I am not sure whether the COUNTIF function is the best solution to the
problem of counting for two or more criteria. I want a spreadsheet
solution to allow students to select their course elements. For the
diploma award they need 5 compulsory from a choice of 10 AND 10
optional elements from a choice of 90. For a certificate award they
need 3 compulsory and 6 optional elements from the same list.
I envisage a1 to a100 as description of the elements, b1 to b100 as
either "compulsory" or "optional". The student will tick in column C
(I don't quite know how to do a "tick" but any character will do...and
ideas?) . It would be nice to have a prompt saying that "you need X
compulsory and Y optional elements", any ideas. The form can be
accepted when the student has ticked the required number of compulsory
and optional elements.