State Certificate Offerings

What is a certificate?

A certificate shows you completed a program and learned specific skills. It's an official document approved by the State of California. You can show it to employers, other schools, or keep it for yourself.

What's the difference between a certificate and a diploma?

A certificate is for completing programs like Automotive Tech or Digital Literacy. A high school diploma shows you completed all high school requirements. Both are official credentials we offer.

Are these certificates recognized by employers?

Yes. Our certificates are approved by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. Employers in California recognize them, especially in healthcare, business, and trade careers.

Is this the same as community college credit classes?

No. These are noncredit certificates. You don't get college credit. You do get skills training and an official certificate. Many students use these certificates as a first step before taking credit classes.

What do I need to do to earn a certificate?

Complete all the required classes in your program. Most programs have 2-4 classes. Pass each class and you get your certificate.

Do I get letter grades (A, B, C)?

No. Most classes are pass/no pass. If you don't pass, you can take the class again until you do. No penalty for retaking.

What if I fail a class?

You can retake it. There's no limit to how many times you can try. Keep coming until you pass.

How long does it take to earn a certificate?

Most certificates take 8-16 weeks, if you attend regularly. Some career programs take longer because they include hands-on training.

Do I have to take all the classes, or can I just take one?

You can take individual classes if you want. But to earn the certificate, you need to complete all required classes in that program.

Where can I see the classes currently offered?

Visit our online searchable schedule to see all of our current classes and register.

Can I do this online?

Some certificates can be completed 100% online. Others require you to come to campus for hands-on training. This is especially true for career certificates like nursing assistant or welding. Check the specific program to see what's required.

Do all classes count toward a certificate?

Almost all classes in ESL, Career Education, and Adult Basic Education are part of a certificate program. When you register, we'll tell you which certificate program the class belongs to.

Can I work toward more than one certificate at a time?

Yes, if your schedule allows.

I can't find the course I want to take on the searchable schedule.

Some courses fill up very quickly. If you don't see the course you are interested in on the searchable schedule, you can call 714-241-5701 to be added to the course waitlist.

How do I register?

For most classes in your certificate, you can register using our online searchable schedule. For some career certificates, you must first complete an program orientation. You can register for an orientation on our searchable schedule.

Do I need a high school diploma to enroll?

Not for most programs. Some career certificates (like Construction Technology) may have specific requirements. Check the program details.

How much does it cost?

Classes are tuition-free. Some programs charge small fees for materials, books, or supplies. We'll tell you before you register.

What if English is not my first language? We have ESL certificate programs specifically for English learners. We also offer some classes in Spanish and Vietnamese. These classes will be noted on the online searchable schedule.