Important Forms and Explanation of Needed Documents

CIS Prerequisite Clearance Processing for Summer 2025 only begins 4/23/2025
(during the week of May 12th when registration begins expect delay in response)

As of July 1, 2012 all students enrolling in CIS classes must have taken the designated prerequisites for the course(s) they wish to enroll in.

Clearing a prerequisite is a legal issue not one where a personal judgement about Student's ability to succeed in the course is considered in the decision.

According to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors there are only two ways to clear a prerequisite:

I. Completion of an equivalent course at another higher education accredited institution. Here are all possible ways to document this each with link to appropriate form

  1. You have received a score of 4 or 5 on Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A Exam and are requesting clearance to enroll in CIS 22B, CIS 22C, CIS 21JA, CIS 36B, CIS 41A and you have a copy of the official AP scoresheet. Complete this form: CIS Prerequisite Clearance Form - AP
  2. You have completed an equivalent (in your estimation) course with a grade of 'C' or better at another (other than Foothill College or De Anza College) accretited post-secondary institution. You must have a copy of the syllabus and your unofficial transcript from that institution must evidence a grade of C or better. No clearances are based on courses currently in progress.
    Complete this form: CIS Prerequisite Clearance Form - Equivalent Course
  3. You have completed an equivalent course to the prerequisite at either Foothill College or Da Anza College. Your life is easier because you need no syllabus, no transcript and it may be an "in progress" course. Complete this form: CIS Prerequisite Clearance Form - Foothill/DA Course

OR

II. Verification of skills used on the job by the person the student reports directly to on the job. Note that the recommending person is first verified as being the direct report at the stated company. Complete this form: CIS Prerequisite Clearance Form - Job Experience

Attention Transfer Students

Check with a counselor before applying for a prerequisite clearance. Even if De Anza College clears a prerequisite it does not mean that the college you are transferring to will grant credit for the prerequisite. This also applies to prerequisites cleared using AP Exam scores.

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