GENERAL INFO

The Pasadena City College Noncredit Division offers a variety of courses and certificate programs to help you achieve your academic, career, professional and/or personal goals. Whether you wish to develop skills for the workforce, learn and/or improve your English, complete your high school education, transition to credit courses, and/or explore a different career, the Noncredit Division is the right place to embark on your journey.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Students who successfully complete the courses within our certificate programs will receive either a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Competency. 

  • Job Training Programs: Career Education (CTE) 
    To prepare students for the workforce in specific occupations.
  • English as a Second Language
    Beginner to advanced level courses teaching a variety of language skills: English Conversation, Advanced listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, English Grammar.
  • Vocational ESL
    Develop the English skills, vocabulary, and terminology needed for specific occupations.
  • Adult High School Diploma
    Students who successfully complete the required units and pass an exit exam are awarded a High School Diploma and are also eligible for a Certificate of Completion in Secondary Education (160 required units).
  • GED Preparation
    Courses help you prepare for the GED exam. Program/courses also available in Spanish.
  • Adult Basic Education
    Elementary and essential skills for advancement to Adult High School Diploma or GED programs.
  • Basic Workforce Readiness for Developmentally Disabled Adults
    Prepares students for the job search process and workplace expectations.
  • Workforce Readiness
    Tools and techniques for entering the workforce, conducting effective job searches, and/or improving employability skills.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS & COURSES
In addition to our Certificate Programs, we also offer other programs and courses.

  • English as a Second Language (Elective classes)
    Individual ESL courses to enhance your language skills. No placement tests required.
  • Immigrant Education
    Individual courses that provide immigrants the language skills and knowledge to navigate the US naturalization process and citizenship tests, prepare for the DMV written test, and communicate within workplace, academic and social settings.
  • Adults with Disabilities (Disabled Student Program Services)
    Individual courses designed to provide students with life-skill proficiencies essential for the fulfillment of academic, vocational, and personal goals.
  • Older Adult Courses
    Courses designed to promote personal growth, community involvement, physical and mental health for older adults.
  • Parent Education
    Courses to learn effective parenting skills that encourage positive family interaction. 

Click HERE To View Our Program Guide



ESL


The Noncredit English as a Second Language Program is for students whose first language is not English. Our courses will help you learn to read, write, and speak in English and transition to the credit ESL classes. During our program, you will take courses in conversation, advanced listening, speaking, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar. All classes are offered at beginning through advanced levels and are designed to increase your opportunities for successful employment and academic achievement.

A Certificate of Competency is awarded upon successful completion of required courses for each level.

Certificate Programs:

ESL LITERACY

  • ESLN 1060A - English as a Second Language, Literacy Level A
  • ESLN 1060B - English as a Second Language, Literacy Level B
ESL LEVEL 1
  • ESLN 1061A - English as a Second Language Level 1A
  • ESLN 1061B - English as a Second Language, Level 1B
ESL LEVEL 2
  • ESLN 1062A - English as a Second Language, Level 2A
  • ESLN 1062B - English as a Second Language, Level 2B
ESL LEVEL 3
  • ESLN 1063A - English as a Second Language, Level 3A
  • ESLN 1063B - English as a Second Language, Level 3B
ESL LEVEL 4
  • ESLN 1064A - English as a Second Language, Level 4A
  • ESLN 1064B - English as a Second Language, Level 4B
ESL LEVEL 5
  • ESLN 1065A - English as a Second Language, Level 5A
  • ESLN 1065B - English as a Second Language, Level 5B
Please note: The ESL Program has Prerequisites and placement is based on the ESL assessment process. Visit our Counseling Department for assistance.

Additional ESL Courses:
Certificates are not offered for ESL condensed and targeted skills courses. These courses do not have Prerequisites (placement tests are not needed).
  • ESLN 1010A- English as a Second Language, Level 1-Condensed
  • ESLN 1015A- English as a Second Language, Level 2-Condensed
  • ESLN 1020A- English as a Second Language, Level 3-Condensed
  • ESLN 1030A- English as a Second Language, Level 4-Condensed
  • ESLN 1040A- English as a Second Language, Level 5-Condensed
  • ESLN 1040A- English as a Second Language, Level 5-Condensed
  • ESLN 1072- Intermediate Conversation
  • ESLN 1074- Advanced Conversation
  • ESLN 1082- Introduction to Pronunciation
  • ESLN 1084- Advanced Pronunciation
  • ESLN 1092- Intermediate Grammar Review
  • ESLN 1094- Advanced Grammar Review
  • ESLN 1102- Basic-Intermediate Writing Skills
  • ESLN 1104- Advanced Writing Skills
  • ESLN 1112- Intermediate Reading & Vocabulary
  • ESLN 1114- Advanced Reading & Vocabulary
  • ESLN 1122A-Introduction to American Culture, Module A
How to find ESL courses:
To view course availability, search the Subject “ESL Noncredit” in the Class Schedule.


ADULT HIGH SCHOOL


GED


GED PREP
Our General Education Development (GED) Preparation Program offers you free classes to help you prepare for the GED exam. The General Educational Development (GED) exam is an opportunity to earn a certificate equivalent to a high school diploma, without returning to high school. The curriculum also prepares you for a pathway to other noncredit or credit programs. Topics include test taking strategies, hands-on computer practice testing, and easy access to local GED testing centers.

