Course Equivalencies/Computer Blocked Prerequisites 1.5

For English composition, math, and some biology and chemistry courses, students are blocked in the registration process unless they have shown documentation of meeting the prerequisite to a Counselor. The attached sheet lists all of those courses that are currently computer blocked, and the equivalency (or equivalencies) that needs to be entered into the computer system by either a counselor or an evaluator. (Click here for the list of Computer Blocked Courses). Course equivalencies are entered into the computer system through the NCWS screen. Detailed instructions for NCWS are in the Datatel Cheat Sheet.

We enter an equivalency (EQ) for the prerequisite course that has been met, not the course that the student is attempting to take. For example, if a student is eligible to take Math 12, we would enter the equivalency for its prerequisite, Math 152.

For math and English prerequisites, we can enter equivalencies based on completed coursework from another college, or placement results from the assessment test at another college. In either case, documentation is needed. For these purposes, an official transcript is not necessary - we can work from a grade report, an unofficial transcript, or a printout from an assessment office. The student will eventually need provide official documentation.

It is common practice to enter EQ's based on completion of higher level courses, in anticipation of what the system will be looking for in terms of prerequisites. For example, if a student has taken a course that is equivalent to Cabrillo's Math 12, it would be wise to enter the EQ for Math 152 (in addition to the EQ for Math 12). By doing so, the student has the option of taking a different math class that has the same prerequisite as Math 12 (i.e. Math 4 or 13).

ASSIST is the most common resource in determining equivalencies from other California Community Colleges, CSU's or UC's. Other resources include catalogs, CAN numbers, the Articulation Officer, the Transfer Center Director, or other counselors. It is common to consult with Articulation when equating courses from out of state colleges. This is particularly true for courses to meet English, math, and critical thinking.

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