? about req's for gaining PrC's

[Torx]

I need a little clarification here on gaining Prestige classes. If a class requires say a BAB of +5, can a fighter take the class at 5th or 6th level? Likewise, if skill ranks are required, must the character have the ranks the level before the prestige class is gained? The DMG is rather unclear on the issue:

pg. 27 second column "...require a base attack bonus of +8. This, fighters and paladins at 8th level could take up the prestige class..."

That can be taken either way - but I'm sure someone here knows the right answer. Thanks!

 

[AGGEMAM]

You must have meet all the req's before you can take a PrC.

 

[Torx]

That's what I thought - thanks for the quick reply!