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 Math at Cañada College, Skyline College, or the College of San Mateo and test results are available for review, they may be exempt from being re-assessed. A student should review with a Skyline College Counselor the previous placement and discuss course options. If it is determined a student needs an updated placement in English, ESOL, and/or Math, the counselor will guide the student toward assessment options.

  2. PREREQUISITE EQUIVALENCY

    If a student has completed course work 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 complete a course prerequisite equivalency form. Supporting documents, such as an unofficial copy of the college transcript will be required.

  3. ALTERNATE PLACEMENTS USING EXAMS
    ALTERNATE PLACEMENTS FOR ENGL 100
    Subject Criteria
    CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) STANDARD EXCEEDED
    IB International Baccalaureate Exam A score of 4 or 5 on IB Language A1/English HL
    SAT on Reasoning Test 500 or above on the Critical Reading section
    ACT English Usage Test A score of 22 or higher
    EPT CSU English Placement A score of 147 or higher

    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 MATH 130, 150, 200, 201 or 241; BUS 120 or 123; or PSYC 171
    Subject Criteria
    CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) STANDARD EXCEEDED
    IB International Baccalaureate Exam A score of 4 or higher on IB Math HL exam
    SAT College Board Math Test A score of 550 or higher
    ACT American College Test A score of 23 or higher
    CSU Math Placement Test (ELM) A score of 50 or higher

    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.