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Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Skills Assessment

Test Dates

Study Guides & Test Preparation

Exemptions to Testing/
Transfer Students

Exempt Classes

Test Accommodations

Understanding Your Results/
Description of Courses

Prerequisites / Recommended Prep.

Challenging Prerequisites
Retesting

AP Exam - College Credit

GED Preparation

Microbiology Prerequisite

English as a Second Language
(ESL) Assessment

Chico State Students

High School Students

Financial Aid Testing

Prerequisites / Recommended Prep

Most courses offered through Butte College have some type of prerequisite or recommended preparation. These are used to establish a student's readiness for the content to be covered within a course. Prerequisites and recommended preparation include previously completed coursework or achievement of a specified skill level established from an assessment test.

Prerequisites

There are two types of prerequisites at Butte College:

1. Courses that require a previously completed course as the prerequisite (e.g., French I for French II). These are indicated in the class schedule with an asterisk (*) symbol. The Catalog and the Counseling Office (530-895-2378) can provide more information on this type of prerequisite.
   
   
2. Reading, English, math and ESL courses require either satisfactory completion (grades of "C" or better) of the prerequisite course or qualifying eligibility established from an assessment test. The assessment test has a five year time limit; after that, course eligibility drops back by one level. These courses are indicated in the class schedule with a check () symbol. To use prerequisite courses or test scores from other colleges for placement in reading English, and/or math classes, contact the Assessment Office for an evaluation. Allow two days for the evaluation to be completed.

Recommended Preparation

Most courses have specified basic skill placement levels as "recommended preparation." These levels are listed in the college catalog with the course descriptions and are shown as Recommended Prep. The faculty have established recommended placement levels for their courses to inform students of the basic skills (i.e., reading, writing and math skills) needed to perform satisfactorily, that is, receive at least a "C" grade. The placement levels for most courses are: Reading IV, English III. Some courses have higher or lower levels and certain courses have math levels as recommended preparation. Levels are established by performance on the Basic Skills Assessment or completion of college reading, English, and/or math courses. Recommended preparation is advisory.

Corequisites

Some courses require a "corequisite," that is, concurrent enrollment in an additional specified course or courses. This means all of the indicated courses need to be taken during the same term.