Course Prerequisites, Corequisites, Recommended Preparation and Limitations on Enrollment

Irvine Valley College strives to guide students into courses in which they will have the greatest chances of academic success. Prerequisites, corequisites, limitations on enrollment, and recommended preparation are printed in italic at the beginning of course descriptions in the college catalog. Students are responsible for meeting the prerequisite, corequisite, recommended preparation, and/or limitation for any course in which they intend to enroll.

Prerequisite: Mastery of a certain body of knowledge is necessary if students are to be successful in the target course. Most commonly, such knowledge is measured by successful completion of the prerequisite course listed in the class schedule. "Successful completion" is defined by a grade of "A," "B," "C," or "CR" in the prerequisite course. Grades that are not acceptable are "C," "D," "F," or "NC."

Corequisite: Concurrent (simultaneous) enrollment in or prior successful completion of a companion course is required. The information presented or the practice gained in the corequisite course is considered necessary for success in the target course.

Recommended Preparation: Certain course preparation is advised before students enter the target course. These recommendations indicate preparation that is considered advantageous—but not essential—to success in the target course.

Limitations on Enrollment: There are special conditions for entry into a course (or course section) beyond mastery of a body of knowledge. Examples of limitations include auditions, tryouts, and eligibility standards set by the Commission on Athletics (COA).

How to Clear a Prerequisite

Students enrolling in a course with a prerequisite will be required to do one of the following:

Complete the Prerequisite Course
Complete the required prerequisite course(s) at Irvine Valley College or Saddleback College with a satisfactory grade—that is, a grade of "A," "B," "C," or "CR."
Submit Transcripts
Provide grade transcripts from another college or high school, if appropriate. Such transcripts must demonstrate satisfactory completion of the prerequisite course—that is, completion of the course with a grade of "A," "B," "C," or "CR." Other conditions may apply.

Students must present transcripts to the Assessment Center for evaluation as soon as possible after they apply to Irvine Valley College. At the Assessment Center, students will be asked to complete and submit a REQUEST FOR PRE-/CO-REQUISITE EVALUATION form.

Students should begin the transcript verification process well before registration begins. Delays in processing transcript evaluations will affect the student’s ability to enroll in target courses. Specific information regarding procedures, timelines, and transcript evaluation notification is available in the Assessment Center.
Take the IVC Assessment
Complete an assessment exam at Irvine Valley College. (In some cases, students may clear prerequisites in writing and mathematics through assessment.)
Submit Evidence of Placement from Another College
Provide evidence of completion of an assessment exam administered at another Orange County community college. (In some cases, students may clear prerequisites in writing and mathematics if they have received recommended course placements from another Orange County community college. Students must check with the Assessment Center regarding the acceptability of such assessments and placements.) ESL placement recommendations from other institutions are not accepted.
Request an Alternative Evidence Review
If students believe they have the prior knowledge, experience, and/or skills required to succeed in the course from which they have been blocked, they may file a request for an alternative evidence review. Students may obtain a Request for an Alternative Evidence Review in the Assessment Office, SC 250. Note: Students must submit alternative evidence that documents their competency to succeed in the course to accompany the form. Such evidence varies by course. See staff for details.

Students who file a Request for an Alternative Evidence Review will have the matter resolved within five (5) working days. If students file the form during their assigned registration time, IVC will award them eligibility to enroll in the class pending the outcome of their review. If the review is upheld, students who have enrolled in the class will be allowed to remain in the class. If the review is denied, students will be notified that they have been removed from the class.