The noncredit programs at Orange Coast College provide students access to higher education for skill attainment, college preparation, career enhancement, and personal enrichment. To earn a noncredit award, students must complete the list of required courses identified within the program of their choice. Noncredit courses are tuition free, but students may be responsible for purchasing textbooks and instructional materials fees, if applicable. Noncredit courses are repeatable. These courses are identified with course numbers ending in “N,” for example, A001N. Students taking only noncredit courses do not earn college credits and are not eligible for financial aid.

Career Development and College Preparation (CDCP) Programs

• Certificate of Competency— a document confirming that a student enrolled in a noncredit educational program of noncredit courses has demonstrated achievement in a set of competencies (such as basic skills or English Language Learning) that prepares students to progress in a career path or to undertake degree-applicable or nondegree-applicable credit courses
• Certificate of Completion— a document confirming that a student has demonstrated achievement in a prescribed pathway of noncredit courses leading to improved employability or job opportunities

For more information regarding noncredit, please visit https://orangecoastcollege.edu/academics/adult-education/