• 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.
  • 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.
  • Recommended Preparation for a course or program is a condition that a student is advised, but not required, to meet before enrollment.

View detailed definitions of requisites.

When attempting to register for a course that has computerized prerequisite in place, the WebSMART registration system searches the San Mateo County Community College District (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.”

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 San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCD); 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.

If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite course(s), the computer will not block your enrollment in the next course. However, if you receive a final grade other than A, B, C, or CR in the prerequisite course(s) when the final grades are posted, you will be dropped from the course. You are advised to see a counselor for further assistance with enrollment.

If you have an “I”, an incomplete grade, in the prerequisite course, you have not completed the course and the prerequisite has not been met. You are required to meet with the instructor to complete the incomplete grade. Only after the final grade has been posted on the electronic transcript is the prerequisite course requirement met.

No. However, students who have completed high school coursework in certain subject areas (such as foreign languages) may be able to challenge a course prerequisite based on competency achieved through high school work. Students who wish to challenge prerequisites using high school coursework may proceed with the Prerequisite Challenge process.

No. The purpose of prerequisite enforcement is to make sure you have the necessary background to be successful in the course. An instructor’s signature will not override the prerequisite requirement for the course. Even if an instructor issues you an authorization code, you may not enroll in the course if you do not meet the course prerequisite requirement.