1. (a) Any grouping of courses consisting of 16 or more semester units or 24 or more quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework shall constitute an educational program subject to approval by the Chancellor pursuant to section 55130. The college-awarded document confirming that a student has completed such a program shall be known as a certificate of achievement and may not be given any other designation. The award of a certificate of achievement is intended to represent more than an accumulation of units. Listing of the certificate of achievement on a student transcript symbolizes successful completion of patterns of learning experiences designed to develop specific capabilities that may be oriented to career, intersegmental general education, or local needs; provided, however, that no grouping of courses may be approved as a certificate of achievement pursuant to this section if it consists solely of basic skills. For this subdivision, “intersegmental general education” includes coursework taken to satisfy transfer patterns established by the University of California and the California State University or accredited public postsecondary institutions in adjacent states that award the baccalaureate degree.
2. (b) Shorter credit programs leading to a certificate may be established without review and approval by the Chancellor after approval by the college curriculum committee and the district governing board. Such a certificate may be given any name or designation deemed appropriate by the district governing board, except that such a certificate may not be referred to as a certificate of achievement, a certificate of completion, or a certificate of competency, unless approved by the Chancellor pursuant to subdivision (c). Such a certificate may not be listed on a student's transcript unless approved by the Chancellor pursuant to subdivision (c).
3. (c) A district may submit to the Chancellor two or more courses totaling 8 or more semester units or 12 or more quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework and request that it be approved as a program leading to a certificate of achievement. The Chancellor may approve such a program if the Chancellor determines that a district satisfies the requirements of subdivision (a) despite requiring fewer than 16 semester or 24 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework.
4. (d) A description of each approved program shall be included in the college catalog.
5. (e) The Chancellor shall develop forms and procedures for submitting applications for approval of a program leading to a certificate of achievement.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 66700 and 70901, Education Code. Reference: Sections 70901 and 70902, Education Code.

History

1. New article 7 (sections 55070-55072) and section filed 7-17-2007; operative 8-16-2007. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Education Code section 70901.5 (Register 2007, No. 35).

2. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 5-16-2008; operative 6-15-2008. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Education Code section 70901.5 (Register 2008, No. 21).

3. Amendment of subsections (a) and (c) filed 7-24-2018; operative 8-23-2018. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Education Code section 70901.5 (Register 2018, No. 31).

4. Amendment filed 12-12-2025; operative 1-11-2026. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Education Code section 70901.5 (Register 2026, No. 3).