When we evaluate applications for admission to our graduate programs (MS CMPE, MS SE) we endeavor to identify the applicant's likelihood for success, and whether there are areas of prerequisite knowledge that the applicant may be missing.
If the applicant's transcripts and other documentation indicate a potential weakness then the admission becomes conditional, and one or more prerequisite classes are added to the degree requirements.
Conditions often include CMPE 126, and this class requires a challenge exam:
If you are going to enroll in CMPE 126, then you have to pass the
CMPE 101 exam at the beginning of the semester.
Once you have passed the challenge exam then you can enroll in the course. If you fail the challenge exam then you have to enroll in the remedial course (CMPE 101).