Course Readiness
Purpose: This section contains assessments to help you prepare for CIT 5920.
Required Action: Complete ONE of the following before the course begins:
- ✅ Waiver Exam - Test out of the course entirely
- ✅ Prerequisites Check - Verify your algebra readiness
→ Take the Waiver Exam
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- When: Before course registration deadline
- Pass score: 80% or higher
→ Take the Prerequisites Check
- Time needed: 15 minutes to 2 hours (adaptive)
- When: First week of class
- Pass requirement: Complete ONE path successfully
→ Use the Refresher Materials (optional)
- Time needed: Self-paced
- When: Anytime before or during the course
- Purpose: Additional practice and review
| Assessment | Purpose | Time Required | Deadline | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waiver Exam | Skip CIT 5920 if you already know the material | 2-3 hours | Before registration | Only if waiving |
| Prerequisites Check | Verify algebra readiness | 15 min - 2 hours | First week | Yes (if enrolled) |
| Refresher Materials | Extra practice | Self-paced | None | No (optional) |
- Click → Waiver Exam
- Read the instructions completely
- Access PrairieLearn with your Penn account
- Complete all sections
- Submit before the deadline
- Click → Prerequisites Check
- Start with the Quick Skills Check (15 minutes)
- Follow your personalized path based on results
- Complete until you meet the requirements
- ✅ You MUST use your Penn email (@upenn.edu or @seas.upenn.edu)
- ✅ All assessments are on PrairieLearn (external platform)
- ✅ Works on any device with internet connection
- 📧 Extended time? Contact course staff before starting
- 📧 Technical issues? Email immediately - don’t wait
- 📧 Other accommodations? We’re here to help - reach out
- Waiver Exam: Results determine if you can skip CIT 5920
- Prerequisites: Results are for your benefit - no grade impact
- Both: Unlimited practice materials remain available
Q: Do I need to do both the Waiver Exam AND Prerequisites Check? A: No. Choose ONE based on your goal:
- Waiver Exam = trying to skip the course
- Prerequisites = enrolled and staying in the course
Q: How much time should I budget? A:
- Waiver Exam: Block out 3 hours
- Prerequisites: Start with 15-30 minutes, may need up to 2-4 hours total
- Refresher: As much as you want
Q: What if I fail? A:
- Waiver Exam: This is a self-assessment, so you can’t fail, but if you decide you are not as strong as you want, you take CIT 5920 (which is great!)
- Prerequisites: Use the feedback to strengthen weak areas
- Both: Practice materials remain available
Q: Can I retake assessments? A:
- Waiver Exam: One attempt only
- Prerequisites: Unlimited attempts on practice modules
- Refresher: Always available
- Decide which assessment you need (see Quick Decision Guide above)
- Click the appropriate link
- Complete before the deadline
- Reach out if you have any questions
- Technical issues: [Contact IT Support]
- Course questions: Office hours or course email
- Accommodations: Contact course staff BEFORE starting
Remember: These assessments are here to help you succeed. There’s no penalty for trying, and we’re here to support you!