What If I Already Know a Language?

World Language Prerequisite Clearance Form

 You may be eligible to skip certain lower-level language courses if

  • You have studied a language at another college or high school, or
  • You are a native speaker, or
  • You have other knowledge of the language

The process for skipping a lower-level requirement is called "clearing a prerequisite." (See below for some answers to frequently asked questions about prerequisites.) On this webpage, you'll find instructions for how to clear a prerequisite. First, here are some important notes.

  • If you skip one or more levels, you will not receive college credit on your transcript for the courses you skipped.
  • As part of this process, you may be required to complete a language assessment, even if you studied the language at another school.
  • The World Languages Department does not provide certification services of any kind. 
    • Our language assessment is designed to help students find the right course to take at De Anza. 
    • The assessment is not extensive enough to determine whether the student has satisfied IGETC language requirements, and it cannot be used for that purpose.

Steps for Clearing a Prerequisite 

Important Note

This process can take up to two weeks to complete, so be sure to submit your application as soon as possible – and at least four weeks before your registration date for the quarter you want to take your class. Otherwise, the clearance may not be processed in time for you to register for the class.

Complete the form

Download and fill out the World Language Prerequisite Clearance Form

  • Be sure to list the Course Registration Number (CRN) of the course you want to take if your application is approved. You'll find the CRN in the schedule of classes.

Attach your transcript, if you have one

If you previously studied the language at another school, attach your transcript(s) to the Prerequisite Clearance Form. Your transcript should include the grade(s) you received for the language you want to study at De Anza. 

  • One year of high school language study or one term of college study is generally equivalent to one quarter of language study at De Anza. However you may be asked to complete an assessment.
  • If it's been more than a year since you completed your previous language course, you may be required to take a language assessment.

Submit the documents

Submit the documents: You must submit your prerequisite form and any transcripts  to the faculty contact listed below AND to the IIS Dean.

Take the assessment test, if required

Based on our evaluation, you may be required to complete an assessment test of your language skills. 

  • You will be contacted with instructions for completing the assessment. 
  • You can learn more about the assessment by visiting the website for the language program that you are interested in.


World Language Faculty Contacts


FAQs About Prerequisites

  • What is a prerequisite? 

  • How do I know I need a prerequisite?

  • How do I get a Prerequisite Clearance? 

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