Intro CS Course Guide

CS 209: Intro to Computer Programming

If you have never programmed before, or if your experience with Java is very limited, you will likely begin with CS 209. This course is designed specifically for students with little to no prior programming background. To enroll, students must have credit for MATH& 141 or higher, or placement into MATH& 142 or above.

CS 210: Fundamentals of Computer Science I

If you already have prior programming experience, such as familiarity with Java, using an editor or IDE, and running code, you may be ready to start with CS 210. To enroll, students must have credit for MATH& 142 or higher, or placement into MATH& 151 or above.

CS 209/210 Self-Placement Survey

Students who meet the prerequisite for CS 210, but do not have prior programming experience are recommended to complete CS 209 first.

If you are unsure whether your prior programming experience provides a sufficient foundation to start at CS 210, or if CS 209 would be a better fit, we recommend taking the self-placement survey to help guide your decision. Please note that this is not an official Bellevue College placement test and you must still meet the math prerequisite for each course.

When you’re ready, start the self-placement survey. The survey is not timed, and you may take it more than once if needed. However, we encourage you to do your best, answer honestly, and treat it as a true reflection of your comfort level and skills, so that you are placed in the course that will support your success.

CS 211: Fundamentals of Computer Science II

CS 211 follows CS 210 in the intro sequence, moving into more advanced topics such as data structures, algorithms, and runtime analysis.

If you have completed CS 210 or an equivalent with a D (1.0) grade or better, you are eligible to enroll in CS 211 directly. If you completed the course at another institution, or have a qualifying AP score, you may need to verify your prerequisite before you can register for CS 211. The quickest way to do this is through the clear/verify prerequisite process — upload your documentation (e.g., unofficial transcripts or test scores) and Placement and Testing Services will notify you once confirmed.

If you have not taken CS 210 or an equivalent, are not seeking credit for CS 210, and feel your prior programming experience has prepared you for CS 211-level work, you can take the CS 211 Placement Test to see if you’re ready to start here. Students entering CS 211 are expected to have a good grasp of the concepts covered in CS 210.

CS 211 Placement Test

Schedule a time to take the CS 211 Placement Test. The test is a 90-minute in-person, paper exam proctored at the Placement Center at Bellevue College. It is closed book, closed note, and no additional materials or electronic devices are permitted, including calculators, smartphones, smartwatches, AI eyeglasses, etc.

Test Topics include:

• Arrays
• Classes and Encapsulation
• Inheritance and Interfaces
• ArrayLists
• Java Collections Framework (HashSet, TreeSet, HashMap, LinkedList, etc.)
• JUnit Testing
• Document & Styles

Results will be shared with you via your Bellevue College email within 3-5 business days of completing the test. A score of 80 or higher out of 100 qualifies you to enroll directly in CS 211.

Students may take the CS 211 placement test up to twice per year and must wait two quarters between attempts. For example, if you take the test during Spring quarter, your next attempt would be available in Fall quarter.

Prior Learning Credit or Non-Credited Experiences

We acknowledge that students gain computer programming skills from a variety of experiences such as professional work, projects, internships, or hobbies, but these cannot be used to waive any prerequisite for the introductory CS courses.

At Bellevue College, students may be able to earn academic credit for select courses based on work and life experience that is not already verified by certification or standardized test. This is not available for any CS course at the moment.

Last Updated June 5, 2026