Many courses with prerequisite requirements are subject to computerized prerequisite checking. Registration is blocked for students who do not meet prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements.

Definitions:

A Prerequisite is a condition of enrollment that is required in order to demonstrate readiness for enrollment in a course or educational program.

Prerequisites must be successfully completed before the course requiring it.

Required? Yes

When: Before the course that requires it

A Corequisite is a condition of enrollment consisting of a course that a student is required to simultaneously take in order to enroll in another course.

Corequisites must be taken at the same time as the course requiring it.

Required? Yes

When: At the same time as course that requires it

Recommended Preparation is strongly advised but not required before or in conjunction with enrollment in a course or educational program.

Recommended Preparation can be taken before or at the same time as the course advising it.

Required? No, just advised.

When: Before or at the same time as the course

How do I meet a prerequisite and get cleared to register?

There are four ways students can meet prerequisite requirements:

  1. Complete the prerequisite course(s) within the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCD) system, with a grade of “C” or higher, or CR (Credit) / or P (Pass); OR
  2. Complete English and Math assessments within the SMCCD system; OR
  3. Complete the prerequisite course at another regionally accredited college/university in the United States.; OR
  4. Meet prerequisites through the completion of Alternate Placement Exam (i.e. AP, IB, SAT, ACT). 

Students may also petition for prerequisite clearance by following the Prerequisite Equivalency Process.

More Detailed Definitions

Prerequisites:

  • A prerequisite is a condition of enrollment that a student is required to meet in order to demonstrate readiness for enrollment in a course or educational program. 
  • A prerequisite course must already be completed successfully to enroll in the course which follows.
    • Successful completion is defined as earning a grade of “C” or better. English and Math assessment results can also be used to meet prerequisite skill levels.
  • Example: You must successfully complete Composition (ENGL 100) prior to enrolling in Composition, Literature, and Critical Thinking (ENGL110). So, ENGL 100 is a prerequisite for ENGL 110.

How do I meet a prerequisite?

Corequisites

  • A corequisite is a course that a student is required to take simultaneously in order to enroll in another course. WebSchedule publishes the course(s) with corequisite as a requirement. 
  • Example: Some support courses are corequisites provided with a course. You must be enrolled in STAT C1000 in order to enroll in STAT 800.
  • Recommended preparation for a course or program is a condition that a student is advised, but not required, to meet before enrollment.
  • There are no registration blocks on courses with recommended preparation only. However, students are strongly advised to meet the recommended preparation before enrolling into a course to be better prepared to successfully complete the course.

Computerized Checking

When attempting to register for a course that has a computerized prerequisite in place, the WebSMART registration system searches the SMCCCD student database for one of two things:

  1. The successfully completed prerequisite course(s) completed within the SMCCCD, or
  2. SMCCCD assessment results that indicate the skill level prerequisite requirements.

If neither prerequisite identifier is in place, registration for the course is blocked and a message appears, “you have not met the course prerequisite.”

Back to Definitions

More Questions?

Check our Prerequisite FAQ or contact Counseling Services.