Placement Exemptions

Students may be eligible for English and Math course placement based on other assessment measures, such as having prior English/Math district placement results, or completion of college-level English/Math from an outside institution, or using alternate placement exams.

  1. PREVIOUS PLACEMENT TESTS

    If a student has taken the placement test in English or ESL and/or mathematics at Cañada College, Skyline College, or the College of San Mateo and test results are available for review, the student may be exempt from completing the assessment and/or placement exam. A student should meet with a Skyline College Counselor to review the previous assessment and/or placement results to determine if a reassessment is needed.

  2. PREREQUISITE EQUIVALENCY

    If a student has successfully completed coursework in English or ESOL and/or mathematics with a grade of “C” or better at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, they may be exempt from being reassessed. A student may complete a Course Prerequisite Equivalency form, along with supporting documents. An unofficial copy of the college transcript will be required with their online submission for the Counselor’s review.

  3. ALTERNATE PLACEMENTS USING EXAMS

    If a student has taken an advanced placement in English Language, English Literature, Math Calculus AB, or Math Calculus BC, they may be exempt from being reassessed. A student may complete a course Prerequisite Equivalency Form, along with supporting documents. An unofficial copy of the College Board score report will be required with their online submission for Counselor’s review.


    ALTERNATE PLACEMENTS FOR ENGL 110 or 165
    Subject Criteria
    College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam in:
    • English Language and Compostion or
    • English Literature and Composition
    		 A score of 3, 4, or 5
    A note about AP:
    Students who intend to transfer to a four-year college or university are strongly recommended to consult with a Skyline College counselor to determine application of courses to lower-division transfer major requirements.

    ALTERNATE PLACEMENTS FOR CALCULUS: MATH 251, 252, 253
    Subject Criteria
    College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam in AP Calculus AB
    • A score of 3 allows you placement into MATH 251
    • A score of 4 or 5 allows you placement into MATH 252
    College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam in AP Calculus BC
    • A score of 3 allows you placement into MATH 252
    • A score of 4 or 5 allows you placement into MATH 253 or MATH 270
    A note about AP:
    Students who intend to transfer to a four-year college or university are strongly recommended to consult with a Skyline College counselor to determine application of courses to lower-division transfer major requirements.