Class Pre-Reqs and Levelling-Up?

[Wolffenjugend]

In the 3.0 Player's Handbook it was pretty clear what order of things a character does when levelling up. Part of this was that a character must qualify for a new class prior to gaining the first level of that class. Does this still apply in 3.5? The Player's is different and I can't find the reference.

For example, a character needs a 10 Charisma to take a prestige class. The character has a 9 Cha and advances from 11th to 12th level, thereby earning an additional ability point. Can the character put the point in Cha and then take the 1st-lvl of prestige class or does the character have to wait until 13th-lvl to take the prestige class?

Basically, does the ability score point come before or after deciding which class to take when levelling up...

 

[Hypersmurf]

For example, a character needs a 10 Charisma to take a prestige class.

Which PrC has an ability score Prereq?

-Hyp.

 

[Ottergame]

First, you choose a class. Then your BAB increases. Then your saves increase. Then you get the ability score boost for every 4th level. Then you get hit points. Then you get skill points. Then come feats. Then comes spells. Finally, you get any new additional class features.

You must qualify for a class a level before you can take them, since class choice comes before anything else.

 

[Chronosome]

It be the ditto, yo (Page 58).

 

[Wolffenjugend]

Which PrC has an ability score Prereq?

-Hyp.

Dunno. I was just using it as an example. Say a regular class level instead that needs a certain level of stat to be able to cast a spell.

 

[Ottergame]

No WotC PrC has a class or ability requirement directly.

 

[Wolffenjugend]

Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Ferox4]

This is just semantics. I don't see a problem with either method.

 

[the Jester]

This is just semantics. I don't see a problem with either method.

The difference lies in whether you can qualify for something with an ability prereq this level.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

The difference lies in whether you can qualify for something with an ability prereq this level.

True but it could also apply to BAB, Feats or Skill Requirements.