How do I meet a Prerequisite?

  1. Complete the prerequisite course(s) within the SMCCD system, with a grade of “C” or better, 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 an Alternate Placement Exam (i.e. AP, IB, SAT, ACT). 

The Prerequisite Challenge Petition

If you have completed a prerequisite outside of the SMCCD system as noted in options 3 and 4 above, you may instead want to file a Prerequisite Equivalency Petition.

If you have not passed an equivalent course or exam, but you can demonstrate having met the prerequisite with other supportive documentation, you can instead consider submitting a Prerequisite Challenge Petition.

What are the reasons I can challenge a prerequisite?

You can challenge a prerequisite on one or more of the following grounds:

  1. If you believe you have the knowledge or ability to succeed in the course without completing the prerequisite.
  2. If you believe that the prerequisite has been established in violation of Title 5 regulations or the SMCCCD District Model Policy.
  3. If you believe that the prerequisite is discriminatory or is being applied in a discriminatory manner.
  4. If you believe that the prerequisite course has not been made reasonably available.

How do I file a Prerequisite Challenge Petition?

  1. Fill out the online Prerequisite Challenge Petition.
  2. Provide all required documentation below in the petition. Incomplete petitions will not be considered.
    • Student statement/letter.  Provide a letter that explains the reason(s) you are challenging the prerequisite or co-requisite and explicitly states the skills and abilities you have that meet the prerequisite/co-requisite requirement.
    • Supporting documentation.  Appropriate documentation should include any of the following: college transcripts as evidence of successful course completion, catalog course description, course outline and/or course syllabus, documentation of professional work experience, relevant high school transcripts, letters of recommendation from employers or instructors, samples of graded papers, professional licenses or certificates, a portfolio or a demonstration of prerequisite skill.
  3. Submit your Prerequisite Challenge Petition and appropriate documentation.

A Counseling appointment is not needed to submit a Prerequisite Challenge Petition.

How do I challenge my ESOL assessment?

Non-native English (ESOL) students may challenge their ESOL assessment by following the ESOL Prerequisite Challenge Process.

How soon will I be notified about my petition?

  • For registration purposes, the deadline to submit this petition is no later than 5 working days prior to the last date to add the course you are challenging (refer to WebSchedule for add dates).
  • You will be notified by email of the final outcome of your petition.
  • The Skyline College Counseling Division reviews this petition.  Please allow 3-5 business days for review. During the peak period of registration, the volume of requests increases. This may impact response time. 

Questions regarding your prerequisite challenge and any supporting documentation should be directed to the Counseling Division.