerequisite.
In order for transcripts to be official they must be received in an official stamped and sealed envelope. Allow at least 6 weeks for official transcripts to be received and processed by Cuesta’s Records office.
Mail transcripts to: Cuesta College Records Office, P.O. Box 8106, San Luis Obispo CA 93403-8106.
Students wishing to receive prerequisite or corequisite clearance of high school math and chemistry courses, without allowing for the six week processing period, are encouraged to submit Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A with a copy of their high school transcript attached.
With proof of enrollment, high school work-in-progress (IP) can be used to clear prerequisite or corequisite. Student must file a Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A BEFORE registering for the course requiring the prerequisite.
A student permitted to enroll in a course based on a prerequisite in-progress basis, must submit a transcript with the final course grade of “C” or better five working days prior to the beginning of the term, or they may be administratively dropped from the course requiring the prerequisite.
e. PREREQUISITES CLEARED WITH AP TEST SCORES:
AP test scores can be used to clear some prerequisites and corequisites. Student must file a Prerequisite Clearance Request Form A BEFORE registering for the course requiring the prerequisite.
AP test scores of 3 or higher, in the following areas, can be used to satisfy prerequisites and corequisites:
• Calculus AB
• Biology
• Environmental Biology
• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition
f. PREREQUISITES CLEARED WITH ASSESSMENT TEST SCORES
Assessment results may satisfy some English, ESL and/or math prerequisites or corequisites.
• To schedule assessment testing at Cuesta College, contact the Assessment Office.
Scores from assessment tests taken at other colleges/universities may be accepted. For details, please refer to the assessment information listed below.
Assessment Information:
To use Math Assessment Test Scores from other institutions:
If you have a math assessment test score from an institution other than Cuesta College and would like to use it in lieu of re-testing at Cuesta, please contact the Assessment Office to have scores evaluated, verified and processed.
To use English Assessment Test Scores from other institutions:
If you have an English assessment test score from an institution other than Cuesta College and would like to use it in lieu of re-testing at Cuesta, please contact the Assessment Office to have scores evaluated, verified and processed. Please note that Cuesta’s English assessment test includes a written essay, therefore if the assessment score you intend to use did not include an essay, you will be required to take Cuesta’s essay-only exam.
PREREQUISITE CLEARANCE IS NOT IMMEDIATE
In order to ensure registration priority, clearance requests and challenges must be filed at least five working days prior to a student's registration priority date.
If a prerequisite clearance decision is pending and the student is eligible to register, he/she is strongly encouraged to register for all courses not restricted by prerequisites and later add the course pending prerequisite clearance.
o Prerequisite clearance is NOT IMMEDIATE. Students will not be permitted to enroll in courses requiring prerequisites until their clearance has been approved. In order to ensure registration priority, it is essential to plan accordingly. See below for details:
• 5 day processing time, upon submission of clearance FORM A, for coursework completed at a California Public School/College/University IF transcript/report card/test score is attached or if your official transcripts were submitted to Cuesta’s Admissions and Records office at least 6 weeks prior to this request.
• 10 day processing time, upon submission of clearance FORM A, for coursework completed at a Private California or any Out-of-State institution IF transcript, catalog course description, and a course outline or syllabus are attached. If an official transcript was submitted to Cuesta’s Admissions & Records office, at least 6 weeks prior to this request, it can be used to clear prerequisites but a catalog course description, and a course outline or syllabus still need to be included with the form.
o The five (5) day clock begins at 8:00 am on the morning following the submission of the clearance form, excluding posted school holidays and weekends (e.g. for a challenge form submitted Tuesday at 4:30 pm, the 5 day clock will begin Wednesday at 8:00 am with status/outcome being posted by the close of business on the following Tuesday).
o Processing time is only guaranteed for requests that have required documents (transcript/report card/test scores/course description and/or outline) attached, or if official transcripts were submitted to Cuesta’s Records office at least 6 weeks prior to this request.
Clearance or challenge petitions can be submitted in person, by mail or by fax.
• By hand delivering it to the Academic Counseling Department in the Student Services building (SLO or NCC) or to the Assessment Office (SLO campus).
• By mailing it to Cuesta College, Counseling Department (attention Prerequisites), P.O. box 8106, Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106.
• By faxing it to Prerequisite Specialists at (805) 546-3113.
• Plan ahead; prerequisite clearance is NOT IMMEDIATE. See link for details on processing time
For help completing prerequisite clearance or challenge forms visit the Academic Counseling Department in the Student Services Building.
Prerequisites: return to top
IV: CHALLENGING PREREQUISITES AND COREQUISITES
STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHALLENGE PREREQUISITES OR COREQUISITES ON VARIOUS GROUNDS OTHER THAN COMPLETION OF COURSEWORK:
Use Prerequisite Challenge Form B.
It is a student's responsibility to provide compelling evidence, including a written statement, to support a challenge.
A student may petition to challenge a prerequisite or corequisite based on one or more of the following:
1. Student has the knowledge or ability to succeed in the course despite not meeting the prerequisite (e.g. student has prior course work, assessment levels, certification, license or work experience that satisfies the prerequisite, or by other criteria presented by the student).
2. The prerequisite is discriminatory or applied in a discriminatory manner.
3. The prerequisite approval is in violation of Title 5 regulations or Cuesta College District Policy.
4. The prerequisite course has not been made reasonably available ("reasonably available" as defined by the college).
In order to challenge a prerequisite or corequisite based on criteria listed above, student must submit a completed Prerequisite Challenge Form B.
A challenge must be filed at least five working days prior to the student's registration priority date. If the student has enrolled in a course, pending the outcome of the petition, and the petition is denied, the student will be dropped from the course.
For inquiries or questions regarding prerequisite and corequisite challenges contact Prerequisite Specialists at prerequisites@cuesta.edu or call 805-546-3100, ext. 2655.
If you have attempted to register in a class and have received a PREREQ AND TEST ERROR message then it is possible that you have not fulfilled the prerequisite or corequisite requirement(s) for a course. For more information pertaining to prerequisites and corequisites click here.
Individual instructors cannot override a prerequisite or corequisite block. Receiving an Add Authorization Code from an instructor does not override the prerequisite requirement or prerequisite block.
If 5 business days have passed since you submitted a petition to clear or challenge a prerequisite and you continue to receive a PREREQ AND TEST ERROR as you attempt to register, please access your Cuesta email account to verify approval or denial of your petition.
If you believe you have received a PREREQ AND TEST ERROR in error or if you need additional help, please contact a Prerequisite Specialist at prerequisites@cuesta.edu or call (805) 546-3100 ext. 2655.
A student has a right to challenge a prerequisite or corequisite. It is a student's responsibility to provide compelling evidence to support the challenge.
