Summer 2023 Prerequisite Information

If a course has a prerequisite, you may be able to enroll in both during the summer term. If you would like more information on which courses are eligible, please visit our prerequisite instructions and forms page.

Prerequisite Instructions and Forms

Prerequisite Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

External Course Information:

What is the deadline to submit a request for prerequisite or corequisite clearance? Deadlines can be found on the Deadlines & Processing Information page.

How long does it take for a prerequisite or corequisite request for clearance to be processed?  Requests are processed within ten (10) business days of receipt of your completed form and all required documentation. This timeframe excludes weekends, holidays, and campus closures. Please note that timelines are subject to change without notification. Additional information can be found on the Deadlines & Processing Information page.

How do I know what the prerequisite is for a class? From the Schedule of Classes you can click on the CRN number of the course that you are interested in and a window will open with the course description. The "PREREQ" information relates to prerequisites. See this sample for more information. 

Do I need to submit a form requesting clearance if I already took, or am currently taking, the prerequisite or corequisite course at Santa Barbara City College? No, you do not need to submit a request for prerequisite or corequisite clearance. Prerequisite and corequisite courses that are completed or in-progress (IP) at SBCC will be cleared automatically, as will SBCC assessment test scores that satisfy prerequisites.

What if I am currently enrolled in the prerequisite course at SBCC and want to register for a course that requires its completion? You are able to enroll for your desired coursework pending the outcome in the required prerequisite course(s).  You must receive a grade of 'C' or better to remain in the course. If you receive a grade below a 'C' you will be dropped from your course(s) that require the prerequisite.  

Where do I find information regarding the prerequisites and/or corequisites for Health Information Technology (HIT) & Cancer Information (CIM) courses? Visit the Health Information Technology (HIT) & Cancer Information (CIM) website for more information.

What are the options to clear prerequisite and corequisite requirements? There are many ways you can satisfy prerequisite and corequisites, such as assessment, completed courses at SBCC, equivalent courses at other institutions, etc. See the Prerequisite and Corequisite Clearance page for more information on options to clear prerequisite and corequisite requirements.

Where do I find Assessment testing information regarding Math and English or how do I know if I need to take the assessment test? There are many options to satisfy math and English prerequisites. Please visit the Assessment Center for information and testing alternatives.

How do I verify prerequisite or corequisite courses completed at other institutions other than SBCC? If you have successfully completed an equivalent or comparable prerequisite or corequisite course at another institution, submit the online Prerequisite Clearance Form.

If I submitted a request for prerequisite/corequisite clearance in the past and it was approved, do I need to complete another form?

    • Generally no. However, if the decision email you received states that the approval is only valid for the term for which it is approved, then it does not carry over to following semesters and you will need to submit a new form.

Example: HIT 201 has a prerequisite requirement of BMS 146. If you completed an equivalent course at an external institution, you do not need to complete another prerequisite clearance request form for any request requiring BMS 146. To view this clearance in Degree Works: 

    • Log in to Degree Works using your SBCC account credentials. 
    • Assessment placement, credit and eligibility, and course substitutions are listed under the "Test Scores" section:
Test Description High Score High Score Date

College Algebra: Math 137

 69 04/03/2019

Math 114, 117, Psy150, Soc 125

 65 03/08/2017

Substitute for BMS 146

 1 12/07/16

AP-U.S. Gov't & Politics

 4 12/07/16

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EXTERNAL COURSE INFORMATION:

What if I am currently enrolled in the required prerequisite or corequisite course at another college and want to enroll next term? Only completed coursework is accepted for prerequisite and corequisite purposes. All prerequisite or corequisite coursework from external institutions must be completed prior to enrolling in desired coursework at SBCC.

I completed a prerequisite clearance form, when can I enroll?  You can enroll in the course once you have received approval of your request. Requests are generally processed within ten (10) business days of receipt, excluding weekends, holidays, and closures. This time line is subject to change without notification. You will receive email notification from The Transcript Evaluation Office (prerequisites@sbcc.edu) regarding the status of your request at your SBCC campus account.

How do I check the status of my request?  All challenges are processed in the order they are received.  You will receive an email at your SBCC campus account regarding the status of your challenge once it has been processed.  

Do my transcripts need to be official? How do I submit them? Yes. Official transcripts are required for prerequisite and corequisite clearance requests, degree, and transfer purposes. Follow these instructions to submit your official transcripts to Admissions and Records. 

I ordered transcripts from my previous college, how can I find out if they have been received by SBCC? Use the campus portal to see if SBCC has received official transcripts that you have had sent from other institutions. Follow these  step-by-step instructions .

What if I have completed the prerequisite or corequisite through means other than coursework?  Some prerequisites or corequisites 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 completions of coursework, in which case a Prerequisite Clearance Form must be completed.

I received an authorization code, why can't I register?  Your future instructor may have authorized you to add the course; however, you must still complete the prerequisite clearance process. This process is a school requirement which goes beyond the instructor's authority. Follow the prerequisite clearance process and you will be able to use your course authorization code if your request is approved by the Transcript Evaluation Office.

I received clearance of a prerequisite/corequisite from the Transcript Evaluation Office, why can't I register?  An approved request does not guarantee space in any course. If the course is closed or has already begun you must contact the instructor and request an add authorization code. If it is past the last day to add you must submit a Late Add Petition. 

If I am dropped from a class and have already paid, what do I do? Visit the Cashier's Office Refund page for information on how to request a refund. 

Where can I find more information on testing and alternatives to testing? Visit the Assessment Center for information on English and Math assessment testing, as well as alternatives to testing such as AP exam scores.

Where can I find more information about SBCC academic policies as they apply to external coursework and exams? Students are highly encouraged to review the Academic Standards and Policies section of the SBCC General Catalog.

Click here for more information on prerequisite and corequisite:

Instructions & Forms

Deadlines & Processing Information

Prerequisite Homepage

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