A Certificate of Competency is awarded upon successful completion of all required courses.

Required Courses:

  • GED 4001 - Language Arts
  • GED 4002 - Mathematics
  • GED 4003 - Science
  • GED 4004 - Social Studies
Please note: The GED Program has Restrictions. Visit our Counseling Department for assistance.

*Bilingual Option - The GED Prep Program also offers a Bilingual option, which teaches you the same skills, but with the courses offered in Spanish.

A Certificate of Competency is awarded upon successful completion of all required courses.

Required Courses (Bilingual Spanish):
  • GED 4101 - English-Bilingual
  • GED 4102 - Mathematics-Bilingual
  • GED 4103 - Science-Bilingual
  • GED 4104 - Social Studies-Bilingual
Please note: The GED Program(Bilingual Spanish) has Restrictions. Visit our Counseling Department for assistance.

How to find GED Prep courses:
To view course availability, search the Subject “General Education Development” in the Class Schedule.


ADULT BASIC ED.


The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program provides the essential skills for academic advancement to the Adult High School Diploma (AHSD) or General Educational Development (GED) programs. Students will gain knowledge in language arts and mathematics and may advance to prepare for future educational opportunities.

A Certificate of Competency is awarded upon completion of all required courses.

Required Courses:

  • ABE 3001 - Language Arts
  • ABE 3002 - Mathematics
Please note: The ABE Program has Restrictions. Visit our Counseling Department for assistance.

How to find Adult Basic Education courses:
To view course availability, search the Subject “Adult Basic Education” in the Class Schedule.


DSPS

Dspspic

Fundamental courses designed for adults with disabilities that provide a foundation of basic functional living skills.

Including:

  • Effective communication in the workplace
  • Finding employment opportunities
  • Problem solving
  • Setting goals
  • Social skills
  • Starting and keeping professional interpersonal relationships Workplace safety
  • Managing personal finances
  • Utilizing transportation resources to get to and from work
  • Using current computer technology
  • Advocating for personal rights
  • ...And more!

A Certificate of Competency is awarded upon successful completion of the following required courses.

Certificate Program:

Disabled Student Program & Service

  • DSPS 2201 - Finding the Job That’s Right For You
  • DSPS 2202 - Getting the Job You Want
  • DSPS 2203 - Basic Social Skills: Getting Along With Others in the Workplace
  • DSPS 2204 - Introduction to Your Rights and Responsibilities in the Workplace

Additional Adults with Disabilities courses:

Certificates are not offered for these courses

  • DSPS 3320 - Functional Living for Developmentally Handicapped Adults
  • DSPS 3370 - Music Appreciation & Participation/Physically Disabled Adults
  • DSPS 3374 - Adaptive Art for Disabled Adults

For information on these programs and courses, visit our DSPS Counselor in the Counseling department in room 105 on the Foothill Campus.  To view course availability, search the Subject “Disabled Stud Prog & Serv NC” in the Class Schedule.  

OTHER PROGRAMS

Other programs

The Noncredit Division also offers additional courses designed to address many educational needs and personal interests. Classes include:

IMMIGRANT EDUCATION
Our Immigrant Education classes are specifically designed to provide immigrants and their families with the opportunity to become active and participating members of economic, civic society, and preparation for citizenship.

Courses Offered:

  • IMME 3000 - Citizenship Preparation
  • IMME 3001 - Development of Literacy Skills for Native Spanish Speakers
  • IMME 3002 - English for Written Driving Test
How to find Immigrant Education courses:
To view course availability, search the Subject “Immigrant Education” in the Class Schedule.

OLDER ADULTS
Courses for individuals (50 years and older), focusing on topics that promote independence, advocacy, community engagement, self-maintenance, personal growth, physical and cognitive health, career development and economic self-sufficiency.

Courses Offered:
  • OLAD 2900 - Sewing Techniques for Older Adults
  • OLAD 3120 - Life Review
  • OLAD 3371 - Music Appreciation & Participation for Older Adults
How to find Older Adult courses:
To view course availability, search the Subject “Older Adults” in the Class Schedule.

PARENT EDUCATION
Invest in your child’s well-being by participating in free Parent Education classes taught by Master Degree level certified instructors trained in Early Childhood Education and Marriage and Family Counseling. PCC provides a supportive and stimulating environment for parents and children’s optimal learning experience.

Courses Offered:
  • PAR 7608 - Parent Education Discussion Groups-Child, Family, School
  • PAR 7617A - Your Growing 2-year old
  • PAR 7617B - Your Growing 3-year old
  • PAR 7617C - Getting Your 4-year old Ready for Kindergarten
  • PAR 7618A - Stage of Development: 2 years old
  • PAR 7618B - Your Growing Family: 0-5 years old
  • PAR 7680A - Infant Parenting: 0-6 months
  • PAR 7680B - Parenting in the First Year: 0-12 months old
  • PAR 7680C - Infant Parenting: 7-12 months
  • PAR 7681A - Parenting Your Toddler: 13-17 months
  • PAR 7681B - Parenting Your Toddler: 18-23 months
  • PAR 7682 - Parenting Your Preschool Age Child: 2-4 years old
  • PAR 7683 - Multi-Age Parenting: 0-5 years old
How to find Parent Education courses:
To view course availability, search the Subject “Parent Education”in the Class Schedule.