Course Validation

Overview

Course validation is a process that allows you to demonstrate that you've maintained competency in subject matter from courses you took years ago, even if those courses are older than the "recency" requirements for your program.

What is Course Recency?

Many programs at SWC have recency requirements stating that certain prerequisite courses must have been completed within a specific timeframe (typically 5-7 years) to count toward your current program.

Common courses with recency limits:

• Math courses (especially for STEM majors)
• Science courses (Chemistry, Biology, Physics)
• Computer programming courses
• Foreign language courses
• Nursing prerequisites
• Allied health prerequisites

When to Use Course Validation

Use validation when:

• You completed a prerequisite course more than 5-7 years ago
• The course is required for your current program
• You believe you still have the knowledge/skills
• You don't want to retake the entire course

Example: You took Chemistry 10 years ago and want to enroll in Organic Chemistry, but the chemistry department requires prerequisites completed within the last 7 years.

Validation vs. Other Petitions

How Validation Works

Step 1: Contact the Department

Reach out to the department offering the course you want to enroll in:

• Math Department
• Science Department
• Nursing Program
• Computer Science Department

Ask about:

• Their specific validation process
• Required competency demonstration
• Timeline for completion

Step 2: Demonstrate Competency

Departments may require one or more of the following:

Challenge Examination

• Take a comprehensive exam covering course material
• Typically must score 75% or higher
• Scheduled by department, not always available

Skills Assessment

• Demonstrate practical skills (lab techniques, programming, etc.)
• Evaluated by faculty in the discipline
• Common for hands-on courses

Portfolio Review

• Submit work samples showing continued use of skills
• Professional experience documentation
• Most common for career-related courses

Comprehensive Interview

• Meet with department faculty
• Discuss course concepts and applications
• Answer technical questions

Step 3: Department Approval

Faculty will:

• Review your demonstration
• Assess whether competency is current
• Sign validation form or deny request

Step 4: Admissions & Records Processing

Once approved:

• Validation documented in your student record
• You can register for courses requiring that prerequisite
• Original course grade remains unchanged

Important Limitations

Validation Does NOT:

• Give you credit for the course
• Change your GPA
• Count toward degree unit requirements
• Transfer to other institutions
• Guarantee enrollment (subject to space availability)

Validation CAN:

• Allow you to proceed to next courses
• Save time and money (vs. retaking)
• Demonstrate continued competency
• Satisfy prerequisite requirements

Specific Program Requirements

Math & Science

• Usually require challenge exam
• High pass rate needed (75-80%)
• May need to demonstrate calculator/software proficiency
• Lab courses may require both written and practical demonstration

Nursing & Allied Health

• Strict recency (often 5 years or less)
• May require clinical skills check-off
• Background check and immunizations still required
• Not all prerequisites can be validated

Computer Science

• Demonstrate proficiency in required programming languages
• Complete coding assessment
• Show portfolio of recent projects
• Technology changes may make validation difficult

Foreign Languages

• Oral proficiency interview
• Written assessment
• Conversation with faculty
• May use standardized placement test instead

Timeline & Planning

Start early:

• Validation can take 4-6 weeks
• Exams scheduled at faculty convenience
• Plan before registration period
• Don't wait until the semester starts

Be realistic:

• If you remember nothing, retaking may be faster
• Validation requires significant preparation
• Some courses change dramatically over time
• Consider your actual competency honestly

How to Request Validation

Step 1: Meet with Counselor

Schedule appointment to discuss:

• Whether validation is appropriate
• Which departments handle validation
• Alternative options

Counseling: (619) 421-6700 ext. 5240

Step 2: Contact Academic Department

Find department contact information:

• Faculty & Staff Directory↗
• Department offices in relevant buildings
• Department chair or program coordinator

Step 3: Prepare for Assessment

• Review old course materials
• Study current textbook
• Practice problems/skills
• Schedule assessment

Step 4: Complete Validation

• Take required exam/assessment
• Submit portfolio materials
• Attend interview

Step 5: Submit Documentation

Once approved:

• Department submits validation to Admissions & Records
• Confirm processing before registering
• Save copy for your records

Cost

• Most validation: Free
• Challenge exams: May have $20-50 fee
• Credit by examination: Different process with enrollment fee (see Credit for Prior Learning)

Alternatives to Validation

If validation is not available or you're unsuccessful:

1. Retake the course - Refresh knowledge, better GPA opportunity
2. Take at another institution - Summer/online options
3. Test out - CLEP, AP, or departmental challenge exams for credit
4. Different pathway - Alternative course sequence
5. Change programs - Choose program without strict recency

Resources

• Placement & Prerequisites↗ - Testing information
• Credit for Prior Learning↗ - For earning actual credit
• SWC Catalog↗ - Program requirements
• Counseling Office↗ - Academic planning

Related Articles

• Skipping a Class - Course substitution petitions
• Waiving a Class - Requirement waivers
• Credit for Prior Learning - Earning credit for experience